Author Topic: Recommendations for scope (Read 1156 times)

Mamba_Driver · « **on:** January 19, 2005, 03:21:52 PM »

Thanks to all for advice on the choice of a .223 barrel. I sent my reciever and stock off today to be fitted for the .223, 24" bull barrel.

Now back to the well one more time for help on selecting a scope. I'll be using the .223 mostly for target shooting. I've been looking at various scopes in the 6-24 power range. Budget, as usual, is a concern. I'd like to stay under $125 as much as possible. The biggest bang for the fewest bucks is the objective. So what else is new? :lol:

Everything that I look at sounds great but nothing beats experience. Again, I'm thinking +/- 6-24X40-6/24X50 and +/- $100. Maybe I'm in the ozone here,... just don't know.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Thanks again!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2005, 03:30:56 PM »

One great scope that fits your criteria is the Simmons Whitetail Classic 18 6.5-20x50 at SWFA for $100. Great glass, made in the Philippines, has a great reputation here and elsewhere. I have one, it's well worth the $$ and then some. It has a granite finish that is a little different, but seems to be very durable. Top scope in the pic is the WTC 18.

http://www.riflescopes.com/departments/252/rifle_scopes/simmons/simmons_whitetail_classic.htm

cheatermk3 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2005, 03:32:56 PM »

See if you can find a Simmons WTC 6-24x50AO they've been on sale at Midway and Natchez for less than $100. They were being closed out but there may still be a few out there.

EDIT: hey quick ya beat me toit. Just looked at one of mine and you're right it's 6-20 not 6-24 and yeah they're great for clarity but a bit lacking on repeatability but good enuff for PDs!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2005, 03:40:54 PM »

Great minds think alike! One of us has the specs down better that the other, though!!! :-D

MSP Ret · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2005, 04:37:00 PM »

Boy, you guys really must know what your doing!!!
I have the same scope and love it!!!....<><.... :-D

quickdtoo · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2005, 04:42:28 PM »

:-D

What ca I say, MSP! Ya just tell um like it is!! :wink:

Fred M · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2005, 05:36:30 PM »

Quick
This looks like a heck of a buy. I pick one up when I get to the States.
Should be ok for a low kicker? Like my up coming 6x47.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2005, 06:11:55 PM »

I know of several fellas at RFC that have them on centerfire guns, one of em that lives north of me has one on his 300win mag, he liked it enough that he bought another! :wink:

mutwagn · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2005, 07:38:17 PM »

Mamba_Driver, I just noticed another great deal on a Simmons at Natchezss.com,
SN SCP 6.5-20X44 WA AO MAT TGT44

Product Number: SN801048
Product Title: SN SCP 6.5-20X44 WA AO MAT TGT44
Item Price: $155.79 $99.95
Availability: In Stock
Shipping Weight: 2.05 lbs.
This model of the 44 mag, has target turrets and 1/8 of minute click adjustments, unlike most of the WTC18 and 44 MAg Simmons that are 1/4 minute values.
I bought another one before Christmas for a 17 HM2 project for $124.95, and was tickled to get it at that price. Now I may have to get one to put back for this price.
I have 2 of the 1048s now, and 1 of the WTC18s, and I would recommend one of these in a minute to any one.
And I am gettingt ready to send my buddy an email on the 1048 as soon as I finish this post. We just switched a WTC18 from a Encore 22-250 of his to a 10/22 we have modified a bit for target and hunting. He needs another scope now, and either one for the money is a bargain.
Quick, RFC is where I learned of these also, and how to tinker with 10/22s.
Hard to beat for the money.
HTHs, Andy

MSP Ret · « **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2005, 01:53:51 AM »

Just a thought if anyone really needs a scope (a used swift). A member, "Robert A Langanger", just sold off his 22-250 barrel and stocks/frame. It had a Swift 4x12x40 (?) on it. He did not say anything about selling the scope, it might be available for a reasonable price....<><.... :wink:

James B · « **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2005, 02:02:43 AM »

I have a Tasco Mag lV in 6X24. It cost 89 dollars and has been a fine accurate scope for me. I have it on a 6.5X55 Swedish Mauser.

Jack Ryan · « **Reply #11 on:** January 20, 2005, 04:08:29 PM »

I've been shooting a lot of years and I hate to admit it but I've just learned something the last day or two that is very important.

Parallax
A condition that occurs when the image of the target is not focused precisely on the reticle plane. Parallax is visible as an apparent movement between the reticle and the target when the shooter moves his head or, in extreme cases, as an out-of-focus image. Bushnell center-fire riflescopes under 11x are factory-set parallax-free at 100 yards; rim-fire and shotgun scopes at 50 yards. Scopes of 11x or more have a special range focus to adjust for parallax.

I thought I knew what it was but I didn't. Then I felt really dorky until I read the above description. I probably never ran in to it until recently because I've upped the power of the scope I've bought.

I'm not for sure yet but, I'm getting the feeling this is the HUGE deciding factor that seperates the cheap scopes from the expensive ones.

I've got a cheap 6x24x50, $80. The parrallax dial on front WILL take it out but it doesn't correspond with themarkings on the dial...

