Ok, guys, this is a tough one. I'll be hunting deer and elk in Idaho - my first time ever - this coming October, and I'm on an exceptionally limited budget. I just spent $700 for a license and non-resident tags, and with all of the other expenses I'm facing, there's only $100 for a scope for my 30-06.

So out of the cheap stuff, what do you recommend? I saw t-bone's rating scale, but there were no specific recommendations for a scope at or under $100. I won't buy BSA or Tasco, but I'll listen to any other opinion you care to post.

And PLEASE don't say, "Save up another hundred and get an XXXXX brand scope." Every cent I've got is accounted for on this trip, and it will be a long time before there's another one.

So give it to me straight, especially if you've actually owned and used one of the economy grade scopes. And this is a special request for Rick Bin - I've seen and benefitted from your postings many times - what would you recommend from a seller's point of view (least returns, fewest complaints, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for your time. This is the adventure of my life, and there just isn't another dollar to spare. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Bushnell Trophy.

Cheap, bright and they hold up. I don't know of anything else in that price range that does. I've been using Bushnells since 68, never had one go south.

Here's the link to the Cabelas page. Good luck.

http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/...&hasJS=true

Good luck.

I have had two Bushnell Trophy's go bad..................

For $100, find a use Leupold Vari X II in 3x9x40. In fact, if you posted you're looking for this scope on the Classifieds, you will probably find one. A $100 used Vari X II is WAY better than a new Bushnell Trophy, KCM's good luck notwithstanding................

For about $100.00, I vote for a 3x9x40 the Bushnell Trophy. I really like Bushnell scopes. I have 3 of that brand.
Smitty of the North

If you are determined to get a new scope for $100, get a fixed power. They are far more rugged in this price range than the variables. Yeah, some say you need a variable to hunt elk, because every shot comes at 500 yards. This is baloney. A 4x is plenty for any reasonable shot. In my experience the K4 Weaver is among the best in this price range. MidwayUSA lists them for around $125.

You can also pick up a used Leupold 4x for about this price, if you check around. Might try asking on the free classifieds here, gun shows, etc. I was just at the Great falls gun show yesterday and saw a good one with a $125 price tag, which probably could have been had for a little less.

MD

You've got plenty of time. Look on ebay, as there are lots of used Weaver scopes to be had(IIRC, there was a 6x, but can't be sure. Ric

czech1022 - I have a Weaver K-4 that I will let you have for $55.00 shipping included in the lower 48. It is the steel tube. El Paso, Texas model with standard crosshairs, the lens are perfect, no yellowing or fogging, no dings or dents on it, it retains about 95% or its original bluing. I also have another of the same with a little more blue wear on the objective bells that I will let you have for $50.00, shipping included. It retains around 90% of its original bluing. They both track perfectly.

Any chance you know somone you could borrow one for the trip? Ya might get away with using a cheap scope, but with what you've already spent on the trip are you willing to gamble? I don't think UPS will deliver a replacement before that 350 class bull heads for the next county <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Fixed: Weaver K4. It makes me question why I spent more.

Variable: http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/product.php?group=16&subgroup=10&product=6310 Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40

good luck,

J Scott

#1 is tentatively sold

For $119 you can buy a Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32, I belive this is the best scope in that price range, I've never seen a cheeper bushnell that impressed me at all. I'm really a Leupold fan but I have 2 prostaff's a 4x rimfire, and a 2-7x32 for the $$$ they cant be beat.

Or you can look in Ebay for a used Nikon, Burris, Sightron, Weaver, or a bushnell 3200.


BTW, there is a guy selling new 3-9x40 nikon buckmasters on ebay for $150 buy it now, thats not a bad deal eather.

ben

czech1022,

First, let me welcome you to the forum.

Second, I see a post about fixed scope for more than your budget. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Even if someone gave me a low power fixed scope, I would continue that practice and give it to another.

Third, if you are going to buy a new one, you could not go wrong with what these fellows are saying. If used will work, start checking the ads here and other places.

I agree with MD;for the money, a good fixed power scope would serve you well. Natchez www.natchezss.com has the Weaver K2.5 for $106.95, the K4 for $114.95 and the K6 for $118.95, this month. You may want to check out this sight
http://www.charm.net/~kmarsh/scope.html for some background info, although I don't know how accurate or up-to-date the info is. JB, any opinions on this site?

Going with a used scope is also a good idea, however be sure that if you buy used (or new for that matter) purchase from a reputable seller.

