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Budget Scope for Muzzleloader

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willymike View Drop Down
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    Posted: August/11/2010 at 13:49

I'm considering the following scopes for a new muzzleloader that I'm giving to a teenaged boy. Budget is absolutely not over $120. Also, all shots taken will be within 100 yards so there is no need for bullet drop compensating reticles and all those bells and whistles.

(1) Vortex Crossfire 1.5-4x32
(2) Bushnell Trophy XLT 1.75-4x32
(3) Bushnell Banner 1.75-4x32 (Extended eye relief model - 711436)
 
What say y'all on these three scopes?  Any good experiences  or bad?  Suggestions otherwise that will fit in this budget?
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/11/2010 at 13:51
Of the three you listed the Vortex would be my choice only because of the company that stands behind it.  I've used and am still using two crossfires and so far they are holding up great.
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucytuma Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/11/2010 at 14:05
I've always had pretty good luck with the Trophy line of scopes.  At one time I had a 1.75-4x32 on a hard kicking .444 marlin and it stood up to at least 100 rounds fired.  I also think the vortex scope in question would be a sensible choice.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hometheaterman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/11/2010 at 14:31
I'm kind of afraid to tell you what I have on my muzzle loader for fear that I will get laughed off of this board. Anyway, I have a $30 3-9x40mm Tasco Bucksight or Bucksite or whatever it is from Walmart .I bought it 3 years ago when I was low on money and more or less just wanted to see if I liked the muzzle loader. So far I've seen no reason to really change it. It works, holds zero, and it is relatively clear for a $30 scope. I can certainly see anything just fine at the ranges that I can shoot with a muzzle loader. That being said, I'd probably go with something a little nicer as the quality of Tasco's is questionable. However, if I was going to get a scope made in China from one of the other companies, I'd probably just go with a Simmons or Tasco. The only exception to this is the Vortex as at least when it does break they will stand behind it no questions asked. However, I'm still not sure I'd pay that much extra just for that. If it was me what I'd do is try to find a used Burris Fullfield II or Vortex Diamondback. Or maybe check out the Burris Timberline. I think it's around your price range. I'd either go with something like a Tasco or Simmons and just save the rest of my money, or I'd buy something better than the scopes that are made in China. That's just my honest opinion. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/11/2010 at 14:39
At 100yds, iron sites wouldn't be a bad option either and keep the money in your pocket
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/11/2010 at 17:08
Vortex..............
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote DAVE44 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/11/2010 at 21:21
I believe they still have some of the PENTAX PIONEER 3-9X40 with plex reticle for sale on here for $119.00. This scope is a Burris Fullfield II scope made for Pentax, Ive had one and they are the same scope and the optics are surprisingly good. It is fully multicoated and has two springs holding the adjustments in place opposed to most cheapies that use one. It handles glare very well and the reticle doesnt fade out or turn silver like the Nikons and Bushnells. Also, when he needs a scope for a high powered rifle later on he can keep using it for that too.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote biggreen747 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/12/2010 at 09:41
Originally posted by DAVE44 DAVE44 wrote:

I believe they still have some of the PENTAX PIONEER 3-9X40 with plex reticle for sale on here for $119.00. This scope is a Burris Fullfield II scope made for Pentax, Ive had one and they are the same scope and the optics are surprisingly good. It is fully multicoated and has two springs holding the adjustments in place opposed to most cheapies that use one. It handles glare very well and the reticle doesnt fade out or turn silver like the Nikons and Bushnells. Also, when he needs a scope for a high powered rifle later on he can keep using it for that too.


+1 on the Pentax. It's probably more power than you need but it's now down to $109.95. That would be a hard deal to pass up. I've used many FFII (same scope different name) over the years and they have always stood up well and performed as expected.  Not much out there better in my opinion for $110.00.


Edited by biggreen747 - August/12/2010 at 09:45
We measure it with a micrometer, mark it with a crayon, and cut it with a chainsaw.
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willymike View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote willymike Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/12/2010 at 10:37
Thanks, guys!
 
I do appreciate the suggestions and opinion.
 
 I agree with the Burris FFII opinion (I own three and they are great scopes), but the one Pentax Gameseeker that I had failed and the Pentax customer service was terrible -- actually worse than terrible.
 
If the Vortex customer service is truly as good as the reputaton and statements on this forum, then that is probably the way I'm leaning. I've never owned one, but there seems to be a strong following with good justifaction.
 
Since I'm buying for a boy whose mother is very sensitive to her son receiving overly expensive gifts (the boys father is deceased), I have to play the parental politics game she dictates. The kid is a great young man - just made Eagle Scout - and at 16 has just taken up the sport of hunting.  Hence, I'm staying strictly to the budget. It can be rewarding being a surrogate dad, but you still have to keep momma happy too.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/12/2010 at 10:38

your doing this for an awesome reason and yes vortex is that good

"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tejas Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/12/2010 at 18:24
Have you looked at shotgun scopes?  The Simmons Pro Hunter 4x32 is below your price range and fixed power scopes are typically less prone to failure than variables. 4x is plenty for a muzzle loader.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote biggreen747 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/12/2010 at 18:40
http://swfa.com/Burris-3-9x32-Timberline-Rifle-Scope-P11002.aspx

This is another great little scope that SWFA is having a sale on. It falls right at your budget. I had the 2-7x26 and wish I would have kept it. The have good eye relief and are a simple, practical, well built scope. 
We measure it with a micrometer, mark it with a crayon, and cut it with a chainsaw.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brock_Brett Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/12/2010 at 21:15
Vortex Crossfire 1.5-4x32 Without a doubt!!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote powderburn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/12/2010 at 21:56
For $120 I'd look at the burris 3x9 timberline if the ring spacing on your rifle will fit, or the crossfire. I was looking at a 2x7 at the gun shop the other day and they are impressive for the $$. Mojo to you for your effort. Just storing a little treasure in heaven I'd say.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote willymike Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/13/2010 at 17:09
Thanks for the suggestions and I do appreciate the help.
 
I'm going to go with the Vortex.
 
I looked over a Burris Timberline in a gun shop this afternoon, and I have concerns about the amount of space afforded to mount the scope. Although, I'm a big Burris fan; I'd rather not have to buy a scope rail to get enough room to mount the Timberline. I've already purchased a set of bases for the rifle and I don't think the Timberline would work out so well.
 
So, Vortex Crossfire it is!
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hubby11 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/14/2010 at 16:46
+1 on the Simmons ProHunter/Prodiamond 4x32 scope.  I've used one on my T/C Omega for two years now and it has served me very well.  All the magnification you could need on an muzzleloader (especially for a beginner) and lots of eye relief (also important on a ML).  The glass is pretty decent, and the diamond reticule suits me fine.

Simmons has a less than stellar reputation, but this model scope seems to be one of the few exceptions.  Everyone I know that has one is happy with it.  For the price, its really hard to beat.
Steve
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tman1965 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/17/2010 at 03:19
willymike, welcome to the OT! I too am a big burris fan, but you made an excellent choice with the vortex. My hat is off to you sir for stepping up to the plate on behalf of that young man!
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