Affordable Hunting Optics: Scopes Under $300

[Alan]

I'm looking for a reliable hunting scope that fits my budget of $300. Any suggestions on options that offer great clarity, can hold zero well, and last through a few seasons would be appreciated.

 

[jglenn]

The leupold vx freedom scopes are in that range. Solid scope from a long time maker with a good history of service..

 

[Magus]

Weaver makes a ton of them, under 100$ mostly, but if it's a harder kicking caliber, I'd spend the few extra bucks and get the Leupold. for light stuff, a 50$ Leapers will do. the harder the kick, the better quality you'll need.
Has anybody but me noticed that the lower the quality of the scope, the higher the quality of the mount is supplied? Freaking Leaper's rings are built like tanks!

 

[Engineer1911]

Athlon scopes are affordable. Many are under $300 new, and some used ones can be found on Amazon or Ebay. Go to the Athlon website and learn the difference between 1st and 2nd Focal Plane scopes. When you use a 2nd focal plane scope you will never go back to 1st focal plane. Your target cannot hide behind the cross hairs as the magnification changes from 4X to 20X.