[highlonesome]

Optics are one of those things where you get what you pay for. However, I don't want to shell out too much for my backup deer/elk season rifle. That being said, what 3X9 (or similar) scope would you choose for an '06 in the $120 range?

In other words, what's the best scope value in your experience?


Opps!!! This was my first post... I didn't see the accessories forum. Is there a way to move this thread?

[Al Thompson]

Welcome! Your in the right spot..

I don't know of any variable I'd recommend for that price. The fixed power scopes seem to be much sturdier.

[Shalako]

I've had pretty good luck with a Tasco I got for that price, but for 50% more you could get a Leupold Vari-X I 3x9 that would last you a lifetime....

Nice handle by the way.

[aerod1]

I have had decent luck with Bushnell.

Jim Hall

[Badger Arms]

When limited to that price, you can get a new Weaver V10 which is a 2-10x scope that I have on my Moose rifle right now.

http://www.weaveroptics.com/pg6_7/849404.gif

[makarov]

I bought one of the closeout Scopechief scopes from Natchez Shooting Supplies. This was Bushnell/Baush and Lomb's top of the line scope. I bought the 6-20x40 scope but they had others in lower powers that were cheaper.

Tasco World Class scopes are pretty good. I have also had good luck with Swift optics.

Some people have also really had good things to say about Kalinka Optics. They mail-order Russian scopes. The fixed power 6x scope might work for you. They also have some with illuminated reticles. They are supposed to be VERY nice optics enclosed in a durable if not pretty package. They are also inexpensive.

[Wildalaska]

Save up another $79 and get the Leupold, the rest are also rans.....


WildleupoldistheminimumAlaska

[bogie]

THe optics in Weavers aren't as pretty as the Leupold, but the Weaver will stay put.

[Clemson]

Look for a USED Leupold variable or a used Weaver K-series fixed power. I bought a perfectly good K-3 last year for $25.

[BusMaster007]

A used Leupold at the funshow is an outstanding idea!

[Leaky Waders]

Iagreewith: WildleupoldistheminimumAlaska

Leupold is like the working man's cadillac of scopes. There are lots better...but you'll pay a lot more too. For me and my budget - leupold's are the top of the line. If I ever hit the lottery then I'd like to have a sheperd or maybe some euro-glass...but if that never happened I'd be very content with leupold.

(I do own a couple of tascos that have served me well and even a swift - but my heart follows the gold ring).

Right now I have one on order from midway (a 2-7 rimfire scope) - they seemed to be the most reasonably priced and I have great confidence in their shipping and handling etc. Their web site is www.midwayusa.com. They have a whole optics section so you can kind of compare the scopes via price and whatever. Also, you can see how many people returned an item...I think that's a telltale sign.

Regardless which brand you purchase, please post a review and tell us how well your new glass worked for ya'.

v/r,
LW

[Sunray]

Tasco is gone but you might still find some old stock some place. Be wary of used scopes. Go see what Walmart has.

[kptaylor]

Be sure to check out SWFA's "sample list", too.

http://www.samplelist.com/default.asp?mfg_selection=&prod_type=1&hide_sold=yes

[Art Eatman]

I put a Simmons 44 Mag 3x10 on my pet '06 in 1997; ran some 200 rounds through before an antelope hunt. The rig has survived a number of miles in a 4WD truck in rough country.

I am told that the more-recently-made Simmons scope aren't as well made as the older ones. If so, a "good used" version might be better.

Many scopes are sold off due to upgrades. I've seen many that look just fine, but they had "problems" like fine crosshairs instead of duplex, etc. No chips or nicks or internal problems with the adjustments.

Many of the cheaper scopes are lousy at repeatability of adjustment, but that's irrelevant on a hunting rifle where you sight in and don't adjust thereafter...

Art

[4v50 Gary]

I bought a used Leupold Vari II 3x9 for about that much. It pays to shop.

Now, I'm still waiting for the right rifle to mount it on but that's OK. I can wait.

[enichols]

For $120, look into Swift scopes. They're excellent for the money. I have one of their Premiere 6-18x50 models and I like it a lot. Give 'em a look.

http://www.eabco.com/mnu_sigts.html
http://www.swift-optics.com/

[kentucky bucky]

I have bought a couple of scopes from S.W.F.A. and have found that they have had real competitive prices. They also have a huge inventory that includes refurbs, used scopes, and other optics. they have a catalog and a website http://www.swfa.com I'll bet you can find something there.;)