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Old June 5, 2011, 02:28 AM   #1
oo0juice0oo
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Scope recommendations?

Hey folks, I've got a lever-action Mossberg 464 in 30-30 (waiting to hear it from the Marlin fans ) and I'm in the market for a scope. I plan on using it for whitetail hunting back home in the mountains of western NC (shots under 200yds). I've got bad eyes and looking to spend $150-$200. Any ideas?
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Old June 5, 2011, 08:37 AM   #2
Doyle
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With a short lever-action 30-30, keep two things in mind. Low power and light weight. If you try to use a heavy scope, it will overpower the balance of that light gun. At 200 yds anything more than about 6 power will be wasted. My perfect little scope is the Leupold VX-II 2-7. It weighs only 10.5oz. Unfortunately, it is more than your budget. If you shop around, you might find a VX-I 2-7 in that price range.
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Old June 5, 2011, 08:51 AM   #3
fisherman66
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Quote:
My perfect little scope is the Leupold VX-II 2-7
Agreed, and I think it's worth saving longer for that little gem of glass. It may be the best value in quality scopes.
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Old June 5, 2011, 09:16 AM   #4
Art Eatman
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No argument about the Leupold, but I hit right where I was aiming on a buck at 350 yards with my 3x9 which just happened to be set on 3X. In the FWIW department, most of the bucks I've killed with some size of variable were taken with the scope dialled back toward the low end.

And that's why I'd buy a fixed 4X for that Marlin.
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Old June 5, 2011, 09:43 AM   #5
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This one....



http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-...x-reticle.html
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Old June 5, 2011, 11:48 AM   #6
SRH78
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Nikon Prostaff 2-7. I have one on my Marlin 1895G and have been very pleased with it. Imo, it is a very good scope for the money and it has a lot of eye relief.
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Old June 5, 2011, 11:49 AM   #7
cole k
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I would look for a used Leupold VX-II 2-7 or a VX-II 1-4 or new VX-I 2-7.
I have two .30-30's one has an old Leupold Vari-X-II 1-5 and the other one wears a peep sight.
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Old June 5, 2011, 12:00 PM   #8
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Any low power fixed or variable should serve you just fine.

This one's good. As is this one.

In addition to those mentioned above.
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Old June 5, 2011, 12:28 PM   #9
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I am in the low power pack... I would love a 1X6 with QUALITY optics for any "brush gun" duty... Never forgetting to crank the power down after using it on stronger settings is a habit you will find helpful... These guns beg to be used "up close and personal". If you do your part in the stealth dept...You will get shot opputunities in the 25-50 yard range if not even closer... When these present themselves, it is quite annoying to mount the gun and peek through the scope and find it is still set for "out yonder" range and the deer or other critter spooks when you lower the rifle to back off the power...

Brent
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Old June 5, 2011, 02:35 PM   #10
oo0juice0oo
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I think I'm gonna hold out a little longer and get the Leupold VX-II 2-7, it sounds like the way to go. Thank you all for your help!
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Old June 5, 2011, 02:39 PM   #11
hogdogs
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Sounds like a sound decision! I was shocked when I first learned that serious shooters usually pay more for the scipe than for the rifle even when the rifle is a higher end piece!
Brent
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Old June 5, 2011, 03:00 PM   #12
Doyle
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Since that rifle has iron sights, go ahead and take advantage of them. Before mounting your scope, go ahead and sight in your iron sights at 50 to 75 yds. Then, when you buy your scope get a set of quick release rings/base. I've got a Leupold QR base with rings. I've also heard good things about the Leupold QR rings that mount on a standard Weaver base. Either way, you have the option of taking the scope off and hunting with irons.
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Old June 5, 2011, 03:46 PM   #13
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I have one of these and must say no better out there for anywhere near the money that I found. Put on top of my Marlin xl7 .270 for whitetail.

