Author Topic: Went to Sportsmans Warehouse last night (Read 2239 times)

joshco84 · « **on:** January 18, 2007, 03:13:29 AM »

Well i went in doing a little shopping

Looked at the new handi's and scopes. Have decided on the 204 ruger i think. It was 219 for the heavy barrel with the regular wood stock. It was a very nice feeling gun to hold up in position, it also had really nice weight too it (not super light, but not heavy kind of a happy medium.) Also looked at the scopes and found a few things out. First off scopes were cheaper than we can even get them on optic zone. However optic zone is cheaper than walmart on optics. I looked at a lot of bushnell scopes and one pentax. the bushnells were all about ten dollars less than optic zone and i looked at the Trophy series. The three by nine mildot trophy was the clearest scope i have ever looked through. I have a nikon monarch on my 7 mag and i like this bushnell scope better, and it was only 99 dollars. I also looked at a pentax in four by twelve with a multiline crosshair (kind of like a mildot, but little fine lines). It was also very clear and was 139. I have not yet decided which of the two i will get.

Anyways just thought i would give you guys a heads up on prices and how much i like the Trophy scope. In my opinion it is definately worth the slight price increase over the banner (most are ten or twenty dollars different). And also if you are looking for a budget scope the pentax are very nice too.

I also am going back and buying the gun and one of these scopes

northjdr · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2007, 04:25:38 AM »

I'm probably going to start a big controversy with scopes because everyone has an opinion. In my opinion you get what you pay for with optics. I rather pay for something just once. I would go with a NIkon Monarch 3-9 BDC reticle. Very difficult to judge clarity or brightness in the store. MidwayUSA (i know they're not a sponser but they should be and if one of the sponsers had this price I would mention them)has them on sale for an incredible $230. I know that's more than twice what you were planning to spend but for that you also get a full transferable lifetime warrenty. Ok guys, now you can tell me how wrong I am.

Dillohide · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2007, 04:36:02 AM »

Have a Banner on one 30-06 and a Trophy on another 30-06. Both 3x9x40. Like the Trophy a little better. Both have held up to 30-06 recoil well. Busnell has clear optics even on their cheaper scopes. I have a 4x32 Sportsman temporarily stuck on a 45/70 that's very clear and so far holding up under 1800 to 2200 fps blast from the beast. Was surprised at it's clarity under low light deep woods conditions the one time I took it hunting last day of deer season.

cowboyup453 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2007, 04:42:06 AM »

I recently got a pentax gameseeker 4-12x40. I have not had the chance to get to the range but it seems to be good. The main thing I liked is that I could use medium rings with this scope. It seems to gather light well also. Ill give a beter report after I get to the range.

ONE HOLE 4570 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2007, 04:52:45 AM »

Looked at the banners here 4-12ao & they wanted $97 at acadamy I'll have to look in sportsman's too

bigjeepman · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2007, 05:43:16 AM »

joshco84 ...

good post and another discussion coming out of this one ... I always say, to each his own. Personally, I feel like northjdr about scopes. I am under the opinion it would be like buying a new car and buying $20 (ea) tires for it. It is something I just cannot allow myself to do. I have a brother who has a lot of nice AR's, bolt actions, etc and not one ... not one quality scope on any of them. To me, quality means waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, good light transmission, clear to my eyesight (this is a variable for all of us), and a solid warranty. My brother kept saying how good of a shooter I was until I proved him wrong last year. I had him go the range with me and my rifles only. Guess what he did? The groups he shot that day were better in two of my bolt actions than I have ever shot. I keep good records both for reloading and an album of targets for different rifles and loads. He shot a 3 shot group with MY Savage 10FP .223 that measured (by our friend the gunshop owner) .227". It made me sick.

With all the competition between optic manufacturers, very good scopes can be had for less money than most think. The Nikon Monarch 3-9x40 (BDC reticle) can be bought for $218.00. I know some of you will say that is a lot of money and you won't do it. I understand ... believe me I do. I am looking to buy a new 7mm-08 and the scope I think I will get for it is priced at less than $200. I have scopes that cost more than $400 each and I have never regretted spending that kind of money. But I think very good, lower powered scopes can be bought for half as much.

Good shooting with your new .204 ...

northjdr · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2007, 06:03:37 AM »

I guess the right scope is the one that's right for you. If you do any volume of shooting you will spend far more on ammo than the optics, even if you get the higher priced optics. While looking through the reticles of my nicer scopes I have never wished I would have saved money by going with BrandX. However, I have looked through the reticle of cheaper scopes and wished i would have gotten the better optics in the first place. My .308 ultra chewed up and spit out a decent Simons Master series after 80 rounds or so. In other words, I spent about $100 on ammo and then had to start over. Hey, but we are all different... I think you'll have a ton of fun with a 204. that dog'll hunt.

