Author Topic: Best inexpensive scope? (Read 2460 times)

PA90Ranger · « **on:** February 01, 2005, 10:36:10 AM »

Right now on my .223 handi I have a Bushnell Trophy 3x9 which I really like, but I want more magnification than that. I'd like to go at least 4x12 or 4x16 since it will be used for long range groundhogs and target shooting. I want to find something that is reasonably priced around 75-125$. Any suggestions and information you might have is greatly appreciated. Thanks again

Alex

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2005, 10:38:59 AM »

Here's a previous thread that will interest you...

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=52898

cgturner7 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2005, 10:55:59 AM »

Check out Swift scopes. They are well known among birders for excellent optics at a great price. Some of their binos even rival Swaro/Zeiss/Leica without the cost. I have a Swift Premier 3-9x40 on my Ultra .308 and couldn't be happier. Try www.swift-optics.com It was a couple of years ago but I'm pretty sure I paid around $100.

handirifle · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2005, 10:59:13 AM »

Simmona Aetec at Wal Mart for about $120. 2.8-10

PA90Ranger · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2005, 03:16:42 PM »

Thanks for the info so far. Looks like I just gotta do a little bit of shopping around. Thanks again guys

Daveinthebush · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2005, 04:31:16 PM »

You can buy quality once or crap a lot of times.

After a blotched caribou hunt a few years ago because of a bad, cheap scope, I bought all Leupolds.

Now you might think, whoa, thats a lot of money. Well here is the deal. I bought all the scopes off of EBay. Since the scopes have a LifeTime guarrentee, if I recieved a defective one I could send it in and have it replaced.

But, every scope that I bought, not one was defective. I haven't paid over $150 for a Leupold yet. :grin:

James B · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2005, 05:05:27 PM »

I love the Simmons Aetec scopes. The Bushnell Trophy models are pretty good for around 125.00 I have three Leuplods as well. I would be glad to trade them for three more Aetecs I had to send back two out of my first three Leupolds. I have never been happy with them for the price. I kept trying them and the tree I have now are pretty fair scopes. However a lot of the money is for the name and I have found several other brands that are every bit as good. IMO. My M8 Luepold is by far my favorite of the Leupolds.

MGMorden · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2005, 06:17:51 PM »

I've got Millet's on my two centerfires (Buck Silver on .30-06 and Buck Gold on 6.5x55) and they work well. The Buck Silver ran me $70 and the Buck Gold $125. That being said, just to try something new, I'm thinking that I'll put one of the $150 Nikon's on my next rifle.

Simmons does seem to be the most prominent of the low cost scopes, but from what I've heard, they're not that well built (with notable exception of the Aetec line, which is supposed to be pretty good). I've got a cheap Simmons on a .22LR that seems to be OK (well, the rifle shoots 3" groups at 50 yards but 10/22's aren't exactly known for accuracy

), but I wouldn't trust it to hold up to the recoil of a heavy round. YMMV.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2005, 07:43:24 PM »

I tell ya guys...I have always Loved my Leupold VX-1 scopes...and I have 3 of them...(2)...4 X 12 X 40's...and (1) 2 X 7 X 33...and I always will love them...but I just picked up one of those Burris Full Field 2's 3 x9 x40 Ballistic Plex scopes from Rifle Scopes .com....one of our sponsors...and all I can say is WOW...it is super bright and clear and it has every bit of long eye relief as does the Leupolds...and those Ballistic Plex dots are pretty cool to use too...give them a look thru...I can say...I'll be buying more Burris scopes from now on...

Mac

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2005, 07:48:21 PM »

I've got the Burris 3-9x40 BP on my .25-06 Ultra, but I don't consider it an inexpensive scope...it's a great scope for the money and I sold the 20x50 spotter that came with it, so it was a bargain, but still, some of my less expensive scopes are, for all practical intents and purposes, just as good. :wink:

TrapperZach · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2005, 12:51:29 AM »

bushnellls got a 8-16*50 for 125 can get it cheaper in some places.

BASSKICKER · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2005, 03:26:33 PM »

I've been using a BEC 3x9x50 on my 308 Survivor for 5 years now with no complaints.It comes wuth an illuminated recticle,target turrents and a 4" sun shade for 59.99.I got it off the sportsmans guide website.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2005, 03:51:50 PM »

Ken Marsh on cheap scopes....

http://www.charm.net/~kmarsh/scope.html

stiff neck · « **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2005, 05:32:54 PM »

Quote

Ken Marsh on cheap scopes....

