What scope would you recommend for a varmit rifle.
IT WILL BE FOR A LEFT-HANDED SAVAGE 12FLV.

INEXPENSIVE.

THANKS,
qsl

Caliber? Price range?

Nikon

Leupold Rifleman and VX-1 are good scopes at very reasonable prices. While I like the (pricey) VX-3 best I have each of the others and have been pleased.

Caliber: 223

I've got a couple of Rifleman's but their 3x9's.

Loooking for something CHEAP in the 6to 24 range.

Again, are there any really CHEAP for light recoiling calibers.

QSL

You want cheap? Here ya go:

http://swfa.com/BSA-Majestic-Riflescopes-C1729.aspx

Just remember, ya get what ya pay for.

It has been my experience, that if you try to buy cheap optics, you have to be *even* more careful what you choose. Otherwise "cheap" can very quickly turn into "erroneous purchase sitting on shelf".

On the other hand, it is easy to understand that budgetary constraints have to be observed. Hard to make a suggestion, though, as long as we don't know what "cheap" means to you??

- mike

I am not a rich man, therefore I can only afford to buy top quality equipment, especially when it comes to scopes. My suggestion is to search the classifieds, ebay and pawn shops for a good used scope. I have a number of good scopes that I picked up used for about half of what they cost retail.

Another suggestion is to get a fixed power scope. There are huge benefits to buying fixed power scopes. For example, your not paying for additional mechanicals and lenses, so the cost stays lower. Also, the demand is lower because everyone thinks they need to 'zoom' in and out on things, and normally that's just not the case. They are also clearer and more dependable than variable scopes because of having less lenses for light to pass through, and fewer mechanical parts to break.

So buying a fixed power scope will allow you to get a very good scope with good glass for a lot less money than you would spend for the same scope with variable power. Then add in the used factor and you can save a lot of money and still have something. Buy a cheap scope and you'll have a hard time giving it away when you decide to upgrade.

Another thing to keep in mind, with good glass you can see the targets better on at lower magnafication than you can through crappy optics on a higher magnification setting.

Busnell Banner scopes are usually a good value for a target rifle.

the pentax pioneer series,or the vortex line, or for really cheap mueller

If you insist on a magnification range that high you are almost certainly going to be disappointed in any cheap scope. The compromised optics of cheaply made high-power variables is exaggerated by the high magnification. Such a scope will be impossible to focus, will be subject to having the zero move as the power cam moves, and will also be subject to leakage at the power ring and objective.

You would be much better off with a little higher quality scope that tops out at 12X, which will give you better optical resolution than a cheap scope at 18X or 24X.

From reports I've had, the new Redfield 4-12X (being produce by Leupold) has very acceptable optics, click adjustments, and is available with a range compensating reticle which is useful on a varmint rifle. I think you would find it much more effective than any bargain-priced Asian-made scope of higher power.

to me a good varmit scope has to have good click adjustable repeatable windage and alevation dials. This rules out rifleman and vx1 leupolds and the repeatablitiy rules out most cheap scopes. About the cheapest id look at would be a 3200 bushnell or a nikon buckmaster.

At the price point I think you are suggesting, I would recommend the Tasco Target/Varmint scopes. I've got a couple of them on .22LRs and have been very pleased for the price.

http://swfa.com/Tasco-Target-V...iflescopes-C204.aspx

I also have a Simmons Whitetail Classic on my .22 Hornet. On sale, they are a good deal. Little dark above 16x but at a sale price they are not bad at all.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewP...productNumber=746570

LWD

Check out Mueller and Swift.

quote:

Posted 05 March 2011 01:03 Hide Post
Check out Mueller and Swift.
Posts: 236 | Registered: 23 March 2006

I'll 2nd that. I have two Swifts, and love them. They didn't break the bank, and do what they are supppost to. I think they have very good glass for a cheap scope, and so far tracking is on the money.

Another vote for the Simmons Whitetail Classic. I wanted a cheap scope for 22-250 a few years back, figuring to replace it fairly soon with something better. It's still there, and two more have since joined the stable, one on a CZ452 .22LR, and another on another 22-250. So far, nothing to complain about. The only drawback is they are heavy. I think Midway has the 6 to 20 model on special this month for about $125.

Here is a pretty good buy on a very decent scope...kinda comparable to a Weaver Grand Slam...having same internals and optics.

http://www.natchezss.com/produ...583&prodTitle=Nitrex TR One 6-20X50mm Rifle Scope AO Matte Finish Ballistic-X Reticle

After rebate and the $15 or so shipping, would be around $185. This scope sold for around $400 at one time. But now it is a Nitrex by Weaver discontinued model. Because Nitrex and Weaver owned by same company, its life time warranty will be handled by Weaver.

Pentax's low end scopes are pretty decent for the money, but for the magnification you want, I think a $230 Nikon Buckmaster may be the cheapest scope that will make you happy

I have bought "cheap" scopes. Yea right I saved a lot of money. I'll tell you about one such which was A Bushnell. Got to range got it sighted in then gave problems. Ammo and trip to range wasted expense. Remove scope drive to post office and pay postage to send back. Pay $15 to Bushnell and receive scope, not fixed--I learned after another wasted trip to range. Repeat process. Get scope back a second time, sight in and a couple months later the variable is locked up tight. What a savings. I bought a high priced Leupold for my air rifle. When this scope was selling new for $307 I closely watched them on EBAY and not a one sold under $275 and some $290. At $275 that is within $32 of the new price. Many of those selling at $275 were several years old and bought for less than $275. $32 to me is a cheap price for a scope--you get what you pay for. That "cheap" Bushnell cost me a lot more than $32.

