Scope for My new 220 Swift?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Craigman

Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2009
Messages
457
Location
lower RH part of the Mitten
I recently put a Ruger varmint 220 swift on layaway at my LGS. My question is what scope should I go with? All suggestions welecome!

$300 TOPS
cant see myself using it in low light
mostly target and occasional woodchuck, crow, critter gitter usage
500yd max shot range is all I have around me.
Ruger rings

Would I hate a Barska or some other cheapo scope? Never had one but its tempting.
 
I'd look for around $200 worth of 4.5x14. I know that 7X is adequate in mid-day for prairie dogs to 300 yards. 10X let me get sub-MOA at 500 yards with my '06. I figure that 14X would give a bit more precision for paper.
 
You can get a lot of scope for under 3 bills. I personally think Burris and Nikon offer really good glass for the money. I've made the mistake of going cheap on scopes and have regretted it. Never had a Barska, but I'd avoid stuff like BSA and NcStar...
 
A few years ago I bought a Sightron target scope with a target dot. It had slightly taller adj. Knobs and adjustable objective. I think it might have been a fixed 14. Or 12. I used that scope on a 223 to shoot really small groups with a variety of ammo.
 
I've got a straight 10X Leupold on my old model 77V. Used you should be able to get one for around 200, don't know if they are still in the line but last I saw they were around 350 new.
 
Vortex has some good ones for around 250, Simmons, Bushnell, Tasco. All decent for the money. Might take a look at Redfield too if going for a variable. Fixed, you should be able to get a Leopold in your price range.
 
Don't forget that you can get a good quality used scope on eBay for $300. Sometimes they are a lot more for the money than a new $300 scope. Look for a new condition Leupold VX II, VX III or VX 3 in the 3 to 9X or 4 to 12X power range with a 40 MM objective lense. I have bought several on eBay and never had a problem. I have never understood why someone would spend $300 for a new scope when they could spend $300 for a scope with higher quality and higher resolution that cost someone else $500 a year ago.
 
Last edited:
Craigman;

BTDT. What you really want to buy is resolution, not magnification. It's great if you can get higher magnification with incredible clarity for $300.00 or less, but I suspect that you'll have to settle for something less. To my mind the clarity, the ability to resolve finer discreet items, is more important. I'd take the clearer 10X scope for the same ballpark price than a 15X, but YMMV.

900F
 
For a cartridge like the Swift I'd want at least 18x magnification. I won't recommend a scope to you though because your looking for cheap and I don't know cheap scopes.

There's a reason I don't buy cheap scopes and that is the warrantee. I would rather spend $400 for a scope with a warrantee then spend $300 for one that is questionable on a warrantee.
 
Regarding warranty - doesn't Vortex offer "lifetime/no questions asked" on all their scopes? From what I understand, Redfield and Leupold also offer respectable warranties and CS.

You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a decent scope in the price range mentioned.
 
Burriss Fullfield II in 4x14x40 with the AO can be had for under $300. good optics for the price, I love Leupolds, but this scope and Weaver Grand slams are right up there and as someone already menntioned, the Redfields made by Leupold.
 
I have a vortex viper in 4-12x down in the classifieds in your price range. Weaver has a $50 rebate on their classic V line until the end of the month.
 
I have one of those weavers (V16?) with a fine cross reticule for my CZ 452.

Very clear for daytime shooting and is adjustable AO.

Not a bad deal with a $50 rebate as mentioned above.
 
*twitch* for one of the flattest shooting rounds in the world, I'd tend to recommend better glass. You won't regret it. I'm fairly fond of the Zeiss conquest line for their brightness and clarity.
 
Craigman;

Cryo is saying essentially the same thing I did above. If it takes a coupla more months to save for the better glass, I'm going to suggest doing that. High magnification and high clarity = high dollars from my experience. And I've been buying glass since that Denver Redfield 6X Bear Cub back around 1962.

900F
 
Last edited:
yeah, my local Cabelas had a Saturday doorbuster special on the Conquest for $299 and I missed it!!! Ill look into the Weaver V series and the Vortex. Never seen a vortex local at all so that's why I am reluctant.
 
OK narrowed down somewhat.

Zeiss conquest 3-9x40 $349
Weaver 24x 40mm T series $399 with $75 rebate
Burris Variable 12 or 14x $350ish

I might actually be too tempted with that Zeiss and put it on one of my deer rifles though. LOL


will I be handicapped with the 24x too much? coyotes come to mind.
 
I have a 4.5x9 conquest on my deer gun. Pretty much everyone that puts an eyeball to my scope falls in love with it. And trust me, .220 swift wants more scope than my 30-06 deer gun. I'd recommend either the Conquest 4.5-14x50 A0 MC or the Conquest 3-12x56 MC

Get two. :)
 
Craigman;

Cryo is saying essentially the same thing I did above. If it takes a coupla more months to save for the better glass, I'm going to suggest doing that. High magnification and high clarity = high dollars from my experience. And I've been buying glass since that Denver Redfield 6X Bear Cub back around 1962.

900F
I have a Redfield 4X glass bought in 1961 on my favorite "Deer Rifle" which is a 4 digit
Pre-War Model 70.
 
Craigman;

If you can get that Zeiss with the #43 reticle, you'll think you just hit glass Nirvana. I've got a couple of them & couldn't be happier.

Nikon does offer very good glass at competitive prices these days, and I own several examples of their product line. If price were the only consideration, then Nikon might very well be the best way for you to go. But - you'll never, ever, kick yourself for putting a mil-dot Zeiss on that Swift. A 4.5 - 14X A/O #43 would keep you grinnin' for a long time.

900F
 
I have a Redfield 4X glass bought in 1961 on my favorite "Deer Rifle" which is a 4 digit
Pre-War Model 70.
Over the years, MANY of course, I've killed 31 PA whitetail Bucks with these "empties" and my Pre-War '70.
Time was when, one could ONLY afford a Rifle,a Shotgun, MAYBE a .22 Rifle AND if streching a Handgun.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top