Chris

Definately Weaver K-4!!!!

Here is another option for right now: Fujinon 3-9x42 Sale Link

Either search for a used Leupold, or use open sights.

I would MUCH RATHER have open sights than a junky scope.

Between now and Elk season you could make several hundred dollars just mowing lawns or washing cars...IF you wanted the scope of a lifetime for the hunt of a lifetime...

Getting an elk will take more effort that getting a scope...

Look for a used Leupold fixed power 6x. I think that with a little searching you can find one. I would greatly prefer a used Leupold over any of the other choices listed here.

I agree with MD. A fixed 4x scope will serve you well. I still have a 4x tasco that came with my first rifle, a Remington 788. It is a great scope.

I've had trouble with cheap variable scopes. These were simmons, bushnell and tasco.

A freind of mine just bought a sightron I 3-9x for $129. It seems to be a quality scope for the money.

Must just be me, the only scope I've ever had go bad on my rifle was a Leupold 2.5x8. We had three of one lot go south, all three of us. I missed 3 antelope bucks, finally swapped out rifles and got one. The other two guys missed mule deer on a later trip. All went back to the factory, adjustment mechanisms broke.

But there is something to be said for a fixed power. Yes, they are more robust than variables.

I like the variable because I can crank it down for black timber and get the field of view, and crank it up to look at the head before I shoot. There's a certain, low probability that your scope will croak on your maiden elk hunt with it, unlikely but possible. But most any scope can fail. I'm familiar with a Kahles that just went south on an expensive custom rifle.

My experience is that it's hard to get a good price on a Leupold used, at least on Ebay. But you may be luckier than I am.

Good luck no matter what you choose. I hope the elk cooperate, and you get your bull.

I agree with much of what has already been said. Keep your eyes open for a used Leupold 4x, a steel tube Weaver, or other decent quality scopes. I have a Weaver KV (2.5x-5x) on one of my rifles and the view through it is great. I've seen them sale on Ebay for less than $75.00. Hit the pawn shops on your spare time and I'll bet you'll be surprised at what you can find. A couple weeks ago I saw a Bushnell 3200 Elite 3-9x40 for $80.00. Had ring marks, but the glass was perfect.

If you're interested, I've got a vintage Bushnell ScopeChief 3-9x42mm listed in the classifieds for $50.00 shipped. At one time, this was Bushnell's top of the line scope. Has ring marks and marks from normal use, but the optics are clear. This has been on my dad's deer rifle ('56 Winchester Model 70 .270) since the mid to late '60's and he never had an ounce of trouble with it. Definately not a beauty queen, but I think it's a lot of scope for $50.00.

czech1022,

Are you getting the idea that most foks don't know what limited to $100 means? If you are like me and can afford the 3 1/2-14X LPS and don't want to spend more than $100, you mean $100. If you had said, "I need something for about $100", then I could understand these suggestions over $100.

Since the vast majority of scopes purchased are variables, then the majority of scope to malfunction are variable. If everyone who has any scope problems told us their problems, I would bet a lot more than my normal quarter that fixed power scope owners would be posting their problms also.

My experience with failed rifle scopes has been with Burris: two 4-12X and three 8-32X Signatures. I replaced one of the 4-12Xs with a Bushnell and the other 4-12X with a Tasco. Both are still working. The Signatures were replace by 6-24 Weaver. Again no problems. It seems the amount you spend initially does not guarentee your scope will last 'til Jesus comes.

I've got loopies and swarovskis.I've got a 4x redfield widefield and a 4x weaver steel tube made in El Paso.Both are good scopes but I think the weaver is maybe the best since the Redfield is at least 25 years old.I'm not interested in selling either of these but if you can't find a used loopie[your best bet,I think]I'll send one to you .You can trade me something if you like it.

Leupy fixed 4, used. It can be done. Are rings included in the $100?

Here is a Sightron S1 3-9x40 for $112. I've seen good reviews on these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...ssPageName=WD1V

When you get your scope, make sure that IF need be, you can take it off when afield and use the open sights. (if you have any on the rifle already. and don't forget to zero the open sights) At least you will be able to shoot!

Good luck!

