Author Topic: Just wondering what everyone thought of BSA scopes?? (Read 2755 times)

Hawk89 · « **on:** November 12, 2008, 01:59:07 PM »

Just wondering what everyone thought of BSA scopes?? Been having issue with .308 grouping under 1 inch. Always used BSA on .243 and .204 seems to work okay. They are 4X16 and 6X24 on .243 and .204. I have a 4X16 on .308. Remounted everything still not working well. I have shoot .3 inch with .204 and .5 inch with .243. Tried shooting without forend still same issue. Tried everything from customer ammo to factory.

Rustyinfla · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2008, 04:12:55 PM »

I have one right now that's on the way to the garbage can. It's been, no make that it's always been trouble since I got it. This one is something like 8X32. I had it on my 10/22 and it was a problem from the start. The point of impact would change as you increased or decreased the power level. The cross hairs seemed to jump somewhat. Shooting USBR targets with it at 25 yards I would get the cross hairs almost where I wanted them then,BANG they would jump outside the ring on the other side on the next click. I just learned to use Kentucky windage since that's what I had for the time being. Finally my son was shooting the rifle last Friday and he wanted to see what it looked like up on 32 power. He turned the ring on the scope and it all went black... no see no mo.
I thought about putting the scope down range and seeing what a .308 would do to it, but then again the large glass might make a good magnifier to have in my possibles bag.
A friend of mine swears by Tasco. He's the range officer where I shoot and he sees a lot of them come and go. My Remington 700 and Ruger #1 both have Leupolds and I like them but they are a lot more money too. for a .22 I think a Tasco is fine.

petemi · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2008, 04:29:49 PM »

I have a couple of BSAs, one on an '06, and I haven't had a problem with either. Are you talking about grouping under 1 inch at 100 yards and complaining about it

That's a real gripe "Geeeze, I can't get it under an inch". Ever think it could be you and not the rifle or scope

Perhaps you're flinching using the .308 after the .204 and .243. Just a thought.

Guy Pike · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2008, 04:30:37 PM »

I think that if you by an inexpensive scope the best you can have is an inexpensive scope. The worst may be what you're experiencing. Mount one of your proven scopes on the rifle and shoot it. Might verify that the bad performer is truly bad, eh? I have several BSA's and have had no problems. I do however accept their weaknesses. Good luck, Guy

trotterlg · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2008, 04:35:27 PM »

BSA, in the world of rifle scopes, is short for Bought crap Again. Larry

Look! The political correctness filter changed the S word to crap. Larry

ncpreacherboy1 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 12, 2008, 05:09:14 PM »

loved it. only had 1. it was a 6-25x50 catseye that i had on my win model 70 in 300 win mag. best scope i ever had. i know i may seem like one of a few but really i liked it. hated to sell that rifle.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2008, 12:16:02 AM »

I think I have two of them, one on a .22 and the other is an air gun scope on an airgun. They have worked fine and do what I expect of them. (Which admittedly is not much.)

I do not hold them in much regard and wouldn't trust them on anything above a small centerfire. But for a .22 or for a kids gun they are fine.

I am of the school of you get what you pay for as nothing is free. I prefer Leupold for everything that matters.

Good luck,

CW

billy_56081 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2008, 01:09:44 AM »

I have 3 BSA scopes. ONe is a 3x9 on a 22 mag, the reticle turns when you turn the power ajustment. I have a low power variable that will not hold zero after being on my 45-70. I have a 2.5 fixed that does hold zero on my 45-70 so far. Oh yeah I also had a BSA red dot that would not hold zero after a few rounds one a 20 ga. slug gun. In my opinion they are JUNK.

towpro · « **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2008, 01:29:41 AM »

I bought the titanium 8-32. It never did work, every shot was around 6" from the last at 100 yards.
Proved it was the scope and not the gun by switching to an old K2.5 weaver I had laying around.
Sent it back to BSA (along with $10.00 which I feel is BS) and they sent me a new one. new one works fine so far, but still pissed about them charging me $10.00

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2008, 02:00:14 AM »

I do research before I buy, when I can. The research I have done on scopes has just too many negatives on the BSA line in general, so I have never owned one and do not plan on owning one. If you want a cheaper scope I would not go below a Bushnell Banner and do not get a cheap scope of any kind with high power (above 10X), preferably a straight power scope like a 4X or a 6X. The more gadgets (AO, variable power, quick adjustable eye piece) you get for a cheap price; will just disappoint you. IMHO - you are just asking for trouble. I am of the school you get what you pay for. If you pay for the gadgets, it leaves less money for the important things like ability to hold zero, repeatability, clear optics and not shooting loose. If you pay $100 for a scope how much of it is going to the gadgets and how much is it going for marketing and research, how much is manufacturing costs and distribution. It does not leave much for the really important things. A higher quality scope in a low power rating with out gadgets will out perform a same priced scope with high power and all the goodies every time. You will shoot better with it and be happier too.

dawnofzion · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2008, 04:02:04 AM »

I have a Mil-Dot on my Stevens 308 and it works great. Never had a problem with it. I plan on getting another Mil-Dot for my 25-06.

