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Optic HELP!!

Printed From: OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc.
Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4822
Printed Date: March/28/2024 at 17:20
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Optic HELP!!
Posted By: gnab2
Subject: Optic HELP!!
Date Posted: November/02/2006 at 22:08
I am new into the optics world.  I was looking at NCSTAR and Optronics.  I know that they are lower on the scales of things but what is your opinions.  I like the features that each offer and the warrety.  Plus the prices are right.  Thanks the Newbie..



Replies:
Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: November/03/2006 at 00:40
Chicom crap.

There are better cheap scopes, although you usually get what you pay for.

It'll be easier to make a recommendation if you provide some more information:

What's your budget? What gun is the scope going on? What is the gun going to be used for?

ILya


Posted By: .41Dave
Date Posted: November/03/2006 at 01:15
I wouldn't bother with either brand. I realize the price looks good, but it is false economy. Better to use iron sights until you can afford a good scope than to spend money on an inadequate scope. You don't say what kind of shooting you plan on ding or what features you want, so it is hard to recommend anything specific, but here are some things to avoid when buying a scope:

Over-scoping - a lot of people think strapping an astronomical observatory to their rifle is the way to go. It isn't. The optical quality of the glass is far more important than magnification. A sharp, clear image at 6x beats a hazy grey image at 12x any day. Higher magnification also has more problems with parallax, mirage, etc. Besides, lower magnification is generally cheaper, so you will generally get better glass at the same price.

Doodads - Most people do not need target turrets, adjustable objectives, mil-dot reticles, illuminated reticles, or "tactical" anything. These features add cost and complexity (i.e. something else that can break). Unless you know for sure that you need a particular feature for the type of shooting you are going to do, it is best to save your money, or spend the money you save on better quality glass.

Cheap rings and mounts - ultimately, your scope can only be as good as it's mounts.



Posted By: gnab2
Date Posted: November/03/2006 at 10:16
I have a bare bones Stevens 200 in .223cal.  I am going to be doing some hunting and target shooting.  I am going to be doing some mods to the gun.  I am looking at spending $150 or less.  I have saw a Simmons and Tasco in a 6-24 and 10-40 in that price range too.  I have saw BSA too.  I have delt with Simmons before and was pretty happy.  I am always open to suggestions. Thanks


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: November/03/2006 at 10:29
In this price I would not try to look for too many features.  Get a basic 3-9x scope from a reputable maker.  Higher magnification scopes in this price range like Tasco in 6-24x are pretty much crap, both optically and mechanically.

If you are on a budget take a look at Sightron S2 line-up.  They have a 3-9x40 that has proven to have decent glass and good durability.

Also, Bushnell Trophy scopes are surprisingly decent for the money.

Both are easily in your price range.

ILya



Posted By: smithrjd
Date Posted: November/03/2006 at 12:48

The 3X9 scopes are the most popular models, and very competative between manufacturers. Look at the sample list, many up there in your price range. Ones I have seen that I could recommend would be Burris Fullfield II and Nikon Buckmaster besides those already mentioned. Leupold has one there as well, the rifleman, but you can get better glass with the others. The Pentax pioneer series is good as well.

 

HTH

Ron     



Posted By: Dolphin
Date Posted: November/04/2006 at 09:55
To fit in that price range a Simmons Aetec 3x9 or better yet a Sightron SI 3x9 made in Japan would be ideal.  Both less than 150 dollars.  The Sightrons SII 3x9 will carry you to almost 200 dollars, but if you can pop for the extra 50, I would definately go for the SII.

-------------
D. Overton


Posted By: ranburr
Date Posted: November/05/2006 at 00:52

For the rifle you have.  I would get the highest quality fixed 4X or 6X that I could afford.