There's always a certain level of elitism when comparing "luxury" scopes with "regular" scopes.

It's no different than automobiles. Sure, my late model Toyota Camry drives great and will last forever, and it didn't cost me a whole lot. But I'll get smirks and comments behind my back if I drove it to the country club and parked it between the BMWs and Mercedes etc.

Not everybody has money to burn on classy cars and classy scopes. There are less expensive models that do the job just fine for less. Sure, some are "junk". But come on. If you can't shoot well with a $200 scope, then you're not going to be able to shoot well with a $600 scope either. There aren't very many shooters who actually "need" classy scopes. Most people just "want" them. That's fine too.

If you can really shoot better with a $600 scope than you can with a $200- scope, then you are a better shot than 99% of the rest of us. "I got a Leupold and my groups shrunk from 3/4" to 1/2". Yeah right... If you're worried about your scope losing zero after falling down and smacking it on a boulder, maybe you'd be better off spending that extra $400 on better shoes or some fitness classes instead of on an expensive scope.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2005, 05:59:40 PM »

There are a lot of non "elite" scopes in the $100-$200 price range that are certainly much better than the $50 junk that is out there. There's an old saying....cheap is expensive and it's certainly true in optics.

turkeyhunter · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2005, 04:10:52 AM »

I agree with quicktdoo. After wasting alot of money on cheap scopes I finally just coughed up the money and bought a Nikon Monarch for my deer rifle. Now with that being said I have had good luck with the Simmons Aetec and with Bushnell scopes. Don't get Tasco junk or the cheap Simmons junk.

PA90Ranger · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2005, 10:04:37 AM »

I'm considering a Simmons WTC. What are your feelings about this one? Thanks for the advice guys. Basically what I'm lookin for is a scope that doesn't cost more than the gun itself. I'd like to stay at 100$ or below if possible.

turkeyhunter · « **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2005, 10:09:09 AM »

Go with the Simmons Aetec for around $125. You won't be disappointed in it. Looks great on the gun as well.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #18 on:** February 03, 2005, 10:47:14 AM »

Quote from: PA90Ranger

I'm considering a Simmons WTC. What are your feelings about this one? Thanks for the advice guys. Basically what I'm lookin for is a scope that doesn't cost more than the gun itself. I'd like to stay at 100$ or below if possible.

The Simmons WTC18 6.5-20x50 is a great scope, excellent glass, fully multi coated, made in the Philippines, one of the best buys in it's power range. It's available at SWFA for $100 plus shipping. Their web site is down at the moment or I would provide a direct link to the scope.

www.swfa.com

Another good choice is the Simmons ATV 4.5-14x40 at about $90 shipped from Natchez. It's got the same features as the WTC18, just smaller and doesn't have the granite finish.

Another to consider is the 801048 target scope which has been mentioned also.

Here are a couple pages at RFC on the Simmons scopes.

http://rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82835

PA90Ranger · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2005, 03:40:10 PM »

Thanks for your help quickdtoo. Now I just have to figure out which Simmons is right for me. Any issues with the WTC clearing the hammer? If I stick with Burris high Zee Rings I should still be able to clear everything right? Thanks again

quickdtoo · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2005, 04:02:55 PM »

Well, mediums will work, but you'll have to cut the bottom of the lens cover to use it and you'll have to use a hammer spur extension. Here's a pic of my WTC18 mounted with medium sig zees on my .280 rem...I recommend SWFA over Midway, same price but SWFA is a GBO sponsor. The Optics Zone, also a GBO sponsor, has the medium Burris Signature Zees for $27.99 and $4.25 priority shipping. You'll have to call Jon at TOZ, the rings aren't listed on his site yet. 1-877-564-0286..SWFA also sells the rings for $36, but if you call em, you may get a price break with the scope purchase, worth a try.

http://www.riflescopes.com/departments/252/rifle_scopes/simmons/simmons_whitetail_classic.htm

James B · « **Reply #21 on:** February 03, 2005, 04:04:04 PM »

It should clear ok. Midway has the WTC for 99.00 right now. The Aetecs are 129 and 139.

