scope questions

[SSN Vet]

preface for this question.....

I've never owned a scope and only shot a rifle with a scope twice.

I want to set up a rifle with a good scope. It will be used at the range for load developement and target practice. The longest range at the Rod and Gun where I shoot is only 200 yd. There's a small chance of hunting with it, though I have other tools for that job.

I've read a lot of info. off the web and manufactures literature and went to Dick's to see/handle some examples, prior to making a final selection.

I'm leaning towards a Burris Full Field II in 3-9 x 40

I was surprised that all the scopes I handled (Nikon Prostaff, Leupold VX-I, and Burris FF II) all had a theaded cover on the turrets and that once it was removed, the elevation and windage adjustment knobs were very small and some looked like you needed a slotted screwdriver to adjust.

When helping a friend sight in the scope on his new rifle not to long ago (a$300 Cabellas branded scope....not sure of the actual manufacturer) the turret knobs were large and not covered (if I remember correctly....I mostly did the spotting).

I realize that making acope adjustments in the field is something long range target shooters and snipers might do, but not likely needed for hunters. But I somehow got the impression, all "good" scopes were readilly adjustable with out removing covers and breaking out "tweezers".

What gives?

second queston....

are Weaver mounts sturdy enough for high power rifels? (.30-06 and up) or should standard mounts be used?

 

[DoubleTapDrew]

I think you can get most good scopes with either standard turrets or "target turrets" (the type you are referring to.) I prefer the standard covered ones so I don't have to worry if I just accidentally shifted my crosshairs 15 clicks walking through the brush, even though they are more of a pain to adjust.
ETA: If the scope you have an eye on doesn't have target turrets and you want them, you could probably add these http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0012846710876a.shtml.

 

[LHB1]

Scopes with large, external adjustment knobs are "target" scopes and scopes with covered dial knobs are "hunting" scopes. As you said, hunters rarely need to do quick changes or adjustments in their scope settings while hunting. Conversely the hunting scopes are likely to be out in wet or damp conditions and every bit of covering helps to prevent water getting into places where it shouldn't. The dials on hunting scopes are typically cut with large rounded slots which allow a coin to be used for adjustment. Have never used a screwdriver on one. The 3-9x40 is a good useful scope size.
I have Leupold 3-9x40 scopes on two of my hunting rifles. The third has a Leupold 2-7 scope on it. I use 4-5 power for hunting and reserve the higher powers for sighting in.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

ps: Weaver mounts are sturdy enough but I much prefer to use Leupold bases and rings. Better looking, sturdier, and easier to install IMO.

 

[Essex County]

Since prehistoric days Weaver mounts have been the

Standard. Rugged, simple and not too beautiful. Properly installed they are great.....However I've long gone to the Burris Zee rings and Weaver bases. I just prefer them. I still have a number of rifles set up with Weaver rings and see no reason to change them. Essex

 

[scrat]

What ever you decide on which scope to get the most important thing to remember is how you mount it.

you need to have it properly bore sighted or get a good bore sighter. I have a bushnell laser bore sighter. It works very well. Same time thing to remember is a bore sighter will get you on paper only. After that you will have to do some adjustments to properly sight your scope. It takes time and patience. One of the best investments you can get yourself when getting a scope is a stationairy range scope. Rest your gun on a bench, vise or sand bag. Aim it fire a round. Then look through your range scope to see how off your scope is. This will allow you to make adjustments without throwing away ammo. I once had a scope that was not bore sighted correctly and on the first shot. blew apart the pipe holding up the target.

 

[Husker1911]

Use a dime or a penny to adjust hunting scope turrets.