Affordable Scope Recommendations

[goldentrout]

Ok, have a couple questions:

1) In keeping with the mentality of why I purchased my second handi (25/06), I'm looking for a scope that is functionable, pratical, and affordable.  I'm leaning towards a fixed 4X power, but also considering a 2-7X32. I've been considering the Nikon prostaff, Alpen Kodiak, and the Bushnell Banner.  Any thoughts on these and other considerations...I know 25/06 can reach out aways, but I'm hoping to keep most of my shots under 200 yds (always have in the past) plus I like the idea of trying to keep down the scope height and weight of the overall package.

2) Why can't I search now that I'm registered to the site? I thought I could search before I became a member....and sorry if this is a redundant question, but just can't figure out the search function now.

Thanks,
Mark

[olbiffer]

I went with the 2x7 prosatff on my 45-70 and am very satisfied with it. Its bright,clear, and has plenty of eye relief. Can't tell ya anything about the alpen or bushnell tho. hope this helps.       T.

[northjdr]

I love my Nikon Prostaff 3x9  on my Mach 2. I'm not trying to upsell you but MidwayUSA is having an incredible sale on some Nikon Monarch scopes. I own a Monarch 3x9 with BDC reticle and a Buckmasters 4.5x14.  If you plan on shooting beyond 100yrds you may want to consider at least a 3x9. I don't have any experience with the Bushnell. I do have an Alpen spotting scope which performs very nicely for it's modest cost.

[stimpylu32]

The search is down till Matt has a chance to get it working properly it keeps shuting down the site the way it is . as for a scope i like the Bushnell Banner in a 3x9 , very clear optics and it gives you the op for more power if needed for longer shots or just keep it at 4 or 5 power for close in stuff . 

stimpy

[quickdtoo]

I would check out our sponsors before going to Midway, The Optic Zone's regular prices usually beat anything else on the net. Jon has some great specials going right now, be sure to check em out.

One of em is the Burris Full Field II for $165, I have two of them,  one on my .25-06 Ultra, great scope with the ballistic plex reticle.

A large objective isn't a problem with a Handi/Ultra, hammer clearance is.

I'm real fond of the Leupold VX-1, I have a couple 2-7x33s and 1 each 3-9x40 and 4-12x40, they're all mounted in medium Burris Signature Zee rings with plenty of clearance for the hammer. The Bushnell may need either high rings or a hammer modification due to the large power ring and ocular bell, I have the 1½-4½x32 Banner mounted on a .45-70 Handi, I had to remove a bit of the hammer to clear the scope.

Tim

http://theopticzone.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=188

http://theopticzone.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=38

http://theopticzone.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=54

http://theopticzone.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=56

http://theopticzone.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=44

1½-4½x32 Banner


Burris FFII 3-9x40


Leupold VX-1 2-7x33

[goldentrout]

All -

Thanks for the responses, I already have a Nikon Buckmasters on another rifle that has performed well and I'm leaning towards the prostaff with the Banner a close second based on suggestions here and from a friend.  Quick - brings up and interesting point that I had not considered before, around the hammer clearance issue.  Those of you that have the prostaff did you need medium or high rings for appropriate clearance?

Also, another question, I've been reading that the 2X7 is a shotgun scope and that the parallax (sp?) is 50 or 75 yrds (depends on the source) what does this specification refer too and does it have any impact on putting a shotgun scope on centerfire rifle for somewhat longer ranges.

Also, I'll check out the sponsors, usually like to buy locally, but if I order it online, I'm happy to support companies that support this site.

Thanks,
Mark

[quickdtoo]

I had a Prostaff mounted on the .270 barrel I just sold myarmor, it was mounted in medium Burris Sig Zees.

Parallax can be seen by setting the rifle in a rest or bags and looking thru the scope and moving your head around a little without moving the rifle, the reticle will appear to move in relation to the target as you change eye position slightly. Basically, a 75yd parallax setting means that regardless of you eye/head position behind the ocular bell, the reticle and thus POI will be the same, but at any other range, varying head position can result in changes in POI. I had a 75yd parallax shotgun scope on a .45-70 that I was able to shoot moa at 100yds with PMC ammo, it still shot 2½-3" groups at 200yds, so I wouldn't worry too much about it, but the only way to know for sure is to shoot it at that range.

Tim

[greenjeans]

I really like the Bushnells. I have Banners on several handi's and Had to use high rings. I use the Leupold Rifleman Rings and due to the size of the power knob and ocular bell, like Quick said, it takes the highs. Since I use my rifles for hunting, I don't let the little bit of increased height bother me.

[Graybeard]

If you're considering the 2-7 range why not also take a look at the Mueller 2-7. I've not had my hands on one yet but from the reviews I've seen they are nice scopes and in your price range as well.

