Hi all - first post, but I have been a lurker for some time. I picked up a heavily sporterized SMLE mk3* for cheap. It came equipped with a vintage 1" Weaver 2.5x. The ocular lens is badly cracked through so I decided to remove the scope. Based on what I've read here and elsewhere it just doesn't make sense to repair the thing when I can get a better modern optic for a decent price (<$200, max). Practically speaking, I'll only ever use this rifle out to 200yds, 300yds if I want to push myself, and 99.99% of those shots will be on paper. I don't hunt (yet), but when I start I will not be taking long shots. I know the 303 will probably do it but I have a CZ in 6.5 SE that I will use if/when I get a tag. There aren't many "woods" in the Sonoran desert so most of the shots people take at deer are on the longer side. I use a Lee Loader to reload my own. I'd like to settle on one load combination for 303 and think a 174gn RN with a middle of the road charge would be a decent all around bullet for <250yd stuff (pending accuracy validation in the rifle, of course). The gun is 104 years old and I don't really want to test its limits. Anyway - back to topic. What is a decent fixed power scope for the use case I've laid out? Mil dot is preferred but I could live with no markings on the reticle.
You might have a hard time finding a mildot fixed power scope for 200.00. I did a quick search and most of what I saw, that I would use, were in the 300.00 price range. What is your reasoning for a fixed power scope? The swfa ss 10x42 is a real nice optic at 300.00 range but is has a 30mm tube and is out of your budget. Burris, Leupold, weaver, all offer decent fixed power scopes 4x, 6x, 10x, .... What mag range are you looking at? Do you want to see .311 holes in your target at distance? Currently I have only 1 fixed power scope, an older, mid 70's Bushnell 4x that is mounted on my m60 Marlin 22lr. All of my other glass is variable I really like my Burris ff2 4.5-14x42 ballistic plex reticule. It has enough mag to see bullet holes at 300 yds, clear glass even ay Max power, an adjustable objective to remove paralax at any distance you can shoot, and stadia lines for holdover at longer distances. The lines aren't, imo as good as a dot but works. I hot it at sportsmans warehouse for 189.00 plus tax, so 200.00
Fixed power scopes have become a bit of a niche market I agree that you're probably going to get more for your money by buying a variable. If you're dead set on getting a fixed power especially if you want to keep with a specific "look", eBay will likely be your best bet. personally if looking for a scope like that I would probably go with an older Weaver or Leopold. If I could get one of the weavers made in Japan that would be what I preferred.
If you can stretch your budget to 300 dollars the SWFA 10x is a really good scope. They also make it in 6, 12, and 20 power.
I wouldn’t bother with focusing on a fixed power optic. 20yrs ago, sure, but today, they fixie market is small enough that the pricing no longer reflects the simpler design and construction for most models. I also would not sweat too much over finding a scope with a Mil-dot reticle either. The 303’s only going to have between 1-1.3 mils of drop at 300yrds. I’d be more tempted to zero at 200 and simply deal with holding a couple inches under at 100-150yrds and a handful of inches over at 300. If you can find a graduated reticle optic in your price range, great, but I wouldn’t work too hard for it.
A Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9X40 is about the most scope you can get for $200. Anything less expensive I wouldn't touch. There is no price advantage to going with a fixed power. In fact you'll pay more for a quality fixed 4X or 6X scope. Buy Leupold 3-9x40 VX-Freedom Riflescopes at SWFA.com - SWFA Outdoors
I disagree about the leupold. I have been unimpressed with the vx freedom line, and I find leupold to be very overpriced. I'd much rather find something in sale that offered better value. A ff2 for $140, a closeout nikon, this bushnell engage https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1018726673?pid=432391&utm_source=gundeals&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=moderatorservice The freedom is a functional scope, but you can do way better for $200.
Any chance of finding a K2.5 that's broken in some other way and taking the ocular bell from it? They are a removable piece. Some old-time sports shops have piles of old broken scopes.
Look around on GB or Fleabay for Leupold M8 X 4 or 6. They're good scopes, still have the warranty, and should be close to your price range. They made both pistol and rifle versions so be sure to get a rifle model. The difference is the eye relief.
While I agree with those who say that variables are a better value, I still really like fixed 4x and 6x scopes. The Leupolds in particular continue to give me perfect service. I agree with Burrhead, above, that used ones may fit the OP's needs, as long as he is not stuck on mildots.
https://www.optics-trade.eu/us/schmidt-bender-klassik-hungaria-6x42.html A lot over the target price, but good glass...I hope to buy one soon. I agree with @burrhead and @.38 Special about the Leupolds. I have a fixed 4 on a 30/30. Works like a champ.
I jut assumed that a FP scope would be cheaper...fewer moving parts and all. Shows what I know! I managed to get my hands on a SWFA 3-9 mil ffp with rings from a local THR member. Thank you all for the input. I should have joined years ago.
I hunted a long time with a Redfield 2 3/4x. Still have it on a gun. But..now a days the variable power scopes are cheaper and better than that scope is. You can just set one on 4x and leave it if that is what you want. And you will gather more light with the larger objectives.
You may be able to get the Weaver repaired, Google Weaver repairs etc. A good fixed power scope is smaller, lighter and probably more reliable than 3X9-40 typical scopes so ubiquitous today.
Might be worth sending it out for repair, if you decide not to use it, it could be sold, lots of folks looking for vintage optics.
Maybe a Redfield Revolution 2-7X w Accurange reticle (just work with it to see what the stuff corresponds to). The cheapest non duplex scope I'd recommend. Of course, Leupold aint gonna make em no mo. So prices going up on the used stuff already (was announced earlier this month).
