Just how cheap can I go

[charles p]

I visit here almost daily and I'm amazed that the general jist of this site has turned to "how cheap can I go".

Not much discussion on optics quality or resale value.  Everybody wants something for nothing.  It just doesn't happen with glass. 

[eye shot]

I agree, but my gun shop said you can't use the word cheap. He preferes low cost, ha! They must make low cost scopes alot better than they used to because shooters now say they hold up on slug, mags, and big bore pistols. A hunting friend in the 60's-- mid 70's used to buy a Tasco or Bushnell every year and they would fall apart just sighting in on his 06 so I would loan him my Redfield. I still use the Redfield today, 38 years later!

[Troyboy]

I suppose that all depends on what the defination of cheap is




                                                           Troy

[Ramhunter]

The question of whether you can get away with a cheap scope really depends on the risk to reward ratio.  If you are just fun shooting at the local rifle range or plinking at tin cans, you might well get by with a cheap scope.  If it fails, all you're out is a few bucks for the cheap scope and a lost day at the range. 
 
On the other hand, if you're out west chasing elk, or are in the Yukon after Dall sheep, you can have thousands of dollars and possibly the hunt of a lifetime depending on the performance of your equipment.  This is not the time to be "penny wise and pound foolish".  It doesn't even have to be an expensive hunt to fully justify a good quality scope.  If you're an avid deer hunter, you surely don't want to risk the enjoyment of your annual deer hunt on a scope that can fog up or on one which has poor low-light gathering abilities.
 
Cheap scopes may have their place, but there are many places where the risk of using a cheapie doesn't warrant the potential savings.

[30-30man]

I guess we buy what we can afford and trust.  I have bought my share of cheap scopes from Bushnell, Mueller, and Simmons. There was a time when that was all I could afford.  Now, it just makes since to get the best piece of glass that will work.  All of the cheap scopes I've bought have held up to more than my expectations except one BSA that was foggy out of the box.

I have a Bushnell Banner that is as clear and performs with any Leupold I've ever had. Many of us don't need a $1000 scope to hunt because many of us won't travel more than 100 miles from home to hunt. My favorite hunting spot is about twenty paces out my back door.  I've seen some big deer harvested with Simmons' and Tasco's.  If $1000 scopes are your preference, you're blessed that you can afford them.  Most people can't spend that kind of money nor do they want to just put it on a credit card.  That is what is wrong with most sites, people who hunt with lower cost equipment are dealt with a snobbery I hate.  There is a difference between low cost and junk. You can still buy a good scope at lower cost that will hang right in there with any scoep made today.  The shooter matters the most. The reason I love this site so and spend so much time here is that now matter what you have, if you've got questions, somebody will do their best to answer them.  It doesn't matter about what you have, it's the joy of being outdoors and being able to share it with others.

[victorcharlie]

Honestly, somewhere between the $150 to $200 range will get you something bright, clear on the edges, decent field of view, and above all, a lifetime warranty.

Nikon Prostaff, Nikon Buckmaster, Bushnell elite 3200, Leupold VX-1 or Burris Fullfield II among others.

Your choice, all are pretty decent scopes with a lifetime warranty.

Much below that and I don't have a lot of confidence.

Hey, just my opinion.....from a bitter clinger.....

[Troyboy]

 Ya what he said.


                                                 Troy