Optic noob needs scope help

[DWS1117]

Let me start by saying that the only think I know about scopes is what I've read on the net and trough talking to some friends. I've been reading and reading untill my brain is about to pop. This world of optics can be mighty confusing.

I recently purchased a Marlin 336. It will be used for deer hunting in east Texas. I'm a noob in that area also, but this post is about scopes. The longest shot will be 125yds.

I am having trouble deciding between a 4x fixed or a variable. My budget is about $150. I know I'd like it to be more, but hey kids gotts eat.

Right now my choices are:

Nikon 4x40 Buckmaster
Weaver 4x38 Classic K4 Series
Nikon 3-9x40 Buckmaster
Weaver 2.5-7x32 Classic V7 Series

I know that some of these are slight over my stated price, but some can be had refurb at lower prices.

What are your opinions of the listed scopes? Should I look elsewhere? Am I even in the ball park?

I appreciate the opinions of everyone from novice to expert.

[Oldnamvet]

For the money, I think Swift scopes are a real deal. But..........if your shots are going to be 125 yds or less, consider using a receiver sight (large hole peep sight if you will). They work excellent for shots in that range, and you can pick up on moving targets easier.

[DWS1117]

Thanks for the reply.

Does anyone else have experience with Swift scopes?

[Karbon]

I'd watch good old eBay and look for the Burris Fullfield II's. I've seen some as low as $130 sold there. Some even come with a free spotting scope or pair of binocs.

Good all around scope and very affordable. I have read nothing bad about them, and no one has given me any neg feedback here.

They are way better than any of the scopes you listed above.

IMO, they are a hands down winner for the $ range.

[Brian Williams]

For that range I would suggest a lower power scope, a 1.5x4 variable is great.

[Omnivore]

If your longest shot will be 125 yards, some would say you don't want a scope at all. That being said, yes, the lower power optics will do best for you, since they will have more field of view, making target aquisition faster and easier. Fixed power scopes will be much lighter in weight than a variable, so they are a compromise in favor of ease of carry and bulk. I'd say more than 3x will just slow you down, with no benefit at all in shot placement.

Don't discount the 1x reflex sights or the holosights. At the close ranges you're shooting, ease and speed would be favored over super duper magnification.

Tip; find a shooting buddy that has lots of gear and have him take you out shooting, so you can try his scopes and such.

Try something that seems good to you, and you'll learn from that. Maybe you'll not like something on that rifle, but it'll be perfect for another. With a 150 dollar budget, personally I would wait and hunt at 100 to 125 yards with open sights until I could afford something really good. I've learned many times (you'd think once should be enought, but no) that cheap optics are a dissapointment.

[.41Dave]

I'd be one of those who say that given the ranges you specify, you could just not bother with a scope at all. I'd put a set of XS ghost ring sights on it instead. I have them on a Marlin 1894, and they are superb. http://www.riflescopes.com/products/ML00125/xs_sight_systems_ghost_ring_sights.htm

If you have to have a scope, the Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35. An excellent scope for the money, (I put one on my daughter's deer rifle) and can be had in the $150 range if you shop carefully.
http://www.riflescopes.com/products/200123/burris_2-7x35_fullfield_ii_rifle_scope.htm

[Impala]

In that price range I would definitely suggest Burris Fullfield II, I've also seen Leupold riflemans go for $150 from time to time (the 2-7x33 model), the FF2 has higher light transmission than the rifleman though. Midsouth Shooter Supply has a Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35 with ballistic plex reticle for $159, those are my two choices anyways.