Scope vs red dot...vs scout rifle?!

[Chesapeake Troller]

Well I got a 336 in 35 Rem and want some options on scope vs red dot. Like the concept of the scout rifle with the scope down on the barrel, not too sure I understand the entire idea though. I have a red dot on a pistol that I could move over, any suggestions from the forum?How do you have your guns set-up?

Thanks for the advice,

Chesapeake

[oso45-70]

Chesapeake Troller,
Not too sure what you are looking for, But i'll give it a try. First the guide gun scope set up. Some seem to think you can get on target faster with the scope down the barrel. I don't know if this is true or not. I don't think i would like it that way. Its hard to teach an old dog new tricks. I mount all my scopes over the action. On the lever guns i will use either Weaver,
Tally or any number of mounts. In my mind i want the scope as close to the barrel as possable. Some times the hammer is very close to the scope. I almost forgot one thing about the guide gun scope being down the barrel it is to keep it out of the way of the action and the hammer.
C.T. Hope this is of some help. Stay Safe..........Joe

[papajohn428]

oso, if you like your scopes down close to the barrel you ought to try a Scout setup.  I just put one on my 336 in 35 Remington, and have ordered two more, for my 1894's.  Yes, it's that good!  The scope is a lot lower than with a receiver mount, and all you do is sight it like you're using iron sights.  Best of all, you can keep both eyes open, so you can track your target after the shot.  

I've never had a red dot, but I like the idea.  But with a scope, you can see the target more clearly, right?  (I'm guessing here.)  When I get gone with my Marlins, all will wear 2X7 Scopes, and I doubt I'll ever modify anything else!  Of course, I've said that before.......... :roll:

PJ the Adulterating Adapterizer

[Chesapeake Troller]

Thanks to both of you for your comments. I think I am going to talk to my local gun shop and see how they would install it. Which brand and model of 2X7 by the way PapaJohn?

CT

[cfmpilot]

I have a 444 Marlin that I really enjoy shooting; these Marlin levers are simple and rugged. I decided to try a red dot on it and was impressed with the ease of use, but the Model 444 is stocked to shoot with iron sights. I can not get a good cheek weld even with low mounts. So, I removed it and am going to try a good peep sight installed on the receiver.

[foto]

Got all three setups, and the scout setup is the worst of the bunch. Can't get used to it as it seems to bring out an eye dominance problem due to the distance from my eye and takes a lot of time to get on target. Going to get rid of it in fact. Red dots are great for hunting close cover in good light where the shots are unlikely to be more than 75 yard(80% of my hunting). I can get on target and shoot faster than I can even focus through a scope at close targets, but they are really bad at light gathering and stink under low light conditions, almost as bad as iron sights. If you shoot at any distance or sit a stand at dawn/dusk then get a scope like the guys above say, it is truly the best all around sight, but if you hunt close cover, still hunt etc the red dot is the fastest on target especially close in targets. I usually use a scoped rifle in the dawn and dusk when I am on stand and use a red dot the rest of the day for still hunting. best of both worlds, but I would pick the scope if I could only have one. Hope it helps.

[Chesapeake Troller]

Thanks Foto for your thoughts. I too have an eye dominance issue (left eye is dom, shoot rightie) and that would be an problem for sure. I guess I can go with a low power, compact scope like a 1.5-4.5 up to a 2-7. I have a 1.5-6 on my rem 74 30-06 and really like the lower magification for low light and target acquisition.

CT