Don't know what you consider "cheap" but the Weaver Classic V would be my choice for an inexpensive target scope.

They make a 6-24X42 but I personally would opt for the 4-16X42 model.

They have decent glass, solid adjustments and a warranty as good as anyone on the market. They aren't going anywhere anytime soon so you'll know "lifetime warranty" means a lifetime.

Terry

The Weaver Grand Slam Series are very nice scopes for the bucks and it seems the money was spent wisely on the optics and mechanisms inside. The 6-20 is a stand out in my opinion, excellent clarity & tracking, I especially like the Varminter reticle on this one. You can usually pick one up pretty reasonably. In fact if you're interested, I have a NIB 6-20 Grand Slam w/ Varminter recticle I may be selling.

BRKHornet

I personally haven't seen anything cheaper than a Leupold VX1 that was worth owning.

+1 on the Weavers.

I don't know about the newer ones but the older ones from the mid-late 90's had good Japan glass in them. They actually had good clarity on higher settings and trackability. The T-series are great scopes and used ones show up in the classifieds for decent money. Probably some of the most underrated and overlooked scopes, MHO.

Good Cheap Scope, thats an Oxymoron. How about best quality scope for under ? dollars.

you can have inexpensive, or you can have good. Don't see that line converge often when speaking of scopes. I guess it depends on your definition of inexpensive.

One of my favorite varmint scopes is an old B&L Scope Chief in 4-12AO. I bought it used about twelve years ago. It is bright and images are sharp. I admit to owning and loving Kahles, Swaro and Zeiss. But, I also have a bunch of cheap and not so good, and some less expensive, but pretty good scopes. I parked this old B&L on my 257 Roberts and it's stayed there, ever since. I've sure killed a lot of varmints, groundhogs and deer with this scope. That's a long winded way of saying a used scope that is an older model can give you a bit more scope for your money.
Bfly

Nikko-Sterling 10-40x 56mm.

I have one on a 300 Magnum with about 400 rounds to it's credit. Still works great.

Rich

Black Fly--Was your old B&L scope made in Rochester, NY? If so that's some of the finest optics ever. You cant beat the old NY made binocs and spotting scopes.

Ok friends,

THANKS FOR THE MANY SUGGESTIONS YOU SURRENDERED AS TO AN INEXPENSIVE, (CHEAP)SCOPE FOR THE GUN I'VE PURCHASED.

AFTER CHECKING OUT THE VARIOUS SCOPES YOU MENTIONED, I CAME ACROSS A REALLY INEXPENSIVE, (CHEAP) ONE TO BUY.

I DIDN'T DO THIS WITH RECKLESS ABANDON AS I RESEARCHED 50 OR MORE USER REPORTS ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THIS SCOPE.

MOST, IF NOT ALL, REPORTED VERY GOOD RESULTS WHILE USING THIS SCOPE.

THE SCOPE: TASCO (CHINESE MADE) 6X24X42 WITH MILDOT RETICLE.

I HAVE ALREADY MOUNTED THIS SCOPE ON MY LEFT-HANDED SAVAGE 12-FLV., AND WILL SOON BE RINGING THEM BOTH OUT.

BY SOON, I MEAN ABOUT 4 MONTHS FROM NOW AS I JUST HAD SHOULDER SURGERY DONE TO REPAIR A BROKEN BONE IN MY LEFT SHOUDER.

THE ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON, THAT DID THE WORK, SAID I SHOULDN'T HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH ANY SHOOTING, I WOULD BE DOING IN THE FUTURE.

HERE'S HOPING.

QSL

quote:

Originally posted by QSL:
THE SCOPE: TASCO (CHINESE MADE) 6X24X42 WITH MILDOT RETICLE.

Gulp, I hope it works out for you mate!
- mike

I don't read topics that are titled:

"Good, inexpensive."

Good luck.

Its Varmint and not varmit.

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek:
If you insist on a magnification range that high you are almost certainly going to be disappointed in any cheap scope. The compromised optics of cheaply made high-power variables is exaggerated by the high magnification. Such a scope will be impossible to focus, will be subject to having the zero move as the power cam moves, and will also be subject to leakage at the power ring and objective.

You would be much better off with a little higher quality scope that tops out at 12X, which will give you better optical resolution than a cheap scope at 18X or 24X.

From reports I've had, the new Redfield 4-12X (being produce by Leupold) has very acceptable optics, click adjustments, and is available with a range compensating reticle which is useful on a varmint rifle. I think you would find it much more effective than any bargain-priced Asian-made scope of higher power.

+1


These Redfield scopes are a good value.

If you are buying at the quality end of the market quality control is excellent and variability of the shelf is virtually non-existent.

As you go cheaper the variation item to item increases, perhaps 99% of brand X are junk, but occasionally the law of averages says that a better one is produced. Don’t buy mail order, examine individual scopes until you find ne you are happy with, look at the scope first and brand second.