Mid Range Scope

[65Jeffrey]

Looking for a mid price mid power scope for a lightweight Contender 223 rifle (proven shooter)
300yd gophers 500yd prairie dogs
looking for 14x to 18x top end
$500 top price
Prefer made in USA but refuse made in China
1" FFP no illumination prefer a relatively simple reticle
Anything fit that bill or just stick with my old Leupold 4.5-14 ?

 

[Tiny Tim]

Can't even get that Leupold for that money. Stick with what you have.

 

[FEENIX]

Looking for a mid price mid power scope for a lightweight Contender 223 rifle (proven shooter)
300yd gophers 500yd prairie dogs
looking for 14x to 18x top end
$500 top price
Prefer made in USA but refuse made in China
1" FFP no illumination prefer a relatively simple reticle
Anything fit that bill or just stick with my old Leupold 4.5-14 ?

What research have you done on your own thus far, so we do not duplicate your efforts?

 

[Huntaddict]

Can't even get that Leupold for that money. Stick with what you have.

Truth

 

[Gascot78]

Stick with your Leupold 4.5-14 (VX-3i or VX-Freedom). I ran a VX-3i 4.5-14x40 AO for two seasons. For 300-yard gophers, you don't need FFP, you're holding dead-on or using a known hold at max magnification. At 500 yards on prairie dogs (roughly 1.5 MOA target), 14x is enough, but 18x is nicer for wind reading. The Leupold's glass clarity beats any $500 FFP scope I've looked through (Athlon, Arken, etc.). And it's light, Contenders are already muzzle-heavy; a 20oz Leupold balances way better than a 28oz FFP brick.

 

[Greatgrandad]

I still have one old varmint rifle wearing a 12x, and occasionally, I still take pdog shots out past 600yds with it. Thus, I would think your 4.5-14x should be sufficient for your stated ranges. Decades ago, I was running a 6-18x on one varmint rifle (still have that scope), and often, I found myself routinely running it on 10x for 3-400 yd shots.

 

[CCAguns]

Can't beat your Leupold for twice that money!!!!

 

[FEENIX]

I still have one old varmint rifle wearing a 12x, and occasionally, I still take pdog shots out past 600yds with it. Thus, I would think your 4.5-14x should be sufficient for your stated ranges. Decades ago, I was running a 6-18x on one varmint rifle (still have that scope), and often, I found myself routinely running it on 10x for 3-400 yd shots.

IMHO, it depends on one's quality of vision. Most of my 1" scopes (mostly 12-14 magnification range), as I upgrade, end up on gopher rigs. I have to admit, 14X at 300 for gophers has been challenging for these old eyes, and I often need more magnification or pick a closer target.

 

[65Jeffrey]

yes im aware what the Leupolds will do was just thinking might be good excuse to try a bigger FFP scope.
Consensus seems to be dont waste my time on anything under $1k......so be it.

 

[Paleopete]

What research have you done on your own thus far, so we do not duplicate your efforts?

Check out the Meopta Optika 6 FFP line.......Czech glass that goes into some of the higher end Euro brands......built like a tank and, thus, on the heavy side. You won't be disappointed. In terms of VALUE this brand is a complete Sleeper.

 

[FEENIX]

Check out the Meopta Optika 6 FFP line.......Czech glass that goes into some of the higher end Euro brands......built like a tank and, thus, on the heavy side. You won't be disappointed. In terms of VALUE this brand is a complete Sleeper.

I am fully aware of Meopta, but I am not the one in the market for any scopes.

 

[Paleopete]

I am fully aware of Meopta, but I am not the one in the market for any scopes.

Sorry, my mistake. I thought I was replying to the person inquiring for scope recommendations who was not willing to go with a "made in China" brand

 

[Jester560]

SOLD/EXPIRED Post in thread 'Burris XTR III 3.3 -18x50 SCR MOA'

May 23, 2026

Up and $650 shipped

• Okie Whitetail Hunter

 

[WA Coyote]

Can't beat your Leupold for twice that money!!!!

Needed that laugh this morning.