Looking for a new hunting scope for a 7mm Rem Mag. Currently on my short list is Vortex Viper 4-12x40 w/Dead Hold reticle, Nikon Monarch 3 3-12x42 w/BDC and the Zeiss Terra 3-9x42 w/RZ6 reticle. These are all in the $4-450 range but just wanted to know if there are any more in this range that I should consider without breaking the 450 mark. Priority for me is dawn and dusk shooting. My current scope does not let me do that and have to pass on things during legal shooting light.

Also, of the three listed, what is your pick???

Wow, I am actually in the same situation. Won a new 7mm mag and need to get a $400+/- for it. I was going to run to cabelas this weekend and look at a Burris C4.

I wouldn't overlook Leupold.

Vortex.

You might also be able to find one of the Vortex HS scopes on sale that fit your budget.

Leupold vx-II would be in the budget but not a fan of their LR duplex reticle but did consider the CDS model.

Thought about a Burris but haven't heard good things about the new Fullfield E1. Will check out the C4.

Found a Vortex HS but not sure the tube is long enough for a long action on the 2.5-10x44 and also would have to get 30mm Ruger rings.

Thanks for the replies so far!

Just got a Vortex Viper 6.5-20x50 Mil-Dot for $460 shipped. Friggin awesome scope.

Some of the older Conquests with the ED glass are still available NIB in the $450 price range. Do a search in the Optics Forum for Conquest for the last sixty days there were some links posted.

Here's the link I was thinking of http://www.redhawkrifles.com/products/optics/zeiss/conquestscopes

Went to Gander Mountain yesterday and looked through some scopes. Was really surprised with two of them, Leupold VX2 and Nikon Monarch 3. The Leupold was great and brightness was real close or equal to the Zeiss Terra for $100-150 less. The Nikon Monarch 3 was a huge disappointment! I have Tasco pronghorn on a .22 that is better than the one I looked through in the store. Never would have guessed that.

The VX3 I looked at was better than the Terra but for some reason, and I've had this issue with other scopes, the crosshairs would occasionally "disappear" but only from the center up and to the right. Essentially I had a two-post reticle, one from bottom to center and from left to center. Played with the focus but couldn't make that part better.

Anyways, they didn't have a vortex viper but if I had to choose right now, the Leupold VX2 is the winner. Will have to get used to the LR duplex or go with standard duplex or maybe the CDS model.

Haven't looked at one but stumbled across the Meopta Meopro while looking on SWFA's site. Read they are equal to Zeiss Conquest but doubt I'll find one to actually look through. Anyone have any info on the Meopro?

I just bought a Leupold VX3 4.5-14x40 and will mount it when the temp gets over 40 degrees (so not today). The scope it will replace is a 4.5-14 Burris FFII (not the E1), and that Burris has been a great scope. I paid $300 for it from Cabela's and I could not be happier. I don't know if the new Burris E1 is as good or better, but I'm guessing it should be about the same scope (glass, internals, etc.). That said, the VX2 is also a good scope. I have one in 6-18 and it has the LRV Duplex. If I was forced to give up the VX2 or the Burris, I do think I'd keep the Burris. That's a lot of scope for $300. Maybe you can still get one of them, and not go with the E1.

I had a Monarch (not the new model 3) in 4-16 and it was Ok, but I didn't like it that much. Then it broke, so my problem of not liking it got solved. The VX2 replaced that scope and it has been great.

Doug out at cameraland has has vortex viper HS scoped listed on ebay for 399$. I don't think you will find a better deal than that.

Thanks for the info caddokiller. SWFA and MidwayUSA sell it for that price also. Scope is going on a Ruger Hawkeye and if I can, would like to avoid buying a new set of their rings. Still going to find a store with Vipers in stock so I can check them out before I make my final decision.

Zeiss Conquest. Clear glass and it handles recoil and no fog!

I bought a vortex vipor 6.5-20x50 from swfa for $460 shipped to my house. Awesome scope! I also shelled out the extra cash for Seekins picatinny rail and rings. I will never need to change out rings again on my 7 mag. It's a great set up.

Camera land minox za 5 3-15-50 you won't be disappointed.

I put the vx-2 on my new savage creedmoor going to get the CDS turrets for it next.

Vortex http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-riflescopes-vpr-m-05fp.html

Minox.
Check the swfa closeout page.