2-6, 2-7, 2-8 Scope for $300? Recommendations?

Tactical Gear Optics & Mounts
1

Hi,

I’m looking for a scope for my unbedded Springfield M1A. I know that this is M4C and TFL, but I trust this site more than any other. Anyway, I’m asking about the optics, not the rifle, and the scope could potentially wind up on my AR.

I’ve never owned a scope before, though I’ve seen and used several over the years.

I don’t have any aspirations of shooting past 300yds, so I think 6 or 8 power is plenty.

I want something that’s not too jiggly at its lowest magnification for shooting offhand at 50 or 75yds, so I think it needs go down to 2x magnification at the low end.

Very up close I can use the irons: the mount I’m going to use (a Bassett) will let me see the irons with the scope mounted, so I don’t need anything like a 1 or 1.5 power.

So, I think I’ll be best off with a 2-6, 2-7, or 2-8 power scope.

I absolutely positively don’t want to spend more than $300 on the scope.
I know that more expensive scopes are better, but I teach History for a living so my budget is VERY tight.
Honestly, my sense is that the returns diminish rapidly north of $300, anyway.

So, if $300 won’t cut it, then the scope project is just cancelled.

On the other hand, I’m too vain to buy a cheap-brand scope. I’d rather drive a very basic BMW or a mid-level Subaru than a top-of-the-line Hyundai.
So, I don’t want a Barska, Simmons, BSA, or Tasco — please take no offense.

These are the scopes I’m considering:

Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35 $180.-
or
Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7x32 $199.-
or
Leupold VX-I 2-7x33 $200.-
or
Nikon Monarch 2-8x32 $270.-
or
Leupold VX-II 2-7x33 $300.-

Please advise,

Bimmer

PS: Can somebody explain to me what the difference between the VX-I and the VX-II? They’re dimensionally identical. They both have the same warranty. I don’t need 1/4moa adjustments. Is it just the better multi-coating?

2

I think a 2-7 or so would fit you fine. I have a few Burris FF 2-7 & Nikon Monarch 2-7s, & others. I think either would be a fine choice. I would skip the vx-1. The II would most likely be fine, I have never owned one. I do have several III’s. Check used online listings, the best time is soon to come. I recently bought a just about NIB FF-II 2-7 for $130. Keep your eyes peeled & save 1/2 your scope money.

3

The Bushnell Elite series scopes are hard to beat for the price. I’ve owned several and never had a problem. Burris is good too, but they tend to be a little heavy.

4

Thanks, Sourdough!

How do the Burris and Nikons compare? Is the Nikon worth the extra $$$?

From what I can see, the only advantages of the VX-II over the VX-I are (1) clickable adjustments and (2) a better multicoating (“Multicoat4”).

Please advise,

Bimmer

5

I rate the Nikon Monarch clearly above the Burris FF. Back during the Nikon model makeover it was easy to get Monarch’s in the $200 range. I have several 2-7s & a 3-9 & others. The new Monarchs come in a wider power range, though some older models NIB are probably around. I have scopes all across the $/quality spectrum & don’t believe every rifle & hunter needs a $500 scope on each outfit. We all have limitations. I have no problem putting a Burris FF on any gun. I use a Burris FF 2-7 on my Muzzle-loader & had 5 one shot deer kills with it this year. I like to go afield with quality gear but that alone does not make the hunter, or shooter at the range.

My Leupolds are only Vari-x-IIIs, though I have worked with II’s at times.

6

Thanks, Sourdough.

The more I look, the more I like the Nikon Monarchs. Their optics seem to be as good as anything in the price range (or even a price range higher), and the 4x range of magnification is matched by nothing costing less than double or triple (IOR, Zeiss, etc.).

Now I’m looking at a Nikon 2.5-10x42, too… I’m seeing these on sale for under $300, and the FOV is still over 40’ at 100yds, which is about as good as most “2-7” scopes (which seem to be 2.5-6.5, really).

Bimmer