Don't buy a Bushnell of any kind, nothing but junk and I've had lots of them ! Don't buy used unless you are really careful and trust the person and can test it out. But, don't misunderstand, used can be ok if youhave time to send it to the factory for an overhaul. For a 100 bucks, get a weaver or Nikon 4x40. I just went through this same experience and ended up with a weaver !

if you must stick to exactly 100$ the sightron SI 3x9x40 aint bad, I have one and it is a good scope for the money.
If you can eak out just a few more bucks, you are just a happy meal or 2 away from an elite 3200 3x9 which is one hell of a scope, I am very impressed with mine, the power rings also adjusts up like lightning so you can be at 9x quickly and easily. The burris FF2 is a good scope and the BPLEX reticle is awesome, I just had the power adjustment ring on the burris, if the elite had a similar reticle, ALL of my scopes would be replaced with elites. do yourself a favor, don't buy a cheap scope, cause with a little hunting you will want more and you will just end up buying a scope twice, due to breakage or lack of performance, The bushy trophy may be a decent scope but the eyerelief is terrible!!!! I wouldn't want one on anything more than a varmint rifle at best. Don't let these guys talk you into a fixed 4x, they suck for range work, the reticle takes up too much of the target, and makes load development a little more difficult. with a 3x9 you have both, hunt on 3x mostly crank up for long shots if you get them, then use 9x for range work

There was a dealer in Plano, Texas that had an estate batch of used Redfields @ $100 for 3x9 Wide's and $150 for Leo 3x9 VariX II's @$150. The name of the store is "The Gunmaster" on Ave K. $150+ is the going price down here for VariX II's in 2x7's (when you can find them) and 3x9's in decent shape.
Ron

I don't think that there is a new scope for $100 that is worth the time to screw onto a rifle...

Might as well shop for a $100 airplane to fly to elk camp with...

Choose your battles.

You're up in the night about all Bushnell scopes being junk. Sure they make some cheap @$$ scopes, but the 3200 and 4200 Elites rival anything else comporable on the market.

As far as buying used goes, a little common sense goes a long way. If someone from the "good guy" list had a clean used scope and I were in the market, I wouldn't hesitate one minute to buy it, mount it, make a trip or two to the range, and hunt it into the ground. YMMV.

Wallmart has Bushnells in a blister pack for $19.95 and you will save $80.00.PS there some on the good guy list that will burn your pants off.

Hubert, not sure if your post is supposed to be some kinda slight against me because I never recommended anyone buy a $19.95 scope from Wal-Mart, but if it is, you can PTFO!

No fair beating around the bush HUBERT, spill your guts, who are these horrible theives hiding amongst the good guys ?

weaver steel tube ... $30-$90 used ...

I have recently had several guns in and out of my local gunsmith. I had a .340 Weatherby that destroyed a set of Leupold rings and mounts along with a Bushnell scope. So I took it in to have double dove tails installed but didn't have much money left over for a scope. So I glanced at Sportsmans Guide and low and behold they had a Fujinon 3X9X42 for $119. List is around $400. They might still have some in stock. It is a nice scope and a lot of people have given them good feedback. This was just last week.

Good Hunting,

what does the P in PTFO mean?? (remember I am not too bright).. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

you will have to find out the hard way. like I did//// <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I agree. I think that the Nikon ProStaff 2-7x is an excellent scope and an excellent value. I have a couple on my personal guns and have sold a number of them. I even keep a "loaner" around, so that if a guy has Weaver bases on his rifle, I can mount and bore-sight the "loaner" and he can take it to the range and try it. You never know when the opportunity of a lifetime might present itself and that might be the true test of your optics, as well as your confidence in your optics. I think that the Nikon ProStaff is the lowest grade of optics that I would trust on my rifles. Weavers are good too and I used to buy and sell a bunch of RV7s, but now I'm pushing and using the Nikon ProStaff for the same market niche.

Jeff

Weaver K4.

Here, I'll spell it out for ya....Piss The [bleep] Off!

thanks dude now I am a little smarter/////

Weaver K4.
I bought a vintage steel-tube at a gunshow for $25.00 and had it rebuilt with new reticle for $25.00.

Weaver K6 might be even better for Idaho.

Sightron 4x or 6x.

Burris 3-9x40 Fullfield II. I bought one for $68.00 new.

Bushnell Scopechief. New one had a short life, discontinued when Bushnell absorbed B&L and brought out new line of 3200. This was a $300 scope at Cabelas. Find a closeout.

If you don't care about the naysayers - try an Ultralux 6x42 from J&G. This is a quality ChiCom copy of a Kahles. I bought one for my .223 for $20.00 back in 1993. Went back and bought two more for AR-15 and .22 LR. A friend put one on his .300 Win Mag. 400 rounds later, zero has not moved.

