Best Budget Scope for Deer Hunting Under $300

[Alan]

I’m looking for a deer hunting scope that won’t break the bank. Ideally, I’d like something under $300 that holds zero well, has great clarity, and can handle tough conditions. What would you recommend from your own experiences?

 

[hivel37]

If I can find an old Weaver that’s still clear for around a 100 bucks, I’ll buy it. Work well for <200 yard deer guns and .22 rifles. YMMV
For other use Vortex are ok.

 

[LDB]

I recently saw a Leupold VX3 3.5-10x50 for $250 by an individual. I don't remember which forum it was on and it sold quickly. But they're out there. GLWYS(earch)

 

[hivel37]

Leupold VX3 3.5-10x50
One the best scopes ever made.

 

[MrbigTexan]

Academy exclusive is a Vortex Eagle 4-16x44. Normally 299 but around mid November they can be had for $199

 

[Davek42]

Hands down Burris… they have some great scopes for under $300.oo

 

[glazer1973]

I loved the Jap made Weaver K6. No longer available. Today I’d say a Burris Fullfield.

 

[GaryS]

I have yet to go deer hunting, but I have a BSA Deer Hunter on one of my rifles and it works well. The one I have is discontinued by the newer version is the HS3-9X40TB-01.

https://bsaoptics.com/product/optix-3-9x40-hunting-scope/

 

[Drycreek]

I’ll board the Burris train. I have several older Burris scopes and they are still shooting straight. I have two newer ones that are great too.

 

[RF2650]

The older Burris and Leupold scopes are often the best bet for my money.
Cheap rings and bases are what gives these older scopes a bad name.
I use Burris XTR Signature Rings and a very accurate Snap-on torque driver to measure how much stress I am putting on those tiny screws. The XTR rings retail around $100+ but I have found them as low as $40 brand new on ebay.
Before I start sounding too much like a salesman, I have no connection with Burris. They have never sponsored me.
Those plastic inserts are genius! You never need to bed them. They will not scratch a scope tube. I center the scopes adjustments and use the inserts to bore-sight then a rough zero at the range. There is about 5 inches of difference at 100 yards for each insert combination. That depends on how far apart the rings are and what angle you tilt the inserts to zero for windage.
I have never had a scope move around in those rings.
https://www.burrisoptics.com/mounting-systems/xtr-signature-rings
A torque chart:
https://www.burrisoptics.com/support/faqs#question-475
I use no more than half torque while fiddling around with the inserts to save wear and tear on those screws.

 

[RF2650]

Be sure you get the SIGNATURE version of XTR they have the plastic insert that makes the magic.