Author Topic: Scope, low lite short range (Read 688 times)

Reg Emmert · « **on:** December 03, 2005, 03:26:04 PM »

Been reading all the scope date on this part of the fourm.

My needs are a little different and would like some input.

Need a tough scope for a Ruger Ranch that is a utility rifle on the Tractor and 5 wheeler inaddition to a walking stalker. When I have the time to hunt--- it is too wet, too hot or too cold, or too dark to be working.

Unlike the open west bench shooting, 200 yds would probably be a really long shot in the timber country of N.MN. Low light capability would be nice.

Targets would be crow, raven,fox, and an a occasinal coyote.

Thus, big magnification isn't the criteria. A few decades on the old eyeballs make open sights out of the question. Only my 264 mag. has a scope of 30 yr. old technology, thus I'm not up on the lastest in low light, lite reticle,distant estimation for hold over site adjustment, etc.

I would like vaiable scope for the difference in target size. Of coarse--- i want quality at a good price. Don't want to pay as much for the scope as the rifle. Livestock farming doesn't pay high wages.

I thank you for all your input in advance.

The Shepherd.

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** December 04, 2005, 02:51:45 PM »

Reg Emmert,

You'll be wanting a good TOUGH variable scope so don't laugh but check out the air rifle models from Leapers. These scopes are REALLY TOUGH as well as being clear, bright and sharp. Check them out at http://www.leapers.com/pages/airgun%20sport/airgun%20scope.htm. Price wise they run around $150.00 and will stand up to the punishment of big bore dangerous game rifles(.378 Weatherby magnum) so you'll have no worry about standing up to your Ruger Ranch Rifle. Lawdog

Jerry Lester · « **Reply #2 on:** December 04, 2005, 10:38:39 PM »

I'm usually quick to agree with Lawdog on most issues, but I'll have to lean another direction on this particular subject.

I'd suggest you go with a good fixed power scope in either 4x or 6x, with an objective of at least 32mm. I use a 6x42 Leupold on my 223, and you can literally see better in the dark with it than you can with your naked eyes(it's a little pricy though). A very close second is the Weaver 6x36, and it can be had for around $140.

6 power scopes can handle any kind of hunting up to 250 yards, and I've potted groundhogs regularly with my 223(6x42 Leupold) at 300+ yards.

Catfish · « **Reply #3 on:** December 08, 2005, 07:43:03 AM »

I buy nothing but Leuopld scopes and recomend nothing but Leupold scopes. That is the only brand I have never had trouble with, and I own about 30 of them at this time. For you needs I would say the 2 1/2 x 7X would be ideal. If you go with a fixed power I would recomand the 4X Leupold, but think you would be better served with the 2 1/2 x 7X. Even the cheap Leupold scopes have a life time gaurentee which I hear is first class, but I have never had call to use it.

Reg Emmert · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2005, 02:04:06 PM »

Lots of good input. A few new ones to check since I was last on. Made a spread sheet w/ 10 criteria. Actually cost was not the highest priority. Find there are a great many options on finding a purchase price. I concentrated more on form and function. Would like your thoughts on some of my picks as to the fit on a Ruger Ranch and how tough they are from user experience. Looked at air rifle scope, shotgun scopes (compacts)and regular rifle scopes. I'm basically comitted to a variable, due to the varability in target size ( Magpies to coyotes). Other than the magpies, crows and ravens hassiling free roaming farm birds, the other problem critters are only around ( when I see them or their tracks) is low light conditions.
As of last weeks spread sheet, I will the top options. In no particular order.
Simmons Aetec 2.8x10
Simmons Prodiamond 1.5x5 ( shot gun)
Muller multi shot 2x7 ( shot gun)
Pentax Light Seeker 1.75 x6
Pentax White tail unlimited 2x5
Bushnell Elite 4200 1.5x5
Burris Fullfield II 1.75x5
Burris Signiture Select 1.5x6
Burris Signiture Safari 1.75x5
Leupold VX III 1.5x5
Leo VH 2x7

Reg Emmert

Qaz · « **Reply #5 on:** December 13, 2005, 03:25:52 AM »

Reg,
You are giving that ranch rifle a lot of credit with crows at 200yds. No ranch rifle I have shot is that accurate, but they probably exist. Jerry is right, a fixed power scope is better, the fewer moving parts the better. The crows at 200yd capability lost me. I was going to suggest a red dot scope, I think Bushnell makes one that is 2x for about 75 bucks. I use one on a spring pellet to shoot pigeons and rats in an unlit barn, I love the red dot. If I was to make a tractor gun up that is what I would use.