Help with scope decision.

[itgoesboom]

Still working on which choice of rifle that I am going to go with, but I have narrowed the field down, so now I am looking towards my options with scopes.

The two rifle choices are either a Savage rifle in .308, or a NEF survivor in .223, and I would purchase a .308 bbl a couple months later.

The scopes that I am looking at right now are;
1 Leupold VX-I 3-9x40 for $200
2 Leupold Rifleman 3-9x40 $200
3 Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 for $150
4 Simmons Aetec 2.8-10x44 for $129
5 Simmons Aetect 3.8-12x44 for $145

I know that the Leupolds and Nikon have wonderfull reputations, so my first inclination is to get one of them. But I have also heard wonderull things regarding the Aetec scopes.

All five choices are advertised as being waterproof/fogproof/impact resistant, etc etc. And all five carry a lifetime warranty, which is very important to me.

So, I need to figure out what would be the best choice for my two rifle options above.

I figure that if I go the savage route, I would probably lean towards the 3-9x40 options. So which are best? Are the VX-I better than the Rifleman line? Is leupold a better brand than Nikon?

If I decide to go with the NEF, I would first use the scope on the .223, and when I purchased the .308 bbl, it would do double duty (pain in the butt, i know, rezeroing, remounting) until I can purchase a 2nd scope. And I would purchase a 2nd scope if I went this option, probably around Christmas time.

So, hypothetically, if I went the NEF route, would I be better off purchasing the aetect or one of the other scopes first?

Thanks again.

I.G.B.

 

[ocabj]

The Leupold VX-I is probably better than those other scopes (definitely better than the Simmons), but the VX-I and VX-II line aren't as good as other scopes in the same price range.

At $200, you're better off going with the Bushnell Elite 3200 series. The 3-9x40 goes for under $200 at SWFA (riflescopes.com). A little more at $250 you could get a Weaver Grand Slam 3-10x40. I used to have one on a Savage 10FP. Great scope.

 

[rbernie]

For low-end glass, the Simmons Aetec 2.8-10x44 for $129 can't be beat. I'm really happy with mine, given what it is/how much it cost.

 

[Art Eatman]

Out to 500 yards, I've never needed more than a 3x9. Even in poor light, I've not had a problem with a 40mm objective lens such that I'd bother going to a 50mm. Some of this also stems from my preference for a low mounting.

I've mostly used the older Leupold Vari-X IIs. I have a 1997 Simmons 44 Mag 3x10 on my '06, with no problems so far. I put it on there from curiosity; no reason, yet, to remove it.

Were I starting from scratch and if the budget wasn't super-tight, I'd stay with the Leupold VX1, mostly likely, and in 3x9x40.

FWIW, Art

 

[clown714]

as an all around, you can't beat a 3-9x40

as far as a scope,you can't beat a leupold(jury still out)

but, i've got 2-variX-II and 1-VX-2 in 3-9x40
so what do,I know

never looked at or through a vx-1

just my $.02

clown

 

[redneck2]

Watch e-bay. You can get some good deals on Burris scopes. Probably the most under-rated scope there is. Equal or exceeds Leupold.

Also, check your local dealers for take offs. My dealer will split scope/rifle packages that come in. Any of the better scopes have lifetime warranty to whoever owns it. I got a $300+ B&L for $125 that way.

 

[cdbeaver]

One more time . . . Art Eatman has the answer.

I'm not about to badmouth any scope I haven't tried, but I have used and really do endorse the Leupold VX-1 3-9x40. Have it on two rifles and won't look back. Brightness is excellent, adjustments repeatable. My big gripe is no quarter-minute clicks.

Also have a couple of Weaver K's, they've been in the gun safe for 50 or more years and still going strong.

 

[itgoesboom]

Well, it sounds as though the Leupold VX-I will probably be the winner.

Gee, that was almost too easy guys. I can't allow it to be that easy, there has to be some indecision here somehow.

Thanks again all.

I.G.B.

 

[WhiteKnight]

I don't think one could possibly go wrong with any Leupold.

 

[Delmar]

I've used both Simmons and Leupold, and for the money, Simmons is not a bad deal.

One difference you are likely to see is the Simmons crosshairs are coarse in comparison, and a bit fuzzy around the edges at higher magnification.

If you use the elevation adjustments to keep on target at varying ranges, you may find that a 1/4 minute click on a Simmons is not always precise.

If you do go to the Simmons, I'd recommend the larger objective lens for the light gathering ability, but even going to a 50MM on a Simmons will not gather as much light as a 40MM Leupold.

SWFA is a great place to shop for optics-great customer service and outstanding prices!

 

[glock 21]

BSA 8 X 32 $100

I have the Savage FP110 in .223 and have a believe or not, BSA 8X32 on it and shoot IPSC bolt gun competitions. No problems after a year and that 32x really helps my somewhat failing eyes. Go to SWFA's website and check their prices