Please advise on scope selection

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Oleg Volk

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I am looking for a low power scope for use with a rifle, probably a
.22 bolt action used to test the optic for eventual transfer to an
AK or an AR15. I've picked out Weaver K2.5 (2.5x20mm, good quality
for roughly $120) but it is not perfect. I would prefer matte finish
and, importantly, Russian-style rangefinding reticle. By that I mean
a curve which reads out distance in meters with a human height used
for reference.

Can you recommend any scopes which which would have
magnification of no more than 4x (preferably 2x or even lower),
decent light gathering (exit pupil 6mm or better) and a rangefinding
scale? Would any of these work with regular US style rings?
 
Oleg,

There are two Valdadas that might work for you. The problem is that the one with the Dragunov-style reticle is a fixed 4x and the other is 1-4x but without the Dragunov-style reticle. I think they're 30mm tubes too so you would have to buy new rings.

Valdada M1

Valdada CRT
 
I have the IOR Valdada M1 scope. Optics are clear, target nobs are easy to adjust, the reticle is just as you pictured but calibrated for .308 (you can get the scopes calibrated for .223) and the reticle can be lighted and adjusted for brightness. I'd suggest the M2 model as it is slightly more compact. I take off the plastic eye piece thing because I wear shooting glasses. The tube is 30mm and is fixed 4X. I like it. Price I paid was $319 without shipping. You could probably find it cheaper somewhere. Good luck.
 
Scope Selection

Oleg,

I have been very satisfied with the Simmons AETEC. It is a variable power 2.8 - 10X with a 44mm objective. This beautiful scope has a wide field of view, is offered in different finishes (including matte black), and has an excellent 5" eye relief. The quality of this scope is sufficiently good for Bushmaster to carry it in their catalog.

Weight is 15.5 ounces. This scope is a bit much for a .22 rifle, but is well suited for use on an AR15.

See the details at http://www.simmons-scopes.com/simmons_aetec_scopes.htm.

Go here to see it at Bushmaster: http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/scopes/2101.asp

Go here for a better price: http://www.swfa.com/riflescopes/simmons/index.html
$129.95 (What a deal!)

With today's sky-high scope prices, this item is in my view a great buy.

I hope you find this suggestion to be helpful.

Bob

"ArmaLube Hits The Mark"
 
Oleg, I am with Daniel. Go with IOR Valdada. Look at their scopes and pick out the one that is best for you. Most of the ones that have the Dragunov-type reticle are 30mm tubes but I know that you can get 1" tubes with that reticle, too. A friend of mine actually has a LNIB 6x42 1" hunting scope from them with the V-mark reticle which he has for sale.

The prices on the IOR scopes have gone up DRASTICALLY since I bought the one that I had. They are GREAT scopes, though. Look around for the best prices and try to talk the guys down from the high, high prices that are listed. Scott Powers over at SniperCountry.com sells them at what was, when I bought mine, the best internet price that I could find.

I have the V-mark reticle and liked it a lot but went back to my old stand-by Leupold because of the controls. The Valdada scopes have way better glass, though. Customer service is pretty good but they don't repair your scope...they just replace it (largely because they have no repair facilities in the US).

Regardless of where you shop, you might make casual mention of being the proprietor of an internet gun forum with a huge membership to leverage the prices.

Hey...you gotta work every angle 'cause nobody's gonna do you any favors unless they think that there is something in it for them (in which case it's not a favor).

If you're interested in the 6x42mm hunting scope (1" tube) with the V-mark reticle, e-mail me and I'll give you the name and phone number of the friend of mine that has it.
 
Looked at a bunch of scopes. Pretty much decided on 2x to 4x fixed magnification, preferably focusable objective, illuminated reticle. Rangefinding turned out to be optional as I can use duplex reticle for that.

Current options are compact Acog (much too expensive but apparently great quality...would have to wait a long time as digital camera upgrade comes first) or Valdada 4x.

Looked at Belorussian scopes: nice optics but narrow field of view, and at least one was assembled with the reticles upside-down! Looked at Norstar illuminated 4x30 (carry handle model), seemed clear and sharp but I question durability and quality of the mount. Any info on cheapo scopes?
 
The 4x is my personal choice for my utility rifle. I haven't bought the scope yet and still use iron sights, but it will go in a set of the IOR QD rings on the rifle. Should be a good combination.
 
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