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 13, 2008, 04:32:46 AM »

I have 2 & like them both. The 6X24X44 side wheel focus mil dot is my favorite on my 22-250 handi. The cross hairs are easy to see if your eye sight isn't quite what it used to be.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #12 on:** November 13, 2008, 04:41:16 AM »

I have experience with two BSAs, a red dot that fogged up on the inside the first time I used it in the rain, and an airgun rated scope on a spring airgun that works fine so far. I wouldn't buy another BSA, there are far better scopes available for not a lot more money.

Tim

WILD_WEASEL · « **Reply #13 on:** November 13, 2008, 04:55:07 AM »

I've had a BSA 30mm Red Dot on my 10/22 for the past three years. It has held ZERO from the first time I sighted it in, grouping into an inch at 20 yards. However, I put the same model on a 44 Magnum and it lasted exactly 3 shots before everything in the scope housing shattered. Returned it to WalMart for a refund. For a 22lr rifle they are a great value, beyond that not so much.

Busta · « **Reply #14 on:** November 13, 2008, 05:38:15 AM »

I bought 2 slug gun scopes a few years ago. Neither one lasted over a dozen shots, the reticles look like "X" instead of "+". I will not even pay the shipping back to get them replaced, lesson learned.

In one word, "JUNK"!

30-30man · « **Reply #15 on:** November 13, 2008, 01:21:50 PM »

I've bought one BSA in my lifetime. It was a 3-9x40 Classic. The scope held zero and was well made. It was just the glass they used. It was very cloudy and about the worst piece of glass I've seen. You don't have to spend a fortune on optics to hunt. I hunted for years with a Bushnell Sportview. It was a $60 scope at the time. The bottom line is there are just better scopes out there for a little more. Some of the newer BSA's get better reviews and they may have improved. I don't know. Just don't buy one until you look at one in person. Don't do like I did and purchase one over the internet. You'll more than likely be disapointed.

Zachary · « **Reply #16 on:** November 13, 2008, 01:45:44 PM »

Some members who have been around will know my experience with BSA scopes, but I'll just repeat it for those members who are new. I went to the range some years ago and heard a guy cussing up a storm. I looked through his BSA scope, and the reticles were falling apart! I now forget what kind of a gun he had, but he did the same mistake that many people make - spend a lot of money towards the gun, but buy a crappy scope. People just don't understand that a scope is just as important as the gun itself. Anyhow, I have personally seen similar results of crappy failings from BSA scopes and I just won't ever buy one.

Zachary

Hawk89 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 14, 2008, 04:12:11 AM »

Quote from: petemi on November 12, 2008, 04:29:49 PM

I have a couple of BSAs, one on an '06, and I haven't had a problem with either. Are you talking about grouping under 1 inch at 100 yards and complaining about it That's a real gripe "Geeeze, I can't get it under an inch". Ever think it could be you and not the rifle or scope Perhaps you're flinching using the .308 after the .204 and .243. Just a thought.

Just to clear the flinching issue some of my best groups have been with a ruger 300 win mag.

Cossack2 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 14, 2008, 04:39:56 AM »

Have had problems with all three I've had. No more. What's the point of owning something if you can't depend on it?

backstrap · « **Reply #19 on:** November 14, 2008, 05:19:14 AM »

I have owned 1 a sweet 17 it was blurry at the edges of the scope ,and the cross hairs was fuzzy i will never buy another 1. In 1 word they are Junk in my book

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #20 on:** November 14, 2008, 06:51:32 AM »

I killed a BSA scope that came on a Gamo spring air rifle and went cheap on a 2x pistol scope to see if i wanted to shoot a scoped handgun. The rifle scope is in a landfill somewhere and the pistol scope is on a 22 rifle as a scout scope. The cross hairs in the pistol scope are not strait. One curls.
I buy Weaver scopes now. I like them and for double the $ of the BSA I only have to buy it once they are clear and bright.

Troyboy · « **Reply #21 on:** November 14, 2008, 10:20:47 AM »

I havr a 4x on a 22bolt gun works as advertised. It's your money spend more and buy once jmo

Graybeard · « **Reply #22 on:** November 14, 2008, 12:33:48 PM »

I don't particularly have an opinion on them really but do have experience. I have one on my Gamo .177 air rifle and it has worked perfectly with no complaints period.

I also have a Sweet 17 but it has never been mounted. I did take it out and looked at it and from that casual look saw nothing to complain about. It seems bright and clear. If I ever mount it on something then I'll evaluate its performance but the one on my air rifle has done fine for a few years now. It's the reason I bought the Sweet 17.

Syncerus · « **Reply #23 on:** November 14, 2008, 01:04:50 PM »

A suggestion: if you chose to use a cheap scope on anything larger than a .22, you'll have much better luck if you stick with fixed power models. Cheap variables on hard-kicking rifles is simply asking for trouble.

