Author Topic: Opinions on the Simmons Master Series Aetecs (Read 1701 times)

lik2hunt · « **on:** November 18, 2008, 08:15:57 AM »

Thinking of getting one of the 2.8-10x44 Master Series Aetec scopes. I'm a big fan of the older Aetecs but really don't have any experience or haven't read much about the new ones. Anyone?

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 18, 2008, 12:17:11 PM »

I haven't used one of those, but I do have a Master Series Pro Hunter 3-10x44. I think that it's a pretty decent scope. It's been on two different rifle, a 30-06 (where it's at now) and on a Savage .17HMR heavy barrel. More than bright and clear enough for any hunting I'll do, honestly, it's brighter at dawn and dusk than my Burris Compacts are. I think that its better than most scopes I've seen in it's price range. It's been in the heat, cold, and rain with no fogging issues. The adjustments don't seem to be as precise as I'd like them to be, but once it's zeroed, that's not really an issue. I like the fact that the adjustments themselves don't go up and down as you turn them, just the parts inside the scope move. I also like the power change ring set-up too. And getting it zeroed isn't any more difficult than any other scope. I got it on a trade deal, but even for the retail of $150 I've seen, it's worth it to me.

3006bluffhunter · « **Reply #2 on:** November 18, 2008, 03:50:38 PM »

I have one Prosport Master series 3x9-40 on a ruger 22mag ! I was told the new master series has new simmons technoligy! In how they mount there crosshairs and inners are new! Suppose to except recoil and hold zero well! Thats what the rep told me! I have sold 16 master series scopes this year none have came back through the door to haunt me! Dale

Old English · « **Reply #3 on:** November 19, 2008, 12:48:04 AM »

I have the 2.8/10 Aetec on my 308, it's been there for a few seasons now. I was shooting the 308 last week for a little extra load development prior to rifle season. I have found this scope to be reliable to date, it's hunted some too. The image is good and bright, not as good as a Nikkon Monarch but plenty good enough for all legal hunting times. I really like the wide field of view on 2.8, it is 43 ft @ 100 yards which is wider than most 3/9 scopes. It also gives a little extra zoom at 10 power than a 3/9. I like the scope and it is staying on my 308 for the foreseeable future. I also have the 4/14 version which I like less, it would however make a very good varmint scope.

PS, one great thing out the 2.8/10 is that the eye relief is constant, no matter what magnification. This means consistent head position on the stock. I have a Leupold VX3 in 4.5/14 on a 223, eye relief changes drastically from 4 power to 14 and it drives me mad.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 19, 2008, 09:41:45 AM »

Quote from: Old English on November 19, 2008, 12:48:04 AM

I have the 2.8/10 Aetec on my 308, it's been there for a few seasons now. I was shooting the 308 last week for a little extra load development prior to rifle season. I have found this scope to be reliable to date, it's hunted some too. The image is good and bright, not as good as a Nikkon Monarch but plenty good enough for all legal hunting times. I really like the wide field of view on 2.8, it is 43 ft @ 100 yards which is wider than most 3/9 scopes. It also gives a little extra zoom at 10 power than a 3/9. I like the scope and it is staying on my 308 for the foreseeable future. I also have the 4/14 version which I like less, it would however make a very good varmint scope.

PS, one great thing out the 2.8/10 is that the eye relief is constant, no matter what magnification. This means consistent head position on the stock. I have a Leupold VX3 in 4.5/14 on a 223, eye relief changes drastically from 4 power to 14 and it drives me mad.

My Burris Short Mag scopes do the same thing, and I find it very distracting. I'll probably going to sell them because of it, drives me cuckoo.

lik2hunt · « **Reply #5 on:** November 19, 2008, 10:57:21 AM »

Old English
Is yours the Master Series?

quickdtoo · « **Reply #6 on:** November 19, 2008, 01:14:32 PM »

Pre-Master Series Simmons scopes were made in the Philippines, Meade moved Simmons production to a new plant in China in 2005 before the Master Series was released, in fact they had some serious quality problems with the new plant and the Master Series was delayed about a year.

Tim

Old English · « **Reply #7 on:** November 20, 2008, 12:48:23 AM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on November 19, 2008, 01:14:32 PM

Pre-Master Series Simmons scopes were made in the Philippines, Meade moved Simmons production to a new plant in China in 2005 before the Master Series was released, in fact they had some serious quality problems with the new plant and the Master Series was delayed about a year.

Tim

Yes it's the AETEC Master series with the new erector system, no springs. It is touted as having hydro shield, similar to rainguard too. I have not hunted this scope in the rain so I don't know how that works out. The scope will be up my climbing stand with me Saturday morning, opening day of rifle season in TN.
http://www.simmonsoptics.com/Riflescopes_MS_Aetec.htm

Swampman · « **Reply #8 on:** November 20, 2008, 01:51:55 AM »

If my friends recent experience is any indication, the warranty is useless.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 20, 2008, 02:43:02 PM »

I've heard that they just send you a new scope or that you can return your scope to the dealer you bought it from for a free replacement.. But I haven't had to do either, so??

Maybe since Bushnell bought them, any issues with the products might get put to rest.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #10 on:** November 20, 2008, 02:56:06 PM »

Like they did when Bushnell Performance Optics bought Tasco?? BPO won't honor the warranty on any pre-BPO Tasco.

