Cheap scope?

ViperQc

ViperQc

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Hi, I'm fairly new to the world of accuracy. I just bought a new to me bolt 22 and I'm looking for a cheap scope. The ones that got my attention was the 3-9x40 SFR3940R(Rubber Tactical scope) and the NC star NCS-SFB3940R. I think they're pretty much the same except one is rubber coated but I'm not sure. Are one of 'em better? Are they really worth the price or I should save for a 100$ scope?:confused:

Thanks:sniper:
 
Save for a $100.00 scope? A $100.00 scope is still a piece of junk unless you bought it used from a reputable seller or a crack addict you know. :stirthepot2: Get a good piece of glass or you will forever be questioning your decision to go cheap. :evil:
 
There is a beauty for sale in the EE right now ($100 plus shipping) but then...I have a soft-spot for Scopechiefs; http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=556010

I've never used this exact model, but have had personal experiences with 2 other Scopechiefs of the same vintage...and I'm a fan. I'd rather have quality used than new crap, but that's me.

There are plenty of cheap scopes out there, but if you're looking at a $49 scope, be mindful that the manufacturer...distributor...AND seller each made money on it...and it STILL only cost you $49. Reason enough to avoid in my opinion.
 
I agree completely with .22LRGUY: I'd much rather have quality used than new crap. Still, if you're not willing to wait for something good to pop up (either on the EE or elsewhere), then there are other options.

There's someone on here who seems to like the imitation Leupold (or "Reupold", as he calls it). His big thing is the side focus knob. Can't remember who he is, or where the scope came from, but apparently it's about $100 and works fine for him. Take a look at a few of the other threads on this forum dealing with "Accurate Rimfires" or "Scoping My Rifle" or whatever.

I don't have a .22 myself, and my .30-06 has the stock scope that came packaged with the gun, so I can't comment on using a good scope vs a cheap scope, but seeing as you're new to the world of "accuracy", you probably won't be shooting at very long distances. I'm still working on my accuracy at 100 m with my .30-06, but that's a relatively heavy, stable bullet compared to a .22 LR. You might have a harder time at that range, so there probably isn't much point in a scope that'll let you see a hair on your target at 300 m if you can't hit it in the first place.

Then again, I could be completely wrong about you, and you could be a prodigy when it comes to shooting, but just keep your priorities in mind when you look to buy a scope. The best gear doesn't necessarily mean the best fit for what you need.
 
I believe the reupold that Pope Face was talking about is a Ravage (has a gold ring around front bell) and from what I have seen and used they seem to be better than the average cheapie
 
Inexpensive Scopes

You have not stated what is to be the main purpose and use for your intended scope. On a .22 LR, a 3x9 is lots if used for hunting primarily, but if you are using it for target work, a bit larger magnification can be in order.

Because of the low recoil of the .22 LR, almost any one inch diameter scope will do. However, you should be aware that on most centerfire hunting scopes, the parallax is set for 200 yards.

I shoot 6 to 8,000 rounds a year at our Manitoba and Saskatchewan Gophers. I have a Traditions Muzzle loader scope, the 3x9 Silver Hunter with the cross hair that has three smaller short cross hairs below the main one. I found with some experimentation that with the main cross hair zeroed at 60 yards, I had aiming points for approximately 75 yards, 100 yards and 120 yards using Federal 36 grain bulk ammo. The cost was less than $75.

A Tasco 3-12x or 4-16x mildot varmint scope can also be considered. My hunting partner uses the 4-16 Tasco Varmint Scope, and loves it because it gives an indication of windage and hold over needed if you miss the first shot. In windy Manitoba, this is a plus.

Cabelas have some of their own Pine Ridge brand scopes with a couple of small range marks below the main cross hair. In Winnipeg last week, there was a half price sale on these, and I picked one up for $55. It is now on a 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser, but the one I selected had range markings for the .308 LeverEvolution Marlin Express cartridge, so if it will handle high power rounds, it will certainly handle a .22 LR. It is a 3x9x40.

Personally, I would buy one of these before buying the NC Star scopes.
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I usually buy the best scope I can afford at the time and one I will be happy with. If you don't like the scope for whatever reason or are "making do" you will no doubt sell it (usually at a loss) and go buy the one you originally wanted anyways.

On the "cheaper" side of scopes I believe a lot of guys really like and have had success with the Tasco Varmint scopes. Perhaps give them a look. They are said to be repeatable, have mildot, covered target knobs, and have adjustable objective for shooting close. I think they run in the $100 range.

Lots of good info to be had from the folks on this forum. You should list what your intentions are for the scope/rifle. (ie plinking at 50yards, targets at 200yards, hunting in close, etc. etc.) All these play a big part in the scope decision and will usually narrow down some choices for you.

Oh yes....keep checking the EE as you may find a deal there on a good used scope.
 
With scopes you generally get what you pay for. I'd recommend spending at least 1/2 the value of your .22 on a scope. So if the rifle you bought was $200, spend min $100 in a scope. IMHO at least.
 
I put a bushnell 3x9 rimfire special on the girlfriends savage mkII, aside from the horrible eye relief and the cheap rings plus a slightly wandering zero when you change magnification its not "that" bad for a plinking scope...

I am a fan of fixed power scopes tho, i used a 4x bushnell rifle scope on my cooey .22 and now have a 10x mil dot bushnell on my ruger 10/22.... I have looked at several NC Stars and they look tacticool but the plastic tubes and fuzzy optics disuaded a purchase.
 
Agreed-a fixed power older scope generally is good value.I've got a couple of Japanese made scopechiefs-the last one was a 4x that I paid $25 for at the end of the gunshow.It wasn't abused and the optics are bright and clear.I think a lot has to do with what you want to do with it-in my case this one is on a 30/30 H&R topper of about the same vintage as the scope and will be used for island deer where 100 yards is a long shot
 
Depends a lot on the type and distance of the shooting you plan to do. You don't need to spend much money for a hunting or target scope where the range is 50 yds or less. The Bushnell 3x9 rimfire scope is an excellent choice for this purpose and costs around $50.

Target shooting at 100 yds is an entirely different matter. To see the bullet holes clearly you will need at least 24x. Cheap scopes with this much magnification are almost always a poor choice. The resolution will be poor and the sight picture dim. For this purpose plan on spending around $500. I personally prefer the Bushnell 4200 series, but there are also other good scopes in this price range. (Some people like the Mueller Eraticator, which is only about $265, but I don't find the resolution good enough on them. YMMV)

So, for shorter ranges don't be afraid to buy an inexpensive scope. For longer ranges don't waste your money on a cheapie.
 
Save up...Cheap is expensive in the long run. I shoot my .22 guns the most and am happy that I bought some decent glass for the rifles.
 
Viper, I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 Tactical and a Horus Vision Super Falcon (got it with my trade). Both excellent scopes for the .308's. But, to the contrary of what some are saying, I did buy and try a NcStar 10-40x50 scope and it worked just fine on my .308. In fact there was a guy at the range with a Bushnell Elite 6500 4.5-30x50 that tried my rifle/scope and thought it was pretty good too. If you're shooting a .22 (no recoil), you're not going to have a problem with the NcStar or Leapers (check www.marstar.ca). For the money, they aren't that bad...on the contrary they're very good. The "brand" names need to keep their "higher end" optics priced higher end by having low quality cheaper lines.
 
Tasco MAG4X32 around $50 with mounts. If you are a Marksman, your gun /ammo still probaly won't outshoot what you can see and do at 4times magnification. Enjoy!:wave:

Remember he's not scoping a Milspec 5R and he said he was new to shooting.f:P:
 
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