What scope to use?

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

savage22

Member
Joined
Nov 8, 2010
Messages
32
I am looking for a new scope for my .243. I have a 3-9x40 Simmons on it that came with the gun and works okay. At 100 yds the grouping is pretty good. At 200 yds its a little difficult to see the target clearly. I want to get a more powerful scope but I'm not sure what brand or power to go with. I want to be able to see clearly at 200 yds and beyond with a reliable, powerful scope that is reasonably priced. I would prefer to keep it under $200-300. Any suggestions?

I do not have a spotting scope so it would be nice to see the bullet holes.
 
Last edited:
What size target? Do you want/need to see bullet holes, or do you have a spotting scope for that?

A couple in the $300 range to look at are the Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40 or 6-18x40 or the Weaver Grand Slam 3-10x40.

Also, a same power scope with better glass will let you see better further out. The Bushnell Elite 3200 & 4200 series are good, too.
 
Yeah, as G27RR says, Bushnell, Nikon and Weaver is good. Mine is a 4 x 16 Bushnell with A/O. With A/O there is a ring on the front you can set yardage to get a more stable sight picture at various yardages.

I've got a Tasco 4 x 9 with a 1" tube on my .22, and a Simmons 4 x 12 on my .22 mag., which does good on the mag, but my experience is a Tasco and some, not all, Simmons scopes will jar off zero on higher powered rifles.

You can go into the stratosphere with some scopes running $1,000 and up, but a mid range is all most of us will need. Just don't buy the real cheapies!
 
Some of the Vortex Vipers are being discontinued and are on sale, the 4-12x40mm and 6.5-20x50mm are amongst those IIRC. If you plan to use it for hunting i'd stay with a 3-4x on the low end, for target and/or varmint use the higher magnification may be appreciated. Both should afford better glass than your Simmons, and yield a better and brighter view of the target/quarry, so greater magnification may be unnecessary.

I've got a Tasco 4 x 9 with a 1" tube on my .22, and a Simmons 4 x 12 on my .22 mag., which does good on the mag, but my experience is a Tasco and some, not all, Simmons scopes will jar off zero on higher powered rifles.
Click to expand...
I have had similar experiences, and while I won't buy either anymore, I have used a Simmons on a .22LR for years without any deleterious effects (can't say the same for Tasco). It is a good use for a spare scope IMO.

:)
 
Yep, you need better quality glass more than you need more power. I bought one of the Vortex Viper scopes on sale, and they are nice.
 
I don't think you need a more powerful scope. For shooting out to 500 yards a 3-9X40mm scope is plenty. What you need is a BETTER scope and you get more scope for the same money with a 3-9X. A 3-9X40mm costing $300 will be a much better quality scope than a 4-12X50mm costing $300 and will be clearer, even in low light. In theory the 50mm glass should be brighter, but only if it is of equal quality. A 50mm lense of equal quality will be much more expensive than a 40mm.

In that price range the Nikons have had the clearest glass of the scopes I've tried. The Zeiss Conquest at $400 is the clearest, brightest scope I've used. A bit over your budget, but a great scope for the money. I have no trouble at all seeing my bullet holes out to 200 yards with either of these.
 
Nikon or Bushnell Elite in my house. Have yet to try Zeiss Conquest, but it's on my list. I have a pile of old steel tube Weavers that are fine in daylight. But they get dim at dusk and dawn. Good glass costs. To see clearly at distance is not rocket science, but it is based on good lens designs and good grinding. It does not come cheap.

However, I'd also be looking at Simmons AETEC Master series. I'm not stuck on Simmons by any stretch. I'm selling the only one I own. But, it's an older model. The newer AETEC Master's come with aspherical lenses and have a very good sight picture. If you get one that is reliable, you are good to go for a long time. Some folks have had trouble with holding zero. Limited lifetime warranty that you need to use if the thing does not work right out the box. But it may be the best lens design for the price range you are considering?
 
You can get the Bushnell 4200 3x9 at Bruno Shooters Supply for $235.

The Nikon Team Primos w/BDC 3x9 can be had for around $220.

Both top notch scopes with excellent glass for the money.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top