Suggestions on an affordable Scope to mount on Browning Bar

[Q4570]

Looking to add a Scope to my Browning Bar in 30/06 but not sure what magnification to install for hunting within 250 yards. Also don't want to break the bank on a scope either.

 

[Smokinyotes]

I’d go with something not to big. Like a 2.5-8 or 1-6. Leupold v3 or Vortex viper. Would work.

 

[kamlooky]

Leupold VX III 1.5x5-20

 

[Q4570]

Thanks guys, will be headed down to Wanstalls tomorrow to check those Scopes out.

 

[TheTooner]

3-9x40 from any reputable maker will do for any hunting you should want to do with a .30-06. It was for a while the default hunting scope, but fashion has moved on so now you can find used ones in perfectly serviceable condition for not too much money.

 

[sillymike]

For a second, I thought this was going to be on of those amazing thread
- Q4570 is going hunting with his BAR!!!

Then coffee kicked-in... Wrong BAR...
Ho well, another vote for the 1.5x5 (in gloss, looks better). Wide FOV at low mag. 5x enough for most games @ 250

 

[Q4570]

Not just hunting but clear cutting the forest, be killing two birds with one fine bar..Wild game in the freezer and $$$$ for the logging...lol

 

[reb]

I would go with s 3x9x40ish the 20 mm is not great in low light conditions

 

[Stan in Toronto]

I would go with s 3x9x40ish the 20 mm is not great in low light conditions

The amount of light coming to your eye is defined by the exit pupil. The exit pupil is the dot of light you see when you hold the scope a foot away from your eye as you look thru it.
The formula to find exit pupil is to divide the magnification into the diameter of the objective lens. So 3 into 40 is 13.333 MM and 9 into 40 is 4.44 MM
For a 1-6x20 scope 1 into 20 is 20MM and 6 into 20 is 3.33MM
A 1-4x20 would be 20mm and 5MM and would have more light coming thru than the 3-9x40, not to mention a wider field of view.
Better quality glass and coatings may improve the way your eye sees the light but often have a negative impact on your wallet. Better glass will help you see more than higher magnification.
Knowing this, my best advice is to look thru as many scopes as you can and marvel at the quality available. Only then decide which one ticks all of the boxes on your list .

 

[BigUglyMan]

I would go with s 3x9x40ish the 20 mm is not great in low light conditions

Huh? 20/5=4mm exit pupil. Having carried the 1.5-5x Leupold in dangerous game country while walking out in the dark I can tell you, even well after sunset (Africa sunset, where the sun sets like it rolled off a table) if you turn the power down you can see well enough to shoot.

 

[7.62Nato]

I run a vintage Bushnell Scopechief VI 1.5-4.5x20 on my vintage BAR Type II. Nicely balanced and still very clear scope. Never had a problem with lowlight using 20mm....again as posted above its about pupil diameter and lens quality. Cost me as I recall.....$75 bucks????