Scope Suggestion?

jonnyc · March 1, 2024, 10:44 PM

I recently got a Ruger Ranch in .300 BLK and I love it. I only had one spare scope at the time and it currently sports a 'way too much' optic. I'm looking for something in the 1-5x24 ballpark, but I am a cheapskate when it comes to accessories. I'm not taking it into battle, just to the 100-200 yard range, and possibly for an emergency deer hunt (if PA ever allows bottle-necked rounds).
Any suggestions in the $100 (or less!) range?

taylorce1 · March 1, 2024, 11:56 PM

I have none for less than $100. You might check out air rifle section at Wal-Mart.

tangolima · March 2, 2024, 03:45 AM

Sounds like lpvo. Amazon has some of those in that price range. Needless to say they are no-name brands from the far east. Not just brand name products that are made there, but really brands from there that are unheard of. If you know your optics, you may pick out one that is good enough. Free return helps.

-TL

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

ligonierbill · March 2, 2024, 05:53 AM

You could try online auctions for used scopes. I've had good luck there. Where did you get the idea that PA disallows bottleneck cartridges?

jonnyc · March 2, 2024, 10:08 AM

"Where did you get the idea that PA disallows bottleneck cartridges?"

Not sure! I thought it was just shotgun, and rifle in some areas. My friend recently started with .350 Legend to get around that. I'm in SE PA and not a hunter, so I've never really done a deep-dive on the issue. I could easily be wrong.

sako2 · March 2, 2024, 12:01 PM

I live in PA and hunted here since i was a kid. Long time ago. Been using bottle neck cases all along. You can't use a semi for big game.

jonnyc · March 2, 2024, 01:35 PM

Thanks!

berettaprofessor · March 2, 2024, 09:09 PM

Get a 4X32 fixed scope....a Tru-Glo, believe it or not, is one of my favorites because it's short, light, and clear, and another alternative is one of the Simmons 4X32 or 3-9X40 cheapies. The focusable eyepiece of the latter makes it a go-to for rimfire work. One step up from those is a Vortex 2-7X32, which you can still get for $99 sometimes if you shop. Try FocusCamera or Joe-Bob Outfitters for best prices on the latter.

jmr40 · March 2, 2024, 09:32 PM

Sub $100 isn't realistic, it will be junk. Most of those are hard to zero and won't stay zeroed. Decent scopes start at $200 MSRP. You can often get one discounted for less.

I recently bought one of these for $250 OTD.

https://www.amazon.com/Leupold-VX-Fr...21&sr=8-4&th=1

I know it's more scope than you want or need, but when I look at price vs quality I'd make this 3-9X40 work. IMO this is a BETTER scope than the low end Leupold's that sell for $300. MSRP used to be $200 for the base scope, $225 for the ballistic plex reticle. $160 for a Ballistic Plex reticle is a bargain for the quality.

https://www.amazon.com/Burris-Fullfi...31&sr=8-1&th=1

It's the same size and weight as most fixed 4X scopes for less money. Leave it on 3X all the time if you don't need more magnification.

Pumpkin · March 3, 2024, 01:23 AM

Another recommendation for the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32. Very clear, fast focus eyepiece and reasonably compact. It is a little over your price range $150 +or- a few bucks but has a lifetime warranty.

jetinteriorguy · March 3, 2024, 07:26 AM

A couple years ago while visiting a friend of mine who is heavily into long range stuff I noticed his deer rifle had a Hawke scope on it and he was telling what a great scope it was. I tried it and really liked it, so I picked one up for my own use. Very reasonably priced, nice and clear, with a great reticle that had the option to be lit with a 2MOA dot.

Mike38 · March 3, 2024, 02:41 PM

The company Bushnell has greatly improved their products over the past few years. As I understand it, they are in the process of moving their manufacturing from China to South Korea, and the quality of their products shows. In the past 2 years, I have purchased three scopes from Bushnell from Optics Planet. One for my Ruger 10/22 which is a 3.5-10x35 AO "Rimfire Series". One for a .223 single shot NEF rifle I have. It is Bushnell's "AR Series" 3-9x40 AO. The third I bought was their "Banner II Series" 3-9x40. I monitored Optics Planet web site for sales and got each of the above scopes on sale for less than $150 each. Of these three scopes, the one I am most impressed with is the "Rimfire Series". The "AR Series" line are very good scope for the money. The Banner II scope is what could be called acceptable for the money.

bamaranger · March 4, 2024, 03:07 AM

Optics have gotten very pricey in recent times, even used ones. Especially in demand and hard to locate are low powered variables with 1" tubes. I am aware of one scope that fits the OP's parameters, the Bushnell Banner 1.5-5x. Last I checked they are still out there and under $100 . Only problem is .......well........it's a Bushnell. A low priced Bushnell at that. I have a whole drawer full of wonky Bushnells, Tascos (china) and a couple of Simmons from years back when that was all I was willing to spend and most all went sour.
I'm pretty much a Leupold and Burris kinda guy now, though I do have one working (for now) Bushnell fixed 10X and an asian Voretex 1-4x.

