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$200 Rifle Scope

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14409
Printed Date: March/29/2024 at 04:51
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Topic: $200 Rifle Scope
Posted By: loc
Subject: $200 Rifle Scope
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 09:24
Hello, New to Forum.
 
I'm looking for a 3x9 Rifle Scope for my sporterized Kimber .308. I hunt in the hills of PA but also have taken trips out west for some long distance boar hunt. So looking for an all around scope. I currently had the Nikon Prostaff BDC and did not like it at all. See screws in the scope, light was not good and did not like BDC at all. Sent it back to Cabelas for a refunds. Before that I had a Bushnell Banner and that was ok but wanted a change. I do have the high rings on the gun so those will stay intact. I'm assuming a 50mm will fit but is there really a need over the 40mm"ish"?
 
There are so many scopes in this price range that is making my decision difficult.
 
I have ruled some out that do not have a one piece tube or "clicks" for the adjustments.
 
As for glass, I will admit i'm not up to speed on what's good or bad these days, thus the request for what direction I need to head.
 
Thanks in advance
Tony



Replies:
Posted By: hossdaniels
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 09:46
I'm curious what you didn't like about the bdc?  i'm thinking about getting one of the nikon team primos bdc to replace my burris FFII ballistic plex on my ML.
 
The primos nikon was going to be my reccomendation from the title too, but maybe not for you. 
 
$200 gets you sightron sII, bushnell 3200, nikon buckmaster, burris FFII, vxI leupold, all of them are OK for the money.  probably close to that order.
 
 


Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 09:51
Too much clutter in the sight picture for me. (kinda like an archery guy with ONE sight pin)Also the .308 Ballistics did not match up with the BDC very well.
 
The Vx i is a two piece tube with no "clicks" correct? I was thinking maybe a one piece tube with clicks would hold up better over the long run.


Posted By: littlevineyard1
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 09:57
There are many fine scopes at your price range that will give you good service for many years and most come with some sort of lifetime warranty.A good place to start is your local gunshops and look through as many as interest you and fit your condition. Personally I have been satified with the current Weaver 3x9x40 but I would check out the Burris Fullfield 2 and the Nikon Buckmaster.I have friends who have these scopes and they also are quite satified with their performance. Though I have never owned one, Sightron seems to be held in good standing as is the Leupold vx-1. As you see we are blessed these days with very good optic choices at this price range but nothing beats going to a shop and taking a good look and making comparasion. Good luck

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littlevineyard1


Posted By: Duce
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 10:02
:You may want to look at the SWFA sample list  quite a number of good scopes in the price range.
http://www.samplelist.com/ - http://www.samplelist.com/
 
Duce   Smile


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Duce


Posted By: hossdaniels
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 10:04
VxI is not a one piece, actually the only one that I'm sure is one piece is burris, and it has clicks.  Maybe someone else could help with that?
 
I like my burris FFII, and the ballistic recticle, but the low light use could use a little help.


Posted By: lucytuma
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 10:24
http://www.swfa.com/pc-7280-185-bushnell-3-9x40-elite-4200-rifle-scope.aspxIf - http://www.swfa.com/pc-7280-185-bushnell-3-9x40-elite-4200-rifle-scope.aspx
If you can afford another $90.00 the bushnell 3-9x40 4200 is excellent,  great in low light, standard plex and rain guard.  I also am not a fan of range finding reticles, to busy for me.  Look at the reviews of this scope, while its alittle over your budget I think its a great scope.


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"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson


Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 11:42

Been reading alot on the Sightron Sii.......can someone shed some light on this unit?

The Burris I have been reading mixed feeling.....

The VX-1 is out of the running.....and the VX-II if out of my price range...so Leupold is out..

 



Posted By: hossdaniels
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 11:56
I'm looking at a SII big sky, which is from what I can tell, is similar to a vxIII, 4200, monarch, a few people claim its good as a conquest .
 
The standard SII sounds comprable to a vxII or a 3200. 
 
All crap I've been reading though, yet to purchase either of them.


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 12:05
From about a $200 price point the best choices are;
 
Bushnell Elite 3200
Sightron S2
Nikon Buckmaster
Burris FF2
 
I don`t think that at the price range of $200, you`re going to do better than either the Sightron or the 3200.


