Potential scope replacement...

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Centurian22

Centurian22

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I'm working with my new Savage Axis XP .308 which came with a Bushnell 3-9x40 scope. I've had some issues (that I've addressed in other posting) which have lead me to shop for a replacent scope if I eliminate all other possibilities. As you may guess from my choice of rifles finances are tight to say the least so any die-hard, high end only, $500 and up scope experts please save your fingertips the trouble if all you have to say is "save up for a real scope".

I am trying to stay below $150 (especially short term), I REALLY have no interest in spending more on glass than I did for the rifle ($329) even long term. This is primarily a hunting rifle that I enjoy taking to the range for friendly competition, and wouldn't mind trying out at some longer distances eventually. Most info I could find on here about 'cheaper scopes' was at least a year or more old and I know times and quality can change rapidly.

My requirements of the scope:
Variable power 4-16 up to 6-20 give or take a few power.
Preferably 50mm obj though I would accept as low as 40mm if all else was great.
Would enjoy any accessories possible included (sun shade, flip up caps, included rings ect).
Some type of gradient reticle to make hold overs easier in the field, preferably Mil-Dot as I would love to learn to use one and get experience with it.
Preferably knob style turrets not capped ones even if 'finger adjustable' my current scope can be a pain to get ahold of especially in cold weather.
Also given the chance of problems with a 'low end scope' a good warranty and helpful customer service are a must.

So far looking at Leapers/UTG, Centerpoint, Lion Gears 'Sniper' (seems great but never heard of them, Simmons, Nikon, Pentax, and Primary arms.

Currently upon looking over several threads, the Centerpoint 4-16x40 (or 50), has my vote.

Any input and reasonable, constructive input is much appreciated.
 
Check out Konus Pro 3x10x50 illuminated. All Konus scopes have etched reticles and are very bright. I have 4 50's and 1 3x9x44, love em!!
 
Centerpoint 4-16x40
Click to expand...

This, For 70 bucks you can't really beat it. So far mine has held up good, I've got it on a .243 so I'm not sure how it would hold up under higher recoiling rifles.
 
This may fit your budget.

http://www.alpenoptics.com/RScope-apex.html

I put the Model 4058, a 6-24X50 on a .308 last month and have had it out two times. First time out I did the tracking test where you shoot five rounds, move inches right and shoot, then three inches down, now go three inches left followed by 3" up. You should be back at the exact same spot.

I can rate this against a Vortex Viper in 6.5-22X50, the Viper cost 400-475 depending if on sale or not. The Alpen is a hair shorter and lighter. A 30mm tube, side focus, the turrets are locked when pushed down, you lift to adjust then push to lock, no accidental turning of the knobs.

What impressed me is the clarity at full magnification. Generally scopes in this price range well not have as good of clarity as you reach full magnification. This Alpen is very clear at 24X. The Alpen has better eye relief than the Viper, both have a eye box that decreases as magnification increases.

You get a no frills, 30mm side focus scope with a no questions asked, no paper work, LIFE TIME warranty, first owner or not. I've emailed CS two times and received immediate reply's both times as I bought this scope used and questioned the warranty.

Alpen is well known for there Binoc's and spotting scopes. They should be known for the rifle scopes. Best under $500 scope I have used.
 
A Nikon Prostaff was selling @ $150 for a 3-9X40 and $130 for a 2-7X32 last time I looked. That is about the bottom rung on the ladder that I'd use. You can always look at used scopes and often find good scopes under $100.

A 2-7 is all the scope 99% of shooters need and provides enough magnification for at least 500 yard shots. They sell for quite a bit less and the more X's on the scope the higher the price. I'd choose a little more quality and give up magnification if price became an issue.
 
Check out Konus Pro 3x10x50 illuminated. All Konus scopes have etched reticles and are very bright. I have 4 50's and 1 3x9x44, love em!!
Click to expand...

