I absolutely agree that you need more than a 3x10 variable on that bull-barreled varminter. If you shoot prairie dogs you could well be shooting over 400 yards. First--Call Cabela's at 800-237-4444 to have them send you a shooting catalog or go to their website at www.cabelas.com Their scope prices are a good barometer of prices and are hard for most stores to beat. You may be able to beat them on ebay or gunbroker.com. I suggest a scope with an adjustable objective so you can avoid parallax at long ranges. Cabelas sells the following scopes in your price range that I would recommend to you:
1. A Bushnell Elite 3200 5x15AOx40 for $309.00
2. A Bushnell Trophy 6x18AOx40 for $224.99 (with fast focus)
I have one of these on my .17 Rem and love it--
3.Weaver Classic 4x16AOx42 for $289.99
4. Weaver Classic 6x24AOx42 for $319.99
5. Cabelas Alaskan Guide 4.5x14AOx44 for 249.99
6. Cabelas Alaskan Guide 6.5x20AOx44 for 289.99
Any one of those will work well for you and come with good warranties. The fellow who said your gun will retain more value if you put a high priced Leupold or Burrus or Zeiss on it is right--but, I own two Leupolds, three Burris', and three Bushnells and they all shoot great on the guns they are matched to. Just don't use the bottom of the line Bushnell scopes as they are more suited to rimfires.
Good luck and no hard feelings if you don't pick one of these, but I tried to let the certificate do the job for you without picking your pocket.
1. A Bushnell Elite 3200 5x15AOx40 for $309.00
2. A Bushnell Trophy 6x18AOx40 for $224.99 (with fast focus)
I have one of these on my .17 Rem and love it--
3.Weaver Classic 4x16AOx42 for $289.99
4. Weaver Classic 6x24AOx42 for $319.99
5. Cabelas Alaskan Guide 4.5x14AOx44 for 249.99
6. Cabelas Alaskan Guide 6.5x20AOx44 for 289.99
Any one of those will work well for you and come with good warranties. The fellow who said your gun will retain more value if you put a high priced Leupold or Burrus or Zeiss on it is right--but, I own two Leupolds, three Burris', and three Bushnells and they all shoot great on the guns they are matched to. Just don't use the bottom of the line Bushnell scopes as they are more suited to rimfires.
Good luck and no hard feelings if you don't pick one of these, but I tried to let the certificate do the job for you without picking your pocket.
