Red dot or Weaver 1-3X for Win 94?

[Moon]

I recently purchased a Winchester Trapper in 30-30. I bought this rifle for short and medium range hunting, which in my area of the country could be anywhere from 5-50 yards or so. I have a bolt action for longer ranges and stand hunting, so I’m not looking for a “do it all’ solution. I just want something that is fast handling and accurate enough for deer and hogs at medium range.

I initially tried a ghost ring sight – big mistake. Without going into the details of that experiment, let’s just say that I’m convinced that I need a more conventional scope-type sight. I’m now looking a red dot sight (specifically, a 30mm Ultradot) or a variable 1-3x Weaver scope. I’ve never used a red dot sight or a variable power scope that dials down as low as the Weaver. If any of the board members could provide some insights on the appropriateness of the equipment that I’m looking at for my intended use, I’d certainly appreciate it.

 

[Gordon]

Use a scout scope, the Leupold or the Burris on the 94 and thank me later.

 

[DBR]

For the ranges you asked about, I recommend the Burris Fastfire II dot sight. It weighs 2 oz and the "II" is waterproof unlike the original.

You can leave the open sights on the gun and quickly remove the dot sight if there is a problem.

Personally I don't like "Scout Scopes".

I have a couple of the Weaver 1-3X scopes and for the money they are hard to beat; Japanese optics and good mechanical quality. They are better optically than the Leupold 1.5-4x VXI scopes I have.

Under actual shooting conditions a dot sight (for me at least) is almost as good as a scope out to 200yds except for target recognition. The dot sight is faster too and doesn't compromise the original handling characteristics of the rifle.

Natchez has good prices on either the Burris sight or the Weaver scope.

 

[Asherdan]

Well, you tried peeps, which would have been my first suggestion. When I switched from peeps I went to the Weaver 1-3x20mm and haven't looked back. I leave it down at 1x when busting tight brush and use both eyes, quick and accurate that way for me. I was intrigued by a red dot initially but batteries and a lack of magnification swayed me off. Dialing the 1-3 up to 2.5x or 3x is enough magnification to take advantage of your Trappers reasonable range. Not a fan of the scout mount, but that's just a personal 'feel' opinion.

 

[rcmodel]

You can see things in the dark shadows with the low power scope you can't see with the red dot.

Youdon't have to turn on the power to a scope, or replace the batterys.
Or take it off in the middle of a hunt because they went dead.

rc

 

[chris in va]

You can have both...get a scope with a lighted reticle dot.

 

[LeverGunJunkie]

Go with the Weaver. I have one on my 94 Pack Rifle in 44 mag, and its a good scope. Disagree with going with the scout scope. I put one on my old 94 top eject. Works well enough but made a balanced carbine very front heavy. Ruined the balance. Probably be even worse on a short trapper.