Guys, what do you all think of this theory. I need a scope for my inline muzzleloader. Really don't want to put on a 300 dollar scope on a 225 dollar rifle. I have alway bought good scopes since I had trouble out of my simmons changing Point of impact at different powers. But what about buying fixed powers. I was thinking about buying that Pine Ridge 2.5X to go on my muzzleloader. They say that the most difficult thing about making a good scope is making one with low tolerances so the POI don't change as you change the power. So I figured if I went low ball, for a fixed, I shouldn't have too much trouble. What do ya think?

I've had a 4X bushnell on my hard kicking 10/22, and the rear lens fell out after several thousand rounds through it.

I'd expect your smoke pole will generate a bit of recoil, and that you want to hit what you're aiming at. I agree that fixed scopes are a good choice, but it seems that quality fixed scopes really aren't that much less then variables. I'd look at the weaver and leupold fixed scopes, you can find them in the high 100's, low 200's.

Go with the Weaver 4x!!! A fine piece of glass that's IMHO a cut above the Simmons/Pine Ridge type scops. A hunting partner shoots one atop a 30-06 with excellent success.

I have a 6x Redfield Tracker. About $200.

Now . . . it started out on an AR, and then went to an old Mauser. I have a friend who wants to put it on his Rem 700 in 243.

Get a good scope and you have a good scope. You can figure out where it goes later.

I have learned after 40 some years of shooting and owning lots of scopes that I buy the best ones I can afford. I now have 200 dollar rifles with 500 dollar plus scopes on them. Nothing worse then getting to your hunting spot and having your scope fail. Mim buy Burris then leupold and up.

I'd go with the either the K2.5 or the V1-3 Weaver Classic.

Barry

I use both types. I prefer the fixed powers, after using many variables for years. The exceptions are those rifles that are true dual purpose rifles.
Good scopes last and can be relied on. Go first class, it's worth it. When you wear the rifle out, a good scope can go on the next. I've got a 3X Leupold that has sat on four different rifles. It is currently an extra, sitting in a box as is a 7.5X Leo. I will hang on to them because sooner or later, I'll put them on something. E

Bigcountry: I'm also an advocate of quality scopes, but I certainly understand when you don't want to spend a lot of money on a scope for a short range, non-precision gun. You're on the right track looking for a fixed scope. Even the "Sportview" line from Bushnell or similar Japanese scopes are reasonably dependable in a fixed model. You can probably pick up a 4x for $30 or under, and if it's not right, buy another. Even if you have to go though a couple of them, you'll still get out cheaper than with some of the 'name' brands.

I recently paid $16 for a new-in-box Chinese shorty model 4x to mount on a kids .22. It does just fine and would no doubt work on your smokepole also.

Not so long ago, I picked up a Jap 4x with some Burris Z-rings on it for $20 at a gun show. I was after the z-rings, of course, but it just shows you how cheap it is to sort through a few scopes to find a satisfactory one.

I own about two dozen or so Leupolds, but like you, wouldn't want to go out and buy one for the type rifle you're speaking of either.

Look on eBay or gunbroker.com or auctionarms.com and you can find fixed power Leupold scopes for well under $200 - actually closer to $100 than $200 if you don't mind a ring scratch or two.

Here is a link to an auction going on right now - a Leupold 4X scope in like new condition - in the picture it looks perfect - current bid is $60. Sixty dollars!?!? For a like new Leupold? Hell, if I didn't already have one on each rifle I'd pick it up just to sell for $150 at a gun show.

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?ItemNum=3160568

IMHO there is just about no better deal in the world than a used Leupold scope. If there is anything wrong with it the factory will fix it for free and you will have a factory re-conditioned - i.e. just as good as brand new scope - for half the price of a new scope.

Buy quality once.

[ 08-30-2002, 20:01: Message edited by: Jim in Idaho ]

Big Country,

your American ???

