scope choice advice

Bobby Ironsights

Bobby Ironsights

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Hi, I'm looking for a scope for my new rifle, a savage model 40 single shot in .22 hornet.

This will be my second scope, the other one I have is not a decent brand, but only used for comparing ammunition anyway.

I very much prefer fixed power scopes, but I also want high magnification. Minimum focussing distance of 15 meters or less would be nice.

I think I should keep to a maximum of what I paid for the rifle, $450, for the optics, (but there's always a small fudge factor involved in a "maximum" when it comes to guns), and $50 or less for the mounts. I intend to hone the mounts myself.

Seeing my budget for optics is so low, I don't mind looking for used glass, as I don't shoot in the winter, and so have more than enough time to shop the used market.

This scope I get should be good value. What I'll be paying for it, is alot of money for a university student, and I want to get alot of use out of it for the next few years.
 
I think a fixed 6X would be a good choice for a Hornet, but if you badly want a high powered scope a fixed 12 would make most Hornet sized targets visible when shot within the practical range of that cartridge. Most Hornet rifles are small, and once you get into the scopes of greater size than 12X40, you run into the "huge scope on the little gun syndrome."

My go-to brand is Leupold due to the Canadian warranty depot, but you could get a new Weaver KT-15 for about the same money as a used Leupy 12X, $370 in Russels 2008 catalog. The fixed power Weaver's have a good rep in the target shooting community. I would avoid 30 mm tube scopes on this rifle, as these scopes are usually large and expensive. I would also avoid the additional cost of target turrets until you are in better shape.

I don't normally advise cheaping out on mounts as this more often than not is poor economy. However, the Hornet is not a heavy recoiling rifle, and it doesn't sound like you will use it for hunting under difficult conditions, so you could do worse than Weaver rings and bases. I had a .30/06 that had an inexpensive scope mounted in the Weaver spring steel rings, and never had a moments problem with it. I used that rifle hard, shot thousands of rounds through it, and it was the rifle I used to learn long range shooting - with those cheap Weaver rings.
 
Personally I wouldn't go with a fixed power unless this is a target only rifle. You didn't say what type of shooting you will be doing. I have a VXIII 2.5-8/36 on my hornet which is perfect for all types of hunting within the capabilities of the cartridge. I am also another shooter that has Leupold on everything. Leupold is a great buy used because of the no BS warranty which is handled in Alberta.
 
I love fixed power scopes, but I only use them for targets. Way too difficult to find grass pigs with 36X

I almost never receommend cheap scopes... with one exception that comes from personal ownership experience: Mueller. These are a very good scope, especially for the money. They make an 8.5-25X50 that is really very good. I use it on one of my varmint guns
 
Variable

I would go with a variable, 4-12 or 4.5-14 with an adjustable objective or side focus. I just pikced up a Leupold Vari-X III 4.5-14x40 AO for about the same price your looking to spend. They are great scopes and will allow you to see shots farther out and still be able to hunt or search closer with the lower power setting.

I would also agree that you should stay in the 1" diameter as it will keep your costs down.

As for mounts you should be able to pickup a NEW set of Burris bases and Signature (plastic insert to protect your scope) rings for about $60 or more total.
 
Bobby,
You figure out your video/spotting scope challenge yet. That was a cool thread. PM me if you need any gear or more help with that. You build a baton into your chair yet? ;)
 
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