At the risk of sounding like a n00b

[Rush]

I've been considering a variable magnification scope. However, I don't know jack about optics. Could anyone point me to a brand, or even a specific model, for under $300?

[bkb0000]

for that price, it's gonna be rough... my only experience with scopes in that range are the Leupold VX-II line.. i'm pretty sure you can still get a 3x9@40 for less than $300. it's just a basic, standard, bottom of the line scope, but it's still Leupold, and it's still a lifetime warranty.

you can get a lot more scope than that for that- but you'll be getting a shit scope. don't go less than leupold, it should be considered the bare minimum.

[Rush]

for that price, it's gonna be rough... my only experience with scopes in that range are the Leupold VX-II line.. i'm pretty sure you can still get a 3x9@40 for less than $300. it's just a basic, standard, bottom of the line scope, but it's still Leupold, and it's still a lifetime warranty.

you can get a lot more scope than that for that- but you'll be getting a shit scope. don't go less than leupold, it should be considered the bare minimum.

Hmmm...

How about $500? I won't be getting a new iPod, but guns> Guns N' Roses

[TAZ]

What is it that you want to do with the scope? There are lots of variables out there to choose from. The price range narrows it a bit, but knowing what tue intended goal is will help narrow the focus.

[Dos Cylindros]

In the $500 range you are starting to get into Aimpoint Comp M2 and Eotec 512 range which are both decent optics. The better would be to go with the Aimpoint H-1 and mount deal fro Botach tactical which is priced just under $500 the last time I checked. That would be your best bet as you get great battery life and a great optic. When you get a little more money you can upgrade the mount to a Larue or ADM.

[The Solid]

There are very few cheap optics that I would suggest. For variable power check out the weaver v3 1-3. Great little scope. For a bit more magnification check out the Nikon ProStaff scopes (2-7, or 3x9), again great scopes for the money. I have found that if I am gonna spend around $300 you don't see much of an improvement over the cheaper scopes, until you get to the $500 mark I could start seeing benefits. That mid-range is a hard "zone" to be shopping in. I have in the past found some smoking deals on Leupold VX 3 1.5-5 illuminated scopes. I preferred the GER #4. For around $550 you get an awesome scope. Natchez usually has some great deals.

For a RDS/holograpgic $300 is too close to an Aimpoint or Eotech to settle for less. Primary Arms has some value priced optics for much less, check them out they are great for what you pay.

Just remember don't trust your life to anything that you are not willing to pay premium.

[LOKNLOD]

For your price range, the only one I know of is the Millet DMS-1.

I wouldn't trust it for a fighting rifle, but if you just want to test it out on a plinker or at the range, it'll do.

[Rush]

I spent the greater part of yesterday researching what I want, and as I look at it, decent scopes will be expensive, and for my budget, I can get a top-notch red dot. I'll be going that way.

And after trying both Aimpoints are EoTechs, I'll say this. I simply did not like the EoTech as much. Something about it. Most likely gonna get an H-1 or CompML3. Thanks for your help guys.

[JSantoro]

Hit the optics section of this site's Equipment Exchange. There's deals to be had for pretty much anything.

[The Solid]

I spent the greater part of yesterday researching what I want, and as I look at it, decent scopes will be expensive, and for my budget, I can get a top-notch red dot. I'll be going that way.

And after trying both Aimpoints are EoTechs, I'll say this. I simply did not like the EoTech as much. Something about it. Most likely gonna get an H-1 or CompML3. Thanks for your help guys.

If price is an issue check out the aimpoint C3. Basically the same as the M3/ML3 except for the water-proofing depth. 2 moa dot 50,000 hrs battery, plus it is cheaper. You will hear a lot of recommendations for it. I have a ML3 and any new Aimpoints I buy will be C3's, that is unless the price on M4's comes way down.