[Bolt]

I am looking for a decent scope and a low price that will work good on a 30-30 lever action with a side eject, it will mainly be used for deer hunting in a wooded area any suggestions?

Thanks for the help

[scythefwd]

A fixed power 4x ishwould be ideal for that situation. You don't need to be able to count the hairs on its elbow, you just have to be able to identify the elbow to put a bullet behind it into the heart. How far of a shot are you looking at?

[blackops]

IMO a 30-30 doesn't need a scope because it's not accurate beyond iron site distance. If I was to get one though, a fixed 4 wouldn't be my first choice. You want some kind of variable from 1-4 in close quarters. This way you have more options for the different types of hunting applications you might come by (as far as range). You might just like it set on power 1 or 2 (depending on your application). I take it you don't want to spend an arm and a leg as most. I'm a loopy guy, but there isn't any reason this scope couldn't get the job done.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-175-4x32-trophy.html

[scythefwd]

blackops, I was thinking about that same scope, but the fixed power scopes are usually cheaper, which is why I suggested. A 4x isn't too much for 50-100y shots, but up close and personal it probably would be.

[Cocked & Locked]

IMO a 30-30 doesn't need a scope because it's not accurate beyond iron site distance.

Say what? If/when I'm seriously hunting with a .30-30 I like a scope for dusk and dawn...the best times to spot a deer. When the day is early or late, my iron sights (standard or aperture) disappear. A scope adds some brightness and enables me to see what I'm looking at.

This 94AE (got in trade from a forum member) now that I've scoped it will shoot 1" 100 yard groups from a bench rest using $13.97 a box at Wal Mart 170 grain Remington Core Lokt ammo.

In the pic I've got a 2.5X Weaver Classic (Japan) scope on it. I currently have a 4X Redfield on it.

duh...looks like I forgot the pic

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/17383006/337856701.jpg

[rbernie]

The 30-30 round is more than accurate enough for use well past acceptable hunting distances, even in leverguns. It *does* run out of steam pretty quickly, making its trajectory steeper, but that's not an accuracy issue.

I have a H&R/NEF single shot 30-30 that is quite accurate. I use a 3200 1.5x-4.5x Firefly on it. My Marlin 30-30s are set up with scout mounts and Leupold FX 2.5x scout scopes.

[qajaq59]

I put a 3 x 9 on my Marlin and really it was a waste. I haven't turned it above 3 or 4 for hunting since I got it. The brush is thick here, so the shots are generally close, and at 9 all I would see is brown.

[heeler]

I bought an older Marlin recently that came equipped with a Leupold base and rings.
Not wanting to "over scope" the nifty little carbine i ordered a Burris Timberline 2x7x26.
Small and light for sure.
And since i have yet to mount it looking things over it will be a tight fit as the Burris is really short.
I might actually have to get another base and rings.

[Legionnaire]

I'd say a 2.5X or 4X fixed power scope, or a 1.5-5X variable. I'd probably opt for the 4X, because the .30-30 can do 150 yards just fine, and I like that little bit of extra magnification ... and not sure I'd want to spend the extra $$ for a good variable. If planning to hunt exclusively in heavy woods, I'd consider a 2.5X scout scope mounted on an XS Sight Systems lever-scout mount.

[rcmodel]

It is far easier to put too much scope on a deer rifle then not enough.

A wide field of view and good low light capability is far more impotent then high magnification.

I had a 6x Weaver on my 30-06 while hunting in Colorado years ago.
The first deer the first morning was so close all I could see was hair!

It has had a 2 1/2x on it ever since.
Still good for coyotes & crows at 300 yards plus!

rc

[qajaq59]

I'd consider a 2.5X scout scope mounted on an XS Sight Systems lever-scout mount. I wonder if anyone makes some kind of a top mount like that for one of the older Winchester top eject rifle? Anyone know? The side mounts are not something I care to do.

[rcmodel]

I don't think so, because top-eject 94's didn't have scope base holes in the front receiver ring.

http://www.xssights.com/store/scope.html

rc

[qajaq59]

Thanks RC. By the way, do you fly RCs on the CB freq or Ham freqs?

[greyling22]

small-ish 4x fixed power.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

What, EXACTLY, is "low priced"? Cannot begin to answer until I know what that means to you when you use the phrase.

[Bolt]

$100 or under would be best

[AKElroy]

+1 to a good fixed 4X. I am partial to old Weaver K-4's if you can find a clean one; not so much the newer aluminum models. Gunbroker usually has a few. Steel tubes w/ decent blue just look better on a levergun IMO. As for accuracy of the .30-30, I don't shoot my bolt guns much better than this--

[pymi]

As stated above a 4X would be perfect unless you have antler restrictions.:banghead:

[scythefwd]

pymi, with a good 4x you will easily be able to count the tines at woods hunting distances.