As far as affordable brands go, one might look and see what Hi-Lux offers, and the entry level Vortex scopes aren't too bad.

jonnyc · March 4, 2024, 06:13 AM

Thanks all...lots to think about.

sako2 · March 4, 2024, 07:57 AM

Vortex is a good scope. Europtics has them. https://www.eurooptic.com/CF2-31003-...h--Dead-H.aspx

sako2 · March 4, 2024, 07:58 AM

Are you far from Muncy.

Nathan · March 4, 2024, 08:38 AM

Thanks for the reality check. I would have a hard time finding rings and bases for under $100. Hmm.

My point of this post is not intended to be rude or uppity. My point is you should really consider the amount of ammo, time, frustration, lost game one can have chasing zero or accuracy with sub par optics.

The test: Put your optic on. Sight it in. Get 2 boxes of ammo for this test. Shoot 10 rounds from a box of 20. Keep the target. Take it hunting, let it ride in a soft case in the bed of the truck, just use it without excessive care and over 1-3 months time. Shoot the last 10 rounds the same way into a bullseye. Compare the targets. Did it move? How much? Calculate the move back to zero. Dial that move in. Shoot 10 more. Did it adjust back to original point of impact? The point is, most “cheap” optics either don’t hold zero and/or don’t dial precisely.

There are options. Iron sights are pretty good to 100 or even 200yds with practice. There are some good red dots from $100-$200. Often mounts are ~$50.

Optics marketed as 3-9x32,36,40 often sell normally for $25-50 less. These also have the biggest discounts.

Warne mounts are not cheap, but they are reasonably priced, precisely made and reliable. Leupold makes some decent mounts. None of their decent mounts involve twist in rings. Sorry, you are just being setup for failure with those, IME.

Pumpkin · March 4, 2024, 01:08 PM

I would never let any of my guns ride in a soft case in the back of my truck.
And I definitely wouldn't let one of my nice scoped (Leupold) rifles ride around in the back of my pickup.

Ricklin · March 4, 2024, 04:40 PM

Why the hate for twist in rings? Strong as all get out, one screw and back to iron sites. If you like the looks and lines of a fine rifle the twist in mounts tend to look the best, IMO.
I just put a big scope on my 22" .223, twist in std. height rings has the scope right down on the bore. Strong and sleek, I like twist in. Weaver mounts especially look added on, twist in looks like it belongs there.

Pumpkin · March 4, 2024, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricklin

Why the hate for twist in rings? Strong as all get out, one screw and back to iron sites. If you like the looks and lines of a fine rifle the twist in mounts tend to look the best, IMO.
I just put a big scope on my 22" .223, twist in std. height rings has the scope right down on the bore. Strong and sleek, I like twist in. Weaver mounts especially look added on, twist in looks like it belongs there.

Not Tacticool enough! I can remember getting criticized for using Weaver mounts back in the day instead of twist in style rings and bases. I was much poorer back then.
Now everything has the mother of all weaver type bases on it. I wonder how many Ruger No. 1’s have a rail on them?

FrankenMauser · March 4, 2024, 10:31 PM

johnnyc, did you end up buying a scope?

jonnyc · March 5, 2024, 06:09 AM

Not yet. I'll do my calculations this weekend.

FrankenMauser · March 5, 2024, 11:05 AM

Take a look at Athlon scopes.
A lot of bang for your buck.
Even their "bottom end" offerings absolutely eclipse the common recommendations - Vortex's crappy glass, and vague and sticky adjustments, in particular.

Nathan · March 5, 2024, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Why the hate for twist in rings?

Quote:

Not Tacticool enough! I can remember getting criticized for using Weaver mounts back in the day instead of twist in style rings and bases.

Not criticizing here. Not sure what Tacticool is, but I’m sure that is important somehow.

Twist in rings tend to either come loose or get loose over time. This is not to mention the problems getting them aligned to the scope tube and the bore axis. This is where scope ring marks seem to come from….

I’ve just seen others loose animals or opportunities due to equipment failure. I haven’t for a long time…..or we’ll ever that I can remember.

