What's a good handgun scope in a reasonable price range? I'm scared to try a BSA as past experience with their rifle scopes has not been good. Leupold is out of my price range right now, so something in between is where I'm looking. Primary use will be on my 14" 7-30 Waters. Shot ranges where I hunt can be as far as I want to shoot, but I plan on keeping shots inside 200.

Bushnell Trophy 2-6X.

I had the Bushnell Elite 2-6x32. Very clear glass, precise adjustments, and the rainguard lens coatings work well! Best bang for the $, on a long distance handgun. (IMHO - YMMV)

I would also suggest looking at a weaver 2.5x8. Excellent quality at a fraction of the price of a leupold. Most new ones go for around $225.

I also recommend the 2x6 Bushnell Elite.

I'll throw my hat into the ring with the elite 3200 2x6. They run around 269.00 but you can find them on sale for less. Check out SWFA scope prices also Natchez shooters supply. I bought 2 from them 6 months ago for 199 a piece. I have had one for a long time and it has been a great scope for the money.

Ditto. Great bang for the buck. Equally as good of a value is the Weaver 2.5-8x variable.

Simmons 2x6 has worked great for me. Pretty cheap too. Held up on my 454 barrel, and now on my 7 08 barrel.

MN

Bushnell Elite 2x6.

I tend to favor fixed power scopes on handguns although I see the advantages of a variable. I like the 2x leupolds and I have a older 4x Redfield that I really like as well. reflex264

Bushnell 2-6...

Bushnell Trophy 2 x 6. You can pick one up from eBay for less than $150. They have a full warranty, although of all the scopes I own, I have never had to send a Bushnell in for repairs. I can't say the same for my Weavers, Leupolds, and Burris.

I would stick with the elite over the trophy. NO offense meant but the trophy isn't built to the same standards as the elite. I had a trophy die on the 480 raging bull. And for only 60.00 more you can pick up the elite. Plus the quality of the glass on the trophy wasn't up to par with the elite.

CFish,

I too prefer the Elite to the Trophy. Personal inventory now sits at 4 Elites and 1 Trophy, and have sold 2 Trophy's...wish I had bought a bunch to sit on when Natchez ran their Clearance sale at $189-199. Now all the online stores and wholesalers are a solid $100 higher, and used ones have been trading close to that value (150-200)

Yep. I bought my last 2 elites when Natchez ran the clearence on elites.

I am a big fan of the Bushnell Elite rifle scopes, and have used several of those with great results. I guess I will save up my money and get an Elite...better to pay once and not be sorry later. Thanks for all the input.

That's why I go with anything Leupold!

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with the Elite that I had though. It was on a tricked out Ruger 10/22 that I used for head shots on squirrels and rabbits! Wish I had that rifle back!!

I see that many favor the Bushnell 3200 Elite 2-6X. I do also, with 8 in service presently, on guns up to .375 JDJ and 7mm-08.

The reason I recommended the Bushnell Trophy 2-6X to the OP is that they are about 2/3 the price of the 3200, because they lack the Rainguard and flashier trim, and the OP was concerned about the cost. Several of my friends have been using the Trophies for years, proving them to be as durable as the 3200's.

I can only afford investing in one scope so after setting aside funds over the last few months, I'll be ordering this through Cabela's (giving credit to this site) this weekend.

Leupold® Handgun Scope
Item : IK - 710160

POWER:VX-3 2.5-8X32S D Qty: 1 - $549.99 each

Many thanks to those here for offering their guidance.

Buy the best that you can afford.

I agree with boot or kral, go with the Weaver or the Bushnell Elite 3200 2x6. I have the Bushnell and really like it.

Natchez has the Nikons and Elites on sale and they also have reconditioned Nikons.