Decent scope for 223 at 100yds.

[45ACP223]

Hi guys, just picked up a .223 14" barrel and would like to scope it for target/plinking at 50-100 yds. I like to shoot 1" orange dots.  What power do you suggest, a variable say 2-6x or a fixed power 4x or higher?    As far as inexpensive, is Simmons lineup any good, or should I stay with Bushnell, Burris, Nikon?   Leupold is probably out of my price range at the moment.   Thanks, DG

[Ladobe]

Lots of variables to consider.   A 14" 223 barrel with ammo it likes is very capable at 100 yards... and way, way beyond it, sometimes even with commercial ammo.   But (and folks here are probably getting tired of me saying this) to hit small consistently you have to aim small consistently and you can't do that with a 4X scope.   So only your can decide if in the 1" dots most/some of the time will do for you verses a tight group in them every time if the ammo is capable.   You can't go wrong with Bushnell, Burris or Nikon, you just have to decide how many X's to get the results you want.   Since it will do way more than 100 yards, I'd want the X's to be able to shoot it as far as I wanted to.   

[bobg]

    Haven't had any Contenders in a long time but when i did i had Bushnell Trophies on all my barrels. I believe they were 2 1/2 -7. Seem to work ok for the 1" orange dots i shot at.

[Da-Law-Dawg]

I run a Simmons Pro Hunter 2x6 on my 7-30 & ran the same on a 14" .223. Don't have a problem smacking 1" dots at 100 & didn't have any problem nugget thumping groundhogs out to 200 with the .223. I own two of the Simmons and have had good luck with them.

[45ACP223]

Thanks guys for the suggestions, I found a 2-6x Bushnell here on the site.   Hoping that works for me!   

[deerman406]

I am finding that the Weaver scopes are about the best out there. I have shot them all and the Leupolds are nice but pricey as are the Burris's. In never cared for the Nikons or Simmons but I hear a lot of people like them ecsp. the Simmons. I have recently bought 3 of the Weavers in the 2x-8x and they are awesome and if ya look around can be had for $210 brand new and some free shipping on them too. If ya have not bought the bushnell yet, which are a good scope by the way, try the Weaver I am very impressed with mine. Shawn

[Lonegun1894]

I have two of the Simmons 4X fixed "pro hunter" scopes.  They aren't anything special when compared to the other options listed above, but I wanted something fixed power, simple, and easy to use, and these work perfect for my needs.  I have been getting 1.5-2" groups consistently with a .30 Herrett at 100 yds with one of these mounted on it, and 5-6" groups at 200yds.  These aren't in the 1" size like you're looking for, but I wanted to use this pistol for deer and hogs and the groups are very serviceable for that task.  I'm sure I would get smaller groups with more magnification, but like I said, this pistol isn't set up for benchrest competition or long range varmints, so this works for me and my needs.

[shot1]

I agree with getting the Weaver 2.5-8X28. Over the years I have used almost all the pistol scopes and the Weaver is as good as any of the higher priced scopes. I have three of them and never a problem. They are clear and tough and for a little over $200 can't be beat.

[parisite]

For $130 you can't beat the Simmons 2-6x Prohunter. I have two of them, one on my 223 and 7TCU barrels. They do all I need them to do and do it well.