Entry level optics feedback

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dsanders

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I have been searching for a couple new scopes through our vendors and have came across NC Star products and a few other lesser known optics brands. What feedback do other people have on these products as to quality, performance...

I was originally looking at the Vortex Crossfire line, in either a 4-12 or 6-24 power. What scopes have you had the best luck in an entry level price range? and what would you suggest?

It will be going on a Savage 111 30-06 used for hunting and some easy range work, I am not looking to shoot 1000 yards but i would just like to have something that is versatile and strong and well built as this will be an all around gun.

Thanks for helping.
 
I think if it were me I would (and just did) purchase a higher end used scope than
lower end new scope. The Busnell Elite series is a great product and the warranty is
transferable. Bushnell doesn't ask for a receipt for warranty purposes and doesn't worry about where it was purchased. The older Leopold scopes seem to fit this discription as well but I am not familiar with what series.
If you keep a close eye on the EE, for under three hundred dollars will get you all the scope you need.
Just my couple of kerch$ngs worth.
 
avoid eBay for scopes. i bought one there and regretted it. even if you save a bunch of bucks, you usually get no warranty and really with a scope i think you have to physically look through it to see how useful / good it is. going budget isn't worth it if you have to keep looking through it long after you've paid off the credit card balance.

i was just talking to a buddy at work who likes the bushnell elite stuff but was slightly more impressed with sightron optics (in a comparable price range, which is 700-900)

i'd probably stick with companies who actually make optics and have been around long enough OR are using good quality suppliers. glass ain't cheap, and good glass is less so not cheap. i'd probably prefer to trade off some mechanics and cosmetics if it meant getting better glass.
 
If you buy ANYTHING NC-Star, especially for a 30-06, you need your head examined. Poo. Straight POO. Lowest end Walmart Bushnell is 100x better than the 'best' NC Star anything. You will be very disappointed.

Vortex 'budget' lines are well regarded. I've only owned Viper and Razor products, but most wouldn't consider them 'entry level' products. I have no doubt lower end Vortex are good deal, and warranty can't be beat!

In optics, you really DO get what you pay for. Unless it's Leapers or NC Star - then you get LESS than you pay for.

I'm just waiting for all the NC Star humpers to come out in defence of their 'fine products'. :)
 
wheels said:
At least with Vortex you get the great warranty/customer service. I found the Diamondback models to be noticeably better glass than the Crossfire series, if your budget allows.
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you've got a diamonback? details!
 
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I don't have a diamond back (I do own a Viper) but I've taken a couple of friends to the local gun shop to pick up Diamondbacks and both times we compared them to a Crossfires outside and Diamondbacks had better optics.. not a HUGE jump in optical quality, but noticeable. Compare them side-by-side for yourself, you might not find any difference and will be more than happy with a Crossfire.
 
I have a Diamondback and love it. Warranty cannot be beat and the price is excellent.

Wheels, anybody in Sask. other than North Pro and Wholesale carry Vortex?
 
heavyBullet said:
It would help to know what your budget is.

Here are my picks for a decent scope that does not cost to much.
Burris FFII
Bushnell 3200
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is it worth to try to jump to the Bushnel 4200 for the fully multi-coated optics, or is the diff fairly minimal between the 3200 and 4200 stuff?
 
BP7 said:
is it worth to try to jump to the Bushnel 4200 for the fully multi-coated optics, or is the diff fairly minimal between the 3200 and 4200 stuff?
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I've used all three, and there is a good difference between the 3200 and the 4200, but I do not see much difference between the 4200 and the Burris.

I personally changed my two 3200's to the Burris because I find the Burris is much better in low light situations.
 
I had fully decided on a Vortex Crossfire 6-24X50 but i haven't been able to find any in stock. I highly doubt i need the 6-24 so even if I can find the 4-12 or 4-16 I would buy it. Maybe someone has seen then recently or a vendor has them in stock?

I just like the mildot reticle and Vortex pricing is very nice too. As for my budget I would like to keep it under 300 for now, and maybe when I am a better shooter and have more experience than I would jump up the price list.
 
dsanders said:
I had fully decided on a Vortex Crossfire 6-24X50 but i haven't been able to find any in stock. I highly doubt i need the 6-24 so even if I can find the 4-12 or 4-16 I would buy it. Maybe someone has seen then recently or a vendor has them in stock?

I just like the mildot reticle and Vortex pricing is very nice too. As for my budget I would like to keep it under 300 for now, and maybe when I am a better shooter and have more experience than I would jump up the price list.
Click to expand...

SFRC has 1 of each. HURRY!!!

6x24
http://www.theammosource.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_199&products_id=712

4x16
http://www.theammosource.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21_199&products_id=713
 
If I put a Vortex Crossfire 6-24x50 on my Savage model 111 30-06 what height rings am i going to need? and what rings do people suggest, keeping in mind a budget please.
 
I for one would not put a 6x-24x scope on a big game rifle. You are stuck with a limited field of view at closer ranges, and often the conditions won't allow you to use 24x anyways.
 
So the 4-16x50 is what you would suggest then? The same concern went through my head as well with 6x being the lowest you could power down to.

Am I going to be able to get away with a 30mm medium ring set with a 50mm objective? or will i have to go to high 30mm rings?
 
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