Need scope help

R

RCP Fab

New member
I've been searching and reading, and all I have figured out is there are A LOT of scopes out there. Optics planet, in my price range, comes up with about 100.

I have a Ruger American, in .270. Right now I have a walmart $35 3-9x40 scope on it. The scope works, but obviously is a piece of junk. It was cloudy and raining last weekend, and it left some to be desired.

I currently shoot mostly every weekend at the local 100 yard range. The longest range that I know of in the area is 380 yards. I would at some point get to a 600+ yard range, but that wouldn't happen often.

I am looking into hunting later this year, but I am not sure if that's going to happen or not.

Price range, 150-300 with bases, I would love to stay under 250.

I would like something that is more than 3-9. On the low-end of things, 3 is fine, anything up to 5 or 6 on the low-end would be fine.

For the upper end, im thinking 10-12, I think anymore and I will be sacrificing quality for unnecessary magnification.

Would a fixed 10x scope be a waste of time?

I don't know about the size, is 50mm better? I don't care how it looks, just how it functions.

Here are a few that I was looking at:

http://www.opticsplanet.com/bushnell-elite-10x40-mildot-target-turrets-argon-fixed-riflescope.html

http://www.opticsplanet.com/weaver-kaspa-3-12x44sf-ill-ballistic-x-tactical-rifle-scope.html

http://www.opticsplanet.com/weaver-kaspa-2-5-10x44-ill-mil-dot-tactical-weapon-scopes.html

http://www.opticsplanet.com/swift-4-12x40mm-premier-riflescope-676-676m-676s.html

http://www.opticsplanet.com/weaver-kaspa-ill-mil-dot-riflescopes-2-5-10x50.html

Thanks
 
A good scope for hunting isn't necessarily a good scope for target work and vice versa. If you're talkin needing something for combo work than I'll error on the side of "better for hunting" every time since things are more serious out in the field than at the range.

Except for the VERY rare individual that wants/needs and is qualified to take very long shots on big game at very long range (IMO, anything over 300 yards, maybe 400) a scope with a magnification of more than 10X is not only un-needed but UNWANTED. So with not many variable scopes ending in 10x that leaves the 100's of scopes in the 3-9x range that you should be looking at. Another advantage of scopes like these are they are cheaper to make than their higher magnification brothers so in general you'll likely get better glass for your buck. And better glass is just as important if not more so than magnification.

Even at the range distances you're talkin about it's not like you're gonna be hampered by 9x when compared to most others on the line if YOU know what you are doing.

Not gonna recommend a specific scope for ya. In my somewhat limited experience (with high dollar scopes), scopes of equal dollars are generally pretty equal in performance. There's not many (if any) $150 scopes that are as good as $250 scopes (and vice versa) and not many $250 scopes that are as good as $350 scopes but the increase in performance does get smaller as you go up the scale. I can tell you this, all MOST shooters NEED is glass $150-$200, anything more is just gravy.
 
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If you are not a competition shooter at longer distances, those "tactical turret" style scopes won't be much of a help with a .270 and will likely become a pain for you. Likewise 10x is going to be overkill by a bunch for most things.
I think you'll be happiest with a solid 3-9x made by a reputable company. I would probably go with a Nikon Prostaff, Leupold, or Bushnell Legend. You'd be surprised what you can do with a modern scope in this price range!
Also, you don't really need a 50mm. Most likely, something in the 40mm range will be just fine. I use a 32mm and suits all of my needs just fine.
Pete
 
Good to know.

What is your opinion on the Weavers that I posted? I really like the 2.5-10x44.

Hunting would be a rare thing for me, but I don't want to exclude it, or buy a scope that is impossible to hunt with.
 
I think that the Weavers are probably just fine. Never used them personally. I think that particular scope you mentioned would probably not be your best bet. If you plan on doing very little hunting, I don't see the illuminated dot being of much help and, again, I really don't think you'll find much use for tactical style turrets. However, those things aren't free and you are likely sacrificing higher quality coatings or glass to other scopes without those things at similar prices.
On the up side, I personally love the side focus parallax adjustment. It's great for shooting at static ranges where you don't need to zip around to different distances and it can be useful when hunting as a makeshift rangefinder.
Just my opinion though!
Pete
 
What is your opinion on the Weavers that I posted? I really like the 2.5-10x44.
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Illuminated recitcle, Side focus (and AO), and largish objective are some of un-need and unwanted items I was refering to. Just in a lower magnification range. MilDot and BDC recitcles can have value and be fun to play around with but you couldn't pay me to own THAT scope. And that's coming from a Weaver fan.

Think more along these lines:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/redfiel...e-matte-finish-4-plex-accu-range-reticle.html

and this:
http://www.opticsplanet.com/weaver-rifle-scopes-v10-10x38.html

or this (a little more tacticool and target oriented with mildot)
http://www.opticsplanet.com/redfield-battlezone-3-9x42mm-w-tac-moa-reticle-matte.html

(BTW, tacticool features and titles don't add value just dollars. For the same money you are likely getting a worse scope)

Between those 3 the top 2 win in the field every time and most times at the range for that matter.
 
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There are a number of good scopes for what you are looking for. I am partial to Nikon and would recommend in your price range either the Prostaff (lesser quality) or Buckmaster (better quality). I own some of both models, and both are a good value for the money and I have no complaints about either. I am also partial to the BDC reticle and the use of the Spot On app.

But, that being said, I am not such a fanboy as to not recognize that a good Leupold VXII or Bushnell Elite 3200 might be the ticket. Really it will come down to your preferences.

