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Best scope for use/money

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markshoreline View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote markshoreline Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Best scope for use/money
    Posted: January/19/2007 at 17:00

It's time to replace the old 3-9X40 on my 30/30 that I only use for deerhunting on the wet/woodsy side of Washington State.  I've looked at the Fullfield, Buckmaster, Monarch and Rifleman- all at about $200 and each one is much brighter and clearer than what I have now. So, of course I can't decide.

How would you choose?

I appreciate your help.

Mark

 

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BOLIO1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2007 at 17:08

I'm going to sound like my wife when it comes to spending money but........if you spend about 50 BUCKS more you are goiing to be looking through a Bushnell Elite 4200 in 3-9-40......that would not be bad at all......as far as your choices, there are no bad answers ...but I have more experience with the FF2 from burris....it is a nice scope......good luck

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2007 at 17:13
i like nikon and burris
They call me "Boots"
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wecole Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2007 at 19:14

I just ordered a Nikon Monarch 2-7x32 for my Marlin 30-30.  It mounts lower than most 3-9 scopes (most of wich are 40mm) and still has plenty of magnification for a 30-30; even with the LeverEvolution ammo.  The sale SWFA is having on the Monarch scopes right now is super.

 

Also, if your 30-30 is blued, the Monarch has a gloss 2x7 to match.  Most other scopes are matte.



Edited by wecole
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote smithrjd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/19/2007 at 19:16

Of the three mentioned I only have personal experiance with the Fullfield from Burris. They are very good scopes for the money. Of the three I would rate the Nikon Monarch the best value, but only because they are on a very good sale at the present. The Leupold rifleman is not a good scope for the money, and I'm a guy who likes Leupold. Others that are good value are the Sightron SII and the Pentax Pioneer series (same as Burris FFII)

 

HTH

 

Ron   

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Acenturian Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2007 at 01:48

Burris Full Field and Nikon Buckmaster are about the same, basically splitting hairs. The Monarch is a jump up above both of those. The Leupold Rifleman is a step or two down in optical performance compared to the Burris and the Nikon Buckmaster series, and cant even be mentioned in the same class as a Monarch.

 

i would have to agree with the above post if you could save the fifty dollars and go with the Bushnell 4200 Elite it is nicer then all of the above mentioned scopes.  The 3200 Elite is ok, close to a Burris FF or the Nikon BM but I think those are a bit nicer then the 3200. The 4200 Elite is a great buy, gave one to my dad and it is very close in performance to my Zeiss.

 

Good Luck

AC

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2007 at 10:37
6510 Nikon 2-7x32 Monarch UCC Riflescope                         Nikon 2-7x32 Monarch UCC Riflescope
  • Gloss
  • Nikoplex
  • 1"
  • Free SWFA Lens Pen w/ Purchase
SWFA: $196.95
11420 Aimpoint 2x 9000L 30mm Red Dot Sight                        Aimpoint 2x 9000L 30mm Red Dot Sight
  • Matte
  • 1 MOA
  • 30mm
  • Free Aimpoint Bikini Lens Cover w/ Purchase
SWFA: $422.95
6505 Nikon 4x40 Monarch UCC Riflescope                           Nikon 4x40 Monarch UCC Riflescope
  • Matte
  • Nikoplex
  • 1"
  • Free SWFA Lens Pen w/ Purchase
SWFA: $179.95
TR21R Trijicon 1.25-4x24 Accu-Point Rifle Scope                   Trijicon 1.25-4x24 Accu-Point Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Red Triangle BAC
  • 1"
SWFA: $534.95
421636M Bushnell 1.5-6x36 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope                    Bushnell 1.5-6x36 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Multi-X
  • 1"
  • Rainguard
SWFA: $338.95
Any of these would work they are all moderately sized scopes and each offers certain useful features.

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
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tahqua View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2007 at 11:14

The 2-7x32 @ SWFA for $200 is a steal. This scope is clear, bright and is sized perfectly for a 30.30. I already bought one of them.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2007 at 11:16
called me crazy but i dont think a lever gun should have a scope on it unless its the only hunting rifle you own the were designed to use open sights for quick shooting
They call me "Boots"
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rootmanslim Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2007 at 11:50
If it is wet & woodsy, then close shots are probably the rule.
I'd chose a 1-4 or so as, if mounted LOW, shooting both eyes open @ 1X is as fast as irons and you have the 4X to count points if need be.You don't need a 7X or 9X scope to shoot deer in the woods with a 30-30.Biggest disadvantage is that you can't mount is as low as a "no bell" objective scope.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2007 at 12:00

Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

called me crazy but i dont think a lever gun should have a scope on it unless its the only hunting rifle you own the were designed to use open sights for quick shooting

My Model 94 isn't scoped, but if this is his only gun it might be a good idea to put glass on it. An even lower power like rootmanslim suggests is a good idea. I just checked and the 1.5-4.5 Monarchs are not on sale and they would be an excellent choice. Step up to 2-7 with the lower cost vs. the 1.5-4.5,  and I still think that is a good move. The scope is a trim package and will look good on that lever gun.



Edited by tahqua
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote markshoreline Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2007 at 16:21
You guys are a great source of info!  Thanks for guiding me from my optics ignorance.  My current 3-9X40 has a scope mount that allows the front of the scope to just clear the front iron sight, so it is already pretty low profile.  Is there a mount that would let me mount the 7X32 even lower?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rootmanslim Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2007 at 17:07
It depends. if you are already using the lowest rings for the base you have ...no

if you went to a sidemount and a straight tube (no bell) scope....yes

My guess is if the rear sight is still there with a 3-9, you are not using the lowest rings. If you remove the rear sight and go to a straight tube scope you can probably drop your line of sight a lot with low or super low rings.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wecole Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/20/2007 at 18:45

The old Weaver Pro-view mount for the Marlin 336 puts my current 4x33 Tasco scope just one or two millimeters above the rear sight.  I plan on keeping the same mount when I switch to the Nikon 2-7x32.  The Pro-views are out of production, but you can still find them new in the package from several places on the web.  They are an integrated mount/ring system and rock solid.  They ain't the prettiest rings in the world, but they work damn good.  Cheap too!

 

There is an eBay auction for a set going on right now. 

http://cgi.ebay.com/MARLIN-Lever-Action-Weaver-Pro-View-Moun ts-Rings-NEW_W0QQitemZ280072697655QQihZ018QQcategoryZ52511QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

 



Edited by wecole
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote markshoreline Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2007 at 00:22
That was too good to pass up.  I got the rings for $10.00 including shipping! 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nksmfamjp Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2007 at 08:44
Just my opinion,. . .To keep the fast handling of your rifle, maybe you want to look into a scout type mount and scope.  That puts the scope forward which feels better to me on a quick handling type of gun.  Trouble is that the base is usually some kind of specialized gunsmith mount.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rootmanslim Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2007 at 13:06
Scout is a good idea too. You cant be too low and low forward is even better
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jonbravado Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/22/2007 at 08:15

i vote 4x40 monarch - on sale for under 200 bucks -

 

super big exit pupil - wide field of view -

 

i just picked on up from here for MY 30/30 - can't wait to get it.

 

i think if you want a good scope for a steal, it's a great buy.

 

excellent optics for a classic gun!!

 

J

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote markshoreline Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/22/2007 at 19:19
I would like to keep the brightness of a larger lens,  but was thinking, wouldn't a 7X32 be about the same as a 9X40?  So I would get about the same amount of light in a smaller package, right?

Edited by markshoreline
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