ONE HOLE 4570 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2007, 06:58:53 AM »

I agree with the cost factor but the banner I was looking at is going on a 10-22 ruger. I just picked up a model seven in 708 & am looking for a light durable scope & have settled on a leupold compact around $300 (lightest I have found). I have a couple 1-4's and 2-7 leupold compacts & like them. Some have beed abused & still are working great. It's all in what you want to do with it.

Dave Allen · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2007, 08:14:35 AM »

hello...i won't say your wrong the trophy might just be fine...as other's have mentioned stepping up on optic's will pay for itself in the long haul...i have had a few to many that wouldn't hold zero...good luck...

south_river_redneck · « **Reply #9 on:** January 18, 2007, 09:06:16 AM »

Can't you also buy a handi with a scope already mounted? If so, are they any good?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** January 18, 2007, 09:10:30 AM »

Quote from: south_river_redneck on January 18, 2007, 09:06:16 AM

Can't you also buy a handi with a scope already mounted? If so, are they any good?

H&R NEF will be offering scoped Handis in the near future, they can be seen on their web site, those in their 2007 catalog have lower mounted scopes than those shown on the web site.

Tim

http://hr1871.com/Firearms/Rifles/youth.aspx

http://hr1871.com/News/pressreleases.aspx

Quote

Factory-mounted scopes – Five models are now available with mounted and bore-sighted scopes. They include a 223 Handi-Rifle with a 22” bull barrel with a 3-9x32 variable scope, and three models in 243, also equipped with 3-9x32 scopes: an adult and a youth model with hardwood stocks, and a youth model with a black synthetic stock. A 12-gauge, bull barrel slug gun is also available with a 3-9x32 scope and a hardwood stock.

mookster79 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 18, 2007, 09:37:24 AM »

Optics is the one place that I will not shave money when it comes to my firearms. Not only for quality of glass, but for the life of the firearms you have. I have scopes that have seen use on 2 or 3 different rifles. I went with my .223 handi as my varmint gun because it is cheaper than a lot of other rifles, but it shoots great. Also for a single shot platform I don' think you can go wrong. I paid 260 for my .223 stainless/ synthentic handi, and spent 330 on my scope. Buriss fullfield II. I have a Leupold on my ruger .22lr and a Leupold pistol scope on my .44 mag. Those scopes were zeroed by my brother who passed away over 5 years ago, 7 or 8 years mounted total. I baby my firearms, but I can take either out of the safe and the accuracy, clarity, and above all dependability are there every time. I went with the Burris because I got a littler more magnification for my money and I think the glass is just as good.

There are a ton of good scopes out there, and it all depends on what you want and what you are using them for. I am not saying go buy a thousand dollar tactical scope to shoot pd, but a little more money up front goes a long way in my experience.

Norseman112 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2007, 09:57:00 AM »

I wonder what kind of scope they are mounting on the handi rifles from the factory? I hope it isn't a trashco. I have spent some good money on scopes and I do belive you get what you pay for however you can get some decent scopes for less money. I do have a couple
of bushnells and one mueller tactical scope that I consider decent scopes that don't cost an arm and a leg.

John

burntmuch · « **Reply #13 on:** January 18, 2007, 10:06:52 AM »

I think burris is hard to beat for under $200 life time warrenty. Ive had to use it on a 20 year old scope. they stood by it. I love leupold, but there getting kinda pricey.

joshco84 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 18, 2007, 03:30:29 PM »

if everybody would have read my original post all the way through it says that i have a nikon monarch gold on my 7 rem mag (which is a sako) So i know all about good optics and firearms, and am saying that i think this scope is just as clear. it is a VERY NICE SCOPE for the 99 dollars you pay for it versus 300 dollars or more for an expensive scope. And no i dont like scimping when it comes to optics but i am building a gun on a budget and am telling others that may be doing the same that these scopes are nice and i believe a good deal for the money. I didnt say anything about starting a cheap/expensive debate on optics. all i was saying is that if you are on a budget these are nice scopes. of course if we all had the money to buy nikons and leupolds, there wouldnt even be a bushnel would there?

?

bigjeepman · « **Reply #15 on:** January 18, 2007, 04:58:37 PM »

Actually, I didn't even think it got to the point of being a debate. After I read your reply, I went back and read every reply and I didn't read too much controversy in it. I think you passed on some good information about some optic deals. Each of us has our own definition of a "good buy." Actually, I was trying to make a point of the fact that you don't necessarily have to spend $400 or higher to get what I consider a good quality scope. I gave my definition of what I consider quality to mean and so did others. Being just "clear" doesn't mean it won't fog up at the worst of times. I have a old Simmons scope on one of my 17 HMR's that is so clear ... well, it is as clear as I have ever seen. But, I wouldn't want that same Simmons on my .243 coyote rifle in the woods with a wet snow coming down.