BCall · « **Reply #24 on:** November 14, 2008, 03:38:18 PM »

I have to say, I have a number of them and have had no functional issues with any of them, some had poor glass or distortion, but they still held zero. I have a few guidelines I follow when I purchase any cheap scopes. If I feel the need to go against any of these, I buy something better.
1. I do not adjust the turrets once sighted, unless I change ammo and need to resight. If I am going to use it on a rifle I change ammo alot, or I need to adjust sight settings(like a silhouette rifle),I buy better. I do not trust them to be completely reliable if I am constantly cranking on them.
2. I set it to the power I will be using it, and leave it there. Alot of cheaper scopes seem to experience impact changes when changing power, so I simply set it and use it as a fixed power.
3. No hard kicking guns. If I have a heavy recoiler, I use better. I have seen a number of cheaper scopes fail on heavy kicking guns.
4. I wouldn't use one on a strictly target rifle I would expect extreme accuracy.
5. No high magnification variables. Most of the cheaper scopes I have seen lose alot of clarity at higher power.
6. If I had alot of money riding on a hunt, or my life on DG, I would own the best. I would not scrimp a few dollars that could cost me money or my life.

That being said, if I feel the need to break any of these, I buy better. But just because you spend more, does not mean a better scope. I have seen and owned bigger name scopes that I thought were unacceptable. The only one that I consider affordable(I don't consider $1000+ affordable), that I have never seen a poor one is Leupold. I am not a Leupold elitist like some(I do own 6 BSA scopes), but I have seen alot of them, and never a bad one from the clarity/brightness standpoint. All scopes can fail, I have witnessed more than one Leupold fail, it happens, much less in more expensive, higher quality scopes, but it still happens.
One last thing, I do not buy tham at normal retail prices. If I find a deal on them, I might buy one to try. If it looks good, I might buy another. I recently saw the 3-9x40 BSA Huntsman model at Natchez for $24.97, I bought one and it has been a decent scope for my Hornet. I set it and forget it. Works good enough, I bought 2 more. Your experience may differ, but for a low recoiling fun gun for varmints, it is more than adequate. I put one on my new OE .243, and it holds zero good so far, and I'm confident it will be fine for my local deer hunting.
I just wish someone would start making more affordable fixed power models other than 4x. I would love to just buy decent 6,10,12x fixed model scopes, without haveing to spend a ton. I guess I am in the minority and they don't sell that good, but some models like that, with decent glass, in the $80-$150 range would get my business for sure, but I guess I am one of a minority there. JMO, Billy

Hawk89 · « **Reply #25 on:** November 17, 2008, 11:23:54 AM »

Just let you all know I used a friends 4 power Tasco and did 1 inch with three shoots. I am going to send BSA back to BSA inc.

vincewarde · « **Reply #26 on:** December 05, 2008, 09:59:29 AM »

For me the answer is simple: FIND AND READ REVIEWS!

I would be willing to bet that BSA simply sells scopes made by other companies under their name. If this is not the case, they must have many different plants because their is no question that different models vary greatly in quality and reliability. Just reading the reviews makes this clear. Many of their products are terrible - but a significant percentage seem to be reliable and good buys for the money.

Midway is a great place to find scope reviews, even if you buy somewhere else. Many other sites have reviews too. I only buy BSA products that have very high ratings from many reviewers. I am willing to do my homework because I am on a tight budget.

For the record, here's what I own:

3-12x on .223 - no problems, good optical quality
3-12x on .243 - no problems, good optical quality
3-12x on 30-06 - no problems, good optical quality
(I got the above scopes from Midway for $40.00/each)

6-24x on .223 - no problems, optical quality good to 18x, gets a bit fuzzy above that. For the money, I'm happy.
(This one cost me $60.00)

I have also had some Red Dots, all of which were OK - although I have only used them on light to medium recoil weapons (.223, 7.62x39, etc).

That's my .02 worth - I hope it helps someone.

Big Nasty · « **Reply #27 on:** March 06, 2009, 11:02:09 AM »

Me and my uncle and my uncles friend all went and bought a sweet 17 BSA for our 17 teens 2days before a prairie dog hunt. Needless to say all three of them never got a chance to shoot a single dog. I have three boys all under age 10 and they love them for playing with. JUNK JUNK JUNK if u want to buy one just send me the money and I will fill up a bag with poo and you will have better results.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #28 on:** March 06, 2009, 11:04:03 AM »

got one in a trade , tried it and traded it off ! won't get stuck again !

fatoldfool · « **Reply #29 on:** March 06, 2009, 12:06:00 PM »

I bought a 6-24, over $120 and put it on a 10/22 where it promptly refused to hold zero...sent it back to BSA, they sent a replacement that seemed to be so messed up inside I couldn't get on 12 inx12in paper at 50 yds. Sent it back, they replaced it, the replacement went on a gun show table while still in the box. If my memory serves a guy gave me $40 for it. I bought a Burris which is working fine. No BSA junk for me. and no NcStar junk for me.