As for magnification, I own top ends at 9X and 12X, and have found neither to be a detriment to shooting. I have also shot a top end at 18X and don't recall thinking it to be a problem.

One thing I would encourage is to shop around once you settle on a model. I've had great luck finding deals at Natchez Shooters Supply online.
 
FWIW, I have not hunted in a looooong time, but retired around 6 years ago and reacquinted myself with guns/shooting/reloading, something I enjoyed when a teenager. Joined a private range to enjoy my shooting hobby. Number of rifles I owned went from 4 to around 30 and a majority of them are scoped.

Personally, the mininum max power scope I'll put on a rifle for 100 yd target shooting is 14-16X.....usually buy 18X to a 24X. Why? Just to see the bullet holes in my target without using a spotting scope and etc. I do shoot from a benchrest. Sure you can use a lower power scope for target shooting and do well with it.

Regarding your list of scopes asked about. Don't own any of them, but have been tempted to try one of the Kaspa scopes. Just wish they were higher power and not illuminateds.

By the way own a few Swift premier scopes, but all are same model 6-18x44. Nothing wrong with a Swift Premier. Strongly suggest you visit www.thesportsmonkey.com and peruse their selection of Swift scopes. I might have their website wrong.

Like the Weaver brand, own a 40/44 and a couple of Super Slams. Optics in them are quite good. Which brings me to a couple of Weaver scopes you should consider. Both are at www.natchezss.com You'll like the prices on them.

First is the Nitrex TR1 (by Weaver). TR1s have same optics and internals of a Weaver Grand Slam. Also, were made in same LOW of Japan plant as Weaver Grand and Super Slams. LOW makes all high end Weavers, Bushnells and other scope brands. Nitrex brand was discontinued and Natchez disposed of the inventory. Only a couple models left at Natchez. The below is one of them and its a heck of a buy. Do not worry about its lifetime warranty, Nitrex warranty is handled by Weaver.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=WE94569&src=exrbSrch

Another Weaver scope at Natchez are the aspherical lens 40/44 scopes. Unlike the Kaspa, these are made in Philippines. The aspherical lens models are onsale, priced up to $70 less than they should be, making them a good buy for a nice scope. Own one and to me there is not much difference in optics quality between it and my Super Slams. So, take a look at a 3.8-12x44 A.O. Weaver 40/44 at Natchez. Depending on reticle, price is $120 or 130

Both are worth just a look
 
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Basically, any reasonably decent 3x9x40 will work just fine for hunting and for non-competition target shooting.

Things I've learned since 1950: A Weaver K2.5 will let a kid hit jackrabbits at over a hundred yards. And with young eyes, MOA groups are quite doable.

A 3x9x40 set on 3X won't keep you from killing Bambi at 350 yards.

A 2x7 set on 7X ain't worth a hoot when Bambi jumps up at 20 yards. You see some tines, then some brown and then a bunch of brush. But 7x works okay on prairie dogs to 300 yards, no problem.

10X let me shoot sub-MOA at 500 yards. Probably could have done it with 9X.

Most of the scopes I've used have been Weaver K4s and Leupold Vari-X IIs. They've worked well enough that I've never felt any need for "more scope". Yes, there are many other good scopes out there, as good as or better than what I've used.

All I'm saying is don't get all excited, don't overthink the problem, and don't spend more than is necessary.
 
I like Vortex scopes, and for just over $200.00, you can get a 4-12x40 delivered, from Midway USA, they also have that Simmons Whitetail Classic, 6-20x50 for just $116.00 delivered. I know that most people turn their nose up at those two but read the reviews, they have a lot of quality reviews, and I own both so I can actually give a decent testimony of both.
The Vortex Diamondback is the better of the two, and since I frequent the local Bass-Pro, and check out every scope they have from A-Z, can say honestly there isn't a Better scope in the Vortex Diamondback's class, none.
Only time wll tell how the Classic will last but it's nice having the power whn your 50 years old and loosing your sight.
Just my buckfitty!:cool:
 
I'm gonna save you a lot of time and money. Nikon Prostaff 4x12x40mm! I'm have two of them. Best scope for the money! Appx. $200, depending where you look.
 
There are some decent Bushnell Sportview scopes used that go to 12 or 14 power.

I have several that are used for prairie doggin.

Bushnell had some Japan made Scopechief brand upper end scopes trying to compete with Leupold. I like them, and some are powered in the 12 range. They can be found on the auction sites.
 
Revolver. I looked at that Nikon today at Dick's. It seems great. They had one left, with a big old scratch in it, so I passed. They wanted $219.99 + tax.

Probably going to order one off line.

So far what I learned today....

First LGS says "I need to spend at least $450 for what I am looking to do"

Second LGS says "You're an idiot and need a 1-4x scope, and that he shoots to 1000 yards with a 2x"

2 Dick's Sporting Goods have no opinions (probably best advise out of the 4 stores I went to)

That said..... I did pick up a set of Weaver Grand Slam rings, which I am very happy with.
 
Revolver have you even looked through a Vortex scope, if not you need to pick one up and you'll probably throw that Nikon in the trash....:rolleyes::p ( in the famous Harry Carey's voice: I know I would!!:)
 
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Revolver have you even looked through a Votex scope, if not you need to pick one up and you'll probably throw that Nikon in the trash....
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Now most folk realize there is a difference in scopes as you go up the price scale and at the same time every price class has it's gems and it's turds, but if the average or even above average shooter can tell the difference in glass between most comparatively priced scopes I'll eat my hat. Heck, good chance they may even get their glass from the same dang factory.
 
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