AR Sponsor
Posted: 3/16/2010 9:30:05 PM EDT
|
What are some good low power scopes under 300$ right now? I want to add a decent 1-4x (or similar) scope to my new Spike's tactical 16'' upper. I was wondering if some of the shotgun scopes out would work for this. I am not looking for a large scope with a 40-50mm tube or anything. Also illuminated recticals aren't 100% necessary but I guess it could come in handy. I assume you can run them without illumination too correct? I will probably be dropping the cash for a Larue mount for weight and re-zero purposes.
I personally own a Nikon Prostaff, Nikon buckmaster and a Bushnell 3200 in 3-9x and I really like the Bushnell the best. So if bushnell offers something in the style I am looking for I would be all over that. The bushnell glass is extremely clear and the scope seems to be built very well. Nikon option: http://swfa.com/Nikon-1-4x20-M223-Riflescope-P45743.aspx Bushnell offering, but a bit more than I would like to spend (doesn't mean I won't) http://swfa.com/Bushnell-125-4x24-Elite-4200-Rifle-Scope-P11605.aspx Are these worth a damn? http://swfa.com/Millett-1-4x24-DMS-Tactical-30mm-Riflescope-P9251.aspx The Nikon looks promising and seems to be getting good reviews also. |
|
I looked at the Nikon 223 myself and didn't like the "point blank" reticle. If you like the Nikon, take a look at the African 1-4X20. The Bushnell Elite 4200 that you referred to is a 30mm tube scope and is actually on the big and heavy side for a low power scope. I took a pass on it, but would be nice if you needed a lit reticle.
I have a Weaver V3 1-3X20. It is an excellent scope at under $150 and I do mean excellent. It's bright, clear, light and small. If you are going to spend more money and are looking at the Nikon 1-4X or the Leupold Mark AR, I'd suggest that you check out the Sightron SII Big Sky 1.5-5X20. I have one on the way and should be here tomorrow. I haven't read a single bad thing about that scope. It has a 1" tube, so it's going to be slim. If you are on a tight buget, the Weaver mounted on top of a Yankee Hill 5" extension riser using high Warne Maxima rings will get you set up for under $250. The Weaver 1-3X is another scope that I doubt you'll see anything bad about. Of all of the scopes I've bought, it has been the biggest bang for the buck. |
|
I dont' know that most would agree with me, since 30mm scopes seem to be the craze, but the 30mm scope is bulkier. To me, it's just added bulk without much benefit when you are comparing similar scopes with the only major difference being the diameter. With regard to the Bushnell, I'm just saying that it's likely going to be larger than you are envisioning. That one weighes in right at a pound and you still have to mount it, although it is only 10.5" long.
It's a matter of what you want. For most, they like the 30mm scopes. I like to keep my low mag optics at around half a pound. Just personal preference. After having tried the Burris Timberline fixed 4X (it's for sale) and the Weaver V3 (very nice scope), I settled on the Sightron (for now) because it's short (9.5"), light (10oz.) and has a higher than average magnification (1.5-5X) for it's size. According to the specs, it also has a pretty consistent eye relief through the magnification range, which is what drove me crazy with the Leupold that I had for a very short time. I read a lot of good reviews on the Sightron, so decided to give it a try. For me, once your optic and mount setup reach a pound or so combined, it really starts to affect the way the carbine/rifle handles. |
|
Today I got a chance to check out a couple 1-4x- 20mm scopes with 1'' tubes and both impressed me. One was a Leupold "shotgun" scope and the other was a Nikon Monarch African. Local prices were 229$ for the Leupold and 279$ for the Nikon. The Nikon was a bit nicer, but either would have fit the bill. I liked being able to keep both eyes opened even with the 4x magnification.
This was the Leupold I saw, 30$ too much locally Leupold and this was the Nikon...same price locally. Nikon I am a fan of the Heavy Duplex the Leupold has, but the Nikon was good as well. The Leupold's better eye relief and smaller diameter adjustment knob for the magnification and adjustments may be the deal breaker. Both were crystal clear and seemed to be very good quality. The more I look at these low power optics the more I realize it is probably the ideal carbine optic. The 1x setting is almost as quick as a red-dot, but you can use 4x and reach out to around 200 yards pretty effectively. |
|
I would not bother with any Leupy under VX-II.
For a low priced optic, I also vote for the Weaver V3. The 1-4 (really 1.6-4.2) VX-II or Mark AR (much the same thing) are also nice. Give these a look. The Millett scope is blah. Would not look at anything under Legend Series from Bushnell. |
|
What exactly is wrong with that line of Leupold scopes? I am more than happy with my Nikon Prostaff (on my .22) and my Bushnell 3200 (on my .308) so I don't really need extremely high end optics.
The VX-II version of that same scope is 299$ compared to 199$ for the VX-I. That is not out of my price range, but I would like to know why it is worth another 100$. I have very limited experience with Leupold scopes and actually chose the Bushnell 3200 3-9x over a 350$ Leupold because I thought the Bushnell seemed to be better quality and had clearer glass. The VX-I Leupold I looked through today seemed very clear and well made. |
|
Quoted: I will probably be using a Larue mount as well. Only downside to the Larue mount is that it will cost more than the Weaver V3. Yeah, I have a Vortex Diamondback and ended up paying more the Larue mount its in than I did the scope. But, a scope is only as good as the mount you put it in. |
|
Quoted:
I would not bother with any Leupy under VX-II. For a low priced optic, I also vote for the Weaver V3. The 1-4 (really 1.6-4.2) VX-II or Mark AR (much the same thing) are also nice. Give these a look. The Millett scope is blah. Would not look at anything under Legend Series from Bushnell. The Mark AR model from Leupold looks good. That could be the one I end up with. Thanks for the heads up. This rifle will mostly be for paper punching, but it may also seem some varmint hunting and even white tail deer hunting. |
|
I've got one of these http://swfa.com/Bushnell-15-45x32-Elite-3200-Rifle-Scope-P13144.aspx It's a pretty good scope. The Rainguard feature really works well.  |
|
Quoted:
I've got one of these http://swfa.com/Bushnell-15-45x32-Elite-3200-Rifle-Scope-P13144.aspx It's a pretty good scope. The Rainguard feature really works well. Nice set up. The Rainguard IS a nice feature. |
AR Sponsor