Scoping a Muzzleloader?

[wanderinwalker]

Okay, quick question for the board members.

Now that hunting season is winding down, I'm thinking of scoping my muzzleloader. The rifle is a T/C Encore ProHunter, with a 20" barrel (and peep sights currently). Though I love the way the rifle handles as-is, I'm disappointed in the adjustment range of the factory sights and kind of want better low-light performance. Even with the Firesight bead front, it doesn't stand out to my eyes during the last 15-20 mins of light, especially down in the woods.

My hunting area is usually brushy, hilly and dark. Occasionally I venture out onto powerline cuts to travel between areas. Of course, this year the only deer I've seen have been does out on the powerlines, but that is both illegal after day 2 of either muzzleloader or rifle and calls for a different rifle IMO.

What scopes would you all recommend? I'm looking at something in the 1-4 or 1.5-6 power range, but not beyond a fixed power. I'd prefer a straight tube to keep the profile slim. Currently the one I'm looking at is the Leupold VX-1 1-4 shotgun model, for about $180 from Cabelas. (It's either this or add a .308centerfire barrel to the Encore to use in rifle season instead of the muzzy.)

Thanks all.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

The Leopold will work fine. At 4 power a deer at 100 yards will look like it's standing at 25 yards. If it's too dark for you to place your shot at that range..., it's too dark to shoot, eh? I have always had good luck with Leopolds, so give 'em a try.

LD

 

[ACP230]

I have an old Weaver 1.5-4.5 variable on my TC Thunderhawk.
It worked well back when I got out muzzleloading.

 

[Rembrandt]

Rembrandt's rule of thumb.....cost & quality of scope/rings should be equal to the value of the gun.

 

[hossdaniels]

hoss's rule of thumb, a dollar per yard you plan to shoot. With a muzzleloader, around a $100 to $150 scope will be plenty. .22 $50 .270 $400. Also a 1.5-4x sounds like a good choice, or maybe a 2-7x.

 

[Oldnamvet]

Ever consider a red dot such as the propoint?

 

[wanderinwalker]

Thanks for the replies all.

ONV, I have thought of a red dot, actually, but not too keen on something with batteries. I know it shouldn't be a problem, but I had one die on my a while back because it employed an inferior pressure switch instead of a rheostat or click turret.

I may yet leave the irons on it. Was getting OK results at 100 yards today, just a little low and right. The windage I can do; the elevation is going to call for a new front sight assembly.

And I was getting some impressive chrono readings with 240gr XTPs and 95gr of Pyrodex RS. 1725-fps average, with a 20" barrel. Anybody else think the lot should be checked?

Rembrandt, if I spent that much on a scope, I'd rather cut it in half and have a scope for this barrel AND one for the .45-70 barrel i plan to add this winter!

 

[hossdaniels]

A battery powered red dot on a muzzleloader just kinda seems wrong. Although I do have one on my gp100 and it does make a nice sight out to around 75yds or so.

 

[redneck2]

I've got a B&L 1.5x6 and Leo 2x7 on my muzzle loader and shotgun. I think they're pretty much perfect. Extends your shooting time maybe 15 minutes and makes identification much easier.

Once you use high quality glass, I can't imagine going back to irons.

I use high quality quick release on the muzzle loader to make cleaning easier.

I always use Butler Creek caps. Protects your glass.

 

[Grumulkin]

I would recommend either a Weaver base with quick detach rings so you can use the open sites if you like or see through Quik-Sites that allow you to use either the scope or open sites.

As for scope brands, I usually go for Leupold on eBay.