Author Topic: Scoping a 223 Handi as a varmint rifle? (Read 2169 times)

wileynet · « **on:** September 20, 2011, 01:21:56 PM »

Just acquired a 223 handi, came with a 4X BSA and shoots awsome, my goal is to turn this into a coyote gun for the wide open spaces here in new mexico, my other rifles are scoped with 3.5 X 10 BSA cat eyes and i love them but Im thinking of a 6X32 or 8X 40 in Barska or BSA any suggestions dont want 300.00 dollar optics on a 150.00 dollar gun

cwlongshot · « **Reply #1 on:** September 20, 2011, 01:39:32 PM »

Quote from: wileynet on September 20, 2011, 01:21:56 PM

Just acquired a 223 handi, came with a 4X BSA and shoots awsome, my goal is to turn this into a coyote gun for the wide open spaces here in new mexico, my other rifles are scoped with 3.5 X 10 BSA cat eyes and i love them but Im thinking of a 6X32 or 8X 40 in Barska or BSA any suggestions dont want 300.00 dollar optics on a 150.00 dollar gun

Why?

Leupold is the cheapest scope I can afford to buy...

Sorry not picking on you, I just have a herd time with this mentality. Buy the best you can afford, you will never regret it.

CW

rdlange · « **Reply #2 on:** September 20, 2011, 02:09:29 PM »

I haven't been happy with Barska scopes. For good value you might want to check out Hawke or Sightron.

I do agree that the best glass you can get is worth it. I also have leupold & Burris on Handi's that are worth more than the guns.

Check here for scope bargains sometimes:

http://www.elitedealseeker.com/index.cgi?searchword=leupold&category=gunstuff&ageupperlimit=7&function=Search

godale · « **Reply #3 on:** September 20, 2011, 02:38:14 PM »

everybody pushes big price scopes but not everybody has 300.00 and up for glass.for budget apps i recommend a mueller or a bigger bushnell banner each could be had for under 200.00 i also would not be afraid to try a 44 simmons mag. jimbobs offers good prices on muellers.also natchez should have a deal on banners and 44 mags

godale · « **Reply #4 on:** September 20, 2011, 02:42:20 PM »

just a thought i do agree with other posters on different sites i would stay away from barska and bsa

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 20, 2011, 02:46:57 PM »

Come on guys, give rdlange a break. I use cheap scopes for years. the best scope I had was a Bushnell Banner 10X with BDC dial, some where about 1982 vintage. I think I paid some where around $125 for it througha local dealer. It set on a Remington 222 BDL VS. The other scopes were inexpensive (cheap), Bushnell Sportview, Simmons 22 Mag, etc. Then I got a good scope, well at least better. It was a Bushnell 3200 10X tactical. Now I know what I was missing. Next I got one of the better Mueller scopes, an 8X - 25X, I think. Then I got a Nikon Buckmaster 6X-18X with mil dots. Now the Sportviews I have, have all been pulled off and replaced with better scopes. It gets expensive once you find out how a better scope improves your shooting experience. I was fat dumb and happy until I splurged on a better scope. rdlange, do not get a better scope, you will never be happy with a BSA or Barska scope again.

PS: the old rule of thumb is to spend as much on the scope/mounts/rings as you did for the gun, but I do not go quite that far personally, unless it is a Handi, then you do not pay as much for the gun, so you can spend as much as the gun or a little more.

Good Luck and Good Shooting

wileynet · « **Reply #6 on:** September 20, 2011, 02:52:40 PM »

never owned a Barska but my BSA have never failed all are over 10 yrs old, has something changed in there quality? did buy Redfield that self destructed on the 45/70, the BSA has held up, is 32 0r 40 power to much for what i am looking for?

smokehouserex · « **Reply #7 on:** September 20, 2011, 03:11:37 PM »

Wileynet:

