scope basics for hunting rifle

Dirk Pitt · April 4, 2009, 01:43 PM

I have a early 70's .308 from Mossberg that I intend to hunt with. It has an older,fixed power scope that is a pos. I can't afford much for optics, what should I look for in a low priced scope for dear hunting out to no more than 200yds or so? Not sure about the terms, such as eye relief,field of view etc.,so any help is much appreciated. Bob.

zoomie · April 4, 2009, 01:58 PM

Eye relief ~3.5-4.5" oughta work for you. Try to go somewhere like Cabelas that's got a wooden/rubber gun to test out several scopes. For only out to 200 yards on medium-large size game/targets, 4-5x would work, too.

Problem is, cheap optics are just that - cheap. And you didn't define "low price." A Bushnell Sportsman for less than $100 might work for you, but stepping up to a Nikon ProStaff or Leupold Rifleman would likely serve you better long-term.

Shorthair · April 4, 2009, 02:02 PM

Hi Dirk,
I'd look at the Bushnell Trophy 3x9x40 or Simmons Whitetail Classic 2x10x44 as absolute minimums, both about $100.
Better would be Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9x40 or Burris Fullfield II 3x9x40 in the $180 range.
Look here: http://www.swfa.com/default.aspx

Quote:

Nikon ProStaff or Leupold Rifleman

What zoomie said too for the second tier $180 range.

Quote:

what should I look for in a low priced scope for dear hunting

Probably wouldn't want to post in a public forum you'll be hunting your dear, either

zoomie · April 4, 2009, 02:18 PM

Also... if you decide to look for higher end scopes, I think you gain in quality up to about $500. After that, I think the law of diminishing returns takes over and most guys won't gain anything by spending more (unless you're looking for a niche optic, like the Trijicon ACOG). I'm sure a $1800 Swarovski is better than a $450 VX-III, but I think very, very few users would appreciate the differences.

fisherman66 · April 4, 2009, 02:19 PM

Bushnell Banner is a good solid and inexpensive scope.

sholling · April 4, 2009, 04:54 PM

If you can squeeze together $210 plus shipping then I'd go for the Nikon Team Primos 3-9x40. It's a private label Nikon Monarch UCC (a 4-Star scope on the Hawks scale) - a very good scope optically equal to many $350 scopes. I own two of these and recommend them highly.

If you can't afford $210 then I'd look at the Weaver Classic V9 3-9x38 for $150. Again a very good scope, not in the same league as the Team Primos but it's a pretty darn good scope. This would be my second choice among these. I own several V-Series Weavers and like them a lot.

If you'd rather have a fixed power then the Weaver K6 6x38 can be had for $130, or a K4 4x38 for $135. I own a 4x38 and it's a good scope.

Here is how they compare on the scope food chain...

Edit: Here's an article that may help you understand what you need.
Scope Magnification and Rifle Caliber

publius · April 4, 2009, 07:12 PM

The Bushnell Elite and Burris Fullfield are both very good scopes. Leupold Rifleman is also in that price range.

Brian Pfleuger · April 4, 2009, 08:16 PM

Bushnell Banner Dusk&Dawn

Right about $100

Get it with the Circle-Dot reticle, it is fantastic for deer and other big game.

It's 3-9X40, good low light capability, if you can see it to have any chance of shooting then you can certainly see it through the scope.

I have one on my Remington 1187, eye relief and reliability under recoil are no problem.

If you don't care about the Circle-Dot reticle then I'd go with something from Mueller. I actually think that they are a superior scope but the Circle-Dot sells me on the Mueller for big game.

Dirk Pitt · April 4, 2009, 09:03 PM

Thanks for the good recommendations, guys. And thank you, Sholling for the helpful links to some very good info. Last time I went hunting was 25 years ago, don't exactly know what brought on this itch, but, who am I to argue? Bob.

Major Dave (retired) · April 15, 2009, 01:04 PM

Pentax "Gameseeker", 3 to 9 power, 40mm objective - about $120, new.

Doyle · April 15, 2009, 01:46 PM

Quote:

The Bushnell Elite and Burris Fullfield are both very good scopes. Leupold Rifleman is also in that price range.