It's something I will know how to check and take a very close look at prior to purchase of any optical products from now on.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #12 on:** January 20, 2005, 04:23:49 PM »

Very few scopes will have indexing on the AO that is exactly on, best way if you are shooting at a known range is to sand bag the rifle and adjust the AO until there is no parallax. Even my Bushnell Elite 4200 isn't indexed any closer than my other much less expensive scopes, it's just a reference to go by.

MGMorden · « **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2005, 04:53:37 PM »

Quote from: Jack Ryan

I've been shooting a lot of years and I hate to admit it but I've just learned something the last day or two that is very important.

Parallax
A condition that occurs when the image of the target is not focused precisely on the reticle plane. Parallax is visible as an apparent movement between the reticle and the target when the shooter moves his head or, in extreme cases, as an out-of-focus image. Bushnell center-fire riflescopes under 11x are factory-set parallax-free at 100 yards; rim-fire and shotgun scopes at 50 yards. Scopes of 11x or more have a special range focus to adjust for parallax.

I thought I knew what it was but I didn't. Then I felt really dorky until I read the above description. I probably never ran in to it until recently because I've upped the power of the scope I've bought.

Great post. I actually noticed the parallax problem on my last trip to the range with one of my scopes, but I never figured that adjusting the focus would do anything to help

.

JPH45 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2005, 05:28:47 PM »

Adjusting the focus at the rear of the scope won't help paralax. This is only adjustable with a focusing objective. All the focus on the rear of the scope will do is create fuzzy or clear images.

Paralax is best seen by moving your eye around the centerline of the scope as you look at a target. The greater the paralax condition,the more the target will appear to move around the crosshair.

All scopes have paralax, there is no way around it, it is a result of the distance betweent the objective lens and the focus lens or eye peice. As that length changes so does the DISTANCE the paralax DISAPPEARS. away from that distance, closer or farther, you will have some degree of paralax. Having an objective that moves, changes the range the paralax occurs at. Nothing more.

The first question to answer is, "Is the crosshair clear and sharply in focus when the rifle is put to the shoulder"?

Once the scope is mounted for proper eye relief (you don't have to move your head forward or back to see clearly through the scope), the crosshairs should appear clean and sharp (no fuzziness at the edge of the crosshair line).If it is fuzzy, adjust the focus untill it is not. The scope is then in focus.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #15 on:** January 20, 2005, 05:36:23 PM »

There's a thread in the Optics forum that details how to properly adjust the ocular lense which adjusts reticle focus only, not the target.

Coastwatcher · « **Reply #16 on:** January 20, 2005, 05:40:53 PM »

I've been using Adjustable Objective scopes for a while and I like them. Simple way to adjust is to look at a neutral background such as cloud and adjust the focus of the ocular lens ( the one closest to your eye ) until the reticle is sharp. Then look at your target and adjust the objective lens so that the target is sharp. The range markings on the objective lens are approximate only.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #17 on:** January 20, 2005, 05:48:10 PM »

Loosen the eyepiece lock ring (if applicable).

Rotate the eyepiece in the negative direction (check your scopes owners manual, typically counter clockwise).

Look Through the scope toward the sky, or at a white wall about 10 away. Rotate the eyepiece clockwise until the reticle appears sharp and black at a quick glance . Do not look through the scope as you turn the eyepiece, as your eye will adjust to the out-of-focus condition. Glancing through the scope will immediately reveal the reticle as distinctive and black when it is properly focused.

Lock the eyepiece in place by tightening the lock ring.

dognot · « **Reply #18 on:** January 20, 2005, 07:18:56 PM »

I have several BSA scopes 4-16 x 50 mm and a 6-24 x 40 mm they seem to be good, they hold a zero good, you get up above 12 power though you notice they get fuzzy easily with heat waves, My Burris doesn't do that. BSA scopes should be around $ 100.00 or so.

Donaldo · « **Reply #19 on:** January 21, 2005, 06:28:14 PM »

Quick...
That 6-20 Simmons looks a lot like a big brother to the ATV. I guess you have both, are they both made in the Philippines? Is the glass on the 6-20 as good as the ATV? Got a chance today at the range to look thru an Elite 4200 6-24 with the 1/4 minute target dot. BooHoo, I want one. It was so clear and pretty thru that thing. Also, did you say the Mueller 8-25 is almost as clear as the 4200?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #20 on:** January 21, 2005, 06:55:58 PM »

Pretty much yes on all counts! The WTC18 is like an ATV on steroids, both are made in the Philippines. The WTC18 just has that krinkle granite finish which some don't like.

And yes the Mueller is almost right there with the 4200 for all practical intents and purposes. I don't have a 6-24x 4200 so I can't comment on the upper power ranges as most scopes over about 20x start to get a little dim, but the Mueller 8.5-25x50 compared to my Elite 4200 4-16x40 is pretty dang close to my eyes in brightness, clarity, resolution and tracks just as well, too. Considering the Mueller is less than $200 and the 4200 6-24x is almost twice that, the Mueller is just a better buy, IMO.

http://www.savageshooters.com/Reviews/Eraticator.html