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Need help picking a scope

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squee116 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote squee116 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Need help picking a scope
    Posted: May/07/2012 at 15:30
Hi,

This is my first post here on Opticstalk, though I have stalked around for a while looking for good info.  I'm putting together my first bolt gun, a stevens 200 in 30-06, and had a few questions regarding scopes.

The rifle: A Stevens 200 in 30-06, stock for now, but may be upgrading the stock and barrel.  The gun came used, with some weaver bases on the receiver.
Is it worth getting a single piece base instead of the two individual bases?  What would you recommend for someone looking to spend less than 100$, or is quality level too low at that price point?

Intent:  This gun is just gonna be a paper puncher and steel slapper.  I don't plan on doing competitions or anything, just putting a simple bipod on it and taking it out to the range to shoot.  Ranges would be 100yds to paper, out to 600 yds for steel.  I've been thinking 4-16 or 6.5-20 should be more than enough for those ranges.  Let me know if I'm off base.  That may sound a bit too high, but I'd like to have more capability in case I find a rifle range with targets farther out.

Rings: I haven't decided on rings yet, but again, I need to keep the price low as possible for quality.  I have a pair of TPS TSR rings I'm rather happy with on another gun, but curious if there are higher value rings available.

Scope price point:
To be honest, my wallet and heart aches at the idea of spending more than 250.  I can swing up to 300 with little complaint, and up to 450 with charisma roll of 20.  To be honest, I'd have purchased a Vortex Diamondback already if it came in those magnifications, as I love my 4-12.

Scopes that have crossed my mind:
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 PA(on the higher end)
Redfield Revenge 6-18(seen NO reviews of it so far, and kind of wonder why)

Scopes and brands that I've heard about but have little to no experience with their lineups or quality:
Nikon
Bushnell
Burris
Weaver

Of course, I'm open to other suggestions.



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billyburl2 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote billyburl2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/07/2012 at 20:22
In my opinion, a one piece base, in particular a picatinney rail is the way to go. Since you already have a set of TPS rings, might as well stay there, as it good stuff.
Rings are hard to suggest until a scope is picked. And as far as scopes go, for the price you are listing there is only one scope that comes to mind...
 I know that it is not quite the top-end mag that you were wanting, but for the ranges you mention this would be my pick. And with that scope I would choose
 
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Urimaginaryfrnd View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/07/2012 at 20:48
These come in 6, 10, 12, 16, & 20x fixed. This would actually do what you are wanting to do.
 
SWFA SS 16x42 Tactical Riflescope SWFA SS 16x42 Tactical Riflescope
Stock # - SS16X42MQ
  • Matte Finish
  • Patented Mil-Quad Reticle
  • 30mm Tube
  • Rear Focus
  • OK for .50 cal
  • .10 Mrad
  • Coming soon, accepting pre orders
$299.95 < id="ctl00_wpm_CategoryGrid_ctl04_ProductList_ctl14_Price_VS" name="ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl04$ProductList$ctl14$Price$VS" value="/o1HgU5d8toOEYKYBW9Kyti4kJY/060r6O9o0aFuq4WOfYwzp55T2yppLLZqx0Fs" ="">
SWFA SS 6x42 Tactical Riflescope SWFA SS 6x42 Tactical Riflescope
Stock # - SS6X42MQ
  • Matte Finish
  • Patented Mil-Quad Reticle
  • 30mm Tube
  • Rear Focus
  • OK for .50 cal
  • .10 Mrad
  • Coming soon, accepting pre orders
$299.95 < id="ctl00_wpm_CategoryGrid_ctl04_ProductList_ctl09_Price_VS" name="ctl00$wpm$CategoryGrid$ctl04$ProductList$ctl09$Price$VS" value="WbIBFWtDoJMoZ1Dmg2VhmQhvytsGVw/Mp1IGRMgrguuocLC1D3w7znRPFtmAF1b1" ="">

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squee116 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote squee116 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/08/2012 at 01:36
Thanks for the suggestions.  I was really hoping for a variable power scope, so I picked up a Vortex Viper 6.5 - 20 V-plex Wide, if that helps with picking out the other things.  I ended up giving up the tactical reticle for the price.  If that helps with the rest of it...
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powderburn View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote powderburn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/08/2012 at 05:47
Well when you are on a budget I always say the sample list is your friend. I would look at that. Right now there are a couple of Burris fullfield 4.5-14 x42 scopes listed as well as a weaver v 16. All are in your budget and pretty nice scopes for your stated purpose. As to mounts I would keep the weaver bases you have and get a good set of rings either burris zee or maybe tallys. if you are on a really tight budget I have had decent luck with the weaver quad locks.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/08/2012 at 06:52
I would recommend sticking with TPS rings and a TPS picatinny rail for your Viper.
-Matt
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squee116 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote squee116 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/08/2012 at 07:02
I was looking at the TPS rails at SWFA, but don't see any for long action Stevens/savage with no accutrigger.  I was browsing through the Talley line-up per powderburn's recommendation, and the aluminum light weight set drew my attention.  If I'm understanding right, those would replace my weaver bases?  What's the difference between extended and normal bases?
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Alan Robertson View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Alan Robertson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/08/2012 at 11:53
Howdy squee116,
Welcome to the OT forum.

Extended bases are for special cases where the rings needs to be moved forward or backward out of the normal mounting range to enable the rings to clear the turrets, provide proper eye relief or solve some other mounting problem.
As example, sometimes a mounting problem occurs when short scopes are mounted on very long actions, ala .300 H&H, requiring extended bases/rings.
You shouldn't have a problem with that Stevens.
"Garg'n uair dhuisgear"
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jselsor View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jselsor Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/09/2012 at 12:28
EGW base, Warne rings, and the viper. That should be good for hunting and the range.
 
Save your money and get somthing you wont be dissapointed with in a yr
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/09/2012 at 16:04
EGW base & Burris tactical rings!
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