[qajaq59]

You're better off to be glassing with binoculars anyway.

[Rob96]

I am running a 2-7x on my Marlin 1895G.

[schlockinz]

bushnell banner maybe (low power variable on the cheap side)

[Ben Shepherd]

As the others above have noted, a fixed 4x or maybe a 2.5X7 would be excellent choices.

[shaggy430]

You can't beat a 4x Nikon Prostaff.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Yeah, now that we know we're looking for around $100 or less, then I too have to say a Weaver K or Nikon Prostaff fixed 4x, or a Bushnell Banner 1.5-4x32mm.

Too bad you don't have $225 to spend though...perfect scope for this gun in that range.

[qajaq59]

Weaver K or Nikon Prostaff fixed 4x, or a Bushnell Banner 1.5-4x32mm. I'd say any of them would do fine.

[Sweden]

Dr. I am looking to spend ~250 for similar project, what you got in mind?

[Nicodemus38]

for a fixed power scope, get a wide angle view made for 30-30 used to be a line called "golden antler', works good out to 120-150 depending on what load im shooting.
however a variable power would be nicer at dusk like conditions.

[seniordep2010]

Get a Tasco 3-9x40 for an inexpensive deer scope, I've got one on my Marlin 30as 30-30 with a side eject that I will be taking whitetail deer hunting in the morning. It's no more than $50 at wal-mart but hey, it sure does its job.

http://i33.tinypic.com/2poa2cx.jpg

[lefteyedom]

I use a Williams Foolproof receiver sight on my 35 Remington Marlin 336. It never fogs up and works like a dream,

[Cocked & Locked]

I use a Williams Foolproof receiver sight on my 35 Remington Marlin 336. It never fogs up and works like a dream,

How does it do just about 5 minutes before dark when a nice buck walks out at about 70-100 yards? I have rifles with receiver sights too...my sights get lost in the dark then, as does the deer.

For me, receiver sights are fine during the daylight hours, but dusk and dawn gimmie the scope. :scrutiny:

So for serious hunting, I prefer these sights

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/17383006/346298775.jpg

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/17383006/292936835.jpg


instead of these sights

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/17383006/336269241.jpg

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/17383006/279351463.jpg

[CajunBass]

A few months ago I ordered a couple of Simmons "8 Pointer" scopes from Natchez Shooters Supply. 3x9x40. They were $19.95. I figured "What do I have to lose?" I ordered two to make the shipping worthwhile.

I was surprised when I got them. They seem to be as good as any scope I've ever owned anyway. I admit I've never owned a really good scope, so I'm under no illusions that "They're just as good as your......(insert top of the line scope brand here). But they're not bad for $19.95.

I put one on my 336W that I'll be using this year. Rifle sighted in just fine. Yes, it's more magnification than a 30/30 needs, I'd actually rather have a 1.5x4, but I had this, so I'll use it and see how it does. Nothing says I have to turn it up higher than 3 or 4.

http://www.natchezss.com/images/products/SN800722.jpg

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=SN800722&src=tpCtg

I expect it to do what I want it to.

[qajaq59]

For that kind of money you could use them one season and toss 'em out.

[AKElroy]

You can't beat a 4x Nikon Prostaff.

I like the scope, but isn't it paralax adjusted for a .22lr? It sells with 3/4" weaver dovetails---

[RyanScalf]

Well I have a Redfeild 2X7 scope on mine.
they're pretty old though, 70's?
but they go for like 100 bucks on ebay in pretty much perfect condition.
I absolutely love mine. You can see through it even at night.
great scope.

[Art Eatman]

I'll just sorta casually note that 3X is plenty good for Bambi at 350 yards, since that's where my 3x9 was set when I shot. :) And 4X doesn't really have enough field of view at ten feet--which was a real bummer.

The big advantage of a scope over irons is at first light and last light. It keeps you from shooting stump deer and cactus deer--and people deer.

[millertyme]

I have Weaver K4 atop mine. plenty accurate out to 100 yards. Especially with the new Hornady LeveRevolutions

[T.R.]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/md1.jpg

My Glenfield 30-30 has a Simmons 2X - 7X scope. Its named Pro Hunter and was purchased a few years ago. This is a tough scope that has endured hunts in sub-zero weather. Simmons bought Redfield a few years ago. Meade Instruments is the parent company. Affordable quality and durability best describes Simmons scopes.