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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 14:44
how about a vortex?? i messed with one of these for 2 weeks, (thanks to swfa) and it was a nice scope for less than $200 i was pretty impressed


http://www.swfa.com/pc-12322-2122-vortex-3-9x40-diamondback-rifle-scope.aspx - http://www.swfa.com/pc-12322-2122-vortex-3-9x40-diamondback-rifle-scope.aspx


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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 15:55

Big Squeeze.

So you are saying in that order "best for the buck"?

I have some gift cards and points that will allow me to buy the 3200 for $140 via Cabelas.

or
 
I can get the Sightron S2 from swfa at $220(including shipping)
 
I like the idea of the S2 being a 42mm and heard good things about it, but I like the idea of the rainguard on the 3200 and it would be $80 cheaper for me.
 
But I like to be the "odd ball" and everyone has a Bushnell Wink and the S2 would be a bit more uniqueYippee.
 
mmmmm what to do....I want to get this purchased by tomorrow....


Posted By: lucytuma
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 16:19
I'd go the with the S2, I don't think the 3200 is going to be much better than the Prostaff, other than not having the BDC.

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"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 16:20
Not to get off track, but this sporterized Kimber, would this be the model 96 Mauser/Sweden
if so the best thing you can do to it if you have not already is to have a Timney trigger installed .and get rid of that two stage one it came with ..... you will be so happy you did this? 

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Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 20:24

Ok Guys, now you have me looking at  the Primos.....so now what.

S2 3-9-42=$200

Primos 3-9-40=$200

Elite 3200  3-9-40=$140(with some christmas Cabelas Cash)

 
I think i'm still leaning to S2------comments?


Posted By: swtucker
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 20:28
I really like the Primos...they had some on the sample list for like $180, dunno if they have any left.


Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 20:35
yeah they still have them at that price.....i looked at so many scopes today that i got confused.....i do not want the bdc and the primos has that.....ok i think i know what way i want to do now.


Posted By: budperm
Date Posted: January/01/2009 at 22:50
I currrently have a line on a new Elite 4200 2.5-10X40mm in Matte model 422104M for under $300.00 NIB Shipped.  Interested???

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"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
--Thomas Jefferson





Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: January/02/2009 at 01:22
Either Sightron S2 3-9x42 or Nikon Team Primos 3-9x40 is the way to go for $200.  Personally, I am partial to the Sightron, but either is fine.

ILya


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http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: January/02/2009 at 10:08
Thanks for the reply on my PM on the rifle combo.
                               
                                      Wink


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Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: January/02/2009 at 16:29
Here are the pictures of LOC's rings:







These look like Millett rings of the "standard" type.

Not my favourite, since I have switched all of my guns to either weaver/picatinny setup or to grooved rings (on my Tikka).

ILya





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http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: January/02/2009 at 16:31
They do look alot like the Millett rings.

-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/02/2009 at 16:45

So before I mount my SII should I change out these bases and rings? Are these rings and bases outdated or old technology? Looking for some pros and cons. Sorry for all the questions just trying to learn and make the correct decision in todays "many choice" markets.

Thanks in Advance

Tony



Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/02/2009 at 16:47
Geeze at least the camera is good....my gun looks like crap and not clean or taken care of......damn good lens's in the camera with high pixels...that will teach me to by good things...lol


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: January/02/2009 at 16:53
I suppose if properly mounted most rings work fine.  I have not had very good luck with this system, so I switched away from it.  just a preference.

Nowadays, I tend to use rings made by Warne for weaver type bases on most rifles.

ILya


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http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: Duce
Date Posted: January/02/2009 at 17:57
I go along with Ilya on this one I have picatinny rails on almost all my rifles and two of the pistols, it makes it very easy to switch scopes around.
 
Duce  Smile


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Duce


Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/03/2009 at 17:12

Guys,

If you look closely at top picture of the rear base(first picture) the base only touches in the middle where the mounting screw are. The sides do not touch the receiver/action of the gun. Is this normal? Would seem to me that the shape of the base should fit exactly the shape of the reciever? Please advise.



Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: January/03/2009 at 17:20
I can't quite tell from the pictures.

Generally, the shape of the base should match the shape of the receiver. In practice it never quite mates perfectly, which is why people often bed the bases to the receiver.

