Author Topic: A predicament of sorts..no longer (Read 1751 times)

Mac11700 · « **on:** March 24, 2010, 03:08:55 PM »

Due to some family budget constraints I am faced with a bit of a problem. I have recently acquired a few nice barrels for my perfect quad of Handi's..but..as always of late..I am in need of a really good scope. I've own the Nikon's..Pentax (new and old) Leupold's..Bushnell's..Weaver's..Simmons's..Redfield's (old style) Mueller's. and a lot of others..and while they all have served me well over the years,I am wanting something nicer..much nicer..and kind of special. I want to get some good German glass this time for my soon to be completed 26" 30-06..and the only way I am going to be able to afford what I am after is by selling off a couple of these really nice barrels new dies..new brass..and a scope that is coming on my 24" 223 barrel..

I know many here can't or wouldn't want to put a $400-$600 scope with expensive rings and an expensive base on a Handi rifle..many see absolutely no need..or have no desire to..But..I have a real hunch that this one rifle is going to deserve something like this...and it's been on my wish list for ever basically.. I have always wanted a really great Zeiss scope..but never could justify spending that much for these rifles..Sure I've spent right at $300-$350 before..but never over that for just a scope. I've said this and many others here has as well when asked which scope to buy.. is said " Buy the best you can afford"..so..for me to be able to do this will require that 2 barrels have to be sold to make this happen..

This is where I need you guys help..I know many will say don't do it..just buy a cheaper scope..or this one or that is just as good..Everyone has personal favorites here..I fully understand this..but..this time..I want to make a dream of mine come true and for once..have a a super nice scope with reticle I can not only long range hunt with but long range target shoot as well..It will have their Rapid Z 600 reticle in it btw.

So..my problem is which barrels to sell... and what would be the easiest to replace..?

Forgot to add the barrel choices...duh

The 30-30 barrel

The 223 barrel & Bushnell 6x18 scope combo

The almost brand new 45-70 barrel..

Mac

necchi · « **Reply #1 on:** March 24, 2010, 03:30:35 PM »

Hhhmmm,
"My perfect trio quartet is a custom 26" 30-06..a factory 30-30 and a factory 45-70 and 223"

Well, ya gotta get the scope! Period, It's a dream, Go for it!

The 223's gotta go,,it's the easiest too replace. You already KNOW what your gonna hear the most of on this site!

So I won't even say it,,
Besides, you'll probably make some youth very happy when his Dad get's him that 30-30.
And there is merit ta helping our youth get into the sport.

LONGTOM · « **Reply #2 on:** March 24, 2010, 03:51:12 PM »

Mac, I can tell you now, if it's going to be the 30/30 I would like first crack at it.

I want to do a 30/40.
I should have kept the other 30/30 barrel I had.
Never thought about the 30/40 until after I sold it.

LONGTOM

Mac11700 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 24, 2010, 03:54:30 PM »

Yea I know..I really hate parting with any of them

LONGTOM..I'll PM you

Mac

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 24, 2010, 03:55:59 PM »

Mac, if yer interested in one of the shorter 45-70's, sell that one. Other wise, I agree with the 223 barrel. I have a Ziess Conquest, 3-9X40 and it's darn good glass, you could spend more and not get any better glass. Would be hard to tell unless you put them side by side, that's what I did when I bought it. Had a Nikon Monarch 3-9X40 and the Ziess side by side and there was no contest which was better. And even thou they were both 3-9's, the magnification on the Ziess was greater than the Nikon. Ya only go around once my friend, so go with gusto!

DP

bikerbeans · « **Reply #5 on:** March 24, 2010, 03:57:10 PM »

223 First as there are tons of these available. You got your Optima 45 70 so the 45 70 barrel would be second to go. The 30 30 would probably sell the quickest and be the hardest to replace.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 24, 2010, 03:57:57 PM »

Quote from: bikerbeans on March 24, 2010, 03:57:10 PM

223 First as there are tons of these available. You got your Optima 45 70 so it would be second to go. The 30 30 would probably sell the quickest and be the hardest to replace.

Nope..don't have that Optima any longer I am afraid..

Mac

Mac11700 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 24, 2010, 04:00:07 PM »

Quote from: dpe.ahoy on March 24, 2010, 03:55:59 PM

Mac, if yer interested in one of the shorter 45-70's, sell that one. Other wise, I agree with the 223 barrel. I have a Ziess Conquest, 3-9X40 and it's darn good glass, you could spend more and not get any better glass. Would be hard to tell unless you put them side by side, that's what I did when I bought it. Had a Nikon Monarch 3-9X40 and the Ziess side by side and there was no contest which was better. And even thou they were both 3-9's, the magnification on the Ziess was greater than the Nikon. Ya only go around once my friend, so go with gusto! DP

Yea..I know..I got to look thru them at low light and have been wanting one since they first came out..Now with the new reticle..it makes me want one even more..and should be about ideal for the 26" 30-06..It will be really hard to part with the 45-70..

