Advice on a Scope wanted
Continuing on from my previous post. Looking for a scope to mount on a bolt action 223 for a prairie dog shoot. Have ruled out the NcStar, Barska, most Tascos. I never used a mil dot before but seem to be drawn to it. So far I have narrowed the search to a new 6x18 Swift for $200, a used Japanese 6x24 Tasco for around $100 and a used Sightron 8x32 with a Reserve and a bid at $76.) Looked at Busnell Elites and Nikons (all out of budget). Anything over the 16 to 20 power range is likely a lot more than I'd use. Are Swifts well made?
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My advice is to look at the Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40mm mil dot scope. 0 -
quote:quickmajik
Advanced Member
USA
13997 Posts
Posted - 09/19/2010 : 01:09:59 AM Show Profile Email Poster Reply with Quote
My advice is to look at the Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40mm mil dot scope.
Hey John, the Bushnell is a great scope but way out of his budget. He even said so. He appears he has a budget in the $100-$150 range tops.
I'm not even sure what can be had in that price range maybe a Simmons or a BSA. Don't know about the Swift's but probably Japanese made and just what you'd expect from a scope in that price range. Just keep in mind that you pretty much get what you pay for. Don't know what kind of bolt action your mounting this on so the whole scope thing could be moot.0 -
If the budget is 200 bucks or less, look at the Redfield Revolution line. Leupold Stevens bought the Redfield name brand in 2009, and they are produced in Oregon, with a full lifetime warranty. Let China keep their scopes.
Several models are on the auction side.0 -
I would look at Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14X40(1st choice under $200) or Simmons Aetec 4-14X44(under $130) here;
http://www.samplelist.com/Riflescopes-C4.aspx0 -
Swift scopes, such as their Premier models, were made in USA with schott type glass and Swift made their own lens. Swift has been in optics business since late 1920s, making microscopes, binoculars and rifle scopes. About 2 years ago, Swift sold off its scope divison and I don't know what changes may have occured in their scope making. But Swift did have a reputation for decent quality made in USA scopes for reasonable prices.
I have 2 of the 669m premier 6-18x44 A.O. scopes and are mounted on a 6.5 Swede and a 257 Roberts. Nothing cheap about appearance and feel of them...pretty decent clarity in lens, light gathering and positive clicks in elevation/windage adjustments. Only bad comment I remember reading about scope when I reseached Swift on internet...was about their 3" eye relief being maybe too short for high recoil rifles.
Anyway, I'm pleased with my Swift, no problems after quite a few rounds downrange with them.0 -
Victorj19, Just thought I'd mention you may want to review the discontinued Nitrex TR1 and TR2 scopes available at Natchez Shooters Supply. These are basically Weaver Grand Slams and Super Slams. Nitrex and Weaver both owned by ATK. Nitrex has a rebate of $50 or $100 depending on model. I bought a 3-15X42 SF TR2 recently and my cost after rebate was $218....heck of a scope for a bargain price.
On Natchez website, use search for Nitrex TR1....you'll find them.
Also, you can buy a Pentax Pioneer 4.5-15X42, which was same as the Burris Fullfield scope made in Philippines, for $135 plus shipping and probably Tax....check Best Buy.com website, do a search for Pentax Pioneer and you'll find it.0 -
Good scopes start at Burris, Sightron, Leupold and Nikon in that order. If you buy any thing lesser, including the Swift, you are just pissing your low budget away anyway. You will eventually have to replace them, and no one will want them.
That said, With the ones you listed, go with the Sightron 8-32x. If you are drawn to the mil-dot scopes, because they look and sound cool, then you are just complicating your life. If you actually know how to use them, or have the desire and ability to learn how, then, they can be a blessing.
Best
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quote:Originally posted by fiawol
What about extreme entry-level scopes (like you would find at a Wal-Mart or other department store) but still a trusted brand name? I saw a Bushnell Sharpshooter riflescope, adjustable 3-9 x 40mm for $40 at a local Meijer store, and see even lower prices online. I realize it's junk compared to $200-$300 scopes, but is it even worth considering, or are you better off with no scope than a cheap scope?
Like I have said, the entry level starts with the above. Anything lesser, and you are just going to cost yourself more, when you replace it in the NEAR future. Right now, a Burris Fullfield 2 3-9x40, can be had for under $200.00. The lesser scopes on a centerfire, will cost you more in ammunition screwing around with them, trying to get them to perform to your needs, than you would have spent on a decent scope to begin with.
Best0 -
What about extreme entry-level scopes (like you would find at a Wal-Mart or other department store) but still a trusted brand name? I saw a Bushnell Sharpshooter riflescope, adjustable 3-9 x 40mm for $40 at a local Meijer store, and see even lower prices online. I realize it's junk compared to $200-$300 scopes, but is it even worth considering, or are you better off with no scope than a cheap scope? 0 -
Curt,
The E3200 10x40 is less then $200.00. Well within the desired price range, and from my experiance is very precise and rugid for the expense. Ron Barret used to sell them on his single shot fifties. It is a Bausch & Lomb design manufactured by the same people who make components for Night Force optics.0 -
quote:Originally posted by fiawol
What about extreme entry-level scopes (like you would find at a Wal-Mart or other department store) but still a trusted brand name? I saw a Bushnell Sharpshooter riflescope, adjustable 3-9 x 40mm for $40 at a local Meijer store, and see even lower prices online. I realize it's junk compared to $200-$300 scopes, but is it even worth considering, or are you better off with no scope than a cheap scope?
There are several problems with low-end scopes. We're talking about "wandering zero", poor image brightness, poor optical quality (ie distortion), inconsistent click adjustment, poor overall durability, and overall lower quality control.
Is it possible to pay $40 for a scope and get something that isn't great but will function OK? Sure it is. . .**BUT** you're rolling the dice, and the odds of you getting something bad are much higher.
In your case, no, for a serious prairie dog hunt, I wouldn't bother with a $40 optic. For hunting purposes, particularly at long range, you need good glass. If you miss a shot, how will you know if its you or your scope? What if the zero wanders and causes you to wound an animal you should have killed cleanly? If the scope breaks, your day is effectively done.
While not exactly brain surgery, mounting then zeroing a scope still requires a good amount of time and effort (plus ammo expense). Even if its a non-critical application, its still a bit of a PITA to have to go through this when you don't have to.
So my advice is pay more. . .pay ONCE. . .enjoy your hunt.0
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