Author Topic: Ya get what ya pay for, but.... (varmint scope) (Read 775 times)

Questor · « **on:** May 08, 2003, 06:11:17 AM »

I'd like to get a 12x (or more powerful) scope for my Contender but I really don't want to pay for a premium scope. Is there a decent one out there that will work well with low-recoiling ammo? The application is prairie dog shooting.

How does eye relief on a scope like this compare to eye relief of a rifle scope? I'd like to have one scope that will work on either a rifle or a pistol.

willis5 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 08, 2003, 06:18:02 AM »

I don't know if you can get a scope that has eye relief that is so variable as to accomodate rifle and pistol. I just haven't seen one, but I am no expert on scopes or even close to it. Someone please stop my mumbling with a post that has some merit! Optics Forum might help you...
Cheers,
willis5

Questor · « **Reply #2 on:** May 08, 2003, 06:55:04 AM »

If it makes it easier, I'd like recommendations for one that works well for a pistol, and one that works well for a rifle.

Being able to use it on a rifle is just a nice-to-have. The primary purpose is for pistol.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** May 08, 2003, 07:05:25 AM »

There are only two scopes made for handguns that come close to what you are seeking power wise. Both are made by Burris. They make or maybe only used to make a fixed 10X which was called and IER or intermediate eye relief scope. It really was for handguns but maybe in some applications could be used on a rifle but I suspect not with complete satisfaction. The other is the 3-12 variable. Nice scope for specialized applications like target shooting and varmints. Not usable on a rifle in my opinion.

Now for a rifle scope that could be used on both rifle and handgun you really need to define the recoil limit of the handgun. If you are talking about a rimfire or maybe a hornet and perhaps even your .221 Fireball but NOT your 6.5 JDJ then any long eye relief rifle scope will do fine.

The Leupold scopes generally speaking have the longest eye relief in any given power range. But any scope giving you 3.5" or more of eye relief works well at the lower recoil levels on handguns and of course being a rifle scope works on a rifle. Leupold makes or at least used to make a fixed 12X that was superb for this application.

I am currently using a Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24 on a TC .223 barrel and it works OK at the bench. I use a very loose hold and 40 grain bullets are no problem. With a 50 grain it gently kisses me but no problem as it is just too soft a kiss to hurt. Some folks have tried this with the 6 TCU and said they did it OK. I wouldn't be able to with a hold as loose as I use.

GB

xphunter · « **Reply #4 on:** May 08, 2003, 07:52:34 AM »

Comments on Leupold having the longest eye relief in the upper power ranges are correct to my awareness. Just last Friday I did some PD shooting with shots being just beyond 400 yards, shooting with a 284 Win. XP-100 centergrip with a 6.5-20 Leupold scope on it. Shot it about 35 times. One time it did kiss me on the nose--didn't draw blood but let me know she was there. This was using my old favorite load of 59.0 o f H-4831 w/a 140 NBT exiting the barrel @ 2750 FPS.
Most people won't shoot this heavy of recoiling gun with a rifle scope on it, but it can be done if you know your gun & the way it recoils, your limitations, and the constant reminder to get far enought away from it. I don't think I would encourage this for regular hunting though as adrenaline could easily cause you to forget and you could really hurt yourself. Hopefully tommorrow if I feel up to it (been home sick a couple of days) I will do some range shooting @ 600 yards with this set-up and see if my accuracy is any better than shooting my 3-12 LER. I would suggest the 3-12 Burris LER for all around long range shooting and hunting.
xphunter