Need your opinions on a scope
I have my eye on a 26" heavy barrel bolt rifle in 223. A friend and I want to shoot prairie dogs on the Rosebud reservation. Never had a heavy barrel (except my NEF slug gun) or a 223. I'm leaning towards a mil dot reticle in a BSA 4x16 or 8x24 or in a Tasco 6x24 (Japanesse & not Chinese made) Target Silhouette. Would 1/8 clicks be better than 1/4 clicks?
For some reason I'm thinking about the BSA 4x16, mil dot with 1/8 moa click adjustments. I'm I making a big misake here?
For some reason I'm thinking about the BSA 4x16, mil dot with 1/8 moa click adjustments. I'm I making a big misake here?
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People have a lot of different opinions on scopes but almost all will tell you to spend more on better glass as you do get what you pay for.
I would suggest a Nikon Monarch 4-16, Bushnell Elite, or a Sightron SII Big Sky. All would be great and I have first hand use with all.
A little less $ would be a Nikon Prostaff or Burris Fulfield II.
My prairie dog rig is a 204 Ruger Hvy barrel with a Sightron SII and I take an AR as well with a Bushnell 6500. All mine are 1/4" adjustments.0 -
victorj19,
My personal opinion is that yes you would be making a mistake by buying the BSA. Some will come along and tell you they are okay. I haven't found that to be the case with the one's I've had to work with.
On the other hand the Tasco, if Japanese made, could well be a much better quality scope. Do look closely though as Tasco has a lot of their scopes produced in China or the Philipines.
The Nikons skyfish noted are good but their lower end scopes are made in China as well. I avoid them. I've had a few cheapies, that I bought to stick on something, go bad. Not much for warranty with them. Their Buckmaster and Monarch levels are made in Japan and made well. I have a 4-16x50 that I use on top of my 6mm-284. It shoots quite well out to 500.
Another good deal out their is the Vortex Viper. Right now Midway has them for $279.00 I believe I saw a few on auction as well. Made in Japan and assembled in the U.S.
As far as clicks on a scope? I strongly suggest against 1/8MOA clicks. 1/4 is better and if you aren't shooting for score then 1/2 if you can find one. Most are 1/4 though. 1/4 MOA doesn't move enough to really matter. Think of 1/4 MOA as 1/4 inch per hundred yards (this is hunting no need for super precision) 200 yds. = 2 x 1/4, Or 1/2" 300=3/4. So, @ 300 yds. one click of the scope only moves the round 3/4". You could go twice that far for it to matter on a prairie dog. What will matter is how well you shoot.
What is the .223 HB you are looking at BTW?
Edit:
quote:Originally posted by Tel005
I just ordered my second Ziess,4.5-14x50 the only other scope I ever realy liked was a Nikon 4-12x50, but the Ziess gathers more light and seams to be a brighter scope. Like the man said, the only time I cry is when I write the check, never in the deer stand.
That's another really outstanding scope series. They are made by Meopta for Zeiss {I was told} and so far my 6.5-20 has been very reliable.
Spend a few extra bucks. On that Savage, I would highly recommend waiting and getting some decent glass. It will be a shooter that will amaze you. You could look into IOR, Meopta, Zeiss Conquest, Burris and Leupold. Leupold has kind of lost it's upper end standing but still provide a very good scope.0 -
Get yourself a subscription to Varmint Hunters mag. They review several rigs each issue along with their optics. It won't take long to get a handle on what the guys doing that sort of shooting use above most else. Personally I long back sold off all my BSA, Bushnell and Baush & Lomb scopes while I thought I could get most of my money back out of them and have never regretted doing so. I would stay with either Burris or Leupold lower end scopes and up from there as you moneies permit. I think your 4x16x40 is probably a good starting place for what you want to do. Have fun.... 0 -
All of my BSAs and Tascos have hit the bottom of a trash can. I have zero complaints out of my Nikons(Buckmasters and Monarchs) or Burris Sig. Select. 4X16 is a good power range for what you want to do IMO some want a lot more mag. though. It seems budget is a concern. If these are out of your price range you could get a Nikon 3X9 for $100 and up grade later and still have a good scope for a .22 or something else. 0 -
I was given a BSA 6-18 somethingoranother several years ago by my well intended sister. Just for my own reference I removed the Swaro from my prarrie dog hammer and mounted the BSA. It failed the box test pitifuly.
If you are on a budget the Nikon Monarch scopes are good as are the V series Weaver Classics. Both are Japanese made.0 -
Buy expensive, cry once. Buy cheap, cry a lot.
If you really can't afford to do it, for $100 or under I'd get the Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50.0 -
Sandwarrior
It's in the Savage 112 series with laminated stock. Waiting to see if my FFL will accept delivery from a non-FFL before bidding.
Jim0 -
Sandwarrior, is dead on accurate with his information and recommendation in particular with the moa clicks.
I would only add that I have had some good luck with some chinese made scopes, however they are not a replacement for well known quality made scopes and are usually more trouble than not.
Further you will probably find yourself purchasing a more expensive quality made scope later on anyway.0 -
I just ordered my second Ziess,4.5-14x50 the only other scope I ever realy liked was a Nikon 4-12x50, but the Ziess gathers more light and seams to be a brighter scope. Like the man said, the only time I cry is when I write the check, never in the deer stand. 0 -
Forget the BSA, Tasco amd anything made in China. Burris, Leupold or better, like Nightforce. If you can't afford those, save longer. 0
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