Tim

http://tasco.com/support.cfm

http://www.charm.net/~kmarsh/brand.html#tasco

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 20, 2008, 03:02:33 PM »

I meant more towards the manufacturing part, perhaps a better product in the end. I don't know, if I bought a company out, and they were making JUNK like Tasco was near the end (I don't know if it's any better now, I've NEVER liked Tasco stuff), I don't know if I'd want to mess with it either.

Swampman · « **Reply #12 on:** November 20, 2008, 04:09:37 PM »

I had some Japanese Tascos that were good. I wish I still had them. My friend has a new Simmons & the power adjustment ring won't turn. Simmons wants $60.00 to fix it. He is going to use it as a fixed power scope.

31 bertram · « **Reply #13 on:** November 21, 2008, 12:04:59 AM »

I think the verdict is still out on the Aetec Master Series. I opted to find a "new in the box" Whitetail Expedition as I already had one and love it. They are getting harder to find since they hav'nt been made in a few years but sometimes you can find them on ebay. The Expedition is one of the best scopes I've ever had. I think folks shyed away from the Master series since Simmons has changed hands so often. I hope they can get their act together, I like the Aespherical Lense design. I would like to see one of the companies like Burris, Bushnel, Nikon, or Leupold come out with an Aespherical system, my eyes really like em.
Hope this helps
31 bertram

lik2hunt · « **Reply #14 on:** November 21, 2008, 01:25:57 AM »

WOW! More Pros than Cons here.

Gonna have to re-think this one. Might just go for one of the older Aetecs, Ebay has one for auction occasionally.

Graybeard · « **Reply #15 on:** November 21, 2008, 03:25:58 AM »

Bushnell now owns Simmons. I suspect that will mean that new Simmons scopes made under Bushnell ownership will take a decided up turn in quality. I might even consider one now with Bushnell taking them over. The line with the side focus is calling my name and with Bushnell ownership just might get me to come off the hip for one to give it a try.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 21, 2008, 10:40:36 AM »

I'd like to see Bushnell incorporate some of the Master series designs in the Elite scope. The true one piece tube (even the eye piece is integral) and the True Flex erector with the fingertip adjustments, I think that it would make a great scope even better.

Old English · « **Reply #17 on:** November 21, 2008, 11:47:34 PM »

As a real world owner of 2 AETEC's I think they're fine already. All adjustments work as they should, bright and hold POI. Mine will be in the woods within the hour sitting on my T3 in 308. It has worked just fine for the last few seasons and should bring some more meat to the freezer this weekend.

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #18 on:** November 25, 2008, 07:34:34 AM »

I wouldn't touch one of the Meade built Simmons with a 10' pole...I returned a Pro 50 which finally bit it after 10 years on a MZ, started internal fogging, ok life for a cheap scope. I'm pretty sure they lost it because I had to refax all documentation and in the end they sent me one of their new Master Series scopes, which got the ebay treatment. Hard to polish that cheap turd they sent. If you're wanting to stick with the Aetec, look for an new/old stock Aetec on an auction site or wait because I'm sure Bushnell will do it right.

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #19 on:** November 27, 2008, 09:48:37 AM »

I have 4 of the 3x9x40 ProHunter that I have had no problems with at all. They all do what they are supposed to do and have good, clear glass. The difference in price versus difference in quality with the VXIII or the Ziess I have on other guns tells me the Simmons is a very good buy. Also have Nikon Monarch and Sightron II and still like the Simmons for the price. And the game hasn't cared about the difference in price. DP

Bill In SC · « **Reply #20 on:** November 30, 2008, 05:07:55 AM »

I had one of the original Aetec's for years, and it performed well. Last year while double checking a 25-06 Encore that it was mounted on it became erratic and would not hold zero.

I shipped it off, and got caught up in the transition to Meade. Took 3 months, but found a new Master Series Aetec at my door one afternoon.

In my opinion it's a piece of crap. The rubber bands around the adjustment covers are cheesy, and the rubber ring used to make zoom adjustments lasted one range session before it it broke and a plastic piece fell out. The quality is not what the originals were.

I had forgot that I boxed it up, and seeing this thread reminded me I need to send it back. I see that Bushnell now handles Simmons so we shall see how they handle this problem. I will ship it off tomorrow.

Hopefully the quality with the Bushnell take over will improve.

Bill In SC · « **Reply #21 on:** December 24, 2008, 06:47:30 AM »

Well, here is a little follow up.

I shipped the defective Aetec back to Bushnell on 5 December, and received a card in the mail from them with a LAB number to check status on line.

The door bell rang a few moments ago and I seen the big Brown Truck sitting in the drive way.

Accepted the package, and low and behold a Brand New Aetec was in the box!

Just about a 3 week turn around. Now that was pretty good service. Considering it took 3 months with Meade...

Now we shall see how this one holds up.

Bottom line... They are taking care of Simmons Customers!

Siskiyou · « **Reply #22 on:** December 24, 2008, 08:03:44 AM »

I am glad that Busnell is taking care of Simmons customers. In the world of buyouts the customer has the right to be concerned.

Years back I sent a 3x9 BDC Banner back for repair after I slide down and icy slope. I had bent the top turret. I explained in the cover letter the damage was my fault.

They returned it repair and the only cost to me was my postage.

Good outfit.

30-30man · « **Reply #23 on:** December 24, 2008, 09:10:40 AM »

I'm still upset with Meade and what they did to the Redfield.