"A1 Optic" scopes

[Live Free Or Die]

I'm looking for an affordable scope to put on my 10/22, though I might want to use it on another rifle in the future. I'll mostly be target-shooting at 25 (indoor) or 100 yards with the 10/22. I have not picked my "future" rifle yet, but it will be a higher-power rifle, mostly used for target-shooting at 100-300 yards.

A friend let me borrow his Weaver K-2.5 scope, and I had a lot of fun this weekend using it to sight-in my 10/22 at 25 yards. I was going to buy it from him until I realized the MSRP is $180. I was actually hoping to spend quite a bit LESS on my scope than I spent on the 10/22 (about $150). Really I'd like to spend < $100. Sure, in general "you get what you pay for," but please humor me as I try to live within my means.

I came across "A1 Optic" scopes on e-bay. I tried to no avail to search for product reviews; it was difficult to do so because the term "a1" is often ignored since it's too short -- as it is with the search feature on this very forum. Is there anyone on THR who can discuss first- (or even second-) hand experience about the quality of A1's scopes? The website goes to great lengths trying to convince the reader that the quality is excellent. Certainly the scopes are feature-rich for the price -- illuminated reticle, range finder, 3-12x50 for around $80. Also, the scopes appear to be made in the US, and I'd prefer that to buying a different budget brand (Bass Pro's "RedHead", Bushnell, etc.) made in China.

The scope rings have me a bit confused too. All A1's scopes have 1" tubes, but the product description says they come with 7/8" Weaver rings. I'm sure this is a newbie sort of question, but what's the deal with 1 vs 7/8? I have some 1" Weaver rings, and I assumed the number means the diameter of the scope.

Finally, is 3-12x50mm overkill for my intended purpose of target-shooting my 10/22 at 100 yards? I like the idea of a range of powers versus fixed power. I could save $20 or so by going for a 3-9x40mm instead.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

Have you checked out their website, www.a1optic.com?

After reading it, they claim superior optics, but the designs sure look a lot like the NCStar, Barska, etc. scopes that they mention. I have the feeling that there are scope factories in China that grind these things out by the boatload, and they slap a different name on them--ZOS, BSK, A1 Optic, NCStar, Visiontac, etc. etc.

I think the fact that the scopes don't seem to be available anywhere besides Ebay should tell you something, though.

Generally, posts like this get a lot of responses like, "Save your money for something decent," but if you want to take a chance on one of these, what the heck. They have a lifetime warranty, so maybe they're a small risk, especially since yours shouldn't be taking a real beating (at least until you put it on your hunting rifle).

If it were me, I'm not sure I'd risk the money--but maybe you'll get one and it'll turn out to be the best scope ever. If it is, let us know. Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[Detritus]

my advice, at least till such time as you CAN save up for better, is to buy a scope that is about the same price as a new 10/22, MAYBE a little less. though if SWFA really is selling that 4x22 simmons .22mag scope for $30 i'd consider that...

regardless look around www.Riflescopes.com look at the simmons and trashc.. in mean tasco listings and really all around (BSA and a few others get good reveiws and low prices). avoid barska they're horrid

to be honest 99% of scopes under $100 are going to be worse than junk, and not with the time to mount. had a NCStar one time (got it free, will try anything once) that lasted less than one range session on my 10/22, something inside shook loose and you my as well have looked through smoked glass, it didn't even make it home before it was in a trashcan.

i understand budget, but going below a certain level with optics will cost you over twice as much in the end.

like i said for ow take a look at simmons and BSA they'll be adequate for at least the short run, whereas certain other budget lines may as well be held together with spitwads.

 

[Live Free Or Die]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm new to scopes, so I wouldn't have any idea whether this "A1 Optic" brand is just a rebadged version of some other crappy scope. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I think I might take a chance on one of these. They're fairly inexpensive, and the e-bay seller claims to offer a full refund within 21 days. That and the lifetime warranty makes it worth the chance for me.

Also, I noticed that the e-bay seller got a lot of very positive reviews, both on his service and on the quality/value of the scopes he's selling. If I do get one, I'll post my impressions here.

Can anyone comment on the 7/8" versus 1" scope ring question I had in my first post?

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

I believe the scope ring measurement in question is the rings' height, rather than the diameter of the scope tube that the rings accommodate.

 

[greg531mi]

Get a 3x9x40 Tasco World Class, Mead, who owns Tasco, and Busnell, upgraded their World Class......I bought one for $30.....Do not get their Pronghorn, it is junk.....BSA, Barska's and Target are junk.....Do yourself a favor, look through the scope at the store before buying it.....

 

[bogie]

You can buy a "vintage" Weaver K-4 for under $50 delivered. Darn near bulletproof.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I never heard of A1 Optics so can't opine on them.

Weaver makes a 4x28mm rimfire scope and Nikon a 4x32mm rimfire scope that can be had online for about $110. I have one of each, the Weaver is on a Savage Mark IIGL and the Nikon is on a 10/22. I actually got the Nikon as a factory refurbished unit from Natchez Shooters Supply for $70. I highly recommend either of these over cheaper .22 scopes.

Both have excellent optics but the Nikon gathers a bit more light with the larger objective lens. As rimfire scopes, they have the parallax adjusted for 50 or 75 yards, instead of 100 yards as you'll find with a scope intended for use on a centerfire.

Cheap scopes aren't worth your time. They have poor optics and don't hold up well over time. E.g., my Marlin Camp .45 ate a BSA red dot (that I got for free). You don't have to spend a ton of money for a decent scope, but don't go cheap, either.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

Did you ever buy one of these? I'm curious how it's working out for you.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm new to scopes, so I wouldn't have any idea whether this "A1 Optic" brand is just a rebadged version of some other crappy scope. I haven't made up my mind yet, but I think I might take a chance on one of these. They're fairly inexpensive, and the e-bay seller claims to offer a full refund within 21 days. That and the lifetime warranty makes it worth the chance for me.

 

[gt3944]

Listen they have a better website than the ebay one, its huntersmall.com go there and youll find A1 optic stuff. I just bought a red dot sight from them and its pretty damn accurate for the money and very sturdy..I bought it for 10/22..the owners name of the company is Dennis..just talk to him if you can and hell set you up..let me know how it goes..

 

[Master Blaster]

Natchez shooters supply or Midway sell a Weaver rimfire 2.5-7X scope which has its paralax adjusted for 50 yards. I have one on my 10/22 and its an excellent scope. Perfect for the 25-100 yard ranges that a 22 would be used at. Its also light and has excellent clarity.

You can get it for $128 delivered, with a lifetime warranty.