Most reliable scopes

[RockIsland]

Vortex and Nikon make some good budget priced scopes.

I have a 1985 Japanese Tasco on my Marlin 336. If I'm on my game, it'll practically cloverleaf at 100 yards.

I'm never ever adjusting it or taking it off.

[Gripsafety]

I've been using a Bushnell scope made for a slug gun on my H&R. I don't need more in the way of optics because the ranges I'm shooting at are short. It is nice and bright around dawn and dusk. The thing that impresses me is that it holds its zero perfectly. I check it at the beginning of every season, and haven't touched the adjustment in 5 years. The first round is in the center of the bull at 50 yds every year (just about every shot at a deer is a cold bore shot). The scope fits my needs with that gun.

On my .308 rifle, I use a vortex Viper PST. With that setup, I stretch the .308 out to its ballistic limits.

My take on it is that you can buy a $150 shotgun scope that will take a beating but the glass is OK for short ranges. If you're going to longer ranges with better glass and more vertical adjustment, you're going to have to spend a lot more money to get something that will hold its zero. This includes the whole system, with good rings and mount, with everything done correctly and torqued to the right values. On my .308, the rings are lapped in to perfect alignment.

[cephas]

First thing I'd do is start at the beginning and remove, clean and remount scope base.
Especially if it came with one mounted. Really like my 45/70, but it is what it is, a budget rifle.

[pennlineman]

Now that the season is over I'd go shoot the rifle again to see if it was you or your equipment. May be the mounts not the scope. Answer to your question, Leupold VX1 is slightly above your budget and worth saving for.

[Hodgie]

I've been using a Bushnell scope made for a slug gun on my H&R. I don't need more in the way of optics because the ranges I'm shooting at are short. It is nice and bright around dawn and dusk. The thing that impresses me is that it holds its zero perfectly. I check it at the beginning of every season, and haven't touched the adjustment in 5 years. The first round is in the center of the bull at 50 yds every year (just about every shot at a deer is a cold bore shot). The scope fits my needs with that gun.

On my .308 rifle, I use a vortex Viper PST. With that setup, I stretch the .308 out to its ballistic limits.

My take on it is that you can buy a $150 shotgun scope that will take a beating but the glass is OK for short ranges. If you're going to longer ranges with better glass and more vertical adjustment, you're going to have to spend a lot more money to get something that will hold its zero. This includes the whole system, with good rings and mount, with everything done correctly and torqued to the right values. On my .308, the rings are lapped in to perfect alignment.

I agree with lapping and leveling everything before and after tightening your screws down to proper recommended torque with blue lock tight. I bought a scope mounting kit and have used it with great success several times now.

[abner13]

Fixed power scopes can take a hell of a lot more abuse than variables as they have a lot less moving parts. Get a Weaver K4.

[heatheroo]

I am happy with my Redfield Rifleman. I wanted an American made scope and Leopold is the only option. They bought the Redfield name and the Rifleman is American made. I paid approx. $180 for a 3x9x40 scope. Not sure if this scope is still available and/or if it is still American made.

[lts1ow]

I am happy with my Redfield Rifleman. I wanted an American made scope and Leopold is the only option. They bought the Redfield name and the Rifleman is American made. I paid approx. $180 for a 3x9x40 scope. Not sure if this scope is still available and/or if it is still American made.

Why?

There is a reason German and Japanese glass is top tier stuff.

[:-)]

A lot of high end scopes use German and Japanese glass.

[heatheroo]

Why?

There is a reason German and Japanese glass is top tier stuff.

It wasn’t quality related. I just prefer to spend my $ on US made products when possible/practical