Whats the skinny on "inexpensive" scopes?

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bernse

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I am going to be in the market for a scope for my R22. I am leaning towards a 3-9x40. I do not want to spend $200+ on it.. I am thinking low $100s at most ... I have found some Bushnell/Simmons/Tasco all around the $90 mark.

Now, I know that a <$100 scope isn't going to be as good as a $400-ish scope.. but I don't want to break the bank, nor do I need a great uber scope for my mediocre plinking.

Any brands that are better than others in the lower end price range? I was looking at the Marstar scopes, but they are out of stock on the one I decided on.. so now I am starting from scratch again.

Thanks
 
for a .22, I think a good low-end scope is fine, especially one designed for .22s
I have a Bushnell rimfire 3-9x32, which I bought for $60. I use it with my Rem 597 at 100 yards punching holes in paper, but it is great for 50 yard and under plinking.

Anything higher than a .22 demands a high-quality scope.
 
I look at optics this way.

Expect to spend at least 50% of the cost of the firearm on the optic.

If you have a $2000 rifle, and want to get the best results out of it, expext to spend about $800-1000 on optics.

I've been down the "inexpensive" optic route before, and found that they don't provide what I want in terms of optical quality, durability or utility. I have ended up selling the inexpensive optics at a loss and ended up spending more on the better quality stuff.

I've learned that it's better to put a little more into the optics and not have to replace them in the long run.

Buy the best you can afford.

NavyShooter
 
For a .22 that will not be shooting the expensive target ammo I think one of the Tasco varmint scopes would be a great choice.

I dont see much sense in putting a $250+ scope on a rim fire that only gets fed wally world bulk pack ammo.
 
If your gonna go cheap... Then I'd go with the fixed 4 power... Much less chance you'll have any problems with it...

Cheers
Jay
 
I bought a fixed power bushnell from crappy tire for about 100. Not one of those cheezy tiny ones. Takes 1 inch rings. I actually like it. Perfect for a 22.
 
I have a Tasco 4x20 rimfire scope on my Remington Nylon 66. I know Tasco isn't supposed to be a top quality brand, but so far it seems to be standing up to the recoil of the .22 Long Rifle, and holds its zero.
 
I have a Bushnell Banner 3.5-10x36 with A/O, it's about $110. I've used it on my .22's and my 22-250. It's almost as bright and clear as the 2 Elite 3200 10x40's I have.
Just stay away from anything made in china, their optics are crap no matter who's name is on it.
 
+2 for the Bushnell Banner--I've got a nearly 20-year-old 4X one that alternates between my Anschutz and my 10/22--it's never given me any trouble.
 
Hitzy said:
I have a Bushnell Banner 3.5-10x36 with A/O, it's about $110. I've used it on my .22's and my 22-250. It's almost as bright and clear as the 2 Elite 3200 10x40's I have.
Just stay away from anything made in china, their optics are crap no matter who's name is on it.
Click to expand...
Aren't pretty much all $100-ish scopes made in China? :?:
 
bernse said:
Hitzy said:
I have a Bushnell Banner 3.5-10x36 with A/O, it's about $110. I've used it on my .22's and my 22-250. It's almost as bright and clear as the 2 Elite 3200 10x40's I have.
Just stay away from anything made in china, their optics are crap no matter who's name is on it.
Click to expand...
Aren't pretty much all $100-ish scopes made in China? :?:
Click to expand...

The Bushnell line goes like this (IIRC)
Sportsman and .22 rimfire scopes: China
Banner and Trophy: Korea
Legend: Phillipines
Elite 3200/4200: Japan.

I've had a few Banners and Trophy's over the years and they are decent for the price, considerably better than anything made in China. I still have a 3-9x32 $50 Sportsman that has survived alot of abuse, but the glass is just terrible in it.....
Higginsons has really good prices on Bushnell stuff if you are looking.
 
One point to consider, most non A/O centrefire scopes are set to 100 y parallax. Most rimfire scopes are set to 50 y parallax. Best to figure out what distance you want to shoot at, or go AO. FWIW - I ended up going with a 4X rimfire scope - I checked the parallax before buying it. Cost me 60 large - works fine...
 
The Leapers' 6x scope Marstar is selling might be a good choice for your application.Comes with a flat top upper receiver adapter too. Check it out:

OPT-030-6x32mm-AR-15.jpg


http://www.marstar.ca/images/accessories/Optics/OPT-030-6x32mm-AR-15.jpg
 
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