Question for Lawdog: scopes

[Questor]

Lawdog:

I'm looking at replacing the scope on my RWS 46 (700-800fps .177)  with a good adjustable scope that I'll use principally for plinking at small targets out to 35 yards, and secondarily for some rabbit and squirrel hunting.  What do you recommend?

Thanks.

[Lawdog]

Lawdog:

I'm looking at replacing the scope on my RWS 46 (700-800fps .177)  with a good adjustable scope that I'll use principally for plinking at small targets out to 35 yards, and secondarily for some rabbit and squirrel hunting.  What do you recommend?

Thanks.

If money is no problem then Burris and Leupold are the best as far as I am concerned.  If money is tight then consider the air rifle approved scopes from BSA or Leapers.  Skimping on the rings/mounts will cause you problems so always get the best you can possibly afford.

For rings/mounts I prefer BLK at http://bkltech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BKL&Category_Code=SMP

BSA scopes at
http://www.bsaoptics.com/productlist.asp?ID=11&Cat_Name=airrifle22.jpg&Cat_Code=AR&Cat_Type=RFAM

or Leapers scopes at http://www.leapers.com/pages/airgun%20sport/airgun%20scope.htm

Personally I prefer a variable powered scope with at least 3-12X 44mm(usually higher as I like a 4-16x, 6-24x or even an 8-32x if I can find one but then I like to be able to see the cross lines on a 1/2” circle on the targets I use at ranges out to 50 yards) but the choice is up to the shooter.  Let us know what you decide on.  Lawdog
 

[Questor]

Thanks. That's a bit of a surprise because I figured you'd recommend one of the Bushnells. I'll take a closer look at the BSAs.

[Lawdog]

Thanks. That's a bit of a surprise because I figured you'd recommend one of the Bushnells. I'll take a closer look at the BSAs.

BUSHNELL???  Not after all the trouble I have had with the last two scopes I bought from them and all the B.S. I got from their Customer Service Department over them.  Bushnell bought Tasco out of bankruptcy but Tasco isn't any better today than they were before they filed bankruptcy.  It’s no wonder that Tasco has the worst name in optics today and it seems that buying Tasco has lowered Bushnell’s quality too.  Not only my opinion but that of many others.  No I can’t and won’t recommend Bushnell products to anyone.  Lawdog
 

[Questor]

Well spoil my britches! I'm glad I asked. Thanks for the info. I always thought the BSAs were supposed to be junk.

[Lawdog]

Well spoil my britches! I'm glad I asked. Thanks for the info. I always thought the BSAs were supposed to be junk.

BSA optics were JUNK up until about two or so years ago when they completely changed their manufacturing process and the way they built their scopes.  Once upon a time Weaver were one of the very best along with Redfield but both companies went into the dumps(basically due to lousy customer service) and are now trying to climb their way back out.  Who knows maybe someday soon they will have a good reputation that they once had back when Jack O'Connor recommended to everyone that read his articles to get a Weaver.  BSA optics are trying to change their reputation too.  Lawdog