Rifle scopes

[Sangoma]

I am sure there are some hunters on this site. I got suckered into hunting last year and now am quite hooked on it. Last trip was in December, and my fridge is full of venison. Actually to day I am trying a new recipe - basturma the Armenian style.

I am getting my own rifle somewhere in February and before then I have to decide on the scope. Salesmen at the shop are obviously trying to sell the most expensive - "this will suit all conditions, all calibers and will serve you forever". On the other hand, getting something very advanced for a newbie like me doesn't make sense. Yet on the other, I don't want to buy cheap crap that will fog and get scratched in the first hour of getting outdoors. I am planning to hunt pigs, deer and goats mainly, from traditional distances.

Could anybody recommend an all rounder scope for the newbie's first rifle?

[DikTracy6000]

Weaver 3 x 9 variable. Good value for a new hunter. Should be around $100 USD. There's better, but this is a rugged scope for most all conditions.(edit): of course if it's going on a Weatherby, I'd be embarrassed to suggest that. Opt for the over and under scope mounts, so you can shoot with the iron sights in heavy brush. I've regretted one time when that happened to me without them.

[Sangoma]

Thanks, DT. I am also eyeballing an American designed and made Meopta, something like 3-9x40 or 50. I am probably overthinking it, but too much choice messes up my head.

[DikTracy6000]

Meopta's cost more than some of my rifles I've owned. Can't argue with their perceived quality. I've hunted for years with a Tasco and lots of my buddies used Leupold. My Tasco never left me down even after being dropped fairly hard when falling on steep, snowy hills. I could never talk myself into buying something more expensive when my less expensive scopes performed so well.

[Herv100]

Vortex is nice with a lifetime no questions asked warranty.

Diamondback 3-9 for budget.
HST for mid-range.
PST for real nice but still a little under a $1000

[Sangoma]

I bit the bullet and went for Meopta Meopro 3-9x40. One of the guys on the Australian Hunting Net got the rifle with it attached and offered it to me at reduced price. Now waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Somehow when it comes to firearms I trust American brands.

[Shapecharge]

You're not going to blast a cute little joey or wombat with this shit are you?

[seeahill]

I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but I will just in case.

When you fire that rifle with the new scope, but very sure that you have the stock firmly mounted on your shoulder.

Every hunting season I go into the bars around here and see the novice hunters right off. They're the ones with a black eye or a bruised cut over their sighting eye. Every year.

Don't be one of those guys.

[Sangoma]

You're not going to blast a cute little joey or wombat with this shit are you?

If Joey is a kangaroo- fuck yeah! Wombats - apparently they taste like pork, but they are too cute to shoot.

[Sangoma]

I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, but I will just in case.

When you fire that rifle with the new scope, but very sure that you have the stock firmly mounted on your shoulder.

Every hunting season I go into the bars around here and see the novice hunters right off. They're the ones with a black eye or a bruised cut over their sighting eye. Every year.

Don't be one of those guys.

Thanks, Seahill. I certainly don't want a black eye.