Mac

quickdtoo · « **Reply #8 on:** March 24, 2010, 04:01:10 PM »

One thing I just realized about the Conquest, it has a huge power ring and ocular bell, unless you can mount it so the hammer is ahead of the power ring which wastes the 4" of eye relief, it's not going to be mounted very low without some serious hammer whittling. $:-\$

Tim

bikerbeans · « **Reply #9 on:** March 24, 2010, 04:01:48 PM »

Gotta keep the 45 70 unless you can get Dinny to shoot all your bruiser reloads!

I understand your problem regarding optics. I need to put decent optics on some of my barrels which means I need to sell a couple of guns too. Can only shoot one at a time and great optics is the best, so go for your German glass!

Mac11700 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 24, 2010, 04:53:33 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on March 24, 2010, 04:01:10 PM

One thing I just realized about the Conquest, it has a huge power ring and ocular bell, unless you can mount it so the hammer is ahead of the power ring which wastes the 4" of eye relief, it's not going to be mounted very low without some serious hammer whittling. $:-\$

Tim

It shouldn't be an issue..I had large power rings before and just use a higher set of rings if I need to..or get a hammer modified for it somehow if that don't work.

Mac

hhunter · « **Reply #11 on:** March 24, 2010, 04:55:20 PM »

I have enjoyed my Zeiss for going on 15 years now on an a-bolt 22-250. It has never been touched since it was zeroed. Still dead-on today. It is great glass and the only negative I have is it's low level light performance. If it were not for that I would have liked to of had a few more of them.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 24, 2010, 05:02:03 PM »

Well...looks like it will be either the 223/scope combo...or the 45-70..The 30-30 has found a new home ...

Mac

tallyho · « **Reply #13 on:** March 24, 2010, 05:18:19 PM »

Mac, if the 223 is a Super Light, I'll give it a new home.

Kerry

Mac11700 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 24, 2010, 07:32:23 PM »

Quote from: tallyho on March 24, 2010, 05:18:19 PM

Mac, if the 223 is a Super Light, I'll give it a new home.

Kerry

It's not..it's a 24" bull barrel ejector

Mac

Mac11700 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 24, 2010, 07:37:38 PM »

So...what do you think guys..

Keep the 45-70..or Keep the 223 Bull Barrel?

Mac

Sourdough · « **Reply #16 on:** March 24, 2010, 08:26:11 PM »

Keep the 45-70. It's the most versatile.

tallyho · « **Reply #17 on:** March 24, 2010, 08:30:11 PM »

Quote from: Sourdough on March 24, 2010, 08:26:11 PM

Keep the 45-70. It's the most versatile.

Agree. [img width= height= alt=" border="0]http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/Themes/babylon/images/post/thumbup.gif[/img]

Mac11700 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 25, 2010, 03:33:50 AM »

Well..I may wind up selling both and getting a nice stainless 45-70 or Buff Classic and doing the 120 on it before deer season or shortly after if available then..I hate to but..we will see which one sells first I guess when I list them..

Mac

petemi · « **Reply #19 on:** March 25, 2010, 04:41:34 AM »

Being just a no account, I'd say forget the fancy glass and keep the rifles. I banded hawks for a major part of my adult life. That meant scanning endless streaches of blue sky without a thing in it most times. All I used was a dime store pair of binoculars out of Western Auto. All my cohorts said "ya gott have Ziess 10X50s". Well, I didn't and I would not. When it was all said and done, I could age and sex most hawks in the air before we even caught them, looking at them a mile or two out.....with my 34.95 binoculars.

Keep your rifles, my friend.

Pete

Mac11700 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 25, 2010, 05:28:18 AM »

Quote from: petemi on March 25, 2010, 04:41:34 AM

Being just a no account, I'd say forget the fancy glass and keep the rifles. I banded hawks for a major part of my adult life. That meant scanning endless streaches of blue sky without a thing in it most times. All I used was a dime store pair of binoculars out of Western Auto. All my cohorts said "ya gott have Ziess 10X50s". Well, I didn't and I would not. When it was all said and done, I could age and sex most hawks in the air before we even caught them, looking at them a mile or two out.....with my 34.95 binoculars.

Keep your rifles, my friend.

Pete

Thanks Pete..but..I have always had to settle for cheaper optics..Yes..I know I could get by with a scope costing far less than what I want to buy..I've done that my entire married life..It's all part of the sacrifices of being married and being a father..I've accepted that responsibility proudly..but..this time..I think it's time to buy one that I wouldn't even consider selling or trading off. I never had a problem doing that with any of the glass I owned...even a VX-3 Leupold..There's always been something I didn't really like about all of them..or they eventually failed..