[goldentrout]

Graybear - I have not heard of the Mueller's before, any information or links for references?  I'll take a peak on the web later ....lots of time right now, taking our second major storm of the year here in Denver/Littleton, CO.

Thanks,
Mark

[Graybeard]

Their website is:  http://www.muelleroptics.com/ They have a banner in the rotation you can click on any time you see it or like all sponsors you can go to our Home Page and click on the link to them there.

[quickdtoo]

Mark, Mueller is another GBO sponsor and makes some very good, affordable scopes. I forgot about the 2-7x32 Multi-shot, it's also a great scope with an illuminated dot and centerplex type reticle. Mine is on my 835 now, but I did have it on a .30-30 Handi.

Tim

http://muelleroptics.com/products/MU2732IGR.html

[safetysheriff]

where, if anyone knows, are the Mueller's being manufactured?

ss'   

[quickdtoo]

Muellers are assembled in PRC, glass is from Japan, other parts are multi sourced for the best price.

Tim

[Wolfgang]

Mark,

I just wanted to weigh in on the Muellers as well.  I thought enough of them to get my friend who has a small gun shop to become a dealer for them.  He can't keep them on the shelf.  He was pretty skeptical about them due to the price and after getting some in he has mounted several on his own rifles.  He is sold on them as well.  I personally own three of them, two are 3x9's with the German style illuminated retical and I also mounted the high power Mil-Dot Tactical model on my .308 which I use at work.  Considering what that particular rifle is (hopefully never) going to be used for I guess I can't give a much better endorsement than that.  Hope this helps.

Wolfgang

[brotherjack]

I've never owned anything but Bushnells, so I can't comment on the others.   But, I have gobs of firsthand experience with Bushnells, so here's my $0.02 CDN funds.

If you're thinking about a Banner, have a long hard look at a Bushnell Sportsman scope.   The Sportsman is a much tougher construction (look at the lack of exposed plastic, as compared to a Banner), and I can't really tell much/any differennce in optic quality between a Banner and a Sportsman.  Nothing wrong with the banner mind you (I have a Banner 3.5-10x - works great, no complaints at all), but I think the Sportsman is a tougher scope for less money - and "tough" is a consideration for a hunting gun.   I've had (or still have) 3 of the Sportsman 3-9's, and I have pounded the heck out of them - the two from hunting rifles have dents and scratches all over them now, and the thrd is on my high power spring-air rifle (a type of gun notorious for eating scopes), and never had a problem with any of them.

Just food for thought.   I think if anything, the Sportsman has a bigger occular bell than the Banner, so that might be a downside to think about.

I too have heard very good things about the Muellers, and someday when I've got the spare money to try one, I intend to.

[t-roy]

at the local gunshows, scope by NCstar, and konus seem to be hot sellers.  both have a lifetime warrantee (big selling point).  i know of a few poeple who have the ncstars on their guns, and have no complaints. i recently bought a konus pro for my muzzleloader, but have yet to put it to use. with the warrantee if the scope breaks, send it in for a new one.  or, if you don't want to stick with the brand, sell the new one off and go another route.  CHEAP scope with a lifetime warrantee.  just another option for you to look into

[goldentrout]

OK - Looked at the Muellers and not sure I like the reticles on them, I prefer the simple cross hairs.  Think I'm between Bushnell and Nikon.  I know the prostaff has great light gathering capabilities for low light, those of you that have the Banner and Sportsman (BrotherJack), how do they perform in low light conditions?

Again, thanks for all the valuable input!

- Mark

[myarmor]

I like the Banners, as I like the Prostaffs.
 My only complaint with the Prostaffs is being able to see screws inside the scope when I look into it. Not a big deal, but It's just kinda distracting. Still they have nice clear glass and both have a good price for the man on a budget.

-Aaron

[turkeyeye]

I have been well served with the Burris Fullfield II.

[MSP Ret]

I like the Simmons line and have a couple plus a Red Dot from them that are all great. A couple of buddies that I coyote hunt with in Maine saw my coyote setup, A .22 Mag Sportster with a Simmons ref dot and liked it so much they have bought the exact same setups, except we each have a different stock setup on our guns. I have the Survivor stock and forearm, one guy has the standard synthetic Monte Carlo and the other prefers a wood stock, IIRC it's a Monte Carlo also. I set up each of the guns and mounted the red dots for them and they are working great and have done so for a couple of years now under extreme conditions with temps to -27 degrees while we were hunting. My Simmons Whitetail Classic 6.5-20x50 and my Simmons shotgun scope also have preformed flawlwssly with great light transmission and fine lenses. They also have a lifetime warranty and I understand thier new Master Class scopes are outstanding....<><....

[PartsMan]

I have been looking at getting a swift 6x40 fixed for mine.
Don't have it yet but the eye peace should fit over a handy hammer nicly.
(the first thing I look at before buying a handi scope.)
Search for swift optics on google it comes up.
My local gun shop has carried them for years.
Pretty good scope not so expencive.

