Ever used a Simmons?

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mcoywg

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Any one used a Simmons pro hunter before? I'm looking for a new scope that wont break the bank and I read some where that there an alright scope, I'm sure there no Leupold but I don't have $600 laying around.
 
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Leupold, not Leopold, and if you have about $300 you can get a Leupold new, or for less used on the board on occasion. Buy cheap, buy twice and it costs more in the end.
 
I've got a Simmons A-Tech, and as much as I really like this scope I won't ever buy another Simmons. Here's why.

If you have a warranty issue it has to go stateside and these days thats a PIA
I found anything less than the A-tech was crap
For only a little bit more you can get either a good used Leup, of a new Bushnell 3200,
 
Steeleco said:
I've got a Simmons A-Tech, and as much as I really like this scope I won't ever buy another Simmons. Here's why.

If you have a warranty issue it has to go stateside and these days thats a PIA
I found anything less than the A-tech was crap
For only a little bit more you can get either a good used Leup, of a new Bushnell 3200,
Click to expand...

I had trouble with a simmons scope & it was shipped to an Ont. dealer. They sent me a New & Better one FREE N/C. DAN>>>:)
 
I used to have a 3.5x 10 Simmons Whitetail Classic and also a Simmons 8 Point. They both cratered on me and I had to send them to Georgia for Repair. Simmons Did warranty both of them, but turn around time was 6MONTHS. I now own a Leupold vx1 3x9x40 and a vx1 4x12x40 and they are a way more accurate scope than either of the Simmons. Warranty is supposedly under a week (so I am told) (never needed it on the Leupolds) as the warranty depot is in Alberta. I would also look at the Bushnell 3200 series scopes. I bought one for my dad and he loves it. Warranty depot is in Bc as I've been told. Hope my two bits helps some.
 
Its not a fair comparison I admitt that one...Simmons is very low quality scope....he would take 3 shots with his 270 and the scope would be off completely.
 
It is not a fair comparison, I think we are just trying to help point in the right direction. In my opinion and due to the problems I had, I would only use a simmons scope on a .22, and only if the scope was given to me.I will never purchase on again. The extra little bit of money spent on the Leupold is money well spent. Current Wholesale Sports price on 3x9x40 blued is $329.95.
 
Ok So it look like I'll hold out for a leupold now can some one tell me if there is a big difference between the leupold X-I and X-II scopes
 
When I bought mine I was told that the x1 is the same glass quality etc as the old varix 2 except for the non clicking adjusting dials. the x2 became the same quality as the old vari x 3 and they upgraded the vx3 even more
 
I've had a Simmons Aetec on one of my rifles for a couple of years now and have no complaints. However, having learned more about some of these optics I would buy an Elite 3200 or Leupold VX-1 before the Simmons.
 
Just my oppinion but I don't like the VX-1 scopes as much as the 3200, or even the 3000 series scopes under the Bausch and Lomb name. Not the the VX-1 is bad, or doesn't hold zero, but I don't find the clarity in them, compared to the 3200's for my eyes anyway. The Leupold scope is a good scope, but the lower end ones are not for me.

Edit, and I have used a couple Simmons scopes, both decent for the money. Actually I really liked the Whitetail Classic that I had, 2.5-8X38 IIRC, and never had a problem with it. I sold it with the gun I had it on and it's still working great. It's my brothers now.
 
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With the "new" Simmons scopes, and the new warranty depot in Calgary, it might be worth a look at the Simmons line again? Meade optics took over Simmons, and Redfield, and completely revamped the line ups, Plus, I've had excellent service out of their new depot for returns on older scopes. The new scopes look like they would fare well against Bushnells Legend and 3200 series, from what reviews I've read. Must get one and play, a nice Aetec could be interesting.....Most of their older stuff was made in China crapola, although some of the earlier Aetec's I've seen were made in Japan, those were decent. Ditto for the Whitetail Classic line, those were bright, and fairly tough.
All the new ones are supposed to have a lens coating simmilar to the 3200 Bushnells, water repellant so to speak. I'll have to track one down and see how well they work in the field.
 
My (very) humble opinion:

I was given a Simmons 4x12, complete with missing turret caps, so I mounted it on an AR. It seems to hold zero o.k. The turret adjustments do not feature "clicks", so it is a bit of a PITA to adjust accurately. Would I buy one? I don't think so, if I could get a reasonably priced Leupold. Would I buy one if my other option was a Tasco.... damn straight !!! Bushnell is of course another viable option if you don't wish to break the bank. I've never been disappointed with the useability of a Bushnell if cost is a major factor.

Other things to consider:

1. Eye relief.... If your gun kicks like hell, you may really wish to consider spending a bit more on a Leupold, unless of course you fancy a severely bleeding eyebrow.... My long gangly neck is just perfect for facilitating my propensity to "creep the scope"..... ouch !!

2. Field of view.... the better scopes will often offer up a wider field of view... important if you are pressed for time in acquiring your target, particularly when it's moving.

3. Light gathering... if you need to hunt until it's just legal, due to increasing/decreasing daylight, the better scopes will actually be much brighter and transmit more light than the cheaper POS scopes.

4. My philosophy whenever possible, particularly with tools (including guns/scopes) is to spend once and get quality, rather than spend twice (or more) and be frustrated. If you spend up front and buy wisely, the scope will probably last for your grandkid's lifetime, and breakage is not terribly likely.
 
i have an old 2.5 x8 whitetail that lived on a 300 mag for 10years no problems. zero never changes clear and bright. a buddy bought one cause he was impressed by mine. his was so bad you could hardly see out of it. in the end he traded it back to the store for an aetec. buy a leup and save the headackes
 
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