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #22 on:** February 03, 2005, 04:15:29 PM »

The 6X18X50 Bushnell at Midway is $109,delivered $119. I have 2 of these scopes and they are excellant in low light situations. You will not believe the light these scopes gather. Also the Atec's are very good buys.Digger

lik2hunt · « **Reply #23 on:** February 04, 2005, 01:35:01 AM »

I struggled with this same issue when I got my 7x64 Brenneke recently. I wanted a "good" scope for it but really didn't want to spend $200 on one. I considered and looked at the Leupold VX-1's, The Burris, Nikon, and even some of the high end Bushnells, but in the end I settled on the 2-7x40 Swift Premier from Eabco.com for $119 shipped. What a scope! The clearest I've ever looked thru and with it set up on 7 it is equal with the Bushnell Banner 3-9x50 that I have on my Vanguard when it is set up to 9.
I believe the prices have gone up now and I was fortunate enough to get mine just before they did, but even at a few bucks more I'd still recomend them. The 3-9x40 Premier is the same price as the 2-7x40 I believe. Definitely good scopes for the money. I do however also like my Bushnell Banner and I am probably gonna purchase a Tasco Target/Varmint in the near future.
One thing to consider is the fact that I believe you said you were wanting a scope for your .223? I believe, and this is just my personal opinion, that a medium priced scope is fine on anything from the 25-06 down because of less recoil. The springs in the lower end scopes work fine on low recoil rifles and don't give out like they tend to do on the heavier recoil caliber rifles, again just my personal opinion.
Look around on the different websites and do a lot of "google" searches and I'll promise you that you'll find plenty of the medium priced scopes to choose from, so many in fact, that you're head will be swimming when you are finished.

rbjaw · « **Reply #24 on:** February 04, 2005, 03:00:34 AM »

Simmons spring 2005 new models

should lower cost on current models if you can wait

jaw

quickdtoo · « **Reply #25 on:** February 04, 2005, 05:19:34 AM »

Just a heads up, the Simmons ATV at Natchez is no longer available, all sold out....it may be a while, if ever that we see that one again. :cry:

Donaldo · « **Reply #26 on:** February 04, 2005, 07:57:56 AM »

Quick,
We probably won't see the ATV anymore as I think this scope was made during one of Simmons musical chair ownership deals. Still, by searching around, ebay and such one might be found. I wish I had bought another one when Natchez has them. I have two and love them. They are 4.5-14x40, with AO. I have one on my 223 Handi and one on my 243 Mauser. I just punch paper so I keep them set on 14x. I can see 223 holes at 100 and sometimes at 200, if my old eyes cooperate. In fact haven't used my spotting scope in quite some time now. Next scope I buy is going to be at least up to 24X.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #27 on:** February 04, 2005, 08:50:30 AM »

When Walmart originally ordered those scopes made for them, they were designed to sell at just under $150. Walmart and Simmons had a contractual disagreement and they parted ways leaving the ATV on the market for anyone to sell, big retailers snatched em up for some great bargains. Sierra Trading Post had em for a while at $75-$80 shipped and I got one of theirs, but they too are out now. I got one on Ebay once for $81 shipped and Elk Ridge now has some available on ebay, for a while, anyway. An RFC member tried to order an ATV from Natchez and was told they were out and would not likely get anymore. So, if you want one, Ebay is the only source at this time....

As far as Simmons ownership, Meade owns Simmons, Weaver and Redfield at this time, but the OEM for the ATV and WTC has always been Asia Optical as far as I've been able to ascertain, which is one of the big three non-euro OEMs along with Light Optical Works and Hakko...hence the Philippine origin.

PA90Ranger · « **Reply #28 on:** February 04, 2005, 10:52:55 AM »

I got plenty of time to wait and shop around until I find what I want. Actually this weekend I'm heading up to Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, so I'll shop around and see if I can find something either slightly used or new for a decent price. Since it's goin on a .223 it doesn't have to be anything real fancy since it's a low recoil gun for punching paper mostly. In my search so far I've found the Tasco World Class to be pretty inexpensive and I know they're not a top of the line scope, but they seem like they may fit the bill for what I'm looking for. A friend of mine has one mounted on his .243 and he has no complaints with it. Anybody have any experience with these? Thanks for all your help guys

Alex

quickdtoo · « **Reply #29 on:** February 04, 2005, 11:24:23 AM »

The older Japan built Tascos are excellent scopes, the newest Bushnell Performance Optics owned Tascos are also fair to good for the price, but the intermediate built Tascos leave a lot to be desired in many cases. I wouldn't recommend buying any Tasco that doesn't have the BPO ownership statement on the box or scope. Until Bushnell bought Tasco, their quality was somewhat questionable after their original demise. I would also recommend you stay away from the low end new Tascos, those in the $100 price range aren't bad and get fair reviews from what I've seen. I just sold a 6-24x42 Target/Varmint to Mitchell, it sells for $75-$90.

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=50390

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