In that price range but no where near that quality range. The problem with the Rifleman line is that it is a $75 quality scope with a $175 price tag. I just don't understand why somebody would want to buy it when for just a little more they can step up to the VX-1 and get a much better scope.

April 4, 2009, 01:43 PM	#1
Dirk Pitt Member Join Date: March 9, 2009 Location: SW Washington Posts: 21	scope basics for hunting rifle I have a early 70's .308 from Mossberg that I intend to hunt with. It has an older,fixed power scope that is a pos. I can't afford much for optics, what should I look for in a low priced scope for dear hunting out to no more than 200yds or so? Not sure about the terms, such as eye relief,field of view etc.,so any help is much appreciated. Bob.

April 4, 2009, 02:19 PM	#5
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	Bushnell Banner is a good solid and inexpensive scope. __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

April 4, 2009, 04:54 PM	#6
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	If you can squeeze together $210 plus shipping then I'd go for the Nikon Team Primos 3-9x40. It's a private label Nikon Monarch UCC (a 4-Star scope on the Hawks scale) - a very good scope optically equal to many $350 scopes. I own two of these and recommend them highly. If you can't afford $210 then I'd look at the Weaver Classic V9 3-9x38 for $150. Again a very good scope, not in the same league as the Team Primos but it's a pretty darn good scope. This would be my second choice among these. I own several V-Series Weavers and like them a lot. If you'd rather have a fixed power then the Weaver K6 6x38 can be had for $130, or a K4 4x38 for $135. I own a 4x38 and it's a good scope. Here is how they compare on the scope food chain... Edit: Here's an article that may help you understand what you need. Scope Magnification and Rifle Caliber __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society. Last edited by sholling; April 4, 2009 at 05:09 PM.

April 4, 2009, 07:12 PM	#7
publius Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2005 Location: Mississippi/Texas Posts: 2,505	The Bushnell Elite and Burris Fullfield are both very good scopes. Leupold Rifleman is also in that price range. __________________ "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself." Mark Twain

April 4, 2009, 08:16 PM	#8
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	Bushnell Banner Dusk&Dawn Right about $100 Get it with the Circle-Dot reticle, it is fantastic for deer and other big game. It's 3-9X40, good low light capability, if you can see it to have any chance of shooting then you can certainly see it through the scope. I have one on my Remington 1187, eye relief and reliability under recoil are no problem. If you don't care about the Circle-Dot reticle then I'd go with something from Mueller. I actually think that they are a superior scope but the Circle-Dot sells me on the Mueller for big game. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

April 4, 2009, 01:58 PM	#2
zoomie Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2006 Location: GA Posts: 1,862	Eye relief ~3.5-4.5" oughta work for you. Try to go somewhere like Cabelas that's got a wooden/rubber gun to test out several scopes. For only out to 200 yards on medium-large size game/targets, 4-5x would work, too. Problem is, cheap optics are just that - cheap. And you didn't define "low price." A Bushnell Sportsman for less than $100 might work for you, but stepping up to a Nikon ProStaff or Leupold Rifleman would likely serve you better long-term.

April 4, 2009, 02:18 PM	#4
zoomie Senior Member Join Date: January 23, 2006 Location: GA Posts: 1,862	Also... if you decide to look for higher end scopes, I think you gain in quality up to about $500. After that, I think the law of diminishing returns takes over and most guys won't gain anything by spending more (unless you're looking for a niche optic, like the Trijicon ACOG). I'm sure a $1800 Swarovski is better than a $450 VX-III, but I think very, very few users would appreciate the differences.

April 4, 2009, 09:03 PM	#9
Dirk Pitt Member Join Date: March 9, 2009 Location: SW Washington Posts: 21	Thanks for the good recommendations, guys. And thank you, Sholling for the helpful links to some very good info. Last time I went hunting was 25 years ago, don't exactly know what brought on this itch, but, who am I to argue? Bob.

April 15, 2009, 01:04 PM	#10
Major Dave (retired) Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2008 Location: Between Dallas and Shreveport, LA Posts: 569	Pentax Pentax "Gameseeker", 3 to 9 power, 40mm objective - about $120, new. __________________ Artillery lends dignity to what would otherwise be but a vulgar brawl.