Odd in this thread I come off as the overspender….normally I’m being picked at for suggesting my lowly cheap optics and mounts make acceptable aiming devices.

tangolima · March 5, 2024, 07:03 PM

Also called dual dovetail (DD) rings, I haven't had a chance to try them. Seems it offers the mechanism to take out misalignment between rings without lapping. Don't see the point of it with one-piece base or picatinny rail. Strongest mount system they claim. I simply don't see that.

-TL

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

March 1, 2024, 10:44 PM	#1
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	Scope Suggestion? I recently got a Ruger Ranch in .300 BLK and I love it. I only had one spare scope at the time and it currently sports a 'way too much' optic. I'm looking for something in the 1-5x24 ballpark, but I am a cheapskate when it comes to accessories. I'm not taking it into battle, just to the 100-200 yard range, and possibly for an emergency deer hunt (if PA ever allows bottle-necked rounds). Any suggestions in the $100 (or less!) range? __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

March 1, 2024, 11:56 PM	#2
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,267	I have none for less than $100. You might check out air rifle section at Wal-Mart. __________________ NRA Life Member

March 2, 2024, 10:08 AM	#5
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	"Where did you get the idea that PA disallows bottleneck cartridges?" Not sure! I thought it was just shotgun, and rifle in some areas. My friend recently started with .350 Legend to get around that. I'm in SE PA and not a hunter, so I've never really done a deep-dive on the issue. I could easily be wrong. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

March 2, 2024, 01:35 PM	#7
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	Thanks! __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

March 2, 2024, 09:09 PM	#8
berettaprofessor Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2008 Posts: 1,091	Get a 4X32 fixed scope....a Tru-Glo, believe it or not, is one of my favorites because it's short, light, and clear, and another alternative is one of the Simmons 4X32 or 3-9X40 cheapies. The focusable eyepiece of the latter makes it a go-to for rimfire work. One step up from those is a Vortex 2-7X32, which you can still get for $99 sometimes if you shop. Try FocusCamera or Joe-Bob Outfitters for best prices on the latter. __________________ "What most people forget is that the first country the Nazi's conquered was their own." 44AMP on thefiringline.com

March 2, 2024, 03:45 AM	#3
tangolima Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2013 Posts: 3,869	Sounds like lpvo. Amazon has some of those in that price range. Needless to say they are no-name brands from the far east. Not just brand name products that are made there, but really brands from there that are unheard of. If you know your optics, you may pick out one that is good enough. Free return helps. -TL Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

March 2, 2024, 05:53 AM	#4
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,464	You could try online auctions for used scopes. I've had good luck there. Where did you get the idea that PA disallows bottleneck cartridges?

March 2, 2024, 12:01 PM	#6
sako2 Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2009 Posts: 741	I live in PA and hunted here since i was a kid. Long time ago. Been using bottle neck cases all along. You can't use a semi for big game.

March 2, 2024, 09:32 PM	#9
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,818	Sub $100 isn't realistic, it will be junk. Most of those are hard to zero and won't stay zeroed. Decent scopes start at $200 MSRP. You can often get one discounted for less. I recently bought one of these for $250 OTD. https://www.amazon.com/Leupold-VX-Fr...21&sr=8-4&th=1 I know it's more scope than you want or need, but when I look at price vs quality I'd make this 3-9X40 work. IMO this is a BETTER scope than the low end Leupold's that sell for $300. MSRP used to be $200 for the base scope, $225 for the ballistic plex reticle. $160 for a Ballistic Plex reticle is a bargain for the quality. https://www.amazon.com/Burris-Fullfi...31&sr=8-1&th=1 It's the same size and weight as most fixed 4X scopes for less money. Leave it on 3X all the time if you don't need more magnification. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

March 3, 2024, 01:23 AM	#10
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 455	Another recommendation for the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7x32. Very clear, fast focus eyepiece and reasonably compact. It is a little over your price range $150 +or- a few bucks but has a lifetime warranty.

March 3, 2024, 07:26 AM	#11
jetinteriorguy Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 3,197	A couple years ago while visiting a friend of mine who is heavily into long range stuff I noticed his deer rifle had a Hawke scope on it and he was telling what a great scope it was. I tried it and really liked it, so I picked one up for my own use. Very reasonably priced, nice and clear, with a great reticle that had the option to be lit with a 2MOA dot.

March 3, 2024, 02:41 PM	#12
Mike38 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2009 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 2,713	The company Bushnell has greatly improved their products over the past few years. As I understand it, they are in the process of moving their manufacturing from China to South Korea, and the quality of their products shows. In the past 2 years, I have purchased three scopes from Bushnell from Optics Planet. One for my Ruger 10/22 which is a 3.5-10x35 AO "Rimfire Series". One for a .223 single shot NEF rifle I have. It is Bushnell's "AR Series" 3-9x40 AO. The third I bought was their "Banner II Series" 3-9x40. I monitored Optics Planet web site for sales and got each of the above scopes on sale for less than $150 each. Of these three scopes, the one I am most impressed with is the "Rimfire Series". The "AR Series" line are very good scope for the money. The Banner II scope is what could be called acceptable for the money. Last edited by Mike38; March 3, 2024 at 02:47 PM.

