Just recently picked up a Browning 223 and looking to mount a scope for pegg'in off gophers. I do not really have the $$$ for a Zeiss or a Leupold or anything like that right now, possibly in the future. I was look’in at either a Simmions Pro Hunter 6-24 x 42 or this new scope out on the market, Mueller Tactical 8.5-25x44. Anyone out there have any pro/cons or experiences on either??
Varmit Scopes - Looking for Input (so what if I forgot the N in "varmiNt"
- Thread starter Dingo
- Start date
Dingo you are shooting gophers usually in bright light, so any of the less expensive models will serve you well. Tasco has a couple of models well under $200.00 that will work just fine. Bushnell Banner 6-18 dusk till dawn will also do the trick. If you want a nice scope that is more than $ 200.00 you could look at the 5-15 Bushnell legend.FS
Yep. The recoil is minimal, so you don;t need a particularly robust scope. If you use the PBR (point blank range) method, and leave it zeroed at one specific range, and do not adjust the scope for windage & elevation for each shot, then a cheapie will work just as well for you as a more expensive scope.
I'd also like to add that if you ever need to take short-ish range shots, a high magnification can be a real liability. Trying to find a gopher at 40 yards through your scope at 6x can be a PITA.
Further, you may want to get a mil-dot scope for range estimation. On your average gopher field, it can be a real challange to estimate ranges
I'd also like to add that if you ever need to take short-ish range shots, a high magnification can be a real liability. Trying to find a gopher at 40 yards through your scope at 6x can be a PITA.
Further, you may want to get a mil-dot scope for range estimation. On your average gopher field, it can be a real challange to estimate ranges
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
You know what your shooting conditions are better than any one else, but I lost more than one fox because I couldn't find him in a scope that had too small a field of view. Now the big power scopes are on my target rifles, and the varimint gun wears a 4-12X.
Well I am lookin to spend about $300, that is pretty much my limit that would include taxes, shipping and of course I would want to throw in a sun shade. I have done some more research since the post and I am really leaning towards the Mueller Tactical 8.5x25x44. I will post an update after I get my new toy
- Location
- Surrey, BC
I vote for the Tasco Varmint models as well, the 6-24x42mm is only $108.99 from SIR mail order and I'm sure it'll do the job
Tasco Varmint Riflescopes @ SIR Mailorder
Tasco Varmint Riflescopes @ SIR Mailorder
Just a little observation for you. I went on my first gopher shoot this year with a few buddies. It was a BLAST! We had a couple of Bushnell fixed power 10x40 and a few Tasco World Class 3.5-10 and 6-24 power. We found that in most cases we were using from 6-10 power because anything higher made it difficult to find the little suckers. You could start at 6 to find them and zoom in to 24 but you might loose sight while adjusting or the may run away by then.
So, my suggestion is Bushnell 10-40 for best quality/bang for buck scope or Tasco 3.5-10 for good cheap scope. I did have my Bausch and Lomb 6-24 (now Bushnell) with me but I really found 24 power to be unneccessary. I think this is an awesome scope fore the money as I can not get myself to spend $2000 on glass but the 24 power is better suited to the range rather than field. And yes I was making 300m plus shots. Just my limited experience opinion.
So, my suggestion is Bushnell 10-40 for best quality/bang for buck scope or Tasco 3.5-10 for good cheap scope. I did have my Bausch and Lomb 6-24 (now Bushnell) with me but I really found 24 power to be unneccessary. I think this is an awesome scope fore the money as I can not get myself to spend $2000 on glass but the 24 power is better suited to the range rather than field. And yes I was making 300m plus shots. Just my limited experience opinion.
Hey Dingo, I have the Mueller 8.5-25x44 tactical and am VERY impressed with it. The one and only fault I could tell you is lack of eye relief, I have one mounted on my .243 but would not put it on anything heavier recoiling.. The scope is perfect for .223/.22-250 etc.
Crystal clear on highest mag out to long distances and the turrets are positive when they "click" into position. VERY happy with mine.
PM with any further questions.
Crystal clear on highest mag out to long distances and the turrets are positive when they "click" into position. VERY happy with mine.
PM with any further questions.
I just purchased a Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24X A/O mil-dot scope for my new Rem 700P 223 rifle and am totally satisfied with it.
I have finally put an accuracy load together of 60gr Sierra HP Varminter bullets with 23.5grs H322 powder and a 2.28" OAL. I am averaging 2 3/4" 7 shot groups @ 300 yards on breezy days.
I'm shooting 7 shot groups because that is how many rounds I can put in the gun.
I have finally put an accuracy load together of 60gr Sierra HP Varminter bullets with 23.5grs H322 powder and a 2.28" OAL. I am averaging 2 3/4" 7 shot groups @ 300 yards on breezy days.
I'm shooting 7 shot groups because that is how many rounds I can put in the gun.
1shot said:
I have a Mueller 8.5x25-50 illuminated varmint. It used to sit on my Sako 308, but I came too close to getting kissed by the scope, so I moved it to my 22.
The optics are very clear, and the scope is relatively compact (for a 6.5-25x50). I've looked at scopes of similar power made by Nikon that were the size of a baseball bat.
