Budget optics for youth

I need some opinions/options for a new scope for my sons deer rifle. He is 9 and won’t be able to hunt until next year but I want him to have plenty of time to practice before then. He worked for grandpa this past summer and has saved some money (used some on the gun and we paid the rest) his budget is $400. We have looked at a few but not a lot and the Zeiss Tera seems to be what he likes. I would like him to get something that is simple to use (no AO or SF) good clarity and light gathering for low light situations and going to last until if/when he is older and wants to upgrade. The rifle it is going on is a browning xbolt 7mm-08.

If you buy a Leupold VX-1 scope before October 1 they are offering a $50 rebate. With the rebate I have found the scopes as low as $115. This is a crazy price for a scope that is outstanding. You won’t find anything better at this low of price.
Shawn

The Zeiss Terra is an excellent scope and if you stick to the basic #20 crosshairs, a 4×12 can be had for an amazing $309 right now. Of a 3×9 for $299, although I don’t know who wouldn’t spend the extra $10 for a 12 power.

As River says, Leupold offers some excellent value in the VX-1 and for about the same $299 as the Zeiss, you can currently step up to the absolutely terrific VX-2. I have a VX-2 on my 243 and the brightness and clarity is astonishing. This fine of glass was available on nothing costing less than $1000 going back 20 years.

Given the value that’s currently offered in Zeiss and Leupold, it’s hard to look much fruther. Nikon has some nice scopes, but i don’t think there sub-$400 models hold a candle to the VX-2.

If you’re patient, mail order places like NY CamerLand and European Optics have very, very good sales on demos, open boxs, and closeouts. I got the last of the Japanese-made B&L optic glass Bushnell Elite target scopes (6×24) for 60% off retail on a closeout sale from a company who’s email sales I subscribe to, so you can do very well if you sign up for emails and watch the sales closely.

Grouse

Consider SWFA too.
Head over heels happy with them so far.

TheFamousGrouse wrote:

The Zeiss Terra is an excellent scope and if you stick to the basic #20 crosshairs, a 4×12 can be had for an amazing $309 right now. Of a 3×9 for $299, although I don’t know who wouldn’t spend the extra $10 for a 12 power.

I have found the 3-9 version online for just above $200 so that would make it an even better deal if it is truly a good scope. While the higher magnification would be nice I am worried the fov would suffer making it harder for him to find the deer on the closer shots. I have a vortex viper hs in 4-16 and my wife has the same in 2.5-10 and there is a very noticeable difference in fov up close so that would be the only reason wanting to stick to a 3-9 or 2.5-10 for now when he is just starting out. Thank you all for the options I will give swfa a look as well as the leupold line.

Vortex makes great crystal clear scopes in wisconsin. I have one on my 223 for coyotes and it is great. I can find my target fast. I think I paid mid 300s for it.

Stanley wrote:

have found the 3-9 version online for just above $200 so that would make it an even better deal if it is truly a good scope.

Spill the beans! Where did you find it for that price? Holy schmidt. I’d jump on that like an alligator on a poodle.

Grouse

Zeiss Terra 3 X 3-9x42mm Rifle Scope with Z-Plex 20 Reticle

I just did a Google search and this is where I found it. I don’t know anything about the company or what shipping would be but the price is really good.