Compact Fixed 4x scope

[FMF Doc]

I am in the market for 2 compact scopes for my rifles. I want 1" tube for ease of rings and what not, no longer than is actually necessary, and fixed 4x. I don't want to get into the merits of adjustable 3x9, even though they are prevalent and easier to come by. I have some personal opinions, flawed as they may be that make me want 4x, and you are not likely to change that.

The first one is for my Marlin 795 semiautomatic .22lr. Currently, I can hit a golf ball at 100yds with the iron sights about 65-75% of the time. I am looking to take that range a little further and increase the hit ratio for some small game hunting and pest control. It isn't going to be a match target rifle, so 4x should get the job done. I would like to keep it to around $100 or less, as this is a working gun on a farm, not a competition gun or meant to keep me alive in a combat zone. If I can't improve on iron sights for $100, then I'll wait for the technology to get there.

The second scope should meet all the same requirements, but will be for a Marlin 336 in 30-30. I am willing to spend a little more, maybe up to $150, but would like to stay around there. I am on a TIGHT budget these days, and simply can't afford more. If I do have to spend more, it will mean choosing one or the other. As always, your advice is appreciated.

--Doc

 

[rcmodel]

Hard as it is to believe, good quality fixed power scopes cost as much or more as a comparable quality variable.

This would be a good .22 fixed power scope.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-prostaff-4x32-rimfire-scope-matte-nikoplex.html

This would be a better one with the zero reset turrent for what you want to do with the .22.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-p-22-2-7x32mm-rifle-scope.html

And it would also do well on the 30-30.

rc

 

[Silent Sam]

Check a K4 from Weaver.

 

[hardluk1]

You don't have hardly any choices in 4power scopes.

 

[jmr40]

Leupold FX-4 if you insist on fixed power.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-4x33-FX-II-Riflescope-P3266.aspx
This is 9 oz.

Personally 4X is too much magnification for most 90% of my uses and not enough for 10%. I'd personally go with a 2-7X. or even a 1-4X if I really want a small,light weigh scope. Cost and weight are almost exactly the same. The 2X is better than 4X for the more common close range shooting and 7X gives you some real help on the rare long range shots. Mine is on 2X 90% of the time and 7X on rare occasions when needed, never anything in between.

With modern scopes they have proven to be every bit as reliable and rugged as fixed power scopes.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-2-7x33-VX-2-Riflescope-P51792.aspx
10 oz. Same price.

http://swfa.com/Leupold-1-4x20-VX-2-Riflescope-P51791.aspx
8 oz., same price.

There are no options in your price range. You could go VX-1 for $199. A Redfield or Nikon 2-7 might be just over your $150 budget.

 

[Dr.Rob]

My dad 'borrowed' a Leupold 4x fixed from me years ago. It's still on HIS 22 Marlin.

It's a really good peice of glass, but it was spendy even 20 years ago.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

You can get a used Leupold M8 for about 100 bucks.

 

[Patocazador]

I have a couple of fixed 4x 'Compact' scopes made by Leupold. One is on a .50 cal. Hawken and the other on a .280 Rem. 742. Great scopes with little weight.
Try and find a used one.

I'd like to find a good used Leupold 6X x 42 mm. with a matte finish.

 

[mdauben]

Hard as it is to believe, good quality fixed power scopes cost as much or more as a comparable quality variable.

This would be a good .22 fixed power scope.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/nikon-pr...-nikoplex.html

THE Nikon is definely a quality scope, but with an OAL of 11.5-inches I think it misses the OPs specifiation for a compact scope. I have one that I orginally bought for my Ruger 10/22 TD, but it ended up being too long to fit in the case included with the rifle when mounted.

 

[sage5907]

The Leupold M8 fixed power 4 power is a great scope and I have several of them. They are very tough and I would have no problem with buying a used one on eBay or GunBroker. They are very light and the lense is very clear. They will work for years without any problems. I don't think you want a true compact scope, the field of view is very limited, the eye relief is more critical, and they are just not as good a the Leupold M8. BW

 

[RPRNY]

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=SN510548&src=tpCtgOp

For your 30-30. It's a 4x32 "shotgun scope" for whatever marketing nonsense that means, but these are excellent value scopes and at $20 on sale at Natchez, a great deal. Even with Hornady FTX bullets, the 30-30 is not much more than 150 yard deer rifle (I too have a 336 30-30 and love it) so spending more on 200 yard + optics makes no sense.

 

[Patocazador]

The Leupold M8 fixed power 4 power is a great scope and I have several of them. They are very tough and I would have no problem with buying a used one on eBay or GunBroker. They are very light and the lense is very clear. They will work for years without any problems. I don't think you want a true compact scope, the field of view is very limited, the eye relief is more critical, and they are just not as good a the Leupold M8. BW

Buying ANY Leupold scope is not a gamble. Even if the scope is abused, Leupold will make it good. I had a "buddy" who graciously traded me a Leupold 2-8x for my Redfield 3-9x because he "liked Redfields more". I found that the tube was bent and wouldn't zero from his abuse. I returned it to Leupold telling them the story and they sent me a brand new scope at no charge.

However, I do like the compact scopes and have noticed no fall off in quaity just a smaller field of vision for a shorter, lighter scope ... ideal for a mountain gun.

 

[Patocazador]

The Leupold M8 fixed power 4 power is a great scope and I have several of them. They are very tough and I would have no problem with buying a used one on eBay or GunBroker. They are very light and the lense is very clear. They will work for years without any problems. I don't think you want a true compact scope, the field of view is very limited, the eye relief is more critical, and they are just not as good a the Leupold M8. BW

Buying ANY Leupold scope is not a gamble. Even if the scope is abused, Leupold will make it good. I had a "buddy" who graciously traded me a Leupold 2-8x for my Redfield 3-9x because he "liked Redfields more". I found that the tube was bent and wouldn't zero from his abuse. I returned it to Leupold telling them the story and they sent me a brand new scope at no charge.

However, I do like the compact scopes and have noticed no fall off in quality just a smaller field of vision for a shorter, lighter scope ... ideal for a mountain gun.

 

[Patocazador]

Sorry for the double post, my DSL temporarily went out and I thought it didn't post the 1st time.

 

[Tex4426]

Be aware of natchez...they have good prices but outrageous shipping...cost me 20 bucks to ship a scope...i was gonna buy some ammo but b adding that shipping went up another 10-15 bucks

 

[TonyAngel]

For the .22, I really liked the Nikon fixed 4X that I picked up. I got it on sale at an Academy for something around $100. Nice and compact and pretty good glass.

For the 30/30 lever gun, I had a Weaver 1-3X V3 on mine. I liked it because it was a decent scope and SMALL.