 

ranburr 



Posted By: Dolphin
Date Posted: November/05/2006 at 12:21
I would agree with koshkin on a 3x9, as with a .223, I would want more magnification than 6x.  Although, good quality 6x scopes can be had within your price range.

http://www.riflescopes.com/products/849418/weaver_6x38_classic_k6_series_rifle_scope.htm - 849418 http://www.riflescopes.com/products/849418/weaver_6x38_classic_k6_series_rifle_scope.htm">Weaver 6x38 Classic K6 Series Rifle Scope Weaver 6x38 Classic K6 Series Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Dual-X
  • 1"
SWFA: $129.95
More Info... Buy Now
http://www.riflescopes.com/products/321040M/bushnell_10x40_elite_3200_rifle_scope.htm - 321040M http://www.riflescopes.com/products/321040M/bushnell_10x40_elite_3200_rifle_scope.htm">Bushnell 10x40 Elite 3200 Rifle Scope Bushnell 10x40 Elite 3200 Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Mil-Dot
  • 1"
  • Target Knobs
SWFA: $174.95
More Info... Buy Now
Here is one with more power and good optics, if you can pop for another 25 dollars.
http://www.riflescopes.com/products/517740/new_simmons_6x40_prohunter_master_rifle_scope.htm - 517740 http://www.riflescopes.com/products/517740/new_simmons_6x40_prohunter_master_rifle_scope.htm">New Simmons 6x40 ProHunter Master Rifle Scope New Simmons 6x40 ProHunter Master Rifle Scope
  • Matte
  • Truplex
  • 1"
SWFA: $84.95
More Info... Buy Now
Or a step down.  The Aetec would be preferable to me than this scope, as I have owned several of the older version and they have perfomed well, but they do not have a 3x9 and the prices are way up and put you in a range where I would definately recommed any of the previously mentioned 3x9s or fixed power scopes, as they are optically superior and better built.  Again, if you pop for a little more, go for the Sightron SII 3x9 or the Bushnell Elite 3200 10x.  You will appreciate the extra magnification.  I have to say, on your budget, going with a fixed power scope makes sense and with a quality scope like the Bushnell out there for that price, it is hard to beat.

-------------
D. Overton


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: November/05/2006 at 14:52
I've been pretty dissatisfied with the optics on Elite 3200 10x40.  You can do better for the same money.  Besides, I would question the versatility of a 10x scope if any sort of hunting is involved.  Simmons products have been hit and miss in the past (personal experience as well as that of others).  Since Meade bought SImmond things did not improve.  Master series scopes have been going through a steady stream of production difficulties (there was at least one change of a factory in China).  Even if their claims on Master series scopes do come true eventually, I would not touch a SImmons scopes for the next year or two.  They need time to sort out their production problems.  Besides, Meade does not exactly have a particular stellar reputatio for quality.

Basically, I would let someone else be the guinea pig here.

For under $150, my earlier recommendation still stands.  If you can stretch it out to $200, Sightorn S2 3-9x42 is excellent. If you want a holdover reticle Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 with Ballistic plex can also be had for about $200.

ILya


Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: November/05/2006 at 15:18

Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

Chicom crap.

 

I love when you do that, koshkin.............



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


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: November/05/2006 at 15:21
Originally posted by cheaptrick cheaptrick wrote:

Originally posted by koshkin koshkin wrote:

Chicom crap.

 

I love when you do that, koshkin.............



Can't take credit for this one.  I plagiarized this phrase from ranburr.

ILya


Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: November/05/2006 at 15:28

Really???

I wasn't aware of that.



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


Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: November/05/2006 at 16:10
Originally posted by cheaptrick cheaptrick wrote:

Really???

I wasn't aware of that.



I just did a search on "chicom crap" and apparently I was the first to use this phrase here.  Somehow, I always thought ranburr said it first, but I guess I was wrong.

I know for a fact I was the first to approximate the probability of Mike M joining Greenpeace, though.

ILya


Posted By: Dolphin
Date Posted: November/05/2006 at 17:47
Having not had experience with the new meade products or the specific Bushnell I mentioned, I would defer to koshkin.  I still stick by my first choice, the Sightron.  Excellent scope regardless of the price.

-------------
D. Overton


Posted By: gnab2
Date Posted: November/07/2006 at 21:50

Thanks for the info.  What is your thinking on Mueller scopes? 



Posted By: koshkin
Date Posted: November/07/2006 at 23:05
Muellers are OK scopes for the money.  However, they have their limitations and I would comfortably take Sightron S1 over any comparably priced Mueller.  One Mueller scope which I think is quite good is the Tac II, but it is out of your price range.  Also, once you get in the ballpark of $200 you can get a Sightorn S2 3-9x42 which is in altogether different league.

ILya



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