Hi all, I am in the process of buying a new Ruger 77 RSI international in 308 and would appreciate any suggeestions on a mid price range scope for it. I hunt whitetails in the northeast where it seems like it is either raining or snowing most of the fall. My first thought was a bushnell 3200 in 2-7 power with the Rainguard coating . Most shots are usually under 100 yds. I want to keep as light as possible also. Thanks , Jim

IMO go Leupold or go nothing. Not that I am prejudice or anything ;) The Leupold VXII line is not expensive and they are very nice. I just mounted a VXII 1-4 on a DSG and have no doubt whatsoever that it will work just as well as my two-dozen or so Vari-X III and EER scopes. EVen the VXI line are very nice scopes and they do come in a 2-7 IIRC. You have a very nice rifle, IMO you should mount a very nice scope. No rifle, I don't care how much it cost or how carefully it is built will shoot one bit better than the optics put on it. If I had to choose between a better scope or a better rifle, I would go with the better scope. I am not saying the Bushnell is a junk scope, not by any means, but I have had such good luck with Leupolds over the last 35 years that I am reluctant to recommend anything else.

Agreed, I have scopes that are worth twice what the guns they are mounted on. You hardly ever hear of even a cheap gun not shooting to the sights (if properly bedded), but a cheap scope will bite you when you least expect it. Had my fill of wandering zeros and don't want to go back for seconds!!!!!!

Really should plan on spending some time in the store and look through a good selection of scopes; it does seem that some people are more compatible with certain brands, probably minute differences in our eyesight and color perception.

Hear also about companies getting reorganized and old versions of the products no longer being supported/repaired, that's no fun at all!!!!!

The Raingaurd coating on the 3200 makes some sense for the conditions you're hunting.
I don't disagree with the other posters, really; Leupold does make an excellent scope. But, I think several companies make excellent scopes. Pick the one you like.
If you want something light and slim to fit an RSI (also light and slim), a straight tube scope might be a good choice, though.....like the Leupold 1-4.
I think all the Bushnell 3200 and 4200 series scopes have front bells on them (no straight tubes).

I have a few of the Bushnell Elite series scope and would say they are an excellent value. The 3200 series scopes were tested using 1000 rounds of 375 H&H magnum and the 4200 series must stand up to 10,000 rounds of 375 mag. I believe the Elite series scopes carry a lifetime no-questions asked warranty and all have the Rainguard coating.

Any of the major brands make good scopes. I'll go with Zeiss if the piggy bank is full but on a budget, I'd buy the Bushnell Elite in a heartbeat. ( scratch the Zeiss...wife says I'm always on a budget and it's gonna be lowered )

Hi Jim,

I can honestly say I have or currently own many all the way from $1800 Schmidt Bender to a $40 Tasco. What ever you choose do so with "perspective" in mind. It appears that you have already picked a scope that would suite your situation well. I have not owned the 3200 but might suggest that you look at the Burris and Nikon line. The Nikon Prostaff 2X7 or 3x9 is a heck of a scope for under $200. The Nikon has better light gathering ability than any I have owned in it's price range. I hunt Yotes with my Prostaff 3x9 atop a .223. It has never failed in the nastiest Iowa weather.

Good Luck.
Trent
AKA TrapperTrent

Thanks all, sounds like some good advise from people who know. It seems like when you go into a gun shop you get a slanted view on what would be best for them and not necessary for you. Thanks again , Jim

Gentlemen:

When looking for a new rifle scope I have limited myself to Leupold, Burris and Nikon. The reason is simple, all three have a lifetime warranty even if you are not the original owner. This helps if you ever decide to sell the scope. Also if you ever need warranty service, you do not have to pay for the company to return the repaired/replaced scope to you.

Within the three lines are scopes that cover the range of prices and features. That said, most of my experience has been with Leupold scopes. Finally, regardless of manufacturer, I don't even consider any scope with less than 3.5 inches of eye relief for any centerfire.

Ralph

I think your original idea is perfect for the conditions you stated. All of the answeres are ok but I think you said something about a reasonable cost. You can't go wrong with the 3200 in the power you selected. Most people tend to go overboard with the magnafication, me included. I am putting a 4.5x14 on my new 223 Rem. So see, go with your first choice.

I just put an Elite 3200 3x9x40 with the rainguard coating and the firefly rectile on a .308 BLR. I am very please and for the conditions you mentioned I think the 2x7 would be a perfect fit. I really like my Bushnell, it was a good deal for me.