Rifle scope combo - What to do with the scope?

[ldlfh7]

I bought a scope /rifle combo awhile back and installed a nicer scope on the rifle, leaving me with an extra scope. It's a 3x9x40 Bushnell and has no other markings. The rings look less than stellar but functional. I figured I could always use it for something someday and now I am thinking of buying a 44 or 357 handi-rifle. Would this be a good fit for this marginal scope or should I just get another quality one? Shots will surely be within 100 yards with either of these rifles.

 

[Skylerbone]

Whenever I upgrade glass, I make an effort to donate the old scope to a fellow shooter or their kids. A Bushnell is a reasonable enough (quality wise) choice for a lever rifle but I'd prefer a straight 4X or a 1-4X for aesthetics and all round utility.

With some ingenuity you could make a spotting scope to use with rifles you might have that aren't scoped.

 

[MtnCreek]

Rifle scope combo - What to do with the scope?

Put it in the box the new scope came in a put it on the shelf.

 

[wally]

A 3x9 is pretty nice on a .22lr rifle and darn near anything holds up OK on a .22lr rifle.

What was the original caliber of the combo? .44Mag or even .357 has surprising recoil in a light lever gun.

 

[Geno]

I too donate a lot of my "no-longer-used-by-me" hunting accessories. I've even donated two rifles and one shotgun.

Either find someone local to you, or list it for sale or for free (as you see fit) here at THR.

Geno

 

[frankenstein406]

There perfect for cheap rimfires for squirrels

 

[ldlfh7]

What was the original caliber of the combo? .44Mag or even .357 has surprising recoil in a light lever gun.

The scope originally came from a bolt action 308 win

 

[Carl N. Brown]

I'll ditto the other posters: a low-end centerfire riflescope is usually better than the scopes routinely offered for use with .22s. In fact my son gave me a lesser scope when he got a proper scope for one of his centerfire rifles. I got a set of 1" rings for .22 3/8" weaver rail and have used the scope on one of my 22s.

 

[wally]

The scope originally came from a bolt action 308 win

Then I'd bet it'd do fine on a .44 Mag or .357 rifle.

 

[osprey176]

Sounds like a good reason to look for another rifle,but thats just how I think.

 

[Abel]

Put it on a 22LR or give it to a youngster.

 

[henschman]

I think I have the same thing... it came on a Savage rifle I bought as the basis for a project. It's kind of long for a .22 scope -- it is hard to get optics far enough forward on most .22s with standard scope mounts as it is. Plus I'm to the point where I don't even like putting that cheap of an optic on a .22. I will probably end up using it to sweeten the pot on a trade/purchase at a gun show or online deal.

 

[MrDig]

Sounds like a good reason to look for another rifle,but thats just how I think.

I guess great minds think alike

 

[Sniper66]

I usually gift it to a family member. But, if you think you will use it, then hang on to it. In my experience, once you upgrade to higher quality, it's very hard to tolerate a cheaper scope. And my family always appreciate the gift. Tom

 

[BCRider]

I think it'll do fine on the handi-rifle as well. Or on a full size .22 rifle.

And if the combination proves to look too much like an ant carrying an umbrella to live with then get a smaller fixed 4x and either save the budget Bushnell for yet a third rifle or gift it off as suggested.

As far as selling it goes I suspect you'd get pretty close to diddly squat for it. So keeping it for some other rifle or for trading goods isn't a bad idea. Or it could be justification to pick up something decent but inexpensive in a full adult size .22 bolt rifle.

 

[Wolfgang james]

I always set em aside and the kids or my dad grab em on me or they turn into some stupid random thought like putting it on a pellet gun for s#$% and giggles

 

[mtrmn]

I think many tend to underestimate the usefulness/reliability of those cheaper Bushnell scopes. If it didn't cost twice what your rifle did then it's nothing more than a poor hammer for driving tent pegs. The ones I've owned have proven fairly reliable, and they also tend to have a fast-focus ring which is an absolute requirement with my failing eyesight.

 

[concepthomes1]

I'll buy it from you. I need one for my .308 rebuild