March 4, 2024, 03:07 AM	#13
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,332	'scopes Optics have gotten very pricey in recent times, even used ones. Especially in demand and hard to locate are low powered variables with 1" tubes. I am aware of one scope that fits the OP's parameters, the Bushnell Banner 1.5-5x. Last I checked they are still out there and under $100 . Only problem is .......well........it's a Bushnell. A low priced Bushnell at that. I have a whole drawer full of wonky Bushnells, Tascos (china) and a couple of Simmons from years back when that was all I was willing to spend and most all went sour. I'm pretty much a Leupold and Burris kinda guy now, though I do have one working (for now) Bushnell fixed 10X and an asian Voretex 1-4x. As far as affordable brands go, one might look and see what Hi-Lux offers, and the entry level Vortex scopes aren't too bad.

March 4, 2024, 06:13 AM	#14
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	Thanks all...lots to think about. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

March 4, 2024, 07:57 AM	#15
sako2 Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2009 Posts: 741	Vortex is a good scope. Europtics has them. https://www.eurooptic.com/CF2-31003-...h--Dead-H.aspx

March 4, 2024, 07:58 AM	#16
sako2 Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2009 Posts: 741	Are you far from Muncy.

March 4, 2024, 08:38 AM	#17
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,344	Thanks for the reality check. I would have a hard time finding rings and bases for under $100. Hmm. My point of this post is not intended to be rude or uppity. My point is you should really consider the amount of ammo, time, frustration, lost game one can have chasing zero or accuracy with sub par optics. The test: Put your optic on. Sight it in. Get 2 boxes of ammo for this test. Shoot 10 rounds from a box of 20. Keep the target. Take it hunting, let it ride in a soft case in the bed of the truck, just use it without excessive care and over 1-3 months time. Shoot the last 10 rounds the same way into a bullseye. Compare the targets. Did it move? How much? Calculate the move back to zero. Dial that move in. Shoot 10 more. Did it adjust back to original point of impact? The point is, most “cheap” optics either don’t hold zero and/or don’t dial precisely. There are options. Iron sights are pretty good to 100 or even 200yds with practice. There are some good red dots from $100-$200. Often mounts are ~$50. Optics marketed as 3-9x32,36,40 often sell normally for $25-50 less. These also have the biggest discounts. Warne mounts are not cheap, but they are reasonably priced, precisely made and reliable. Leupold makes some decent mounts. None of their decent mounts involve twist in rings. Sorry, you are just being setup for failure with those, IME.

March 4, 2024, 01:08 PM	#18
Pumpkin Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2020 Location: Seguin Texas Posts: 455	I would never let any of my guns ride in a soft case in the back of my truck. And I definitely wouldn't let one of my nice scoped (Leupold) rifles ride around in the back of my pickup. Last edited by Pumpkin; March 4, 2024 at 01:15 PM.

March 4, 2024, 04:40 PM	#19
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,020	Why the hate for twist in rings? Strong as all get out, one screw and back to iron sites. If you like the looks and lines of a fine rifle the twist in mounts tend to look the best, IMO. I just put a big scope on my 22" .223, twist in std. height rings has the scope right down on the bore. Strong and sleek, I like twist in. Weaver mounts especially look added on, twist in looks like it belongs there. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

March 4, 2024, 10:31 PM	#21
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,442	johnnyc, did you end up buying a scope? __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

March 5, 2024, 06:09 AM	#22
jonnyc Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,731	Not yet. I'll do my calculations this weekend. __________________ 2024 PA Cartridge Collector Show; Aug. 16-17, 2024!!! Buy...Sell...Trade All Types of Ammunition & Ordnance PM or email me for 2024 show details.

March 5, 2024, 11:05 AM	#23
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,442	Take a look at Athlon scopes. A lot of bang for your buck. Even their "bottom end" offerings absolutely eclipse the common recommendations - Vortex's crappy glass, and vague and sticky adjustments, in particular. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

March 5, 2024, 07:03 PM	#25
tangolima Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2013 Posts: 3,869	Also called dual dovetail (DD) rings, I haven't had a chance to try them. Seems it offers the mechanism to take out misalignment between rings without lapping. Don't see the point of it with one-piece base or picatinny rail. Strongest mount system they claim. I simply don't see that. -TL Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk