Scope opinions

[moondawg]

Now that I have a rifle, I need to put a scope on it. I don't want to just put some cheapo scope on it, but I don't want to go in debt for it, either.

What features do you look for in a scope? What size/power etc?

 

[AllOutdoors]

For me it is now Burris Optics. The FullField 2's start around 175.00 and go up depending on the configuration. They are bright, clear, and durable with plenty of eye relief and offer a Ballistic plex reticle (aids in holdover). These are features that I look for which can be had on other scopes as well. Of all the scopes I have ever owned I have the best service from a Burris. For me the size and power depends on the rifle/cartridge you intend on using.For me its mostly 2-7 or 3-9 power range with something in the neighborhood of 40mm for an obj.

 

[Kimberman]

How much money do you want to spend? For the money I like the Nikon Pro Staff or the Burris Fullfield. If you want to spend 400-500 bucks, I like Zeiss Conquest and Sightron Big Sky. Leupold is always an option for their VX2 and VX3 line, but for the price of their Rifleman and VX1 line, I think you can get better optics.

 

[stik]

the burris on my nephews rifle was junk! avoid trashco, simmons.

i am slowly replacing all my bushnells(decent scopes but no comparison) with leupolds.

 

[moondawg]

Pricewise, I am leaning towards the Nikon Prostaff. Haven't actually looked through it yet, just been looking online.

 

[chip]

I don't care much for nikon scopes they don't seem to clear to me.My burris 3x9 on my muzzleloader is very clear and bright.I love leupolds, but if you want the best I would get a leica.

 

[litilman]

i would look into the pentax, i have 3. all of them are very clear, works well in low light and hold up very well. i even have one on my muzzleloader.

 

[UPSman]

First off...how much are you willing to spend?

I'll throw a vote in for the VXII or VX2. You can pick up a VXII used for about $200 and it will have a lifetime warranty thru Leupold. For about $350 you can buy one new and have a scope that will last a lifetime.

I have a Nikon ProStaff on my T/C Omega and its been a fine scope also. I don't know what they run nowadays but for the money its never missed a beat.

 

[UTGrad]

Bushnell Elite 4200 or 3200

 

[jakeway]

If youre on a budget, I'd plan to spend $150-200 minimum. Any less than that and you'll be buying another soon. The only exception I've done is on my ML, which I use once or twice a year. I put a $130 Redhead Epic on that, and have had no issues at all with it.

I currently own:

Leupold VXI 2-7X33 on Ruger COmpact 260 REM
Nikon Buckmaster 3-9X40 on Browning A Bolt 270 WIN
Redhead Epic 2-7X32 (basically same as the $180 Bushnell) on ML
Redfield Tracker 3-9X40 on Ruger Compact 243 WIN
Simmons 2X20 Shotgun on WInchester pump 12 guage

I've come to believe that for woods hunting whitetails in TN the 2-7 variable is the way to go. I leave it on 2 power since the vast majority of my shots are 50 yards and in, and the larger FOV and better light gathering at 2X is very handy. I only "crank it up" if I feel I need it, and I don't remember ever using more than 6X.

I'm darn near ordering a Burris Fullfield II in 2-7X35. Should be a perfect match for my Ruger Compact.

 

[statelineRUT]

Well being one that beats a dead horse to death before I buy it, I have done extensive research on the scope issue over the pat two years. Hear is what I have learned and have experienced myself in the field.

1. Eye relief.
2. Field of view.
3. Clarity.
4. Dawn and dusk capability.

These are the main factors most experienced hunters look at before buying a scope. The following scopes always seem to turn up in the reviews column as being ones that have the 4 traits as mentioned above for around that $200 mark.

Nikon Prostaff 2-7x32
Burris Fullfield II 2-7x35
Weaver Classic V 2.5-7x32
Bushnell Elite 3200 2-7-32

I have used the Nikon in the past and currently use the Bushnell 3200 on my CZ and they are both very clear, track very well, and are great in low light conditions. Also the eye relief is good as well. And they both were under $200.

 

[moondawg]

I am looking to spend $150-200. I'd actually like to get a scope soon so I can use it this year.

I do most of my hunting in a field...my range will be about 200-250 yds. I was told to get a 4-12x40 scope, that it would be better for longer distance than the 3-9x40. If I go that route, I will be waiting and saving up for one instead of getting a 3-9 soon.

I guess that's my dilema: get a good lesser expensive (not CHEAP, like Trashco) scope now so I can use it...or save up and get a better scope later and use it next year? I suppose I could get a good scope now and use it this year...and then transfer that to my muzzleloader later when I get a better scope for my rifle.

