Author Topic: Need some opinions (Read 583 times)

turkeyhunter · « **on:** August 14, 2004, 11:32:18 AM »

Ok guys, need some help in deciding what to do for optics this year. Here is the situation. I have a Ruger M77MKII .280. I was given a brand new Simmons Aetec 2.8-10 X 44mm scope that he had in his closet. I have never shot the Aetec so I am unsure of what kind of quality I can expect. Please give me some feedback on this scope. Also, if there are any suggestions on a better marriage of gun/scope please let me know. Most of my hunting is open field max 300 yds. Some larger fields but I probably would not attempt a shot past 300 yds. I do some wood hunting as well but usuall not real thick brush.

Prior to being given this scope I had almost decided on a 3-9x40 Nikon Monarch. I was also offered the Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 if I want that one.

So, as you can see, I am very undecided and now even more confused since I have the option for 2 free scopes! HELP!!!!!!!!

Dave in WV · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2004, 11:37:08 AM »

I know a couple of people that have an Aetec and like them. I'd rather have the Buckmaster 3x9. My son has a Monarch 3x9 and likes it as well as his Vari X III Leupold.

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2004, 02:30:32 PM »

I personally would go with the Nikon Monarch. Very hard to bet this scope for the money. The Simmons Aetec is a very clear and bright scope, but have heard of some people having problems on heavier recoil guns. Another one to consider is the Bushnell Elite series, 3200 or 4200 depending on how much you want to spend. But I still would stick with the Nikon.

7magWoodsman · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2004, 02:34:49 PM »

Quote from: Dave in WV

I know a couple of people that have an Aetec and like them. I'd rather have the Buckmaster 3x9. My son has a Monarch 3x9 and likes it as well as his Vari X III Leupold.

I agree with Dave in WV. If you don't want to spend the money on the Monarch I would choose the Buckmaster over the Aetec any day of the week.

I have a Ruger M77 7mm Remington Magnum that wears a 3x-9x 40mm Monarch, and have put close to 2000 shots through it. I practice with it REGULARLY at ranges that vary from 15-400+ yards and it has never lost zero(unless I change ammo, of course)

If your max distance will not exceed 300 yards with "most" shots being less than that and the primary use being for deer sized game I would consider a 4x40mm Monarch myself...but a fixed power scope is just not good enough for some people, and personally I always wondered why :?:

turkeyhunter · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2004, 02:55:53 AM »

Well, I appreciate all of the help.

It looks like I had my mind made up for me. I tried to put the Aetec on my M77 but I would have to get some medium rings for it to work. Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth I mounted the Aetec on my sons NEF .243. It is perfect on that gun. Recoil is what I had worried about with the Simmons on my .280 but I won't worry about it on the .243. My son loves it too!

Now, I still have to find one to mount on my rifle. A local gun shop has advertised the 3x9x40 Monarch for $224.99. I can't find a price like that anywhere. I guess I will go by there and check out what they have and compare them all but for right now I think the Monarch is the winner.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** August 16, 2004, 05:48:20 PM »

Have you checked the prices for my two sponsors SWFA and The Optic Zone? I can't believe a local shop can beat the price of either unless he got some kinda super close out deal on them. One of the two is most always the better price place to shop.

turkeyhunter · « **Reply #6 on:** August 17, 2004, 09:23:30 AM »

I have compared the prices he has in his shop with all advertised prices and so far nobody can come close. Some of this shops Nikon scopes are as much as $60 less and he has over 100 in stock. I spoke to them on the phone this morning and he quoted me a Nikon Monarch 6x42mm Matte for $189.99 and I wouldn't have to pay shipping. This is their everyday price, too, not a sale.

Hey, I am just like anybody else, I am always looking for a deal. I think I have found one. I probably won't be making any purchases for a couple of weeks but I just don't think I could beat that.

Now, as far as comparing scopes I have always preferred a fixed power to a variable but I felt that 4x was just not enough for me. I usually set my 3x9's on about 6x and leave them so finding a fixed 6x scope seems perfect. Does anybody else shoot the fixed 6x's and if so how do you like them?

7magWoodsman · « **Reply #7 on:** August 17, 2004, 03:03:56 PM »

I have a 6x but I only use it for fun...In a hunting situation a 6x is usually(at close range) too much in my "opinion", and is almost always too much in the "running" situation.

I would rather be under magnified than over magnified.
A 6x42 will transmit light good at dark30 but a 4x40 or a 3x-9x 40 set on 5x or less will transmit light better.

I would spend the extra $ for a 3x-9x if you feel the 4x will not fit your needs.

Again these are my opinions...

Happy Hunting

Zachary · « **Reply #8 on:** August 17, 2004, 04:26:41 PM »

Turkeyhunter,

I'm buying a Nikon Monarch 3x-9x-40mm from the optic zone this week. Heck, I've purchased about 7 or 8 scopes from there in the last year or so. This is going to be my 7th Nikon overall I think.

I have used the Monarch 3x-9x-40 for years with no problems. I highly recommend it.

Zachary