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Compact Scope?

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ksbarter View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ksbarter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Compact Scope?
    Posted: May/29/2005 at 17:28

Looking to scope a Browning BAR 243 short trac.  Considering a Leupold Ultralight or a Burris Compact both in

3 x 9. Went to the Burris web site and only found info on Short Mag scopes, are these the new compacts?  and if so is it just a name change, or were they improved?   I would appreciate anyones opinion on these or any other smaller/light weight scopes that are out there. Scope would be mostly for deer in Arizona. Staying in the $300 range is preferred.

 

Thanks

Kent

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cheaptrick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/30/2005 at 02:45
I think Leupold makes the best compact scope, FWIW.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Raghorn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/30/2005 at 14:20

I would consider putting a full size scope on it.

The compacts usually have smaller objectives and do not preform as well in low light.

The Leupold VX II 3X9 full size is very light weight, within an oz or 2 of the compact, but it is easier to mount, has a 40mm objective lens and gives a better sight picture.

I put a compact ( Leo 3X9, 33mm ) on my Rem. Md7, and after hunting with it for a few years, I wish I had gone with the full size scope.

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ksbarter View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ksbarter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/30/2005 at 15:19

Thanks for the input. This is to be my wife's gun. (Though she will surely shareSmile)  She does not shoot a lot, and I want to make the scope use as easy as possible. I just thought that a compact would look nice/proportional on the gun?  Instead of sacrificing utility I should probably just go with a quality 1.5 x 6 or 2 x 7, not in compact.  I have even thought about a fixed 6x. The gun is not here yet so, I still have some time to narrow it down.  

 

Maybe a Signature Select in 1.5x6? 



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/31/2005 at 11:46

The new Burris Short Mags are basically the Minis renamed with longer eye relief and a few additional models.  I think you were right on track considering a longer eye relief compact because they are much easier to use, especially for someone that does not shoot often.  The added eye relief and shorter scope combine for a fast sight picture with out having to move your head around alot to find the sweet spot.  The Simmons Aetec has long been a favorite with women and kids for this reason.

 

Stick with your game plan and get either the Leupold Compact or Burris in 3-9.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ksbarter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/31/2005 at 13:19

Thanks. 

 

She does well with my WTE 3-12 on lower powers, then struggles when she tries it on 9-12. "Why's it mostly black?"

 

Had thought about a WTE 1.5-6, there still seem to be a few floating around, but that would limit me on my never ending quest to wipeout Arizona's pesky jackrabbit population, they get hard to see on 6x.  Assuming, again,I get to borrow it.

 

The Short-Mag sounds great and is cheaper than the L-pold. (go figure)

 

Appreciate the info.  My patronage will be headed your way.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/31/2005 at 13:48
The Simmons WhiteTail Expedition is the same basic scope as the Aetec and would work great.  You would surprised at how well you can see and shoot at distance on 6x.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ksbarter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/31/2005 at 15:53

 I agree, 6x is plenty for any deer situation she will be in. I just like a little more power when "glassing for rabbits"Smile (it is a highly refined sport). But this is for her gun not mine.

 

I guess my last thought would be about quality of optics.  If the Short-mag is simply a small FFII, then I would have to go with the WTE?  I had assumed that the Short-mag was closer to the Signature Select level of optics, a step or two above the FFII  and WTE level, and was willing to pay for the added brightness and clarity.

 

Thanks

Kent

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/31/2005 at 17:30

Short Mag (just like Compact before it) are at about the same quality level with Fullfield II scopes.  That is is still a step or two above any Simmons scope I've ever seen (and I've seen pretty much every contemporary Simmons scope).  Aetec would be reasonably close optically, but Burris scopes are quite a bit tougher.

 

I own a 4x20 Compact and I've played with a couple of other models: 2-7x26 and 3-9x32 and I can highly recommend them.  On your rifle, I'd go with a Burris Short Mag 2-7x26 with Ballistic Plex reticle (pretty useful for holdover).

 

Leupold Compacts are nice, but not any better than Burris and cost more.

 

Other reasonably affordable compacts I can recommend are Sightron S2 2.5-7x32 and 2.5-10x32.  They have a little less eye relief than Burris, but are a little better optically, IMO.  Also, Sightron S2 has excellent adjustments better than Burris or Leupold.

 

If  reticle with holdover marks and eye relief are most important, I'd go with Burris.  Otherwise, Sightron is hard to beat.

 

Ilya

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