I also understand about putting a rifle/scope setup together while being on a budget and I'd just about bet everyone else has been down that road at one time or another. As a matter of fact, that is when I bought that Simmon's scope.

Everything is well and it is healthy to hear everyone's opinion. Good shooting to you all .....

northjdr · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2007, 05:14:43 AM »

I agree. I don't read any controversy into this discussion. And as I re-read the thread you were simply stating that you thought there was some good optics for the bargain shopper. You didn't really even ask a question, but if you state an opinion in a forum like this is is likely you will get the opinion of others. Like anything else, we all have our own experiences and they color our perceptions. Some of us think that you get what you pay for with scopes. It dosn't mean that all cheap scopes are awful or that all expensive scopes are trouble free. With the competiion in the market place, if the quality of the lower priced optics continues to improve, it does put price pressure on the higher priced optics. Good for us. Good look with your hew setup.

joshco84 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2007, 11:46:04 AM »

yes guys im sorry i was tired and irritable after work when i read that when i replied and am sorry for my response. sorry just had one of those days, and there was no need for a response like that

bigjeepman · « **Reply #18 on:** January 21, 2007, 12:26:47 PM »

Not a problem at all joshco84 .... heck, we are all brothers here.

Good shooting to you and let us know how it shoots. I think some of the most interesting reading here is when someone gets a new rifle, ask questions about tuning it up, ask ammo or reload questions, goes to the range with it, and then reports back to his friends at GBO. If there are any issues or questions at that time, we all know what to do .... just post a question.

joshco84 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 21, 2007, 12:47:54 PM »

yeah, my next purchase will be the lee anniversary reloading kit. i figured for a small round like the 204 it should handle it fine and be great for handloading. so hopefully i start reloading before too long. i already reload some shotshells, not too many, but that is one of my favorite parts of turkey hunting, and costst soo much less than factory turkey shells (and mine shoot faster anyways

) but yeah really looking forward to reloading the 204.

tuck2 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 21, 2007, 09:35:57 PM »

If you plan on going prairie dog shooting get a 4-14 X or 6.5-18 X power scope with AO . The .204 Ruger round is flat shooting rifle and the higher power scopes fit it. Reloading data for the .204 Ruger round is at web site www.rugerhunting.com

northjdr · « **Reply #21 on:** January 22, 2007, 04:19:53 AM »

As someone who just started re-loading a month ago I can tell you that you will wonder why you didn't do it earlier. Sportsmans also has a pretty good for selection of reloading supplies and most of their prices are in the ballpark. I don't know much about the Lee Aniversery kit. I boought a variety of different parts. You may want to read the reviews for the components that make up the kit at MidwayUSA. You might also check out Midsouth Shooters supply which is one of the sponsers here. My local Sportmans has several very knowledgeable reloaders and they have provided me with excellant advice, as have a number of people in this forum. good luck.

joshco84 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 22, 2007, 11:43:51 AM »

yeah north i have been looking into it for quite a while and have looked at all the goodies (from super cheap to super expensive). i just havnt got around to getting stuff to start mettalic reloading. I have already bought the lyman metallic reloading book and have read it through a couple of times. i also have an old wooden desk i am going to mount the reloader on. just havnt got the equipment yet. i really need to though because buying shells for a 7 mag is not fun (wayyyyyy too expensive)

cascadedad · « **Reply #23 on:** January 22, 2007, 11:53:26 AM »

"Went to Sportsmans Warehouse last night............."

Nothing gets me in more trouble!

northjdr · « **Reply #24 on:** January 22, 2007, 04:23:43 PM »

I got the Lyman book as well. Also there's a ton of information online. Reloading is like many other things in life. Some people are happy with some basic knowledge and others want to know everthing there is to know. I am probalby a bit towards the want to know everything. The problem I had with the various reloading kits was that there is always a piece or two that don't work as well. For example, maybe the press is solid but the scale is sub-standard. However it's hard to argue with the price. If you try it and don't like it you're not out that much with a kit, even mid-priced kit. If you stay at it you will probably end up replacing the components in the kit. My components are much better then my abilities at this point, but I hope to grow into them. I'm starting to work up loads for my 300wsm...its fun thinking of the money I'm saving, but it's more fun squeezing more accuracy from a gun.

joshco84 · « **Reply #25 on:** January 23, 2007, 03:26:14 AM »

yeah i plan on replacing some of the items in the kit as i go along with better equipment, but i figured for starting out it would be a good way to go.