Could someone suggesgt a scope for my rifle?
- Thread starter ericling
- Start date
- Location
- Eastern Edge of the Foothills
On my x-bolt [7wsm] I have a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40 BDC. Works very well. Most consistently accurate hunting rifle I own.
I just bought a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 for a different rifle. Only fired a few shots with it, but so far I like that one too. The Redfield sure zeroed quickly. After mounting I bore sighted by squinting down the barrel with the bolt out. First shot was on the paper, but only barely. I cranked the adjustments over and a bit up. The next 3 shot group was a perfect 2.5 inches high and right in line. Group was 0.7". I was impressed with both the rifle and the scope. Like I said, the redfield hasn't seen much use yet, but so far I like it a lot. The Buckmaster HAS seen a lot of use, and it's rock solid. I have another buckmaster, and it's been covered in thick wet snow, and been used in all sorts of bad conditions, but still works great. I also have a Bushnell 3200, a Simmons Aetec, a Vari-x II, and a couple VX-II's. The only one I'd recommend against is the Aetec. It's super clear, but one time the reticle broke. It got repaired by bushnell without too much hassle, but now I think I detect a slight quiver in the reticle again. I might be imagining it, but...
The Bushnell 3200 won't steer you wrong, but it seems like the magnification is a bit lower than the other scopes when all are set a 9 power. But it's still clear and works fine. Actually, I've shot more deer the past 3 years with that scope than any other, just because that's the rifle I've had in my hand when the deer pop up. Of course the leupold's are good, but cost more. If I were buying a scope in the $200 range, I'd buy the Redfield but only because it weighs 4oz less than the Nikon. If weight weren't a concern, then I'd get the Buckmaster.
I just bought a Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 for a different rifle. Only fired a few shots with it, but so far I like that one too. The Redfield sure zeroed quickly. After mounting I bore sighted by squinting down the barrel with the bolt out. First shot was on the paper, but only barely. I cranked the adjustments over and a bit up. The next 3 shot group was a perfect 2.5 inches high and right in line. Group was 0.7". I was impressed with both the rifle and the scope. Like I said, the redfield hasn't seen much use yet, but so far I like it a lot. The Buckmaster HAS seen a lot of use, and it's rock solid. I have another buckmaster, and it's been covered in thick wet snow, and been used in all sorts of bad conditions, but still works great. I also have a Bushnell 3200, a Simmons Aetec, a Vari-x II, and a couple VX-II's. The only one I'd recommend against is the Aetec. It's super clear, but one time the reticle broke. It got repaired by bushnell without too much hassle, but now I think I detect a slight quiver in the reticle again. I might be imagining it, but...
The Bushnell 3200 won't steer you wrong, but it seems like the magnification is a bit lower than the other scopes when all are set a 9 power. But it's still clear and works fine. Actually, I've shot more deer the past 3 years with that scope than any other, just because that's the rifle I've had in my hand when the deer pop up. Of course the leupold's are good, but cost more. If I were buying a scope in the $200 range, I'd buy the Redfield but only because it weighs 4oz less than the Nikon. If weight weren't a concern, then I'd get the Buckmaster.
Dominion Link
CGN frequent flyer
Clay at Prophet River sold me a new Redfield 2-7x for $160. Lifetime warranty, very good eye relief and lens's. I'm very happy with it and think it's excellent value for the money.
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
Even though they cost a bit more, I am of the opinion that Leupold is the best scope option for us, if for no other reason than they have a Canadian warrrenty depot. If money is tight consider the puchase a used scope, that way you can get a high value scope for at a fraction of the new cost.
As for a specific big game scope, there are several possibilities I like. the least expensive is a fixed power scope, a 4X or if you hunt mostly in open country a 6X. In the variable depaertment you could do alot worse than a 1.5-5X, a 1.75-6X or a 2-7X. All of these scopes have generous eye relief, so mount the scope far enough ahead that you don't get hit. I dislike to have the ocular lens behind the cocking piece if the rifle fits me. If your stock is on the long side you might have to set the scope back slightly.
Purchase the best mounts you can afford. But once you've decided on a a style and manufacturer, be sure to order the correct ring height. Too low and your face will be mashed hard against the stock, making recoil unpleasant, but too high and it will be impossible to achieve a repeatable cheek weld.
As for a specific big game scope, there are several possibilities I like. the least expensive is a fixed power scope, a 4X or if you hunt mostly in open country a 6X. In the variable depaertment you could do alot worse than a 1.5-5X, a 1.75-6X or a 2-7X. All of these scopes have generous eye relief, so mount the scope far enough ahead that you don't get hit. I dislike to have the ocular lens behind the cocking piece if the rifle fits me. If your stock is on the long side you might have to set the scope back slightly.
Purchase the best mounts you can afford. But once you've decided on a a style and manufacturer, be sure to order the correct ring height. Too low and your face will be mashed hard against the stock, making recoil unpleasant, but too high and it will be impossible to achieve a repeatable cheek weld.
Leupold FX-II 4x33mm mounted on Weaver bases with low rings. Have the rifle come up with your eye on the crosshair. Simpler optics mean more clarity, more light transmission. 8mm exit pupil means lots of low light capability.