Getting 1 excellent scope to keep and put on a very special Handi is more than just bragging rights to me..with my eyes it is really needed..First light and last light with cheaper optics has been such a problem for me the past 2 years I've not enjoyed being afield at those times..so I really need the clearest scope with the best light transmission I can afford..I put one of these Zeiss up against a new 30 mm VL 4x14 Leupold..and the detail difference is remarkable with the Zeiss for about the same amount of money..even the Monarchs as good as they are can't compete with either of them by my eyes.

I really hate selling my barrels and spending that kind of money on a scope..but I am afraid I am going to have to or just stop hunting at some of the most productive times to hunt..

Mac

Mac11700 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 25, 2010, 06:39:57 AM »

Thanks for all your suggestions guys...I've elected to sell all of them over in the Handi Classifieds along with a few other goodies to help expedite my scope purchase..

Thanks Again

Mac

Mac11700 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 27, 2010, 03:55:17 PM »

I think I have found the scope I am going to get. I've researched the heck out of them,and everything I have read about them..and from the guys I have talked to say they are some of the best scopes going..

http://www.kahlesoptik.com/index.php5?pf=&menu=20&sprache=0

It will most likely be the Helia CL 3-10x50 with the multi-zero turret..unless I can find a 4-12x50 for a similar price..

Mac

bikerbeans · « **Reply #23 on:** March 29, 2010, 02:31:30 AM »

That is one nice scope! The deer in MO are going to be in trouble this fall.

bill439 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 29, 2010, 03:41:02 AM »

predicament? Quit talking and just do it. You are the only one you need to please and you only got one shot at life so, I wish you well. Bill439

Mac11700 · « **Reply #25 on:** March 29, 2010, 04:28:40 AM »

Quote from: bikerbeans on March 29, 2010, 02:31:30 AM

That is one nice scope! The deer in MO are going to be in trouble this fall.

Yes..it is a very nice scope..but..very expensive as well..

This is the other one I am considering..It too is German made..but assembled here in the good ole US of A

http://www.zeiss.com/C12568CF00206298/GraphikTitelIntern/rs_conquest_3-9x40_lg/$File/rs_conquest_3-9x40_lg.jpg

I can get this one for over $220 less..with the new Rapid Z 600 reticle..

Pro's and cons..

The Zeiss has a lifetime warranty that is fully transferable..

The Zeiss can be repaired here in the states..

The Zeiss has a longer eye relief..

The Zeiss can be sent in and have Target turrets made and installed for $115 complete..

Might have to modify the hammer on my H&R to make it clear properly

The Khales has better light transmission and magnification

The Khales is all built and manufactured in the same place

The Khales would have to be shipped to Austria to be repaired if ever needed.

Both are highly rated scopes..but the conservative side of me is saying I don't know if this is the best I can do...The one thing is with the savings I could realize from going with the Zeiss ..I might be able to get another barrel ...so I can have my fine German optics..and perhaps another barrel

I think the Zeiss might be a better deal..

What do you think? Go with the Zeiss and get another Handi barrel..or..go with the Khales..

Mac

gcrank1 · « **Reply #26 on:** March 29, 2010, 04:44:38 AM »

Mac, I can tell your are a lot like me, intake all the info you can find, process, flow chart, etc. I tend to often over-think something, but its all part of my fun, I guess.
That said, you already know what you should do, you're just trying to talk yourself into doing it. Do it, its OK to make the call.
Worst part will be that once this aspect is done you will be on to the next conundrum.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 29, 2010, 04:55:27 AM »

Quote from: gcrank1 on March 29, 2010, 04:44:38 AM

Mac, I can tell your are a lot like me, intake all the info you can find, process, flow chart, etc. I tend to often over-think something, but its all part of my fun, I guess.
That said, you already know what you should do, you're just trying to talk yourself into doing it. Do it, its OK to make the call.
Worst part will be that once this aspect is done you will be on to the next conundrum.

Don't I know it...I do over think these things a-lot..but it's the only process I know...I only get 1 shot at this...I just don't want to make a big $$$$ mistake..

Mac

Mac11700 · « **Reply #28 on:** March 29, 2010, 06:16:14 AM »

Spoke with the C/S department at Zeiss again about what this vendor is selling this scope for..and then triple verified I can get the Zeiss scope from the seller for the price it was listed at..so..it looks like I'll get the Zeiss..While I will be giving up a little of the light gathering capabilities..having a scope that keeps it's eye relief the same through out it's power range is something I've never had before..so I pulled the trigger on one..

We will see when it gets here just how good it is compared to all the rest I've owned..

Mac

gcrank1 · « **Reply #29 on:** March 29, 2010, 06:38:47 AM »

Since you wont have them side by side to compare in different conditions, and both are quality glass, you will not know if there really is a difference to your eye.
Good choice, I'm quite sure you will be pleased.