Author Topic: Moving up in quality and want opinions. (Read 908 times)

New Hampshire · « **on:** September 25, 2004, 06:16:54 AM »

Ok, Ive got a T/C Encore with a .30-06 bbl on it right now. It is topped with a BSA 1.5-4.5 scope that has been good to me and like very much. But sometime next year I want to kick up the quality to a better scope more suited to the caliber (the BSA is actually supposed to be a shotgun scope.) So I went pawing through the MidwayUSA catalog and made a list of scopes that fit both my price range, power range and quality range. I would like some opinions on them:

First is a Wever V-Series 2-7x @ $172.95. I have not heard too much on their quality, but they seem like good scopes.

Sightron S1 3-9x @ $152.38. Have almost no knowledge of this brand but am told they are very good for the price.

Redfield Tracker 3-9x @ $149.95. I know Redfield were top quality back when and assume they still are.

Nikon ProStaff 3-9x @ $149.99. C'mon its Nikon :grin: .

Leupold Rifleman 2-7x @ $179.99. Everyone knows about Leupolds!

Ok, My first choices would be the Weaver or Leupold because of their lower power settings. BUT they are also the more expensive choices, and spending less money is a plus in my book. So what is the verdict?
Thanks,
Brian M.

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** September 25, 2004, 06:26:37 AM »

From your list I'd select the Leupold. BUT I think you're making a big mistake not to add the Bushnell Elite 3200 to the list. Had it been there I would have chosen it.

New Hampshire · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2004, 08:24:41 AM »

Hmmm perhaps it should be added. Ill check it out some more. Thanks Graybeard.
Brian M.

longwinters · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2004, 08:29:39 AM »

My buddy has the Nikon and it is a real nice scope. I too would take a serious look at the Bushnell 3200. Both myself and one of my sons has one and for the $$$ would be very hard to beat.

Long

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 25, 2004, 08:30:09 AM »

Get the Leupold. I have been switching my scopes to Leupold. I do have other scopes, but I would chose a Leupold over any of the choices you posted.

Thebear_78 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 25, 2004, 08:51:46 AM »

I went with the 2-7 leupold VX1 for my 24" encore 30/06 barrel. There is something about knowing that it is dependable and that leupold will stand behind it 110%. I have had a Elite 4200 and it was a nice scope but I just feel a little more secure with a leupold. I can't say its any more durable but I feel better with it on there. It is also a really nice fit for the encore, just the right size.

sgtt · « **Reply #6 on:** September 25, 2004, 07:51:42 PM »

Ever think about a straight power?

robin-hood-90 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 26, 2004, 05:58:23 AM »

I would have to agree with graybeard on that one

New Hampshire · « **Reply #8 on:** September 27, 2004, 03:03:50 AM »

Quote from: sgtt

Ever think about a straight power?

Yes, and very seriously about one too. But 95% of the hunting I do can be real tight quarters while the other 5% is for getting me out there if need be. And targets does not really matter too much. The reason I like the Leupold and Weaver (and now the Bushnell as Ive been checking it out) is the lower magnification. I dont nevessarily need to go all the way to a 9x, and the 7 should be just fine, but being able to go lower than 4x is a must. Thats why I have the 1.5-4.5 BSA on right now. But, alas Ive decided to give my baby a bit more in quality on the eyewear :grin: .
Brian M.

7magWoodsman · « **Reply #9 on:** September 27, 2004, 03:27:56 AM »

Quote from: New Hampshire

I dont nevessarily need to go all the way to a 9x, and the 7 should be just fine, but being able to go lower than 4x is a must.

I recommend the Nikon Pro Staff 2x-7x 32mm $130.00
GREAT scope for the money.

redawg · « **Reply #10 on:** September 27, 2004, 02:48:52 PM »

I'm not sure which 3200 you were looking at, but they have a 1.5-4.5 with the Firefly Reticle. Zachary has one on a .375 and seems to be impressed with his. Maybe you've already considered this, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. Let us know what you end up getting!

TXSURVEYOR · « **Reply #11 on:** September 28, 2004, 05:34:38 AM »

Good choice with the Leupold. Nice picture of a real pretty gun. I will give a comment on the choices even though you have purchased already.
I just mounted a sightron s-1 and am very pleased. I would probably have chosen the 3200 but got a deal on the sightron about $35.00 cheaper. Either one would have been a graet choice.

Cabin4 · « **Reply #12 on:** September 28, 2004, 09:52:41 AM »

I second the recomendation to add Bushnell 3200 to the list and I will also say take a look at Swift. They make some very, very good optics at good prices in the range $$ you are looking. They are very underrated and not very well known of for some strange reason.

I don't understand the Swift "thing". I just don't think they do any advertising.

tripod · « **Reply #13 on:** September 30, 2004, 07:59:01 PM »

This is always a tough decision. I have 7 Weaver scopes. One 4X. Four are 2-7 and two 4-16. They are good scopes for the money. I think the 4X and 2-7's are better than the 4-16. I have 9 Leupolds and needless to say they are all good. My least expensive Leupold a VX-1 4-12 is optically better than any weaver. The friction adjustment is not as desirable but does not hinder performance. Get the Leupold. Get as much scope as you can possibly afford because it is far cheaper than upgrading. Leupolds have much higher resale and service is A+.

flintlock · « **Reply #14 on:** October 01, 2004, 04:57:49 AM »

I would not get the Rifleman, when I could get a Leupold VX-I 2x7 at the same price....flintlock