I am looking for a new scope because the scope that is currently on my gun cost me a good buck this past weekend. Sat in the rain Friday and had a fogged up scope Saturday morning. I mostly hunt in woods and may shoot 200 yards at most (majority of shots are within 100 yards). My budget is around $600, but I may be willing to spend more. What do y’all suggest? I shoot a 130 grain bullets out of a Remington 700 .270 if that makes any difference.

I'm in the market myself. Only ever had a $150 dollar scope. Interested to know what scope you had fog up? Mine fogs up everytime it's cold. Had to get used to breathing down. Between that and aging eyes I gotta do something.

I'll add I have been looking at the Leupold Freedom line.

They’re intriguing, but I have heard from several people that they have had issues with them. I was going to buy one before I heard that. Has anyone had a good experience with them?

Meopta MeoSport R
Meopta Optika6
Trijicon Accupoint 2.5-10x56
Anyhese all will get you to 45 minutes after sunset in average conditions or longer in good. You have to spend a lot more to do any better. You can come in under budget if you shop a little. I'd mount in DNZ one-piece unless you use the rings that come with the MeoSport R. They're good, but they're tall.

Can you buy those new for $600?

Trijicon Accupoint 3-9X 40 Duplex with green dot, can be had for $669. Just a little over your $600 . They are great scopes and don't require batteries for the dot. Some of the Leupold VX3 HD would hit your price point. the 2.5-8 or 3.5-10 would work well. If you can find one a Leupold VX-R is a fine scope for the $. There's several others that come in at around 600. My advice is avoid the 50 or 56 mm objective and spend the $ on better quality glass . Good glass is where you get clear , low light performance .

Swarovski Z3. They pop up all the time in the classifieds throughout forums.

The 3-10x42 Z3 with the 4A reticle is my favorite set and forget scope. Little more than $600 but worth it IMHO.

The gen 2 SWFA 6x will be available in a few months, if you can wait. If you can’t wait, get their 10x scope. They cost about $350.

Zeiss conquest v4 3-12 redhawk rifles $649 out the door.
I purchased one last night I have 5 and love them

I would look for a demo/used scope on redhawk rifles, scope list, euro optic. I have bought a few and they have all been like new and you will get more for your money. I would look for a zeiss v4 or leupold vx3 and with a little patience and looking you should be able to find one. 24hourcampfire is also a good source.

https://www.scopelist.com/Like-New-...MOA-Z-Plex-20-Riflescope-w-Ballisti.aspx

did it fog up on the inside or outside ?

This scope is an excellent low light scope. I love it

It fogged up on the inside. It’s still fogged up three days later.

The z3 mentioned is absolutely worth saving and waiting for as they are all I have now. But, a Zeiss v4 or Leupold vx3HD are both excellent as well. Low light differences between these 3 are very minimal and really based more on one’s eyes. As mentioned, shopping the used/demo categories are the way to go.

https://www.bearbasin.net/product-p/leu180617.htm
Nice entry level scope.

Hard to go wrong with any Zeiss. Even their budget models. Trijicon is great but none in your price range.

Check out Europtic or Redhawk Rifles demo's. Add about 50 bucks and you get a Zeiss V4 3-12-44

My advice:

If you are used to something simple, find something simple.

I hate all the dials and side focus knobs on these new scopes. Why can’t someone just make a plain Jane hunting scope with good clear glass anymore.

I don’t like my new 3xi for what it’s worth.

Maybe try one of the new sightrons in your budget.