Compact rifle scopes? Like Barska "Contour" series?

[Bill_Rights]

I don't know what it is, but I just prefer the look of a smallish scope on most rifles. I only shoot 50-200 yds and not for competition, so I am looking at this Barska:



This unit is a 3-9x42mm "Contour" AC 10634 model, and it is only 9.8" long. You can get the deets here:
http://www.shopbarska.com/Tactical_Scopes-BARSKA_3_9x42_IR_CONTOUR_SCOPE_PICATINNY_BASE.html
On this web page, Barska also refers to it as the "Hornet" series - dunno why two names....

Does anybody have experience with this scope for mid-range general shooting?

How about Barska in general? Where are these scope manufactured (I know their HQ is in California somewhere)?

What about compact scopes as a catagory? This can't be the only manufacturer that makes something in this form factor. Anybody else favor them? Any big down-side?

Thanks!

 

[redneck2]

To say Barska is of marginal quality would be an understatement.

There are a number of companies that make long eye relief scopes. Many have a significantly superior product to offer.

 

[Bill_Rights]

OK. Thanks for the warning.

What would be a quality scope in a similar size/magnification range? I don't see too many that look like it, but there have got to be some.

 

[Walkalong]

I bet he would appreciate it if you linked to a couple. I would be interested as well. I have a Millet "Buck" scope that is 1.5 X 5 X 32 that is on my Mini 14. It is compact and is good for short range stuff. A bit better scope than Barska, but not top end by a long shot. I don't think they make it anymore.

 

[Bill_Rights]

I would like some links.

Re-reading, Redneck mentioned eye relief. I was thinking more of wanting less front over-hang. I re-looked at the eye relief of the Barska above. It is 3.9". This is about average. I would say 3.5" is what I see listed most of the time. Here're the other specs:

Model # AC10634
Magnification 3-9x
Objective Lens 42mm
Waterproof Yes
Fogproof Yes
Reticle 4A, Mil-Plex IR
Exit Pupil 14.0-4.6mm
Optical Coating Fully Coated
Field of View (ft@100yds/m@100m) 36.7/12.3@3x, 12.5/4.2@9x
Eye Relief 3.9 inch
Click Value 1/4"
Adjustment Knob Adj. rheostat settings, side adj. windage and elevation, range and trajectory adj.
Tube Diameter 1 inch
Finish Black Matte
Weight 16 oz.
Lenght 9.8 inch
Included Accessories Mounting Rings, Battery and Lens Cloth
Warranty Manufacturer Limited Lifetime

 

[ACORN]

I have no idea what they are like but NCstar has a few compact scopes.
http://www.ncstar.com/store/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=29
I'd wager that nearly all inexpensive scopes (Barska , Simmons, Tasco etc.) are now from China.

 

[Ed Ames]

Do you need much/any magnification for your 50-200yd shooting?

I know this doesn't in any way answer your question, but:

The general "red dot" family (including holo sights) includes a bunch of options in the 1x to 2x range that are all quite compact. I don't know what you will be shooting at but magnification is IMO optional at <200 yards for anything except varmints.

 

[Bigfoot]

I like the Leupold Ultralights. Both the 2-7x28 and the 3-9x33 weigh about half as much as that Barska.

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-...alight-riflescopes/vx-ii-2-7x28mm-ultralight/

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-...alight-riflescopes/vx-ii-3-9x33mm-ultralight/

 

[Bill_Rights]

Acorn,
Yes, the NcStar equivalent of the Barska above also costs $80 at OpticsPlanet - I guess that's the going rate for the bottom end (Oh no! Somebody will prove that there is even a lower bottom - don't bother)

Ed Ames,
I think you are right. For the same money, I could get a not-bottom-end red-dot/holo, and the 1x versions give great field of view. A few more bucks and maybe I'd get a good one.

I am intrigued by the holographic sights but confused by the huge number of choices. What're the top two or three things to look for?

 

[rangerruck]

I have had good luck with Barska; not so with sh@#$t... I mean NC star.
I did get one bad barska once. the sniper series is supposedly an upgrade in clarity and reliability as well... I have no experience with this particular scope however. I currently have 3 of the monster 6x24's though...