What he said!

I paid 112 from Natchez for a Weaver K6 about two years ago.

No problems with it.

The K4 probably has a better field of view etc...

If you get a Swift and it busts they will swap it over the counter no questions asked.

I am almost certain that the Koreans making the cheap Bushnells are making the Swifts too.

Bushnell scopes are a big step above Simmons and Tasco. They will give years of service and have great warranties. The presently made Bushnells even the Banners give Leupolds a run.

.... as I snort coffee out of my nose ...

Rick you may need a fireproof suit talking against loopies around here <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. this site is populated with loopie sluts.

I have a bushnell banner that I have used off and on for years and it has been on some heavy recoiling rifles. It still works fine. tom

I notice a couple of old Bushnell Scopechiefs on some rifles in John Barsness's book on Hunting Optics. These were fine scopes, back when Bausch & Lomb had a hand in things, and can be found as take offs of older rifles, by shooters who feel a need to have something new or with more status to the logo.

Exactly what I was thinking..............

I'd also consider mowing lawns and washing cars to get a scope worthy of a hunt of a lifetime.

Well CZ if you haven't got one by now, here is my opinion which is worth as much as it just cost you.

I have a Rem. 700 7mm Mag that I have hunted elk with for nearly 35 years. I have pounded hell out of this rifle all over Wyoming. Even had a mule drag me off a horse and I landed on it in the rocks. It sports a Redfield LoPro Widefield 4X scope and has since the first day I bought it. I have NEVER felt under scoped and I have several dozen elk and one Bighorn to its credit. It has taken the licking it has been subjected to and keeps it's zero.

Ebay has a lot of used Redfield scopes for sale. Find yourself a 4X that was made in Denver and is in good shape and you won't be sorry. From what I have found in the last 4 weeks of following the scopes listed on Ebay these are selling for under to right at $100.

Have one hell of an elk hunt buddy and enjoy!

Man, this has turned into a food fight!

Czech 1022, welcome to the campfire. Normally we're not this abusive of each other, ahh, well, yeah, actually we're like this most of the time. You should be able to find a used Leupold 4x for under $100 and send it back to the factory to be checked out and reconditioned. The factory trip is free, except for postage, and you'll have a solid backup scope for the day when you can afford a better piece of glass. I hope this helps.

Okie John

I use a Redfield 4x wideview on one of my rifles and it has been a solid scope for years, I also have a 4x Leupold on my 30-06 with no problems. Having too many rifles I have tried all the 100 dollar scopes out there and Bushnell is the best of the bunch. Solid gaurantee, rugged, adjustments track welll. The only one that has broken fell out of a truck as it rolled down a mountain. As far as open sights go you ought to have em on your rifle anyway but they in no way compare to a working Bushnell scope.

"variable power scope NEEDED to hunt elk"......poppycock,old chap,sheer poppycock.
Go with the 4x Weaver,shop smart,and you might have beer money left over.
Mount it properly,and DIAL IT IN....

Shoot Well, GTC

A variable power scope is needed to hunt elk huh? I guess I gotta go out and get me a Leupold 4x12 to put on my OPEN SIGHT flintlock muzzleloader!!!!! I think not!!!!!!!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

huntamerica classifieds has a couple of scopes that fit the bill. A Leupold vx1 2-7x33 for $125 and a Nikon 4x for $100 were two that I noticed. Don't be afraid to make offers on the scopes that are a little higher.
I bought locally a Leupie 3x20 and 4x33 for $120 each out the door.
Good luck!

I would ask a second question, how many use $100 scopes each season and get game? I think you will find a good number do with no problems. I have a $100 Simmons 44 magnum on my BAR .270, shoots just as well as the BAR 30-06 with a Burris Fullfield II. Most scopes will hold zero, depending on the caliber rifle, but all scopes have the potential to be a problem if they are dropped/abused. As long as you take decent care of the scope/rifle your OK.

Check natchess, midwayusa or the samplelist.com for a simmons special around $100, the magnum, aetec, whitetail expedition. The burris fullfield II line are a great choice but they start $150 for blemished at natchess, there are probably deals for them on e-bay.

You can debate scopes ranging from $100 to $1000, they do the same thing, mount, hold zero and don't fog/leak. You want to get picky start considering eye relief, parrallax, power, and lenses.