+1. I have a Konus Pro M30 and it is a great scope. Etched reticle, 1/10th Mil adjustments. I always thought they were cheap until I shot with one. Plus they have an UNCONDITIONAL lifetime warranty. Trust me, I destroyed one ( on purpose)to test it for a group of shooters who wanted to see if it would stand up to a 50bmg. We ended up drop testing it on concrete from a 2nd story window before it finally broke and lost its zero retention. The glass really is good quality. Its worth looking into.
 
again for the Whitetail Classic from Simmons.... I have 2 and they've held up well for me. Not the best for low light but during the day and especially for the barely over $100 at Midway, you can't beat'em.
 
FWIW I bought a NIB Weaver 40/44 on eBay for less than $100 shipped. Made in the Philippines (Same plant as Nikon).
 
U dont need that much magnification, especially on your given budget. Buy a bushell 10x mil/mil and shoot your barrel out. 10x will get u to 1000yds no problem. And has matching retical and adjustments. A 20x scope for $150 is best left alone.
 
I will second a Nikon Prostaff.

I have one on my CZ 453. Very good clarity, solid adjustments, and a good name behind it.
 
Nikons are great. I have the 2-7 on my AR15 and got it for $100. I just bought a 6-18 mildot on midway for $324 on sale. Keep looking and you'll find one.
 
FWIW I bought a NIB Weaver 40/44 on eBay for less than $100 shipped. Made in the Philippines (Same plant as Nikon).
Click to expand...
1948CJ2A, how do you know it's the same plant?
 
I would avoid any of the utg leaper etc stuff. stick to a name brand. with your critieria I too recommend the simmons WTC. just be advised, it's big. fine for a range fun, not so fine for hunting. Personally I find a 4-12x40 to be a nice compromise between size and power.
 
Thanks for the input so far. I really like the Konus Pro (especially the M30, though it's out of my price range for now). I like the Nikon brand but I really want to upgrade from a 3-9 to something at least a little more. Despite posts to the contrary My personal preference is to have some higher magnification. Unfortunately Nikon gets expensive over the 3-9 and if I am going to spend more than $200 I will probably hold out for either a low end Leupold VX-1, or a Wotac by wonders optics (anyone have any knowledge or exp with these?)

http://www.sightwonders.com/wotac-4-14x50-sfp-epb-reticle.html

I like the simmons but there are a few things holding me back from it compared to others: no sunshade, no rings, non exposed adjustments, not flip up covers (or it least it doesn't say they are), Not resettable or zero stop turrets. I know I'm being picky on a limited budget but I feel I have to be. If this one doesn't work out I can't just up and try buying another next month.

Thanks again for the advice and input, keep it coming.
 
Well....I own a Savage too.
Not the same model though.
I put an IOR on mine.

But, I've had in the past a Super Sniper 10X scope that is within your budget...and for the money, they are really nice and worth probably more than the cost.
Google SS and you'll come up with a "lot" of very good reviews for the price of the unit(s).
They are pretty hard to beat in your current budget range for sure.
They've even had a military contract or two in the past.
They do cost more than $150, but I promise you....at the end of the day the less you pay for glass, the less happy you'll be with the results too. You'll be kicking yourself later for wasting your money on pure cheap junk that doesn't work worth a crap.


http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-MOA-Scopes-C4226.aspx
 
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never heard of wotac, but you can to a lot better than a leupold vx1 for the $$. Have you looked to see if there is a vortex crossfire model you might be happy with. Vortex puts out a lot of scope for the money.

have you read this article yet? http://opticsthoughts.com/index.php...mparison&catid=4:rifle-scope-reviews&Itemid=4

compares several scopes in the $150 range. lots of pictures. (nikon, redfield, burris, vortex)
 
i purchased a tasco target/varmit 6x24 this past week for $125.00 at local cabela store
-- have seen them for as low as $89.00 amazon but i wanted to be able to return it no hassle if i did not like it (30 days) -- i was/am amazed at the clarity & really like the mil dot -- simple low profile mount on my ruger 77 220 swift -- ran about 40 rounds through
-- held/returned to zero -- no idea what the future holds for this scope but i like it now -- my swift is low recoil -- scope may not hold up on 308 good luck
 
Save up for a nikon. Most other scopes mentioned won't be any different than the bushnell that came on the rifle except they have more crap hanging off them.

HB
 
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