Buy the best scope that you can afford. High power scopes are fun to shoot with but are not always practicle for carrring around. I have a 25 pwr. lyman supertargetspot on a 222 in a 40xBBR and it is not for carring but great from the rest. Scopes are a lot more compact today so IMO, get a good highpower scope and blast away.
safety first
HM

cwlongshot · « **Reply #8 on:** September 20, 2011, 04:34:07 PM »

Quote from: godale on September 20, 2011, 02:38:14 PM

everybody pushes big price scopes but not everybody has 300.00 and up for glass.for budget apps i recommend a mueller or a bigger bushnell banner each could be had for under 200.00 i also would not be afraid to try a 44 simmons mag. jimbobs offers good prices on muellers.also natchez should have a deal on banners and 44 mags

This is ALWAYS the first argument against a Leupold scope... SIMPLE solution... BUY USED. Leupold's have a LIFETIME warranty. It doesn't matter who owns them, they warranty there product, not its owner...

Good used Leupolds are sold daily form many sources for around 200 beans...

CW

godale · « **Reply #9 on:** September 21, 2011, 01:14:41 PM »

the original poster was looking for a budget minded scope. a leopald is not really a budget scope as far as buying used you must watch.apperently some people have to use them or choose so because leopald is not the only scope company in buisness.on other sites people push burris. and i am sure if money was no object they are great but not all folks can afford them

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 21, 2011, 01:36:37 PM »

Quote from: wileynet on September 20, 2011, 02:52:40 PM

is 32 0r 40 power to much for what i am looking for?

The highest powered scope I own is a 25X, the rest are 20X or under, mostly under. I used the 25X out West on a PD shoot. I set the power at 20X so I could use the mil dots and was shooting at PD 500 yards out. The higher the power, the better your scope had better be. If you are going to stick with the Barska and BSA scopes, do not go over 16X or so, unless you are going to shoot at 600 - 1000 yards and you definitely want a very good high powered scope for that (think $500 or more). I would be wiling to bet that a good 3X - 9X would be better than a 32X BSA for sight picture and putting a fine cross hair on your target. That old 10X Banner I mentioned was (is) a good scope. It is still ticking and I have shot Starlings at an honest 250 yards with it. Why, because that old 222 was very accurate, but also, I could put the cross hairs on the bird, not blot it out and see it clearly. I had made that shot so many times, it was routine. The only thing in question was how much wind do I hold for? Confidence in your equipment is very important.

Good Luck and Good Shooting

spikehorn · « **Reply #11 on:** September 21, 2011, 01:52:25 PM »

Don't over scope your 223. I had a BSA 32x on a Savage 10FP 223 and it was too much scope any slight movent would put it way off I never ended up using higher than 16x

wileynet · « **Reply #12 on:** September 21, 2011, 05:50:00 PM »

i have a old bushnell scope chief 3x9 with the command post thought about mounting it any thoughts,

PowPow · « **Reply #13 on:** September 21, 2011, 07:34:50 PM »

Quote from: spikehorn on September 21, 2011, 01:52:25 PM

Don't over scope your 223...I never ended up using higher than 16x

Agree.
I had a 6-24x Bushnell Banner on my handi 223. It was too bulky and I never used it past 18x.
Put a Bushnell Banner 4-12x40 AO on it. that seemed just right. Reasonably priced, nice balance and I coud see better than I could shoot.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #14 on:** September 22, 2011, 02:00:10 AM »

Quote from: godale on September 21, 2011, 01:14:41 PM

The original poster was looking for a budget minded scope. A Leopold is not really a budget scope as far as buying used you must watch.apparently some people have to use them or choose so because Leopold is not the only scope company in business. On other sites people push Burris. I am sure if money was no object they are great but not all folks can afford them.

shvlhead.45 · « **Reply #15 on:** September 22, 2011, 07:36:19 AM »

I was once told that Amazon.com is your friend and find it to be good advice many times. Here is a link to get you started there: http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/other/ref=sr_sa_p_4?rh=n%3A3375251%2Cn%3A%213375301%2Cn%3A706813011%2Cn%3A3412851%2Cn%3A162017011%2Cn%3A162020011&bbn=162020011&pickerToList=brandtextbin&ie=UTF8&qid=1316708975

351 power · « **Reply #16 on:** September 23, 2011, 06:04:03 PM »

i wouldn't overscope the handi either. that 3-9x would work for a long time till you decided on a new one. weaver 6x is good if you go that way. another low dollar option is a tasco 1.5-4.5x world class

rdlange · « **Reply #17 on:** October 07, 2011, 10:25:14 AM »

I've got 4 leupolds, all bought used. The most expensive was a minty VX3 1.5-5 for $225 local, admittedly a steal.

