Help with optics

[BobT]

My daughter has a .243 and I thought it might be nice to put a scope on it for her. Her primary use of the rifle is for deer hunting. I'm thinking a fixed power probably in maybe a 4X would be suitable.

There are a lot of brands out there to choose from, many of which I have never heard of before. Anyone have any insight on brands and field of view? I'm not looking for the very best but I don't want to put junk on there either.

Thanks,

Bob

[brassman]

I have a bushnell elite 3200 3-9 I paid 200 for it but it is higher quality glass for the regular john doe, a good philosophy to go by it the gun is only as accurate as the glass on top. all other things being equal. its a one time deal, I would go as high as you comfortably can, but do not go cheap. you won't be disappointed.

[TrophyEyes]

If you are going to spend more then $150 then get a Leupold or Nikon. I would stay away from Bushnell, but that is my experience. I love all the Leupold and Nikon scopes and binoculars that I have.

[boatfixer]

I have been very satisfied with my Swift. Good clarity, low light visibility, and they also have a lifetime OVER THE COUNTER REPLACEMENT warranty. Alot of bang for the buck!

[Valv]

I would got with at least a 3-9 variable power, a .243 is a long range gun, you don't know when you will need it.

I have same caliber as coyote gun, I made several shots at 300yds and over.

[Big Pine Walleye]

We bought my Grandpa a .243 and put on a Nikon Prostaff scope for around $150. I bought one for my .270 with the BPC ( the one with circles for extended yardage), man is that a clear scope and once you get it sited in the circles for extended yardage is really nice. To me, for the price, Nikon makes one of the clearest scopes. Best of luck and have fun hunting!

[anyfishwilldo]

I've got a Nikon 3x9 Monarch on my 270WSM, and a 3x9 Nikon Buckmaster on the old 30.06. I love the Nikons. They don't give them away, but in optics, you get what you pay for. I will be putting a 3x9 buckmaster on my daughters rifle next year when she turns 12, but she has to learn how to shoot with the iron sights first.

[harvey lee]

I have used and own Leupold, Nikon, Weaver asnd Bushnell.

I was suprised at how well the Bushnell Elite 3200 performed and have heard great things about the Weaver GRAND SLAM. I would check out this GRAND SLAM as they look to be a very good scope.

[CodyDawg]

My group has Burris and we have been very happy....extremely happy with them. The Fullfield line is one to take a look at in the price range that you are in I think.

[BobT]

I appreciate all the info. You have already narrowed my search considerably.

Thanks,

Bob

[Lund4Fish]

I imagine your hunting in fairly thick cover there and realistically your daughter will not have time or the need to "zoom in" with the scope in a hunting situation. That may happen out west, but not to often in the thick north woods hunting. I'd either go with a straight 4x, or a 2-7 variable. My favorite after using several scopes mentioned here is the Leupold and you can't beat the eye relief and clarity you'll get with it for the $$ spent. Long eye relief is pretty important, especially for a new shooter.

[jlm]

I agree, for a young hunter or one with little experience, keep it simple! A standard 4X is the way to go. I would look at the Nikon Buckmaster or Prostaff optics, very reasonable and not too bad of glass! Good luck!

[fishwithteeth]

Just bought the wife a .243. I talked to 2 people who know a lot more than I, and they both recomended the Leupold VX1 2X7. It was $199 and they claim it is the best scope for the money. I sighted the gun in 2 weeks ago and have no complaints. Just my .02.

[PerchJerker]

I agree with boatfixer, look at Swift. They are EXCELLENT, and the price is outstanding. I always had Leupold Vx-II or better until I looked through a Swift. Now my last two scopes have been Swifts.

[shamalex72]

I just put a Swift on my new .270. High quality at a good price.

[harvey lee]

I also have a swift on a 7mm and have been very pleased with the scope and the price is right.