Whatz a decent SCOPE

[TommyGunn]

:confused: I'm debating whether to purchase a Falcon Manace 10X42T (over a Bushnell 3200 10X). For the cost,is there others AS good but cheaper ? or is this endeed a pretty good scope ? I just want to do this once, so i'd like to get the most for the buck, ya know.

thanx

[10-96]

http://www.muelleroptics.com/

I get giggled at a lot for recommending these things- but the proof is in the pudding! Don't knock 'em if ya ain't tried 'em.

[RandyStacyE]

Leupold scopes appear to be 'the thing to have' when it comes to some serious shooting, but the prices are VERY salty (like anything else of high quality).

I've been shooting with the NcStar Mark III 6-24x50 with my Rock River AR-15. This scope retails for approx $145.00.
http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/randystacye/AR-15/NcStarMarkIII6-24X50.jpg

At first the NcStar seemed like a pretty good scope, but one day I sighted in one of my fathers DPMS AR-15s which had what I believe to be a small Colt 4x20 scope on it. Anyways I seemed to have just as good if not BETTER performance using it in comparison. I was shooting at exactly 75 yards too! ! !
Little Colt Scope:
http://www.gunaccessories.com/AR15/ar154x20.jpg

My father recently purchased a Ruger 10/22 with a Simons scope and it is DEADLY accurate at well over 100 yards ! :) ! This Simons scope lacks the high powered zoom and all the sophistication that the high dollar scopes have, but this scope is staying put on this rifle.

My point is … everyone ‘says’ that you only get what you pay for. Whether or not that is 100% true, I HONESTLY don’t know, but I have to say that in these rocky times and the unpredictable nature of the near future … I’d bet on the high dollar scope if you can afford it.

I’m in the same boat at you in a way. I’m hoping a reasonable priced scope exists that would perform in every way like the top dollar scopes.

[10-96]

I’m in the same boat at you in a way. I’m hoping a reasonable priced scope exists that would perform in every way like the top dollar scopes.

That's exactly what I've found in the Muellers that I have.

[sholling]

I've been putting side focusing Nikko Stirling Nighteaters on my rifles. They're every bit as clear and bright as (or maybe a bit better than) the mid-priced Nikons. You can pick up a Platinum grade 3.5-10x42 for around $130-140. Or a Platinum grade 4-16x44 for around $170, and I'll be adding a 6-24x44 as soon as my dealer gets one in stock. The entry level Gold line start at about $100.

[RandyStacyE]

sholling,

I checked out this PDF:
http://www.nikkostirling.com/Content/PDF/2006_Catalogue.pdf

From what I have read there, it appears they have several versions of the 'Nighteater' line. The Platinum Nighteater model comes in 6-24x56 (from what's shown) and I don't see a 4-16x44 or a 6-24x44. Are you referring to the "1 Inch Hunting" or the "Eurohunter"? Any reason why you prefer a 44mm objective lense? Just curious because I'm a beginner when it comes to scopes.

I'm kind of a fan of the Butler Creek flip-up lense covers.
http://www.midwayusa.com/mediasvr.dll/image?saleitemid=743815

Do you think that the sunshade on the front of the scopes cause problems with the diagonal sunshades?

[sholling]

First up I'm not an expert just a casual shooter. But I do like quality and the dealer that sold me my first Nikko has one on his Tikka T3 in 300wm and swears by it. All of mine are 1". I have the 4-16x44 on my 300wm Tikka T3 Lite and the 3.5-10x42 on both my 30-06 Howa, and my new 223 Tikka T3 Super Varmint. I'll be buying the 6-24x44 for the Super Varmint as soon as my dealer gets his shipment. Then I just have to decide if I want to move the 3.5-10x42 over to my Mini-14 for go for the 1.5-6x36. I really am getting spoiled by the side focus. Anyway if there is one thing that's a minor con is that the eye relief is fairly short.

I like 44mm because the larger the bell the higher you need to mount the scope to clear the barrel. The higher it's mounted the higher you have to hold your head and the harder it is to get a good cheek weld. I think 44mm is a good compromise between light gathering and mounting hight. Midway USA has a chart that you can look at.

I've also learned not to buy Nikko's optional front flip cover. Two rounds out of that 300wm and the cover slips off. I'm using scopecoats for the safe and for transport and doing without in the field. But you can get a sun shade extension without the diagonal and attach a cover to that.

[RandyStacyE]

Thanks sholling, all is GOOD info.

I've heard that some cheaper scopes may not make corrections instantly when the adjustments are turned. Supposedly ... when a correction is made, it may take a shot or two before the scope is jogged into place (so to speak). Whether or not this is true ... I don't know.

[sholling]

BTW, pure speculation - I suspect that the reason that Nikkos are priced so competitively is an attempt to gain market share from Nikon and Leopold. they are suddenly turning up on Amazon.com and Midway.

[ronl]

SWFA Super Sniper 10x42 rear focus for around $299. Excellent optics for the money. Glass compares with optics costing much more. Can't be beat for the price. Side focus model costs about $100 more.

[nvhunter2]

Big +1 on the Super sniper from SWFA I have one and love it. If I had the cash I would get one of these http://www.highdesertarms.com/trjtr2.html But the Super Sniper is the best bang for the buck by fare http://www.swfa.com/c-231-super-sniper-rifle-scopes.aspx

[sholling]

RandyStacyE,

I guess it depends on the scope. I'm just amazded at the clarity of the Nikkos. They've been working so well that I just ordered a 30mm 6-24x56 (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=959813&t=11082005) illuminated mil-dot for my super varmint. That leaves a 1" 4-16x44 (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=165987&t=11082005) on my 300wm, and a 1" 3.5-10x42 (http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=590758&t=11082005) on my 30-06, and I've bought quick release mounts so I can interchange my other Nikko 3.5-10x42 and my red dot on my Mini-14. The nighteater line were originally designed for making medium to long range head shots Kangaroos at night. Or so they claim. I have no idea if it's true.

The only scope in my collection that I don't trust is the cheapo NcStar on my M38 scout.