The other 3 are rifle specific M8 4x compacts. I paid $135 - $150 for them off elite deal seeker. Two went on 30-30s and one on a 45-70 Handi.

My daughter's 223 has a Swift premier 4-12x40 AO I got on another gun so I don't know what it cost, but figure $50 based on total shooter price. Too large for the Handi IMHO, but I had it. Very clear. By choice I'd like a Burris 4-12x33 AO mini used, but these cost ALOT more.

The old Redfield 5star or accu track, 4-12 or 6-18 AO scopes run $145 to $200 even on ebay and are made in USA. They are longer steel scopes. Redfield anything is good. Looking at them seriously for a 25-06 Handi to replace a Simmons 4-12x40 AO that's destined for an airgun.

The only inexpensive scopes I use are the Simmons Prodiamond 4x32 shotgun scopes. They are light, compact, strong and very good optics. they have a good reputation on these forums.

Good scopes don't have to cost alot if you shop around. Hope you found a good one already.

Be well...

wileynet · « **Reply #18 on:** October 07, 2011, 09:15:28 PM »

put the old scope chief on it for now, came off my grandads old 06, he bought the rifle with the scope on it in 63, optics appear clear and i like the command post for running shots, so far most shots have been less than 200.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #19 on:** October 08, 2011, 12:48:28 PM »

Quote from: wileynet on October 07, 2011, 09:15:28 PM

put the old scope chief on it for now, came off my grandads old 06, he bought the rifle with the scope on it in 63, optics appear clear and i like the command post for running shots, so far most shots have been less than 200.

I love those old scopes!! I have my grandfathers 2 3/4X Redfield with that same reticule!! One of the first new scopes I bought myself as a kid was a Burris with a post, because they where the only one around, I could find still offereing it. I still have that scope!

CW

ratdog · « **Reply #20 on:** November 16, 2011, 02:05:49 AM »

i have two barska's work real good have five simmon's new and old good scopes the barska's are a little clearer to me but my eyes are 20-20 most the time just bought another barska to put on my 223 shorty. i had tasco and the old weaver years ago had trouble keeping dialed in no more of those for me .

diggler1833 · « **Reply #21 on:** November 18, 2011, 01:10:36 PM »

I should have changed my screen name to "Ibreakcheapscopes". I've chalked up two BSA kills...on .22's. Might be alright if you set it once and forget it on a rifle that you aren't going to ever take trophy hunting.

Huffmanite · « **Reply #22 on:** November 27, 2011, 02:42:06 PM »

BSA introduced a couple models of new scopes with their so called CEO warranty early this year. Have bought both of them to try out. Pleased with both models. Lower priced is the Majestic DX and other is the Gold Star. Nice glass in each and no gripes about focus and adjustments in either. All are on centerfire rifles that I shoot fairly regularly at range....no problems to report. In midst of making a sporterized rifle from a model 1896 6.5 Swede and will probably put one of the Majestic DXs on it.

Uncle Harry · « **Reply #23 on:** November 27, 2011, 03:13:48 PM »

My Handi's are mostly scoped with Simmons Whitetail Classics from Midway. I'm thinking they're 6X24X50 and they were on sale at the time. I've had very good luck with them on my .204 and my .223. Good magnification, bright sight picture but the reticles are much too large IMO.

On my 243, I splurged on a Nikon Buckmaster 4.5X16X44 (I think) which was just over 300.00 from Midway. Very nice scope. Better than the Simmons but I can't afford one every time I get another rifle.

