I'm looking for a scope to replace the cheap simmons currently on my 597 but want something relatively inexpensive since I just plink with this gun. Currently considering:
BSA Sweet 22 (3-9x40AO - $40) (6-18X40AO - $80)
Barska 6.5-20x50AO - $50
Mueller APV 4.5-14x40AO- $130
The BSA scopes are the older models with AO instead of side focus. Scope will be used for plinking mostly from 50-125yds. BSA scope has my interest because the bullet drop calibrated knobs seem like they would be great for plinking at various ranges. OTOH I would like a little more magnification at 100yds+ than the 9x I currently have so I'm considering the Barska. The BSA 6-18X40AO would be the best of both I guess but almost double the price of either.
-Does anyone have any experience with the Barska or BSA scopes? If I can get a fairly clear picture and a scope that holds a zero I will be happy...I'm generally plinking cans and clays not competitive target shooting. I see a lot of negative opinions regarding BSA and Barska. At their original $120+ MSRP I can see how they're not a good value but for under $50 I don't think I will find anything comparable.
-I see the APV recommended fairly often for 22's, how much difference will I see for almost 3x the price? The MSRP is in the same range as the others, is the glass/quality difference really that noticeable?
-Any other recommendations? I would like to spend under $75 or so on the scope but would be willing to spend more on something in the APV's price range if the difference is truly noticeable. Seems like all 3 I posted should be fairly close in quality and I'd be better off buying the dirt cheap options and upgrading later if I feel the need. But I haven't used any of the 3 manufacturers much less models I listed so what do I know.
BSA Sweet 22 (3-9x40AO - $40) (6-18X40AO - $80)
Barska 6.5-20x50AO - $50
Mueller APV 4.5-14x40AO- $130
The BSA scopes are the older models with AO instead of side focus. Scope will be used for plinking mostly from 50-125yds. BSA scope has my interest because the bullet drop calibrated knobs seem like they would be great for plinking at various ranges. OTOH I would like a little more magnification at 100yds+ than the 9x I currently have so I'm considering the Barska. The BSA 6-18X40AO would be the best of both I guess but almost double the price of either.
-Does anyone have any experience with the Barska or BSA scopes? If I can get a fairly clear picture and a scope that holds a zero I will be happy...I'm generally plinking cans and clays not competitive target shooting. I see a lot of negative opinions regarding BSA and Barska. At their original $120+ MSRP I can see how they're not a good value but for under $50 I don't think I will find anything comparable.
-I see the APV recommended fairly often for 22's, how much difference will I see for almost 3x the price? The MSRP is in the same range as the others, is the glass/quality difference really that noticeable?
-Any other recommendations? I would like to spend under $75 or so on the scope but would be willing to spend more on something in the APV's price range if the difference is truly noticeable. Seems like all 3 I posted should be fairly close in quality and I'd be better off buying the dirt cheap options and upgrading later if I feel the need. But I haven't used any of the 3 manufacturers much less models I listed so what do I know.