Everyone has their favorite and opinion. Few scopes are made in US, most from China or the Phillipines.

Send me a PM, I have an old steel tube bushnell you can have, not pretty but it held zero on a Savage 99 .300 for many years.

GreatWaptui no slight intended. but you could be nicer... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I would look for a good used fixed 4x like a Leupold or weaver. If none could be found check out the Bushnell Banner series of scopes. Great optics and lifetime warenty. If you want a first hand report of these scopes standing up to hundreds of rounds from a 444marlin click this link http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=17425&highlight=Bushnell+Banner

also here:
http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=11251

best of luck on your trip.

Bushnell Banners are the best new under $100 scopes around.

I second the bushnell banner. I have a couple and have used them up north quite alot.

I've wacked them on everything trudging through the bush and snow and they always kept zero. Clearer optics than many scopes twice the price.

So, tell us Czech1022, what did you decide to get?

GunsAmerica has a Bushnell Trophy 3-9x40mm for $55.00.

Just received my 2.5 X 20 gloss Weaver K that I paid 105 for at Natchez. It is a sweet little scope. Under half a pound. Very quick and generous eye relief. I'm putting it on a 308 or 260. Weavers are a solid scope for the money. However, I would not put them on heavy kickers - your 06' should be fine.

Plus, I think little scopes make guns look better... :-)

I like small, light, low mag scopes. I may get a couple more... Beats a reciever sight in spades for most purposes.

I usually buy L's, but this was too good to pass up and I have had very good results with all the V-16 Classics I own.

I think any of thheir K series scopes would do fine. The 4x is around $130 I think.

TM

Oh, and I forgot to torture you all with my prejudices...

I wouldn't touch anything but a B'nell Elite... preferably 4200 series aka B&L... ordered a mil dot trophy 3x9 once on special - what a piece of junk... it went into the "experience box" I could not sell or even give it to somebody in good conscience..

Nary a Simmons (cept maybe my old handgun scope) had a reticle come undone once in my misspent youth...

Tasco - no go (however, I do have a very old, to me, Golden Antler 3X9X50 that seems sound...) it sits on a relatively harmless 7.7 jap custom, heirloom Arisaka. Might put a Weaver 2.5 K on this gun...

Redfield?? Dunno - my cousin tells me they used to make good scopes, back before I was playing around with 7/8 inch 22 scopes.

BSA - lowest common denominator in my opinion

I think you might be surprised at the quality of some Cabelas branded scopes... never tried them, but they don't brand crap merchandise

Sightron - indifferent (ordered one once - never received due to stocking issues)

Germans - I find first focal point retiicles intriguing but not that much, not enough to support their union fees...

Burris is fine - don't like where their ocular focus ring is located - interferes with flip up lens caps for me.. otherwise great scopes. "Forever" warranty... Have a 3X9 Bal Plex that will live happily on a custom 10/22.

Nikon - yeah I'd go with a Nikon on reputation alone, but I'd probably buy an "L" instead...

Leupold, what can you say... they are what they are - great. Sent one back with a mysterious blur circling the reticle and got an equally mysterious paper back from them purportedly explaining what went wrong along with a fixed scope pronto.. the lifetime warranty is for real...

This is my first foray into Weaver K's. A fixed power handgun scope got returned due to rediculously critical eye relief, but this 2.5 seems like a winner.

TM

TM45 I like the Burris warranty bit, just yesterday called them on a 2x5 camo question, asked them if it would hold up to the jolt on my BAR lighweight 30-06, Burris, 'it will outlast you using it'. Wish I would have know you can custom reticles form burris, the ballistic plex works well.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Burris tells me they will put a custom reticle in any scope.
I asked about a Ballistic Plex in their 6x40, and they said, "Sure!"

I think is it funny the way people become adamantly prejudiced about scopes they never owned, or even about entire brand, based on one incident in their very limited experience, or the fact that they never owned but a few scopes of one brand.

I have a Tasco Titan 1.15-4x24 German #1 in 30mm tube that was made in Japan, in the same factory as Nikon. It is on a .375 H&H. When I asked other shooters about it, several replied that they had them on .416s, loved them, and wanted to know where to buy another. One PH had one on a double rifle.

So many scopes are made by the same contract manufacturers to the brand specs, to meet a price point. Your or I could start a scope company tomorrow and subcontract the work, and build the equivalent of a Leupold VXIII or Nikon Monarch Gold right out of the gate.