I also own 1 BSA that I picked up in a local gun shop when I got a new Remington Russian made single shot 7.62X39. Needed a scope that day and that was the only one they had that wasn't "tactical" or 600.00. It pretty much sucks and will be replaced eventually.

shinjin · « **Reply #24 on:** January 10, 2012, 12:00:18 PM »

Had a Simmons 3x9x50 on my 223 Handi when I got it. Killed a slew of Turkey with the combo and saw no problem with it for bright light. Dim or rainy conditions it was not as bright as my Leupolds or Nikons. for the purpose I had it for it was good enough.

Get on E-Bay and buy a used scope like I have done several times. You can catch some good Nikons or Leupolds, Millets, Weavers, Pentaxs and Bushnells that will up your scope quality for reasonable prices.

shinjin · « **Reply #25 on:** January 10, 2012, 12:13:59 PM »

I forgot to mention this. With the 223's effective accurate range for varmints being about 300 to 350 you need a scope with good clear mill-dots so you can judge wind, distance excetera.

My Nikno with the BDC is OK for distance but no mildots for windage'ing so I use the Kentucky method. At 300 plus it plays havoc.

Buy mil-dots and pay a little more than you want for the scope. You'll be happier (usually) in the long run.

And that Handi WILL hunt!!!

Lost Oki · « **Reply #26 on:** January 22, 2012, 10:36:08 AM »

I have a Nikon buckmaster 4.4 x 14 AO on my handi
Got it from SWFA. Check out their reconditioned or discontinued at www.samplelist.com. I have purchased several scopes and binoculars from this site with excellent results.
They have several of the nikons right now.

SPL14515

Nikon 4.5-14x40 Buckmaster Rifle Scope DEMO-B

6452, Matte, Nikoplex, 1"

$219.95

moorepower · « **Reply #27 on:** January 28, 2012, 07:00:24 AM »

I think my V-16 Weaver is sharper/clearer than my VXII. I know my elite 4200 scopes are clearer. I really don't see the hype with the Leupold. I know they are American made, but I am not that impressed with mine. I have never paid over $225 for V-16 and now I am up to 8 of them. I may try a VXIII, but I am done with VXII's.

Sourdough · « **Reply #28 on:** January 29, 2012, 09:32:11 PM »

I have an H&R Ultra in .223. I shoot a .55gr Nosler CT Ballistic Silver Tip. My wife gave me a Cabela's Tactical Scope with side focus. She got the Centerfire Model in 3X12X40. It came with a turret Calibrated to the 55gr bullet. A little work to match the ballistics of my loads to the calibration of the scope, Info included with the scope. I used Winchester W-748 powder.

Range, Dial, Shoot, I've taken Wolves, Coyotes, Foxes, and lots of Beaver. The Beaver are the hardest to take. You have to hit a spot the size of your thumbnail on the back of their heads, or they dive. I've used this scope now for three years and I like it. I also have the same scope in the Big Game model on my H&R 30-06 Ultra Comp.

PS, I had a Shepard Scope on an H&R 30-06 Handi Rifle. A thief broke into my shed, where I had left the gun in a gun boot on my 4-wheeler. He only stole the barrel with the scope. $700.00 scope on a $168.00 gun. Sent the gun in for a new barrel, I mounted a Nikon Monarch 3X12X42 with BDC on that gun. A $430.00 scope on a standard 30-06 Handi Rifle. For the last 12 years that is my go to gun when I go out. I live in Alaska, and am retired. I am out almost everyday. The Caribou in my avitar was shot with that gun at 250 yards, one shot.

shinjin · « **Reply #29 on:** February 19, 2012, 02:08:44 AM »

I buy USED LEUPOLDS on EBAY then send them in for refurbishing.

Bought cheap (usually under $125) then refurbed cheap (usually under $100) and voila - I got GOOD GLASS for about 40% of cost of new good glass.

BUT, I also have a BSA 3x9x50 on my 223 Handi that worked fine until my Grandson knocked rifle over and broke the tube.