I am in the market for a scope for a .243 that I will rarely shoot. I have not hunted with a rifle in almost 20 years, prefering a bow. I own a .243 I have not even sighted in yet. I was invited to hunt with a friend and a bow will not be possible. Any suggestions on what to buy? I don't want junk but I really don't want to spend a lot just to let it sit in a gun safe.

Why the name change Scott??

the pro staff Nikon's are nice in a 3-9x or a Burris FF2 in 3-9x or 4.5-14x I have both on a 243 and a 6mm both work great. my daughters both like how clear and how much light both gather.

IMHO either one is worth it .

300

For around $100/$130 in a 3x9x40 I'd look at the Bushnell Legends or for a little more a 3200 Elite at some of the high volume on line sellers.
Nikon ProStaffs are little fragile feeling to me - nylon gears and thin metal work compared to other Nikons but a nice clear scope that has the worst warranty return record in the line, and the Buckmaster is a little heavy or bulky but are much better built. Monarch is IMO the best buy price per feature value for the money in Nikon but will average about $250/$350.
I own a Burris FF II and like a lot as a good compromise and these can be had in a 3x9x40 on line for around $160, or the Burris Combo binoclular/FFII pkg in the same scope in Academy's last flyer seems like a pretty good deal at $199. Past the $200 level there are lots more choices.
Under $75 I like the Bushnell Banners in a 3x9x40 but you need to study the Bushnell website to make sure which one you are looking at as they have about half a dozen with different features to choose from that you can see on line from around $60 to $70 + S&H.

In a 243 I would not go bigger than a 4x12 or less than a 2x7 unless you think you might have longer shots than 300 yards on non game critters like 'yotes or stuff. JMHO
Ron

I would be looking at a simmons, I have two of them, as lower line scopes, and they have performed very well for me.

matt

I second the Simmons.
I have a Simmons Whitetail classic on my .280 and haven't had a lick of trouble with it.

Ever since I had a Simmons Aetec get it's cross hairs rattled loose buy a little ole 257 Roberts; I refuse to waste my money on them. It's Luepold or Nikon for the most part. I have B&L elite on a 270 that's done well so far too.

MC

7mag, I just decided I needed a change!

Nikon or Weaver for me. Check out www.riflescopes.com great place to buy optics, and they are a LOCAL SMaLL Business as well.

Jay

There are a few pro staff on www.samplelist.com as well. Great prices..

LEUPOLD 3X9 IS WHAT I HAVE FORE MY .243..GREAT SCOPE FOR AROUND 200$

Thanks for all the input, guys! I appreciate it!

Try out Opticsplanet.com They have great deals and a huge selection. Theyre a trustworthy site. Ive bought from them a few times always had good luck. I have an old savage 243 lever action and have a bushnell 3200 its good scope i like it. But doesnt compare to the 4.5-14 Nikon Buckmasters I have on my 270. The optics just dont compare. But for a rarely used scope in your case the bushnell would easily do the job.