Need affordable scope recommendation

Okay long story but I'm waiting for my scope to get home and Leupold isn't sure it's going to be back in time to go elk hunting. I've got a Max of $500 (not $519, $505, $501 or $500.01 ) that I can spend including tax, shipping,... and I really don't want to spend that much. What do you recommend for something to get me by. I can make due with the a marked reticle instead of dials and if it has dials I really want zero stops. I found the Burris E1 4.5-14X42 with the long range moa reticle for $315. Looks tempting and would make a great 22 mag/300 blackout scope after the fact. Any other suggestions or insights?


I have a Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14 X 40. I got the model with the 30mm tube and the CDS dial, side focus and windplex reticle for my model 700 in 270 win. Found it on line new for $480 + $5 shipping. I am sure a 1 inch tube with fewer features would go for less. The picture through the scope is clear and sharp, and it picks up light early morning and at dusk when the naked eye is struggling. I have developed multiple loads that shoot very well from my rifle, and don't particularly like to order a custom dial for each load. It is a simple matter to produce a "range card" for each load that tells how many clicks are needed for each distance. I validated the accuracy of the range card for one load out to 600 yards and used that load to harvest an elk.
 
Ebay has some Burris Veracity 3-15x50 scopes for sale I seen one for 519.00 but you said not over 500.00 Might find one under 500.00 if you look hard enough. I really like my veracity.
 
And, it has a lifetime warranty, even when bought used. As for the zero stop, take a 12 gauge plastic case, after zeroing cut the proper size pc, remove the turret cap put on the pc put the cap back and walla.
But don't tell anybody.
Explain tweve gauge shell
 
Natchez has the Weaver tactical 3-15 FFP for 499$.
That scope is worth twice as much.
I own this scope and it's a steal at 500 bucks (I paid $740). It's on a marlin xl7 in 25-06 with 30 moa base. First focal plane, return to zero (no zero stop), side focus parallax, illuminated reticle, ton of elevation, good glass. Zeroed in at 300 yards, hitting steel at 1000 with Berger Vlds.
 
For a sub $500 hunting scope I don't think you can go wrong with one of Nikon's BDC reticle scopes. Dial in your rifle, scope, and ammo using Spot On and you are set. I have been using Nikon's BDC reticle scopes for over 10 years and taken game all over North America out to 600 yards. For me, 600 yards is a shot I know I can make for a humane harvest. If you prefer a MOA/MRAD reticle Nikon has a new 30mm tube scope, M-Tactical 3-12x42. MONARCH glass and can still be dialed in with Spot On for holdovers. At under $400 it's a lot of scope for the money.


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If you are a Cabela's club member you can buy a vx3i cds today with 10% off for 450 +tax

You can also buy a vortex viper hs lr for that on eBay. Hunt with it and resell it for almost the same money.
 
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