I'm looking for a budget scope that can really handle the rigors of deer hunting without breaking the bank. Does anyone have experience with durability and clarity in that price range? I'd appreciate any personal recommendations.
Reliable Budget Hunting Scope Options Under $300
- Thread starter Alan
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Doubleauto
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- Jun 29, 2025
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Hard to beat a Leopold in my opinion. For around 300$ I believe you can get the VX Freedom which I hear are pretty good. I do not have a Freedom but several VX1s 2s and 3s. All do the job. Lifetime guarantee. I've only had one that needed warranty and it was put back into like new condition free of charge. I hear good things about Vortex and did purchase 2 of their Diamondbacks but have not mounted either so no first hand experience there.
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- Jun 29, 2025
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Check these folks out, (https://monstrumtactical.com/). I have two of their scopes and have used one at this point with no issues. Google Monstrum and several Youtube videos & review sites come up. They are big on Amazon but.......I buy directly from them because of the easy warranty service vs Amazon, which is next to impossible to get satisfaction. I find them to be heavily built. Their customer service isn't bad either.
olecreekboy
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- Jun 29, 2025
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I like my scopes to be period correct for my rifles. I like the vintage Weaver and Redfield scopes. They can be found in good shape at very reasonable prices. I have had a Redfield 4x post reticle on my Marlin 336, .35 Rem for over 15 years and it fogged on me last year after a hunt. Sent it to Iron Sight inc. for their complete service, that basically makes it good or better than new at a cost of $105.00. I have around $160 in a great old scope that should last me the rest of my life. If you go new the Leupold, Vortex and Bushnell have decent scoped in your price range.
Short Bus
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I have the VX Freedom and have enjoyed its performance. No issues and their warranty is second to none.
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- Aug 3, 2025
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For under $300 the Bushnell are good buys. I've bought several new from Ebay with good luck. Good warranty and clear glass. One I just saw: https://www.ebay.com/itm/177255161854
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ButchA
Member
I second the common Bushnell variety of scopes. I have an older 3-9x40 Bushnell Trophy scope with Weaver rings on my classic late 90's, Savage 110 in .308 and never had any troubles at all!
I put a Vortex Diamondback 3x9x40 with bullet drop compensation on my CVA Optima. This scope is very clear and I recently shot a 1-1/8" group with it at 100 yards. I am still impressed with the ease I can acquire a target when set to 4-power which is where I leave it when hunting!
Swamphunter
Member
Take a look at Athlon
ARKEN Optics has some nice scopes near that price range. Their EP8 1-8 x 28 LPVO is first focal plane with quality Japanese glass and an illuminated reticle for $349. I really like mine. I have about 5 Arken products and you cannot beat the quality for the price,
https://www.arkenopticsusa.com
https://www.arkenopticsusa.com
