Simmons Scopes opinions

[Johnnu]

I seldom post but often read and learn. I'd like to get some thoughts on Simmons scopes. I've owned quite a few and have always been very impressed with them but I've only used them in Spring/Summer varmint hunting and target shooting modes on .22-250's and .223's. I have one very old Simmons 1X on a Contender .357 Herrett and it seems to be holding up very well after hundreds of heavy rounds. They seem to hold zero, have rather exact 1/4 MOA adjustment ability too. And they can be dirt cheap on sale. BUT, I never see anyone talk about them and never a write up by the gun writers. Are they actually junk or is it just the "low cost country" thing that keeps them "unspeakable"??? Comments appreciated. TKS, NEWBIE

 

[seanie!]

I've heard that the older ones are good, but that their quality has degraded significantly in more recent years. With that said, I have a Simmons 3-9x30 that I picked up earlier this year for my Saiga .223. I didn't want to drop the cash for a Leupold or Nikon because I had never owned a scoped rifle, and didn't know if I would even like having it or not. After a few range trips, I decided scopes aren't for me and replaced it with a red dot. I never had any problems with zero retention, build quality, or anything like that though.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I have found them to be good scopes for the money. I'm glad you have had good service from your's but be warned,when asking for opinions on this site,especially about optics,brace yerself! Remember you DID ask.

 

[bejay]

in my opinion they arent as good as they used to be, but would consider putting one on if its all that I could afford at the time. knowing that it probably wouldnt hold up to long depending on how much shooting you do, the average deer rifle that doesnt get shot a whole lot between seasons will likely last awhile. despite what country they may be made in many manufacturers seem to lose quality and reliability along the way for cheaper production cost.

 

[kolob10]

Scopes

I have used Simmons scopes in the past on 22's without incident. I did own one Simmons Atec on a 270 Winchester for a while but the elevation and windage adjustments were not precise and didn't track well.

 

[Johnnu]

THANKS ALL appreciate your thoughts.....I've just had such great luck over the years with my Simmons White Tail Expeditions etc. that I couldn't understand why they aren't talked about more......I hope this new Aetec I just picked up doesn't disappoint me as you described kolob10; will find out in the Spring . Happy New Year to everyone. John N

 

[X-Rap]

My dad bought a 223 Win HB and it came with a Simmons 6x18 or something. I sighted it in but the cross hairs were so coarse that they covered a 1" dot at 100 yds so pinning the ability of the rifle was tough.
It also showed quite a bit of movement when looking through the scope and pressing the eyepiece. In general I would vote it as a piece of crap for a rifle that is going to be expected to shoot sub MOA and the reliability probably won't be there to boot.
I changed the scope with a VXII 4.5x14 and will give the rifle another shot.
I will agree with many on the older ones being OK but afaic the new are more Chinese Junk.