Scope Choice

[viking499]

I am looking for scopes to put on 2 new Thompson Triumphs. Looking for something no smaller than a 2-7x32(or33) and no larger that a 3-9x40. Matte black, no stainless or camo. Since buying 2, I am not looking for a real expensive scope, but not going to buy anything cheap.

What I have researched so far are Nikon and Burris. Both look good to me. Opinions on these 2 brands. Other choices............

 

[arcticap]

The new Cabela's Powderhorn muzzle loading scope is close to Nikon's quality, plus it's 3-10X40:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...rue&Nty=1&cmCat=search_redir&_requestid=65946

 

[madcratebuilder]

I have had great results with Burris and Mueller scopes. They are not the cheapest but fairly low cost. I like the clarity of the glass.

 

[viking499]

Which Burris and Mueller scope do you have?

 

[madcratebuilder]

I have two Burris 2X LER's, one was been on a 357 max for years. It has held up just as well as my Leupold 2X pistol scope. A Burris Fullfield II, 4.5X14-42 on a M1A.

A Mueller APV 4.5X14-40 on a custom 10/22 and a Muller 3X10-44 TAC II on a second M1A. The Mueller TAC II has the edge in clarity over the Burris Fullfield II and cost about $100 less.

Describing what you see through a scope is subjective, so your YMMV.

You can get much better scopes but plan on spending a lot more money. Pentax has a line that is similar to the Fullfield II but lower priced. Supposedly built on the same assembly line.

 

[arcticap]

There's a multitude of well built riflescopes on the market, but one important factor for some muzzle loading hunters is the amount of eye relief that a scope offers.
Muzzle loaders can be somewhat different than center fire rifles in that they can recoil more so the shooter wants to avoid scope eye.
Another factor is that in many states BP deer season can take place in the winter when heavy clothing is worn which can affect the amount of eye relief needed.
So a scope with a 3.3 inch eye relief may not be as desirable as one that has 3.75 - 4 inches of eye relief.
Every hunter and every rifle has a different eye relief requirement based on their build, the length of pull of the rifle, the clothing being worn, the overall length of the scope and the amount of fore and aft scope adjustment that the scope mounts allow.
I think that's why dedicated muzzle loading scopes offer slightly longer eye relief than regular rifle scopes. But the hunting seasons and climate are different everywhere, and people do have their own preferences for their ideal BP riflescope.
The bottom line is that some of the better built riflescopes may not always be the best choice to mount on their muzzle loader.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Excellent point arcticap. I forgot about the extended eye relief on muzzle loader scopes, that is one of the selling points.

When I think muzzle loading scope I see a reproduction long brass tube. I almost bought one a few times off GB, thank God I was out bid.