ILya


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http://www.darklordofoptics.com - www.darklordofoptics.com
https://rumble.com/c/DLO - Rumble Video Channel


Posted By: mlnchunter
Date Posted: January/04/2009 at 11:23

I have the pentax gameseeker and the ffII and the game seeker is by far the best scope alot clearer and the precison plex is much better on the gameseeker, and you can use the precision plex to judge yardage on the gameseeker



Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: January/04/2009 at 11:44
If the bases aren't fitting excatly then there is a slight problem. This can be fixed as Ilya has suggested, by doing a bedding job on the base. You will then also need to have the rings lapped as well. There is also the possibility that the base wasn't properly machined and is defective. Look at the price difference between the work and the cost of new.

-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: hunter12345
Date Posted: January/07/2009 at 11:01
The Sightron S2 is the best choice at $200.00,lifetime replacement warranty.If you have extra cash to spend buy the S2 Big Sky would rate it at as the best scope under $500.00.


Posted By: birddogbud
Date Posted: January/08/2009 at 16:37
I live in NJ., Ihave several scopes, but I bought a Barska 3x12x56 euro pro IR. I put on my 30-06 to go Texas hog hunting. there where 4 of us 2 Swarovskis 1 Nikon and my 100.00 scope. I am the only one that did not have to change a thing. I put it on my muzzle loader my last kill of many with, it was a 120lb. doe walking dead away from at 40 yards I put it the center of the shoulder blades in very thick cover, that's exactly where it hit. I have faith in this scope. 114.00 to your door. check it out.  Bud


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: January/08/2009 at 16:41
                                                    Shocked


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Posted By: ckk1106
Date Posted: January/08/2009 at 19:53
Shocked
Originally posted by rifle looney rifle looney wrote:

                                                    Shocked


Posted By: martin3175
Date Posted: January/08/2009 at 22:12
Originally posted by ckk1106 ckk1106 wrote:

Shocked
Originally posted by rifle looney rifle looney wrote:

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Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: January/09/2009 at 07:43
Originally posted by martin3175 martin3175 wrote:

Originally posted by ckk1106 ckk1106 wrote:

Shocked
Originally posted by rifle looney rifle looney wrote:

                                                    Shocked
 
                                Shocked
 
Shocked


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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: January/09/2009 at 08:02
 Barska RULES!?!?!?!


Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: January/09/2009 at 08:55
 
 
                                                                                          Shocked
  ( Well, since we are off topic with the eyeballs, I might want to make an off-topic remark......I noticed that your receiver was stamped 1900......is that a Mauser-built 1896??  Mauser only built a few of them and ONLY in 1900!!  Ha!  I would KEEP that rifle!! Ha!  Yeah, get an after market trigger..........and a 3200 Bushnell is a good scope, by the way....) 


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Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

Ju Cucarachas!!!


Posted By: rifle looney
Date Posted: January/09/2009 at 21:41
Hey Ed !    I have one that is a 1919 is it a keeper or less of .....thank you!

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Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/10/2009 at 16:41
Ed, I do not know much about this rifle. It is sporterized by kimber and is a .308. It shoot pretty good. It is my all around rifle and has a RAM stock on it. I have decided on a SII Sightron Scope that I have just recieved in the mail Now i' dont know if I should mount this up as is or change the based and rings. The rifle in the past had a bushnell banner and was fine. But the more and more you read on the net the more and more you learn and now i'm questioning the rings and bases and worried about lapping rings, alignment of rings etc....when in the past all was fine just wanted to update scope.....


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: January/10/2009 at 17:10
Shocked
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

Originally posted by martin3175 martin3175 wrote:

Originally posted by ckk1106 ckk1106 wrote:

Shocked
Originally posted by rifle looney rifle looney wrote:

                                                    Shocked
 
                                Shocked
 
Shocked


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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: January/10/2009 at 17:12
Originally posted by cheaptrick cheaptrick wrote:

[QUOTE=loc]Too much clutter in the sight picture for me. (kinda like an archery guy with ONE sight pin)Also the .308 Ballistics did not match up with the BDC very well.
 
 
Welcome to Optics Talk.
 
Did you try to "split the circles" on the BDC reticle? How far out did you shoot it? 
My .308 and 168gr MK's shot pretty well while using it.    


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If at first you don't secede...try..try again.


