Need some scope help

[straightshooter]

I have a Savage 12fv in a 223 that I use as my long range practice rifle. I have a SWFA SS on it right now that I am very happy with, but I want to upgrade to a variable power. What I am looking for is a scope that is in the $400 range, I know that at this price I will have to give up something in quality. As I dial for everything I want a scope that is very reliable for function. I only day shoot so glass quality isn't as much of an issue for me, but function is everything. I am currently looking at the Falcon Menace, Viper vortex, and Millet all in their tactical models. Any input to these models and any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[graped417]

Im very happy with my Nikon Monarch. Im not sure how much functional variance you are wanting but they have a 4-16x42 and a 4-16x50. I got mine for a great deal new $350. Not sure if youre a mil dot guy but they make it in 5 different reticles. They all have the locking side focus parallax.

 

[buzz10]

I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 with tactical turrets and Mil-dot reticle. I have been very pleased with the scope and it fits your price range.

 

[gbp]

try here, these are either demos or used, but you can get some great glass for reasonable $$'s

Quality optics and accessories from Leupold, Bushnell, Burris, Nikon and more!

i have heard both good and bad re. vortex but a lot of people use them
you may find something

 

[straightshooter]

Thanks for the input guys. I always respect the info I get from this site, I know it is coming from experience, and no sales pitch. All I am looking for is a 30mm tubed scope that is very reliable mechanically!!! I would prefer a side parallax adjust, just because I have never owned one. I really don't care about glass quality. I know that this sounds silly but this is more of an experiment than a long term quality scope, it will only be used for daytime target practice, and probably not over 600 yards. I guess this should be more of a poll, "What cheap tactical scopes have you owned that was a pleasant surprise?"

 

[liltank]

I'm an avid Nikon Buckmaster series fan. 4.5-14x40 $239 and 6-18x40 $290 (I think, can't remember, but it may be less). I own both, and love both of them equally. Vortex or Sightron will be my next step.

The 6-18 is a Target Dot with Side focus, 1/8" clicks, and target turrets. It also comes with a shorter fat turret that you can put on if you don't want to use the dust caps. This sets on my 300WSM and provides all the clarity and adjustment I need. I can see groundhogs at 1000yrds with out a problem.

The 4.5-14 as a Side focus with mil-dot and adjustable turrets with 1/4" clicks. This scope works great on my .308 and gives enough adjustment to little better than 800yrds. Its a short barrel, so the velocity is down resulting in less adjustment.

The other I would suggest is the 5-15x44 3200 Elite which somebody has already mentioned. It is not a side focus though. Vortex Crossfire 8-32x50 for $230. All these are 1" bodies, but provide enough adjustment. The Vortex Viper line is just a hair over $400 but if you can come up with an extra 20 or 30 dollars it will be worth it.

One I keep forgetting about and just thought of is the Millet LRS. It has a 35mm body, its own rings, 6-24x56mm I think. It is sold for under $400 and most have said it is worth the money for budget shooting. It provides 1/4MOA clicks which is good.

Tank

 

[Catfish]

I use nothing but Leupold. I bought my first one in 1969 and over the years have went to all Leupolds. A 3 x 9 vx11 or alittle better the 3 1/2 x 10 vx111 with target knobs is what I would recomand if the gun will be used in the field also. If it is for range use only I have picked up both 24x and 36x target scopes at gun shows for $400 ea.