Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Which Low budget scope, I know, I know...

Ok guys I know your going to tell me to save up for it, but I just can't bring myself to spend hundreds on a scope. Plus I just can't afford it. So, out of the following low budget scopes, which would you choose and why? Going to go on a TC Omega

Simmons Master Series Prosport
Tasco World Class
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn
BSA Deer Hunter

None of the above...

Wait until you can afford some decent glass, or source used here.

BTW - what caliber?

Neither of them. Go to the classifieds section here and post "WTB scope for TC Omega". Put in that you are short on cash and would like someting used but of still good quality. Somebody might just hook you up. If I had a scope that I wasnt using that would fit your needs, I would. Worth a shot at least. There are some really good folks here.

RAS

I am with VA on this. Save your money and buy quality. Or check out the classifieds or ebay for a good quality used scope. Mart

None of those....Save for a 3-9-40 VX 1 from Leupold.Damm good glass for the money.

There's better available for the money, than the VX-1, but the rule is still there... save for a bit better glass than skimp and get schit...

Could be right there VA.One thing with the leupy is she'll stand up for years.Good bang for buck.imo

Not discounting that... just I happen to think that for the $$$, there are better than VX-I options.

Not worth it to start one of those thread-hi-jacks on this one, but I'd rather save for another week... month... two... and get good glass, and skimp and suffer.

I would go with a used Grand Slam..
http://cgi.ebay.com/WEAVER-GRAND-SLAM-3-...1QQcmdZViewItem

That'd be a good one...

Or, a Nikon... or a VX-II, or an FX-II... or an M-8... or an SII... or... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

here is another GS ..
http://cgi.ebay.com/Weaver-Grand-Slam-4-...1QQcmdZViewItem

Here's another suggestion. Find a Hakko scope for $90. Hako made the old Japanese Tascos, which were sturdy scopes.

Here's a link. The prices are good. Take a look and report back. I have two old Japanese Tascos, and both are excellent. My son won't let me replace one of them with a new Leupold.

http://cdnninvestments.com/hakko.html

Luepold VX-I
My first scope was a 1977 Vari-X II 3x9. (It made me a Leupy fan). If it was the only scope I ever used, I don't think it would've ever cost me a single critter. The "improvements" over my current stable of Leupys II's and III's and a smattering of other "highly regarded" scopes can only be measured in small increments. That 1977 Leupy still sits on my 1977 M700 Classic--and I've shot it so much I had to rechamber the barrel on the rifle.

The VX I's are essentially the same as the previous generation of Vari-X II's. I think they are selling for $200--and may be the biggest bang for your buck out there.

Casey

To answer your question as asked, The Simmons. I looked at their new scopes last weekend, they seem to have improved.

To add an option, look at the Pentax Gameseekers that Camera land, a site sponsor is selling. I have 2 and the glass is super, for the price.

Look at the Weaver K series for a fixed power or their V series for a variable. These are very good scopes that are reasonably priced.

HBB

Also consider the Pentax Gameseekers. From all accounts they are a lot of scope for the money.


HBB

Get a Weaver 4x and have fun shooting.

Don

Of those you mentioned i personally would not buy.
Let me say first i know how tight money can be.
But always remember it's a false economy to buy cheap.
For a few bucks more some i would consider would be as was mentioned the Pentax Game Seeker,Burris Fullfield,Sightron S1,Leupold VX-1(I own one myself...Great scope for the money)And i would even consider the Bushnell Legend which aint a bad scope for a little over a hundred dollars.

Of those listed, the Simmons Master Series. I am very fond of the two that I have. This opinion is based on ownership of Leupy VX11s, Weaver V and GS, Sightron S11, Bushnell 3200's and legend, Tasco's, Redfields golden five stars, Buris fullfields.

I'm like you. I resist putting money into glass, after the $200 level. The Master series is the most for $100 IMO. Other good ideas above were checking out used scopes and looking up CDNN Investments for the Hakko and others. Also look up the Swift made in Korea. They look very good to my eye and have a good warranty.

You're not wrong. Expensive scopes aren't perfect either. Well maybe the 1k ones. Given the choice of one VX-1 or two Master series pro-hunters I take the Simmons. My cheapest scope is on my muzzleloader as well, works well enough and cost $30.