Budget Scopes 6-18x 6-24x ?

I shoot rimfire benchrest with some Konus users. They work well enough.

I shoot local matches at 2-3 places. We shoot 50 yards and use a green USBR target or a derivative of it.

Look at MidWayUSA sales on scopes.Vortex is a good brand and can be had in their CrossfireII and Diamondback line on sale in your price range.

Cheap scopes are hit or miss as far as quality optics go. Sometimes you get a good variable scope that will hold zero. Many of the optic seem to be cut off center so when you change the power or objective the bullet strike will move somewhere off target. High priced scopes don't do that.

I had a Barska for a bit. Literally fell apart sitting in the safe. I'm not a fan of the "Pay more for optics then the rifle" crowd, but there is a lower limit to optics, below which it costs you more in ammo and trouble to use then you save. You are below that line with the scopes mentioned.

That kind of magnification a Vortex Crossfire 6-18, or SWFA fixed 16x or 20x is about as cheap as I would go. Lens grinding QC isn't free.

Check out Mueller Optics
http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Tacti...qid=1430927288&sr=8-2&keywords=Mueller+optics

I have basically the same scope in the (Mueller Eradicator). Pretty much identical except for illuminated reticle. These folks put out a quality products ta great price point, w/great customer service and warranty. Mine is mounted on a 17HMR and I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
http://muelleroptics.com

Problem with high power in cheaper scopes is that the higher power magnifies the flaws. I had a super cheapie already mounted on an AR that I bought. At 24x the sight picture was totally gone. Like looking thru wax paper. I gave it away free.

I have had good luck with Hawke brand scopes. Great optics for the money. Reviews on them are good.

The Muller APV 4-14 has excellent glass IMO very clear although the reticle is a little heavy for bench rest, at $129 hard to beat, I use a Muller 8-32 target dot on my 22lr set at 24 power for bench work, more money at about $240 but good scope.

For two or three years I've used the Walmart Centerpoint 4–16 X adjustable objective scope. Has performed very well on a 7 mm08, and also a 50 BMG.
Used it out to 800 yards and beyond. I think I've had three of these at least, not a bad one yet. Certainly not a $1000 scope but gets me MOA groups without much difficulty. I was surprised that it succeeded on the 50 BMG.

I've got a Bushnell Banner dusk & dawn 6-18 on my Savage 17 and the 4-12 on my Savage 22 very clear optics.

About 15 years ago I bought the Simmons 6-24X50 optic to mount on my sons Remington 541. I think that I paid about $100 back then. It has been a very solid and reliable scope for him.

Laphroaig

I would rather have an older used Weaver, Redfield or Leopold that a new economy line. And I do.
Although I have have some decent trade scopes in Bushnell and Tasco.
Good luck, catpop

I went the cheap route and found that at the higher powers I experienced some uncomfortable eye fatigue so I've gone to scopes that run $300-500 (Weaver, Nikon). All are on rimfire rifles. Some look way to big on the rifle, but that doesn't bother me, I don't hunt with them.

Used Leupold's at a pawn shop are a favorite.

High power variable scopes with AO can be expensive. But my experience with Tasco and the rest, convinced me the money is well spent.

Imo the Simmons Whitetail Classic 6.5-20x50 at Midway is the best deal for a cheap high powered scope. It's the only one I'd go with in rhis price range. Otherwise I'd look for an older Tasco or Simmons that was made in Japan.

mavracer said:

I've got a Bushnell Banner dusk & dawn 6-18 on my Savage 17 and the 4-12 on my Savage 22 very clear optics.

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I have one in 6-24, works well for the price.

If you're using it for benchrest at 50, why not get a fixed power?

Around that price-point, I'd suggest Vortex (like I would at most price points). While it's not on the same league as their higher end scopes, the Crossfire II will be better than most around the same price and also has a lifetime warranty.



Mike C.

I'm on my second Vortex Crossfire II, The first one got rattled loose inside on a .308 and wouldn't stay adjusted and they replaced it under the lifetime warranty. I've tried the replacement they sent on 3 different rifles and am not sure why, but my groups double (at least) in size compared to the same rifle/ammo using a Millett TRS1. If I could figure out what was wrong I'd at least knpw what to complain to them about.

I've gone through 3 vortex on various rifles, .243, .270, and 300 WM. I won't be purchasing any more of their rifle scopes, though i do like their Spotting scopes so far.

Bushnell banner, probably ok for RF use, but you won't get me behind one mounted on anything that produces recoil, such as .243 and up. My wife and I both suffered serious injury due to the lack of eye relief.

GS

I have a number of Vortex and can't fault them. Best all around scope for the money is their Diamondback 2-8 HP.... http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-diamondback-hp-2-8x32-riflescope-with-v-plex-moa-reticle

They are around $250 and have side parallax to boot.

spend a little more, the cheapest i'd go is nikon's, they're the most inexpensive scopes i've found that reliably hold zero and don't go fubar on the higher mags.