Well, I like German 4 reticles. May have to have them set me up with a couple for my Ruger Number One's.

TM

Good point.

JB's point about a fixed power scope is, naturally, spot on. The cost of manufacturing the fixed power scopes is lower, so they naturally sell for less (with Leupold's 6's being the dubious exception here--for no good reason whatsoever other than some folks will pay the price! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )

I have a discontinued Busnell Trophy fixed 4 x 40 which I'd gladly put up against any fixed power scope the other side of 100 bucks--durability-wise.

Magnum handgunners have come to recognize the Bushnell Trophy handgun scopes as solid performers; as tough as they come.

I do love my old steel Weavers, but there's no guarantee any longer and repairs can be costly.

Unless you're a great iron sight shot, it would be downright foolish to forgo a decent fixed 4X scope and wing it with the irons.

And for one last glaring truth: [b]The odds of a 25 dollar Bushnell 4X from Walmart failing and ruining your hunt are no greater than the plane you go out there on "letting you down."

Don't overthink this. Just get something you can afford, go get a nice animal or two, then come back and tell us how it all went. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dan

[/quote]

And for one last glaring truth: [b]The odds of a 25 dollar Bushnell 4X from Walmart failing and ruining your hunt are no greater than the plane you go out there on "letting you down."

Don't overthink this. Just get something you can afford, go get a nice animal or two, then come back and tell us how it all went. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Dan [/quote]

Dan:
I approve of your advice. Get something you like, and can afford, and go huntin. There�s no reason to agonize over whether your scope will fail because you didn�t spend an extra few hundred dollars on it.
Smitty of the North

hey, great post!!

after stick had swayed me to the dark side with the 6x42 leupy i have since replace all but one scope i have with fixed powers.

if you have $100 to spend i am betting your best bang for the buck will be a fixed 4x in a used flavor. a new weaver k4 can be had for around $100 so that would get my vote for a new purchase. i put 2 on last year. a muzzleloader and an 06' pump. the have great glass. the tracking was sticky but once sighted in the didn't move....

the used leupy 4x cant be argued with really considering your budget. i vote for one of the two above....

woofer

I'll throw my 2 cents in with the used 4x leupold crowd. It's pretty easy to find a used 4x leupold for $100 or less and send it back to the factory for a refresh. The scope will be returned promptly good as new. I could hunt big game for the rest of my life with a fixed 4x and be very happy.

Good shooting,
Weagle

czech,

I have not read this thread in its entirety, so forgive me if this has been addressed. Going spartan on hunting equipment is not a good idea. I hunt with a dude who decades ago bought an entry level Remington, a 78 I believe. For a bargain rifle, it was a shooter. In fact, it was the exception to my hereinabove admonishment. It shot as good as any factory rifle and better than many custom jobs. I think the only noticeable characteristic defining it as a bargain gun was its finish. I would wholeheartedly recommend that gun. It was quite a bargain.

My buddy turned a great deal into a nightmare by his selection of scope. I want to write that that scope was part of the bargain. He was quite content because his outfit shot under an inch all day long. I politely advised him to dump the scope, its manufacturer being mentioned in this thread. For whatever reason, he refused to do so.

During a good mule deer hunt in Utah, the weather turned nasty, but we hunters consider it ideal. I rustled out of my tent at O'Dark thirty to find my buddy forlorn by a smoldering fire. He was lamenting his fogged & frozen scope. Later that afternoon, as he was looking over my buck hanging in camp, he let us know he was finally able to hunt.

If you have considerable dough tied up in a hunting trip, somehow find the money to buy a decent quality scope lest you vainly spend good money on a hunting trip.

With the exception of a lone Redfield that is about thirty years old and a damn good scope, (I used it to harvest my buck in the above story.) I have always used Leupolds. Thanking God, I have never had any problems with any scope I have used.

BTW, I think Redfield is in business agian. You might want to give one of their scopes a gander.

Good huntin',

Leon

czech,



I did come across this post. Its author wrote it about as honestly and accurately as possible. The really is that there is no such thing as a hundred dollar scope that is reliable. If I were you I'd read this post again and again until its reality sinks in.



My best to you,

Leon.