 

[statelineRUT]

I would go with the Bushnell Banner Dusk and Dawn 4-12x40 if you decide to go with a cheaper version for now. Buddy of mine has one on his Model 70 in 270 and has never had a problem with it.

http://swfa.com/Bushnell-4-12x40-Banner ... -P228.aspx

 

[Model70Man]

The Pentax Gameseeker is the exact same scope as the Burris Fullfield II. The only difference is the name on the scope and the Pentax is way cheaper.

 

[jakeway]

The Pentax Gameseeker is the exact same scope as the Burris Fullfield II. The only difference is the name on the scope and the Pentax is way cheaper.

Way cheaper? How much? I was shopping around for a 2-7X35 Burris FF II and found it at a few places brand new for $168 plus shipping.

 

[statelineRUT]

If you go the Pentax route just make sure the eye relief is sufficient for you. The 3-9x40 Gameseeker has a 3" eye relief as where the Fullfiled II has a 3.8" eye relief. Big difference to me.

 

[AllOutdoors]

Good point statelineRUT. The difference in eye relief is even greater, than the books would suggest when the two scopes mentioned above are compared side by side. The Pentax will not offer enough relief for most shooters in all field positions. It made me nervous with a 7mag with handloads in some of the various shooting positions. So ruling it out was easy for me.

 

[RUGER]

Zeiss

 

[Model70Man]

The Pentax Gameseeker is the exact same scope as the Burris Fullfield II. The only difference is the name on the scope and the Pentax is way cheaper.

Way cheaper? How much? I was shopping around for a 2-7X35 Burris FF II and found it at a few places brand new for $168 plus shipping.

Here is a link where you can get them significantly cheaper. http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/pent ... seeker9x40

If you go the Pentax route just make sure the eye relief is sufficient for you. The 3-9x40 Gameseeker has a 3" eye relief as where the Fullfiled II has a 3.8" eye relief. Big difference to me.

They are identical. Here is a post that proves it. http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthread ... ost3392667

The poster is an authorized dealer and has more info and would definetly be called out as a liar on this website if he is wrong. Companies have different ways of listing specifics about their products. Some just don't go to as many significant digits as others.

 

[Kimberman]

The Pentax Pioneer is the same scope as te Fullfield, not the Gameseeker.

 

[Model70Man]

Whoops...was thinking one thing and was typing another. :blush: Sorry for the confusion.

 

[AllOutdoors]

Yes the Pioneer 2 is the same as the FullField 2. The Pioneer 2 is around 169.95 and the FullField 2 is around 189.95. The Pentax warranty suggests a fee of 19.95 for repair or replacement. The Burris warranty doesn't state any charges for repair or replacement. I have never had need for warranty work on any of my fullfield 2's. If the internals are the same, I suspect one would have good service from the Pioneer 2 as well.

 

[BGobbler]

Leupold or ziess great glass and great warranty if you go with leupold go with vari x II or III not the I or rifleman

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

Now that I have a rifle, I need to put a scope on it. I don't want to just put some cheapo scope on it, but I don't want to go in debt for it, either.

What features do you look for in a scope? What size/power etc?

Get the best you can afford and you won't regret it. Bass Pro did have (and may still) the Leupold VX-3 3.5-10x40 for $499.

 

[KENBOB10]

Nikons are really good, Burris's are a little better.

 

[Boone 58]

I owned 2 aetec rifle scopes from Simmons that are around 12 years old. I went to the store to buy another one last week and looked at it right out of the box and it is now a "made in china" piece of crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It will not stay in focus throughout the zoom range and the outside is really cheap looking!!!
The rubber ring on the zoom part actually comes off while trying to turn it!!!
I was so disappointed that they have now made that scope a junk deal!!!!
I will never buy another, bought the Nikon Prostaff!!!
no comparison between the two but the ones i have from 12 years ago look as good as the prostaff! what a complete shame!

 

[dh1984]

well i would go with a bushnell 4x12x40 on it i got one and you can see clear at a 1000 yards and they are realy nice and they also are cheap too i got one i'll sell for 75.00 and it hold zero really good too

 

[moondawg]

I am actually considering a Nikon Buckmasters or Nikon Pro Staff.

 

[mr.big]

do not put a 4-12 on a deer rifle,,,,,,,,EVER,,,,,,I have had everything from a 1-4 to the 8.5-25 and for me its hard to beat the 3-9 Ziess,,CONSTANT 4 inches eye relief,,no 4 on 3 and 3 on 9,,I hate havin to move my head when changin powers,,
havin said all that if I had to DEER hunt from now on with one scope it would be the sraight 6xM8 Leupold with 42mm lens,,

 

[UTGrad]

I would recommend the Bushnell Elite line of scopes.