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: January/10/2009 at 17:21
http://www.swfa.com/pc-5999-986-barska-3-12x56-euro-30-pro-rifle-scope.aspx - AC10024 http://www.swfa.com/pc-5999-986-barska-3-12x56-euro-30-pro-rifle-scope.aspx">Barska 3-12x56 Euro-30 Pro Rifle Scope                                                                                  Barska 3-12x56 Euro-30 Pro Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Illuminated 4A (Cross)
  • 30mm
SWFA: $94.95
http://www.swfa.com/pc-5999-986-barska-3-12x56-euro-30-pro-rifle-scope.aspx">More Info... http://www.swfa.com/addtocart.aspx?returnurl=showcategory.aspx&productid=5999&variantid=5976">Buy Now
Really - at that price I might have to test one and see for myself.
 
CT  I suspect its an issue of not realizing the bdc only works at max power, One of my best friends that I hunt with did not have that figured out until after he missed several nice deer and I told him unfortunately the scope info doesnt make that issue really clear. When you dial it down to the powers you actually use stalking the bdc is worthless. I wish they would make a 4x fixed and a 6x fixed both with bdc reticles that would be more useful , untill then I'll dial in correction or just hold over if I dont have enough light to be at max power.


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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/10/2009 at 17:42
well i just purchased a Sinclair 1 inch scope ring lapper so I guess I will proceed with lapping for sure....now about the rings and bases..mmmm


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: January/10/2009 at 18:10
My vote is for Burris Dual Dovetail base and Burris Signature Rings with the plastic inserts that wont need to be lapped but that probably wont excite you with the newly acquired Sinclair 1 inch scope ring lapper so you could just use the steel dual dovetail but then you loose the advantage of the plastic inserts to add plus moa and prevent scratching the scope. Whistling

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"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: 280shooter
Date Posted: January/11/2009 at 23:28
team premos.  is 200 bucks and its a monark  iM looking into them,I have one of the nikon prostaff 3x9 with bdc,I only had it for 3 months, but after having a simmons master series prohunters,,that nikon was super..I think I might have to jump on the team premos. 3x9 for 200 bucks


Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/15/2009 at 21:08

Well I got my SII Scope this week. Ordered the Sinclair lapping tool. All WAS going well. Got everything mounted up and did the visual bore sight in the garage.

Decided to snug up the base windage screws and heard a POP. Yep cracked the windage screw.

So now my question. Where can I get just the screw for this Millett base? I see that you can buy Leupold windage screws at competitor and Brownell's but not sure if it is the same screw?

The screw I have, had kinda a concave lip on the rear of it that locks over the bottom of the ring.
 
Please let me know. or send email to tmpgh at comcast dot net
Thanks


Posted By: trigger29
Date Posted: January/16/2009 at 09:53
Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

Shocked
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

Originally posted by martin3175 martin3175 wrote:

Originally posted by ckk1106 ckk1106 wrote:

Shocked
Originally posted by rifle looney rifle looney wrote:

                                                    Shocked
 
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Shocked
Shocked       Loco


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"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."


Posted By: loc
Date Posted: January/16/2009 at 13:27
gave up....went to gun smith....got new weaver based and burris rings butler creeks and bore sighted...just need to punch some paper now.....but it is 8 degrees out today....i will wait a bit


Posted By: Tip69
Date Posted: January/16/2009 at 13:51
that was the right thing to do!

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take em!


Posted By: Ky hunter
Date Posted: January/16/2009 at 20:49
You will be very pleased with the SII. I have a SII 3-12-42 MD. I am happy with it. I bought it before they started going up in price. At the time it was significantly less that the Leo. They have since started closing the price gap. I wish they still offered the same scope, I would like to buy another. One of the best things I like about the scope is that it stays zeroed, unlike many others brands. I have not had to adjusted this scope since I originally sighted it in.


Posted By: KB0WZL
Date Posted: January/20/2009 at 08:56
Hello
 
The rings are Millett rings turn in type.   They are strong but they are not made to take on and off all the time as there is wear when turned in.  
 
If you broke a screw just contact Customer service 800  MILLETT and they will send you on for free.  
 
I like picitanny rings and bases also.  there is no wear you can take them off and on all you want.
 
good shooting
 
Steve
Millett/Bushnell 


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Steve



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