Scope Recommendations for Marlin 983S .22 Mag

[Sock Puppet]

Yesterday I put a brand spankin' new Marlin 983S on layaway (there is a gun show coming up so I didn't want to spend all of my cash.) For those who don't know, the 983S is a stainless 22 magnum with a 12 round magazine tube, synthetic stock, and a few other little differences. I've been considering a 22 mag for over a year, and decided this is what I wanted.

It seems the factory open sights are adequate, so I intend to use them for a while. Eventually I'll install a scope, so my mind is already turning. I would like to keep it under $200 if possible so I'm looking for suggestions.

Optics Planet has a Sightron S1 3-9X40 in silver on sale for $130. I've looked at these in person and found them to be surprisingly good. Thoughts?

Any other recommendations?

 

[LaserSpot]

This is personal preference, but I think a stainless/black stock rifle looks better with a matt black scope on top, black rings as low as possible. The silver finish on the scope probably won't match the finish on the stainless barrel. Also, a silver scope is just too much shiny metal on a hunting rifle.

As far as the particular model, it depends on what you're planning to shoot at. 3x-9x is a good range; for running game or close range use I might want a bit less magnification, for long range benchrest shooting I might want a bit more. Too bad they don't make a 1.5x-15x scope.

 

[OYE]

I will not comment on a scope, but I will on the rings. ( Mine is a Marlin 882 about the same only clip feed, with a grooved receiver.) I tried the Deluxe Burris steel tip off
rings. Behind the seat of truck, stayed on o.k.. Horseback "No". Point of impact changed every time. With gun in vise and bolt removed, I noticed I could change the point of impact with only moderate sideways pressure on the rings (and definitely was the rings and not the scope). I remounted it several times, no change. ( note these only have one clamp screw per ring for the dovetail clamp). I would stay away from
any with just one dovetail clamp screw. If you are just at the range, it probably isn't a big deal,
but carrying on a four wheeler it would be. If you can shoot well with the iron sights,
I wouldn't mess with it. Mine shoots 5 rounds inside a 1 1/4 in. circle pretty regular with about any 40 grain bullets at 100 yds . I usually have to clean it every 20 rounds or so. Mine doesn't like smaller bullets very well. They work well on coyotes to 125-150 yds.
Have fun. Best

 

[CraigC]

I'd look to the rimfire scopes from Weaver, Leupold and Nikon in the 4x or 2-7x persuasions. I prefer matte black for most of my scopes. Gloss black on some but never silver.

 

[Sock Puppet]

This rifle will primarily be used for target and range work, with the occasional prairie dog day, so I'm not terribly concerned whether it's too much silver (though I could change my mind after seeing it.) The stock on mine is wood laminate, not synthetic, so I don't know that black would look particularly great, either.

I anticipate most of my shooting with this rifle will be in the ~100 yard range. I'd like something a bit more flexible than 4X, so I'll take the above suggestion an pay a bit more attention to the 2-7X.

Thanks for the tip on the rings. Any other suggestions?

 

[LaserSpot]

Black still looks good with the laminated stock. Here's one:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51071214@N00/794056494/



I mostly have Leupold scopes, but they only have low end stuff for $200
Bushnell Elite is supposed to be pretty good: http://www.opticsplanet.net/bu3el32hascw.html

 

[Sock Puppet]

Not bad at all. I definitely have time on this so I can research until my eyes glaze over. All advice is appreciated.

 

[22-rimfire]

I would probably mount a big scope if I owned it; namely I would install a Mueller APV 4.5-14x AO which run in the same price range as you mentioned. I have one on my CZ 452 and like it. It is clearly not a $500 scope, but it doesn't cost $500. I have found it to be bright, clear, and hold zero. Other similar possibility is one of the Bushnell Elite series.

My other favored options are more expensive and they are dominantly the Weaver 2.5-7x or 3-9x AO rimfire scopes.

 

[Sock Puppet]

I'm not sure I want to go with that high of a power on the low end. I'd really like to have at least 3X on the low end.

I'm also not familiar with the Mueller scopes. Are they Chinese or of other origin? I try to avoid Chinese made items on principle but sometimes it can't be avoided.

 

[LaserSpot]

I try to avoid Chinese made items on principle but sometimes it can't be avoided.

I feel the same way. Spend a little more and you can get a good US made scope:

The VX-II scopes are nice: http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-vari-x-ii-3-9x40mm-rifle-scope.html

Rifleman scope: http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-rifleman-3-9x40mm-rifle-scope.html
The Rifleman line doesn't have the same lens coating and no clicks on the adjustments.

I was curious, so I did a little googling:
Mueller is made in China except for the lenses: http://www.scopesguide.com/Mueller-Optics-overview.html
Bushnell Elite 3200 is made in Japan.
Leupold is made in USA except for the lenses: http://www.leupold.com/corporate/about-us/americas-optics-authority/
Here's a quality ranking: http://www.opticstalk.com/topic16515.html

 

[Sock Puppet]

Thanks LaserSpot, that is quite helpful. I like the VX II is nice but a bit out of my price range.