Cheap Scopes ?

C

Composer_1777

Moderator
I am really broke and am tempted to buy a 60$ scope for my FNAR so at least it will be functional. My question is: will a cheap scope do the job well enough and make a rifle as functional as Iron sights or even better ?
 
There are truckloads of cheap scopes out there. The one's that always suprise me are the low powered Leapers and various ones seen at CDNN Investments. The good thing you've got going is that your rifle isn't going to be all that high in the recoil dept- so that will help some. But, in the end- you'll still eventually want for better. You won't have any equity for resale or trade in a $60 scope, so you'll likely have a dust collector when and if it poops out on ya (or you upgrade).

That said- yeah, I'd go for it. I know what it's like to have a rifle sitting there mocking me and little cash on hand to put a scope on it. You can always drop a couple of bucks every payday into the bottom of your cleaning kit until you can move up the quality chain.
 
Composer, try spending the $60.00 at a pawn shop. Most of them that I have been in have higher dollar scopes. A lot of them will wheel and deal with you now that hunting season is over.

Also, you can take the scope and peer out a window to see if you like the cross-hairs. At $60.00 you will not be able to buy a high quality scope brand new. You could find a decent one brand new.

I always check the "Used" stuff before I buy brand new. So long as I feel it is a good deal, I do not mind someone else's fingerprints on my optics (So long as they are able to be wiped off :D)
 
I think you'd be a lot happier saving up $150 for a Weaver V3 but it's your money. I'd at least avoid brands like Barska, BSA, Leapers, NcStar etc. FWIW Natchez has the Simmons AETEC on clearance for $79 and ProHunters starting at $55. I have no idea how long they will hold up but at least the optics aren't horrible. I wouldn't go any lower than that.
 
Last edited:
even if you have to wait a few weeks, save your money and get a reasonable scope. even a Busnell banner is better than most of those cheap $60 scopes.
 
I also think you would be alot happier if you could wait for nicer glass. It will make a differnce, better light gathering, more clear, fog proof, sharper, etc. We all have our favorites like I do, but thats up to you to decided on. There are many nice ones that dont cost a arm and a leg. Good luck!
 
Thanks guys. Really good advice. It might be worth it to just save up for a decent Nikon or check the pawnshops. I will make my rifle functional soon!

BTW Once you get an FN the costs for it is pretty high. I kind of got the rifle on impulse and didn't calculate the money i needed to put into it to make it fully functional. I still need 3 more magazines for it @ 50$ each, i still need a sling, I did buy a red dot sight(a cheap one) but it is horrible on a 308, i really found it distracting and could barely get the paper at 100 yrds. I am anxious to get back to the range but i haven't been shooting my other guns b.c. the FN is my favorite and I don't want to go until it is functional.
 
Interesting thread. FWIW, good quality scopes are all around. And they aren't always the expensive ones. I have a $1500.00 Zeiss on my .30-06 hunting rifle. It's been to Canada, Alaska, Colorado and Montana. In Newfoundland, I dropped the rifle, and the next day, the scope was foggy. My back-up for that trip was a Tru-Glo 3-12 X 44 on my .280. During a week of rain with one day where we saw all 4 seasons in one day, that rifle/scope combo worked for me. And, when I need it, my moose dropped cleanly at 360 yards.

Today, that scope resides on my mini-14 with over a few thousand rounds through the gun. No shifts in point of impact at all, the Zeiss was replaced no charge, by Zeiss. The .280 wears a 3-9 X 40 Leopold. And, the optics, on the Tru-Glo, (to me at least) are crisper than either the Zeiss or the Leopold. And she still shoots to point of aim.

If I were to go to Africa (first time) or Canada (again), I'd have no concerns taking the Tru-Glo.
 
Since I've been a member of this site I've read many opinions about cheap and expensive scopes that range from "don't waste your money" to "get the best scope that you can afford" (which in many cases is under $100). I say if you can afford a high dollar scope get one because in most cases you really do "get what you pay for". On the other hand if not having an expensive scope is the only thing that comes between you going to the range/hunting and having some fun I say take your time and find the best scope that you can afford even if it is a cheap one. You can upgrade when you can afford it. I personally have never owned a scope that cost over $169 dollars and some change and I know there are many others that fall into that category. Thats just the truth of the matter. I might also add that I've never had a problem with any of my scopes and they all have many hours (range time) on them. Keep in mind that it isn't about what others can afford, its about what you can afford.
 
Last edited:
Another vote for E. Arthur brown co. I bought one of their Mueller Apv scopes and really like the quality for $100-
 
take it from an old-timer

Only this past year or two have I treated myself to a ''nice $300 scope''.
In the past I chose Simmons, Tasco, Meuller, and a VXl leupold.
The leupold was pure junk! The others served me well. On a budget: Look for a used older scope. If it was made in the phillipines, chances are you are going to get a good scope. The old Simmons Aetec is still a very good scope,, the new aetecs are junk. The old,old ,old Tascos were good,,,the new ones are junk. I believe Meuller is the best bang for the buck when buying new.
 
scopes

Many do not know that the most advanced optical factory on earth is now in China. There are unknown "brands" and lower priced scopes coming out of that factory. These are far from junk and quite reasonable in price. I have directly compared some to Leupold and found them "superior" optically from a layman's non -technical view. These inexpensive scopes have one piece tubes, nitrogen filled, very precise clicks, lifetime warranties. I hate this state of affairs but that's the reality of it. I believe some of the high end scopes are using this factory also.
 
Try the Intensity Optics range from Natchez. There is a model on special for 59.95 that should suit you. These are closeout from a much higher price because ATK has brought out a new range.

I purchased one of them but in higher power, on Natchez's recommendation and am very pleased with it. Optics at least as good as the early Aetecs.

Haven't had any problem with it mechanically but admit it is only on a .22.

Don't know how they make them for the price. Spending a lot more money does not buy proportionally better optics but mechanical integrity does tend to get better the more you spend.

A lot of people are very happy with optics in this class and price range otherwise there would not be an ongoing market.

You can always upgrade when money is not as tight.
 
Go to ebay and look for a Weaver fixed power 4 or 6 depending on what it will be used for and what caliber. You can get lucky and get a pretty good one for $60. They will also get you for $10-15 for freight.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top