I have a Baush and Lomb 3x9 that was on a Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight 30-06. The scope is detachable to its bases and can be reattached without losing zero. The guy I bought it from told me this and I would have never believed it had I not tried it!. The bottom of the scope has a rod in it that is spring loaded and detaches and reattaches without any tools. Its a pretty neat set up, however the bases match the scope and has to be mounted on a Model 70 Winchester. The scope itself is in good shape, other than a few scratches on the outer tube, the optics are however still in great shape. I took it off and replaced with the Leupold Vari XII 3x9x40 as thats what most of my rifles wear. I swear by the Leupold, but if its a Model 70 that you are trying to fit I will let this one go for $50, its just sitting in my safe collecting dust.

I've got about two dozen rifles. Several different brands of scopes from Leupolds to Tasco's, and they all work well for me.
I don't own a Bushnell because about 35 yrs ago I bought one, a Bushnell Banner, for my wife, that had about six layers of wrapping inside the box with "inspected by" labels in each layer. That scope had a bubble in one of the lenses the size of a house fly. Maybe it's just me, but I thought this was a little much, hence no more Bushnells.

Some reputable gun dealers and gunsmiths take the scopes off of the rifles that they take in trade and resell them. Most are in great shape. I would check into some of your local dealers and smiths and see if they do this. I have a Bushnell Banner 2.5 I bought for $15 that is a beautiful, bright little scope. I would be tempted to get a used Leupold or Burris fixed power or variable if they are in pristine shape
Old Weaver K series scopes are rugged. I have a K3 on a 358 and a K8 on a .22. The K 60-C series with plex reticles are from 1968- early 70's. I would'nt get a vintage Weaver any older than that.
The lens coatings put on today's scopes will give you a much clearer and brighter image.
The little 2.5 Banner previously mentioned is twice as bright as any of my vintage Weavers.
The modern day Weaver may be worth checking out or if I were going less expensive, I like Bushnell too.
Someone mentioned Cabela's scopes...I agree with that poster...They might be worth looking into.

"And for one last glaring truth: The odds of a 25 dollar Bushnell 4X from Walmart failing and ruining your hunt are no greater than the plane you go out there on "letting you down."

I'd have to disagree with that one. I know dozens of folks who fly all of the time, none are dead yet, but I've actually owned cheapo scopes and known many many people with them that were either junk out of the box or failed in miserably short time. You get what you pay for. Skilled craftsmen cannot possible assemble any kind of decent usable optical equipment for much under a hundred bucks. Junk is junk, no matter what people choose to call it doesn't alter that as fact.

An older loopie 4x would be an excellent choice, if you can find one for a Benjamin or less. The old school steel tube Weaver K3 or 4 would be my second choice. Just check the Weavers over carefully before you buy one.

Are you guys talking to yourselves? After posting this topic one month ago today, the original poster never returned.

Phillip Nesmith,

That was about as well written as could be; I agree 100%.


Good hunting,

Leon

yea they are talking to themselfs// <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Too funny!

Some less expensive scopes have worked fine for me and their intended use. I wouldn't test their limits on heavy kickers though or extreme weather conditions. I usually buy more expensive scopes, not because I have elitist tendencies, but because I hate to waste time or money.

It's kind like buying anything - you usually buy quality goods once. You may luck out with bargains, but it hasn't been my typical experience.

TM

it has been my experience that cheap scope leaves a minty taste

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

brian

Throw another vote for the decent quality fixed scope, be it 2.5, 4 or 6X weaver or leupy. I've had two out of 3 bushnell cheapies fail, one a 4X on a hard kicking 10-22 <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> and the other a 3-9 on a .308. They sent me a replacement 4X which I put on the .308, and suprisingly enough it has servived about 1000 rounds from the .308.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned and is likely more important than what brand of scope you choose. That is putting enough rounds down range to make sure that the scope you have is reliable. I believe it John B in article a few years back that suggested putting 50 rounds down range before heading to field. So, my advice would be if you only have $100, spend $60 on a used fixed scope, and $40 on ammo to make sure it's sighted in and reliable.

I would absolutely not get an economy variable, and I really don't see any difference between the $40 or $100 variables, you have to spend $200 to get a variable that is worth topping your rifle with. This isn't some snobby opinion, just what it takes to get gear worth toting.

I has been my experience when I was a Burris only shooter that the Burris could not handle the recoil of my .375-.416. It did not last even ten shots before lenses began to rattle. I went to G.I. Joes, bought a Bushnell and shot it on that rifle for years till I replaced it with a Tasco when my buddy used the rifle and fell on it. The Tasco has been on it for years.