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm...Plex%20Reticle
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Old June 5, 2011, 04:16 PM   #14
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Darryl, that Nitrex is just the opposite of what we are telling him to buy. It's too long, too heavy, and has much magnification. This is going on a 30-30, not a flat-shooting .270.
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Old June 5, 2011, 04:34 PM   #15
oo0juice0oo
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Doyle, I would absolutely LOVE to just use the iron sights, unfortunately my eyesight has gotten too poor for it. Maybe in a year or so when I get my Lasik surgery I'll be able to go to just the irons!
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Old June 5, 2011, 05:34 PM   #16
Art Eatman
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I had "Cadillac" surgery in January. Not only did I go from 20/70 to 20/30, I can shoot a pistol without glasses--and actually hit where I want to!
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Old June 5, 2011, 06:00 PM   #17
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Nikon Prostaff 3-9 @ Cabela's. Not for the power, but for clarity and light in these dark woods, and especially for price: $99

prostaff3-9.jpg

-7-
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Old June 5, 2011, 06:23 PM   #18
hogdogs
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Quote:
Nikon Prostaff 3-9
Personally, I found even the 3X to be too much for "tracking" a deer even if walking. If you are the sort who has the talent to shoot running deer, a 1X or 2X is great unless target is beyond 70 or so yards out.

If your targets are 100+ yards out than you are gettin' near the capability of most lever guns in the hands of most hunters shooting most of the .30-30 ammo available.

If you want to count the ticks at 100 yards, the 9X is the ideal scope...

Brent
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Old June 5, 2011, 06:31 PM   #19
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It's hard to go wrong with Nikon. I'd suggest taking a look at the Monarch series but if you are steadfast about the price limit, look at the ProStaff or Buckmaster line.
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Old June 5, 2011, 07:07 PM   #20
HiBC
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Can't knock the Leu 2-7 recomendation.
Within the useful trajectory of a 30-30,on deer size targets,a 2.75 or 3x fixed is enough.A fixed 4x is about as high as I would go in a fixed power scope.
Fixed power scopes can be less expensive,and there is a ruggedness in simplicity.Leupold is great,I might consider Weaver,maybe Sightron.
The 1.5 to 5 and 1.75 to 6 scopes are also interesting.I have a 1.5-5 VX3 with heavy duplex on my .375.The VX3s are a little pricey,maybe.You might look at the heavy duplex,or even a post and croshair if the eyes are tired,see what you think.
Here is one nice thing about that 2-7.The front lense is the window that lets the light in.A little bigger is good.You can turn the 2-7 down,to 3x or 3.5 x,and it will be bright and easy to use.It is also a light,compact scope.
Look at the Leupold site,in their custom shop page,and you can see what reticles can be ordered.
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Old June 5, 2011, 07:33 PM   #21
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If I wanted a variable I would go with a 1.5 x 4 or something on that order. I like Leupold scopes.
A less expensive way to go would be a straight 2.5X. On that gun you do not need anything with power above 2.5. It will just be more weight to carry.
Don't overbalance the gun with a big scope.

Regards,
Jerry
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Old June 5, 2011, 08:17 PM   #22
baddarryl
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@ Doyle: I hear ya loud and clear. To the OP I was really just trying to point out that Nitrex as a brand has some good glass and great deals. Should be able to find something within what he needs for that 30-30. Good luck!
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Old June 5, 2011, 09:16 PM   #23
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One for the new Redfield 2-7 X 33's or 3-9 x 40's would fit your budget and rifle nicely. They are made by Leupold and carry a lifetime warranty. IMO they are a very good scope for the money and made here in the USA.
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Old June 6, 2011, 05:50 AM   #24
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I also like the 1x4 or 1.5x6 power Leupolds...but they are a bit pricey....
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Old June 6, 2011, 10:08 PM   #25
Charles Ellis
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Weaver has a 1x3 variable that looks good to me.I would buy one but I already have 3 1x4 variables 2 Weavers and one Leupold.
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