Best bang for the buck.
Best bang for the buck.
Bushnell 3200 and Tasco are bottom of the line! I got paid with a top of the line Redfield. It leaked and fogged up! The best American scopes ar #1 Leopold and Burris. I have several 6.4x20 Target and tactical Leupold scopes. No problemo and clear. ALL my hunting handgun scopes are Leupold. When I hunt in Africa, I use my friend's rifles all mounted with Swarovski. They cost a lot but are much clearer and sharper for my bad eyesight, under low light than a Zeiss or ANY other scope.
You basicaly get what you pay for. The more you pay, the clearer and sharper the scope with less chances of having a failure.
Regards,
Henry
You basicaly get what you pay for. The more you pay, the clearer and sharper the scope with less chances of having a failure.
Regards,
Henry
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
Zeiss in a 3-9 x 40, or3.5 - 10 x 44,or 4.5 - 14 x 44 , or you can get these also in 50mm objective if shooting low light. The glass clarity is second to none.Just go look through one and compare it to others.
Or any other European make, Swarovski , Schmit & Bender , and others. Once you experience their glass it will be an easy choice, and easy on the eyes also. You can get a Conquest 3-9 x 40 for under 500 if you shop around but remember you get what you pay for with optics. Rule of thumb, a scope of even or slightly higher value of the rifle because this is what makes your shot!
Or any other European make, Swarovski , Schmit & Bender , and others. Once you experience their glass it will be an easy choice, and easy on the eyes also. You can get a Conquest 3-9 x 40 for under 500 if you shop around but remember you get what you pay for with optics. Rule of thumb, a scope of even or slightly higher value of the rifle because this is what makes your shot!
Pathfinder
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northeast Ontario
The cheapest I would go would be the Nikon Prostaff ,lower end Bushnell Elite or Leupold / Redfield.
Ive got a couple of Leupold VX-II's and Im happy with them but I dont' find them that much better than my Nikon Prostaff..........
Ive got a couple of Leupold VX-II's and Im happy with them but I dont' find them that much better than my Nikon Prostaff..........
"...It leaked and fogged up!..." Redfields aren't what they used to be.
"...a scope for multiple-purpose..." It's a hunting rifle. Put a hunting scope on. 2.5X to 8X, 2X to 7X or 3X to 9X with a 40mm front lens from any of the manufacturers. Pop into your local gun shop, after deer season. Scopes will likely be on sale.
"...scope on the Chinese 'Type 56' Semi-Auto rifle..." Scopes on carbines wreck the balance and won't make it shoot better.
"...a scope for multiple-purpose..." It's a hunting rifle. Put a hunting scope on. 2.5X to 8X, 2X to 7X or 3X to 9X with a 40mm front lens from any of the manufacturers. Pop into your local gun shop, after deer season. Scopes will likely be on sale.
"...scope on the Chinese 'Type 56' Semi-Auto rifle..." Scopes on carbines wreck the balance and won't make it shoot better.
Jordan Smith
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
Take your pick between the Burris FFII, Vortex Viper, Bushnell 4200, or Zeiss Conquest. These are priced in the low-to-mid range, and will all serve your purpose with utter reliability.
Of the options mentioned, Vortex and Zeiss both have amazing warranty service, equal to Leupold IME, and that of Burris and Bushnell is more than satisfactory.
I know that many people will want to find a rope and haul me to the nearest oak tree when I say this, but I've not had great experiences with Nikon scopes (used several), and Leupold's are great, but over-priced IMO (not the highest bang-for-buck ratio).
Of the options mentioned, Vortex and Zeiss both have amazing warranty service, equal to Leupold IME, and that of Burris and Bushnell is more than satisfactory.
I know that many people will want to find a rope and haul me to the nearest oak tree when I say this, but I've not had great experiences with Nikon scopes (used several), and Leupold's are great, but over-priced IMO (not the highest bang-for-buck ratio).
I'm going to plug Leupold here for the sole reason that you can buy the scope, smash the hell out of it, and get a new one free, for the rest of your life.
Yes, this makes the scope about $120+ more expensive than the next comparable scope, but $120 over a lifetime is peanuts. Best of all there's a Canadian warranty center, so there is no dealing with international shipping issues or long wait times. When my scope broke, I sent it in on a Wednesday, and got it back the next week Monday.
Great, great company. Yes I love the glass on a Zeiss/Swaro, but the piece of mind in having a scope that I never have to worry about is priceless. Leupold's warranty is tough to beat.
Yes, this makes the scope about $120+ more expensive than the next comparable scope, but $120 over a lifetime is peanuts. Best of all there's a Canadian warranty center, so there is no dealing with international shipping issues or long wait times. When my scope broke, I sent it in on a Wednesday, and got it back the next week Monday.
Great, great company. Yes I love the glass on a Zeiss/Swaro, but the piece of mind in having a scope that I never have to worry about is priceless. Leupold's warranty is tough to beat.
- Location
- Eastern Edge of the Foothills
I almost bought a Vortex Viper last time, but ended up with the Redfield instead. The price difference is what got me. The Redfield is no VXIII or anything, but it will work nicely, and has all the Leupold warranty and customer service behind it. Does Vortex have a service center in Canada?