30-30 with new 160 grain Hornady LeverRevolution Ammo is very close to 300 Savage with 180 grain ammo. In other words, 225 yard shots can be taken with a good steady rest. I prefer to crank my scope to highest power on long shots. But typical hunts I leave it on 4X.

30-30 is a KEEPER!

Good hunting to you.
TR

[Daniel B]

I have a Leupold Scout Scope on my .30-30. I initially setup this rifle for hog hunting. However I think the 1895G I recently purchased will take that role.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh272/dblystone/OTASCO%203080/DSC_0020.jpg

I have yet to get this setup out in the field to try it on warm targets. But for fast shots at close range 50yds. If you throw it on a hard rest, sand bags, or prone at 100yds you can still group pretty tight groups.

Balance is still pretty good with the scout setup.

[Lee Lapin]

Most folks seem to me to use too much glass on most rifles. I like a 2.5X in fixed power for a .30-30, or a low powered variable in 1-4X or 1.5-4.5X. The lower powered scopes have wider fields of view, and you aren't likely to 'lose' a deer in the scope at really close range.

Another advantage of the straight tube scopes to me is they mount lower on the rifle.

JMHO, YMMV,

lpl

[tomt]

A 30-30 is in the near future, what about a Holographic Red Dot Sight?

[countertop]

IMO a 30-30 doesn't need a scope because it's not accurate beyond iron site distance.

I guess you have perfect vision. Not all of us do. frankly, I can drill thumb tacks all day with a scope on my Marlin 336, but without it I couldn't hit the side of a barn.

I have an old 4x Weaver that I got off of ebay for $30. Its worked very well for me for about 5 years.

[Zeke/PA]

On my Grandson's Marlin 336 resides a 4X Nikon Prostaff that has served him well in the deer woods for a couple of years now.
Relatively inexpensive, ($125.00) and very good quality, it holds zero and the optics are excellent.
For the 336, mounts and rings can be had for around $20.00.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I am looking to spend ~250 for similar project, what you got in mind?

Sweden, glad you asked. :)

This one:

http://www.nikonhunting.com/riflescopes-omega-omega-muzzleloader-165-5x36.html

http://www.google.com/products?q=nikon+omega+1.65-5x36&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7GPEA_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=MGrnSvvrJovgM6HkuJUB&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=5&ved=0CCQQrQQwBA

PM me with questions - have two of these and love them. The "Slugmaster" is the same scope except with a little shorter parallax-free setting - for the .30-30, you'd want the Omega over the Slugmaster for a longer setting.

[countertop]

Here's a cheap 2.5x Weaver (http://cgi.ebay.com/Nice-Vintage-Weaver-K-2-5-Rifle-Scope-Redfield-Mount_W0QQitemZ250517528362QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a54021f2a) on Ebay for $26

[Yellowtail3]

I've just put a Nikon 2-7x32mm on my 336, replacing a Bushnell 1.75-4x32 Trophy. The Nikon is brighter, but... i'm not sure I really like it better than the Bushnell.

[scythefwd]

Yellowtail3, if you decide to get rid of that bushy, it is one I have been looking at and I might make you a reasonable counter offer on it (you first have to decide to get rid of it and secondly need to set a price:) )

[Yellowtail3]

Yellowtail3, if you decide to get rid of that bushy, it is one I have been looking at and I might make you a reasonable counter offer on it (you first have to decide to get rid of it and secondly need to set a price:) )
thanks, mr. scythefwd... but I've got the Bushnell on my muzzleloader now, so I think I'll hang onto it. Killed two deer with the muzzleloader last week. I'm no longer a fan of iron sights, esp. at dawn/dusk (prime time!)

I've had that Bushnell for about... six years, and have been very happy with it. I recommend one. I think they're about a hundred bucks at Dicks, or thereabouts.

[scythefwd]

Yellowtail3, let me know how it holds up. That is the exact same application I am looking at it for :)

[Yellowtail3]

I can tell you right now - the Bushnell is fine for a muzzleloader. I had it on a CVA .50 for four years before I bought the Marlin.

[Matthew Temkin]

I have a fixed 2.5 Leupold on my Marlin 30-30 mounted with a tip off.
Good combo, but at age 57 I am thinking about upgrading to a compact 4x.

[Sweden]

Matt, let me know if you want to let the 2.5 go, that's what I've decided on.

[Sweden]

BTW, Thanks Dr. I was looking at that scope as well but prefer fixed magnification. I think I'm going to go with a FX-II 2.5 UL.