[lik2hunt]

at the local gunshows, scope by NCstar, and konus seem to be hot sellers.

I've actually been looking at both these brands lately. I like the 6x40 fixed Konus and the NCStars also have fixed and variables and are a little cheaper......uhh.....less expensive. I'm really thinking of putting one of the Konus 6x40's on my Huntsman. NC Star has a 6x42 mil-dot that looks interesting as well. 
I just purchased a Barska 3-9x50 from the Sportsmans Guide and like itl. haven't had it on a gun yet so can't really give any mileage detail for it yet but it seems solid enough and very well made. Kinda like a low end Simmons. I'll give it a try on my Savage/Springfield 840 30-30.
Bottom line is there are plenty of offerings out there and you've already been given some great recommendations. The only other thing I could ad would be to search the web forums constantly for used scopes. There are a lot of good deals offered out there. I've bought several used scopes off Ebay and from forums and have never gotten a bad one yet. Have 4 Simmons Aetecs that I have a total of $70 apiece average in and they are some great scopes.

[OLDHandgunner]

Have to put in my 2 cents worth on this subject. Over the past 35+ yrs. of buying scopes I'll tell you this. Most of my older guns have Luepold, Redfield, & Lyman All-Americans. Lately on some of the newer guns I own I've been using Burris & a couple of Nikons.
I have had very good luck with the Pro-Staff. Can't bet it for the price. Very clear & seems to hold true. But I still look for the older scope @ gun shows. Like to have a few of them on hand.

[goldentrout]

Thanks to all for the responses.  I finally purchased a scope yesterday, the Bushnell Banner in 3X9-40, found it locally for $69, seemed to be a decent deal and for roughly half the price fo the pro-staff I thought I'd give it a try based on many of the positive comments I've seen from members here.

Now the final question, for those of you that have this scope, what size rings do you have it mounted on, mediums or highs?  Also, do you know the tube size 1" or 30mm, seemed strange it was not marked on the box or in the paperwork (maybe I overlooked it too).

Also, any recommendations on affordable ammo on the 25/06, I have a couple rounds that I intend to use for hunting (assuming the rifle likes them), but I'm looking for something that I can shoot more often and not break the bank.  For reference I don't handload.

Thanks,
Mark

[Martinincanada]

Get a vintage steel Weaver in 4x or 6x on ebay. Best bang for your buck!

[quickdtoo]

Now the final question, for those of you that have this scope, what size rings do you have it mounted on, mediums or highs?  Also, do you know the tube size 1" or 30mm, seemed strange it was not marked on the box or in the paperwork (maybe I overlooked it too).

Also, any recommendations on affordable ammo on the 25/06, I have a couple rounds that I intend to use for hunting (assuming the rifle likes them), but I'm looking for something that I can shoot more often and not break the bank.  For reference I don't handload.

Thanks,
Mark

The Banners are 1" tube scopes. Depending on hammer clearance, and the position of the power ring/ocular bell, you'll need medium, maybe high rings, I like Burris Signature Zees, usually mediums will work, but I have some scopes that need highs to clear the hammer, unless you modifiy the hammer, see the FAQs for that.

The best shooting factory ammo in my .25-06 is the Hornady 117gr BTSP and Federal 115gr NP. The Rem 120gr cost less and are acceptable, but aren't as accurate, but I'd start with em to at least break in the barrel, specially if you don't polish the bore first.

Tim

[oops!]

See if you can find some: HOT SHOT, IGMAN, S&B, WOLFE GOLD or Monarch from Academy. All have done well for me.

I know it's too late on the scope but, I have a couple of favorites for anyone following this thread; Burris Full field II 3x9x40, Nikon Buckmaster 4x40 & the 6x, Pentax Gameseeker 3x9x40 and Pentax 6x42.

I own all of these and they are great lower priced scopes. I have been moving towards 4&6x fixed scopes for the last year and may change all of my hunting (large game) rifles to  4or6x.

My opinion of each in order of preference;
Nikon, any Nikon really
Burris
Pentax 6x
Pentax 3x9x40
Suprisingly, the Pentax (both) rivals the Nikon in clarity.

If you see the ZOS or Rex scopes, give'em a look. I know the Chinese gentlemen that are importing them. They work out of Houston.
I have 2, a 6x40 and a 4x32 adjustable objective. The briteness and clarity are amazing, for a $50.00 scope, and the clicks are dead on.

As a matter fact I just put the 4x on my regular barrel, synth stocked .223 rem.

YMMV

[McLernon]

Hard to beat the Bushnell 3200's for price and quality. I have a 4-12X-40 mm that is as bright as a Leupy. Just remember there is no such thing 'a good cheap scope'

Good shootin'

Mc

[joshco84]

i too love the pentax gameseeker 4x12 i just put on my 204.  it is easily as clear as my nikon monarch, and it cost way less.