Best inexpensive scout scope for SKS

[zPhoenix]

After much research I decided to get the mount from scoutscopes.com that replaces the rear sight (seems solid/stable, causes no damage, does not inerfere with cleaning).

The next step is to choose a scope for it.

The ideal scope for me will be:

- Appropriate eye relief for use with that scout mount.
- Short enough to use without a deflector.
- Somewhere between 2x and 4x fixed magnification, best if near 4 (I'm getting old, otherwise a simple 1x red dot would do).
- Have decent light absorption for use hog-hunting at night.
- Be sturdy enough not to break with normal use.
- Retain zero (I read of some scopes that get messed up by the vibration).
- And just for wishful thinking... also have a red dot.

I know that I ask for a lot, especially in an inexpensive scope. Does such a beast even exist? Even if it doesn't, what scope is closest to that ideal?

Thank you in advice for your wisdom and advice,

z

 

[rcmodel]

I put an ebay used Leupold M8 2x pistol scope on my marlin .44 Mag.

Very pleased with it.

IMO: The red dot part relegates the scout or pistol scope to either very expensive, or cheap Chinese junque status.

rc

 

[zPhoenix]

Any other recommendations?

From my research I found a 2.5x scout scope from Leupold, but that's probably too much money to put on an SKS.

Isn't there a decent scout scope out there that is reasonably short and has some magnification for under or around $100.00?

 

[AgentAdam]

I think the Burris scout scopes are a little cheaper but very rugged and image looks just as good as Leupolds M8/FXII scout scopes or VX-I series to me. I wouldn't go any cheaper than Nikon.

 

[LemmyCaution]

Leatherwood is now making a scout scope with 2-7x magnification and 11" eye relief. It sells for $135 at Midway

 

[Badlander]

NcStar 2x7x32 pistol scope works well as A scout scope. I have one on A 45-70. It works well. I have not shot it enough to verify how long it will last But several members on www.marlinowners.com recomend them.
I bought mine to try out the scout scope system on the cheap before I drop $279. on A leupold. The Nc Star is only $50.

 

[zPhoenix]

I just placed an order on the NcStar 2-7x32. I also found a picture that shows the best way to set up the 11" scope on my mount.

I figured that even if it was lousy it would still be better than iron sights... and enough people report very good luck with it.

And if it really sucked, all I risked is $50. It would have been depressing to spend all that money on the Leupold just to discover that it didn't make much of a difference because of accuracy of the SKS itself.

I'm expecting the setup should be quite usable at 100m, and if I'm really, really lucky maybe 200m.

Thanks to all who made recommendations. They really helped.

z.

 

[TheWarhammer]

I've been looking for a scope with the exact same wish list as you for my AKM.

Here's what I've found so far:

Simmons ProHunter Pistol scopes:
Available in 2X and 4X for $100 and $110 respectively at Cabella's. Meet all criteria except for red dot.

Burris 2-7X Electrodot Pistol Scope:
Meets all criteria except for low price. This one will cost you around $400.

BSA 3X red/green/blue dot:
Costs about $210, so this is pretty expensive for a fairly bottom shelf sight. Most BSA products are more basic, but seem to last OK.

TruGlo 2X Dot Sights:
Can be had with standard red dot or with red/green, multi-reticle options. Cost about $50-80. Only problem is that field of view is VERY narrow. Also, I don't know about reliability or life span, but at this price, I wouldn't expect too much.

AimPoint 9000L 2x:
2X magnification, unreal battery life, tough as nails, accurate. Probably the best of the list, but with a $330 price tag.

Barska 2X Red Dot:
$50, so-so dot clarity, but good field of view. Reliability and longevity are the big "ifs."

Chinese cheapies like NCStar, and Fleabay knock-offs of AimPoints are widely available but universally bite the big one. They just plain don't last, don't hold point of aim, and usually provide a very fuzzy, poorly defined dot. These things are suitable for airsoft and paintball guns only.

Anyway, that's what I've come up with so far. It seems that there isn't too much between the $50 cheapies and the $400 good stuff. I know it seems tough to spend more on your optic than your gun, but think about these factors:

• A good sight/scope makes you and your gun shoot better (especially if your eyesight isn't tip-top). Thus you enjoy shooting more and like your rifle more.
• You'll end up replacing a $50 sight MULTIPLE times. At $50 a pop, you'll end up paying for the better sight but still be using a crappy sight.
• You can move a good sight from gun to gun, making it a multi-tasker.
• Quality dot sights have MUCH better battery life, reducing the chance of it going out when you most need it.
• The better sights will be more durable and hold POA though a bit of knocking around.

I hope this helps!

 

[AgentAdam]

Mueller has some good glass for the money. Most of the cheaper scopes look pretty good at lower magnifications. The NcStar 2.75 x Scout Scope looks sharp. What mount are you going with?

 

[panrobercik]

NC Star takes Mosin Nagant or K98's beating like a man without a problem after hundreds of rounds. The problem with the semi auto is that the shells will be hitting the scope while being ejected so you may want to look into a shorter scope or a red dot. There are replacement parts available for SKS to mount a scope right on the receiver. Don't expect stellar accuracy since the part is not super solid mount, but a lot of people are happy with those. Again you need a short scope to avoid it being hit with the shells. Check www.jgsales.com , they have sets for SKS with short scope.