Just get a 2.5x compact leupold you will pay about $170US from Midway I think. THey are a great scope I have two and a third will not be to far behind.

OK:
How much do you shoot this gun?

I found that I want my best scope on the rifle I use the most.

So, I put the same scope on my 375 as on my 22, which I shoot the most.

Also, when I change over, I have one kind of scope that I feel comfortable with.

I picked the B&L Elite 3200. Great scope, and I got a great price on it.

Otherwise, I might have, in retrospect, picked a fixed power, high quality scope, figuring I'd never have to RMA the scope.

s

Guys, this is a muzzleloader. I am lucky to get 5" groups open sighted. Do you really think I need to have the precision of a Leupold. I have several VariX-III's, but didn't really think it was necessary to mount my 3X9 on it. I will let you know how it goes.

big country , you ever looked at one of the new K2.5 Weavers ? Very bright little scope , and can be bought I think at around $100 from such places as Midsouth or Natchez ........

bigcountry,

Scope problems occur with the lenses that are in front of the reticle and the variable adds lenses in front of the reticle as well as moving them backwards and forwards.

That is where some European Variables are different as the lenses that are moved backwards and forwards are behind the reticle. That is why the reticle appears to grow thinner or thicker as the power is decreased or increased.

Fixed power is the way to go. If you shoot a lot you can use any power. Because Americans don't shoot very much in the field, we have the Variable

Mike

Mike, I didn't realize that Americans didn't shoot much in the field? The problem you are referring to is not what I am talking about. I have seen a scope like you describe for many years. Only on the older guns I know people use. The problem I am referring to is the actual construction that will cause POI change due to high tolerances. So when you turn up the mag., the actual POI changes. This is common problem I see with alot of people I see with the cheaper scopes.

As far as the weavers are concerned, I notice on Ebay people list the older Weavers as "El Paso made". Are these steel ones better as far as the K4? Thanks

[ 09-02-2002, 21:16: Message edited by: bigcountry ]

bigcountry

On the European type variable with the lenses behind the reticle, the POI will not change when changing the power no matter how sloppy the tolerances.

Mike

My old shooting teacher always said, "if you put a $100 scope on a $1,000 rifle, then you had a $100 rifle". The rifle is just as good as the scope. Good shooting.

Just a suggestion on inexpensive scopes, try Swift. I had one come on a barrel and so far am very impreseed with the quality and performance. Good shooting!

I've got a 4x Bushnell on a very light .458 win, and it's never failed, never needed a scope adjustment after the 1st zero, and the rifle is sub MOA!

I only use Leupolds, mostly I buy them used and cheap, the waranty is always good...I like to pick up all the 3X discontinued Leupolds that I can if the price is right. I believe that to be the perfect hunting scope for big game...I also like the 1x4 and 1.5x5 Leupold varibles and the old 4X has a lot to offer.....

I believe most inexperienced hunters buy scopes that are just too big, like the 4x12 and larger and those big scopes just are not needed to hunt big game, and they do not hold a zero worth a flip with hard use.....

My two varmint rifles have a 3x9 and a 2x7 on them, but I could get by with a fixed 4 or 6X....

Well, I tried out this pine ridge from cabelas. Works better than I thought for those that are interested. Not a Leupold but great for a muzzleloader.

It doesnt bother me if my scope costs twice what the gun did, but that my opinion. Another is that fixed power glass is way cool, particularly for big game. Particularly with low power. Like the Weaver K2.5(have 4) most of all, but it does not gather light well. $100 scope, you get what you pay for. Other than open country long range shooting, my main use for a scope is to put the target and reticle on the same plane. A recent trial has led to to utilize small MOA red dot sights such as the Millet SP-1 on rifles, and I couldn't be more pleased. No parallax, no weight, and no eye relief issues. Cost in the $90 range, battery life????? Still got the original after 2 years though they claim 40 hours. There are better ones out there, but for 150-200 yards or less, they're capable of better accuracy than my paper patched bullets(2-3"@100 yds)