Nikon has long been a provider of great cameras, binoculars and rifle scopes. Until recently, I have not had the opportunity to use or test one of these great scopes. My friend Fred McLean wanted to buy his first deer rifle this year and so off we go on an adventure to guns shops. Fred chose a Remington 700 ADL Synthetic rifle in .270 Winchester caliber, so we looked for a moderately priced scope in the $200 range to complement the rifle. We looked at Tasco, Burris, Leupold and Nikon scopes, and decided that the Nikon Buckmaster was the best value.
Buckmasters has worked for many years with Nikon Sport Optics to provide hunters with all the features needed by American hunters. The specific features of this scope are provided below but I want to tell you about the features we thought were the most important when we shopped for scopes.
First, the great looks of the Nikon Buckmaster grab your attention. The finish is perfect to match the Remington 700’s matte finished stock and metal. The matte finish is smooth instead of the glaring finish of some scopes. The size is just right for a deer hunting rifle, no over sized objective end, and moderate length.
ALSO SEE Best Rifle Scopes For Deer Hunting
The 3×9 magnification is great for most big game hunting conditions. A great feature on the scope is the shape of the power adjustment knob. It correctly turns clockwise to increase power and the knob has a nice raised “thumb bump” ala Leupold VXIII to make moving the power ring easy, even with cold wet fingers. Leupold should take notice for its VXI & VXII line. The scope’s optics are also bright and clear, with coated optics for maximum light transmission. The Nikoplex reticle is also just the right size for big game hunting, not too fine in the center to be hard to see in low light or not to heavy to cover too much target at long distance. The last of the key features is the 1/4″ click elevation and windage adjustments. All those features are useless unless they perform as advertised in the field, so let’s see how the scope performed.
We mounted the scope on the Remington 700 and it really looked great . The 40mm objective made it possible to mount the scope with medium height rings for comfortable sight alignment. After bore sighting, we went to the range for site in and some 100 yard practice. We found that the windage and elevation adjustments were positive and accurate, moving the impact of the bullet 1/4″ per click just as it should. The cross hair was easy to see and we obtained sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. The power ring moved smoothly and easily.
On to the field the following weekend we found that the Nikon worked flawlessly, the sight picture bright, and very lucky! Minutes before shooting hours were over a nice 10 point buck walked out of a thicket and Fred took his first deer with the his new Remington 700 .270 and Nikon Buckmaster scope. I would recommend the scope to any hunter with great confidence. It is a great rifle scope for only $200.00.
UPDATE: Sorry to say that the Nikon scope line has been discontinued.
Sig Sauer Buckmaster: Affordable Optics for the Value-Conscious Hunter
Sig Sauer is now making the Buckmaster line of rifle scopes. I think Jackie Bushman has found a good partner with Sig who makes great scopes. These scopes are well made and provide very good optics for an affordable price.
Sig Sauer, a renowned name in the world of firearms, offers a range of optics catering to various needs and budgets. Among these, the Buckmaster line stands out for its balance of affordability and functionality, making it an attractive option for hunters seeking value without compromising quality.
Built for the Hunt:
The Buckmaster line is specifically designed with hunters in mind. Here are some key features that make them well-suited for the field:
- Custom Buckmasters BDC Reticle: This reticle features holdover dots for long-range shooting accuracy up to 500 yards. This eliminates guesswork and allows for quick, precise shots, even at extended distances. (Note: Not all Buckmaster models feature the BDC reticle)
- Seamless Integration (on select models): When paired with the Sig Sauer Buckmasters 1500 LRF rangefinder, some Buckmaster riflescopes offer the innovative “Buckmasters Mode”. This feature automatically calculates the appropriate holdover dot based on the measured distance from the rangefinder, further simplifying long-range shot placement.
- Built to Last: The Buckmaster line is constructed with durability in mind, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of the outdoors and various weather conditions. (Note: Not all Buckmaster models are waterproof)
Variety for Every Hunter:
The Buckmaster line offers a variety of riflescopes with different magnification ranges (e.g., 3-9x40mm, 3-12x44mm) and objective lens diameters (e.g., 40mm, 50mm) to cater to different hunting styles and terrains. Additionally, the Sig Sauer Buckmasters 1500 LRF rangefinder provides a compact and lightweight solution for accurate distance measurement.
Value Proposition:
The Buckmaster line bridges the gap between affordability and functionality. While they may not boast the same level of features as Sig Sauer’s premium optics, they offer reliable performance and essential features at a competitive price point, making them a solid choice for budget-conscious hunters.
So, if you’re looking for a dependable and affordable optics solution for your next hunting adventure, the Sig Sauer Buckmaster line is definitely worth considering.
SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9×40 Rifle Scope at Amazon $118
SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9×50 Rifle Scope at Amazon $119
SIG SAUER Buckmasters 4-12×40 Rifle Scope at Amazon $108
SIG SAUER Buckmasters Tactical Hunting Shooting Durable Waterproof Fogproof Shockproof One-Piece Tube Second Focal Plane BDC Reticle Riflescope
- BEST PERFORMANCE – The Buckmasters Rifle Scopes were inspired by Jackie Bushman to bring the performance of SIG SAUER Electro-Optics to a value that is within reach for every hunter; This scope for rifles available with various magnification options to bring freedom of choice
- BUCKMASTERS BDC RETICLE – This rifle scope comes equipped with a unique Buckmasters Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle, complete with holdover dots that extend up to a distance of 500 yards; Avid hunters know the upgraded game hunting comes with upgraded equipment
- GREAT CONSTRUCTION -The Buckmasters hunting rifle scope has extra durable construction with a single-piece, 1-inch main tube; For those who appreciate the convenience, it also features an integrated thread in the throw lever which allows for quick magnification changes
- WEATHER RESISTANT – Dependable waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof performance and high-performance optical system with low dispersion glass of the Buckmasters scope makes your hunting season non-stop whatever weather is on the way; See the target with a reliable magnification of 3-9X40mm
- SIG SAUER – In our world-class facilities, we build the toughest, most precise rifles, pistols, optics, suppressors, ammunition, airguns, holsters, and various accessories, while offering the finest guns training – all as a fully integrated system
| Brand | Sig Sauer |
| Color | black |
| Style | 3-9X40mm |
| Sport | Hunting |
| Item Weight | 15.2 Ounces |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 40 Millimeters |
| Magnification Minimum | 3 x |
| Compatible Devices | Shotgun, Rifle, Cross Bow |
| Mounting Type | Cantilever Mount |
| Night vision | No |
Sig Sauer BUCKMASTERS Combo Kit
Buck Master 3-9×40 BDC Scope & Kilo 1500 Rangefinder $189 at Amazon
Buck Master 3-12×44 BDC Scope & Kilo 1500 Rangefinder $197 at Amazon
Buck Master 3-9×50 BDC Scope & Kilo 1500 Rangefinder $223 at Amazon
Sig Sauer BUCKMASTERS Combo Kit – Kilo 1500 6x22mm Rangefinder & Hunting Second Focal Plane BDC Reticle Scope
- Very ergonomic and lightweight with high contrast displays
- 2 piece combo kit with everything you need to get the most accurate and ethical shot every time.
- Generous and consistent eye relief
- Fully multi-coated optical system for increased light transmission
- waterproof, shockproof and fog proof
Sig Sauer Buckmasters 4-16x44mm
Sig Sauer Buckmasters 4-16x44mm $184 at Amazon
30mm Side Focus
BDC Reticle
Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Sig Sauer Buckmasters Rangefinder and Riflescopes Electro-Optics were designed with input from hunting expert Jackie Bushman, to provide high-performance optics at an affordable price. The Buckmasters Riflescopes feature a custom BDC reticle with holdover dots out to 500 yards.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12X40mm Scope
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 4-12X40mm Scope $193 at Amazon
- Waterproof Fogproof Hunting scope
- Second Focal Plane 1-inch Tube Diameter
- 3x optical zoom offered in second focal plane (SFP) with multiple reticle options
- Low dispersion (LD) glass provides industry leading optical clarity for any situation
- European style eyepiece for a smooth, fast, and precise reticle adjustment
- Dependable waterproof (IPX-7 rated for complete immersion up to 1 meter) and fog-proof performance Durable and long lasting.
Sauer Alpha Hunting Medium Steel Rings, 1″
Sig Sauer Steel Scope Rings. Available is low, medium, high. 1″ and 30mm.
Sig Sauer Alpha Hunting Medium Steel Rings, 1″ $47 at AMAZON
Sig Sauer Alpha Hunting Medium Steel Rings, 30mm $59 at AMAZON
Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight
Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight $127 at AMAZON
ROMEO5 GUN SIGHT – The ROMEO5 1X20mm Red Dot Sight mounts on any platform, and even though it’s small, it’s tough; The solid, lightweight aluminum design gives peak performance & years of service, so you can be on the top of a hunt or shooting competition
2 MOA RED-DOT – For those avid shooters who admire classic red dot reticles on their gun sights, the Romeo5 has 2-MOA Red-Dot, which is also adjustable; It provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 NV) for visibility in all light conditions
MOTAC TECH – The versatile ROMEO5 red dot sight features our Motion Activated Illumination technology; It is developed to increase battery life by shutting down the system when not in use and instantly activating it by the slightest vibration/movement
VERSATILE MOUNT – This gun sight comes with an integrated Picatinny mount & provides industry-standard mounting options for a wide range of applications; Also M1913 Picatinny low mount riser & a co-witness 1.41″ riser mount guarantees great compatibility.
Nikon 3×9 Buckmaster Scope Features
Nikon Buckmasters 3-9×40, Nikoplex Reticle, Matte Black Finish.
Rugged waterproof, shockproof and fog proof tube is nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed for maximum performance under all field conditions,.
Precision ground and polished optical glass is coated with Nikon’s exclusive Brightvue for 88% light transmission, super clarity and high resolution,.
Positive, audible steel-to-brass 1/4 MOA click windage and elevation adjustments eliminate reticle creep or backlash, Nikoplex reticle in all models for quick, easy target acquisition under all lighting conditions at all ranges.
No-glare, scratch-resistant matte finish.
Each scope backed by Nikon’s exclusive Lifetime Limited Warranty – your guarantee of complete satisfaction, 100% waterproof, fog proof performance.
Nikon Brightvue anti-reflective, multicoating 1/4 -minute, steel-to-brass, positive click adjustments. Classic variable, excellent for game from deer to varmints, Large field of view and exit pupil at low power; excellent for brush, timber or running game.
Plenty of magnification for accurate long range shot placement at high power.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X50 FireDot | Optical Excellence
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