We've discussed scopes across the 'net until we're blue in the face, but mostly for centerfire rifles. I need to scope my T/C Encore .50 caliber muzzleloader. Considering that I'm saving every extra penny I can get my grubby paws on for next summer's Namibian safari, I feel obligated to limit my purchase of said scope to less than $100. I know, I know, you get what you pay for. However, that's the budget, so where do I go? I'm looking for something in the 2-7 range, but realize that the 3-9 might be more available, hence less expensive. The top contender now is the Bushnell Trophy, available in 1.5-5 and 3-9. There is of course Tasco, Simmons, and other lower brands. The Nikon Prostaff 2-7 is a bit higher at $130 or so.

So the question is, if you had a hundred bucks to put a scope on your smokepole, what would you buy?

Greetings DesertRam,

I don't shoot my 50-209 a great deal, but I put T/Cs 1.5-5 muzzleloader scope on it, and it has worked fine so far. Optics aren't the clearest, but I have shot it in "last light", and could still make the shot (on 5X, no less). Cabela's has it a little above you price range ($120), but you might be able to find it cheaper if you shop around?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0004194710596a&navAction=push&navCount=3&indexId=cat20760&podId=0004194&catalogCode=ID&parentId=cat20760& parentType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat20712

Regards, Bill

Hey Bill, thanks for the input. I hadn't thought about T/C for a scope. My hunting buddy's got one and likes it well enough. Cabela's also has the Nikon I was considering for $129. With my $20 off coupon, that's not too far from my minimum. Of course I've got to spend $150 to get it, but now's a good time to get a couple warm weather shirts for the safari.

With a $100 ceiling, I'd either forego the scope altogether - afterall, this IS a 100 yd + a little bit rifle. Invest the money towards another warthog or something like that.

Alternatively, I'd try something like a solid little K4 Weaver 4x for half of that amount. Very very little to go wrong.

Brent

[ 07-24-2003, 23:37: Message edited by: Brent ]

DesertRam,Iwould keep my eye on ebay.You very well might be able to pick up a Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9x40 for that price,maybe a tad higher.I have sevral of them mounted on my muzzleloaders as well as my centerfire rifles.You will not be dissapointed.

Go on ebay and/or the other auction sites and buy a used one. I just put a $40.00 Lyman All-American 4X on my .45 Hawken, and it works very well. Adjustments work, optics are like new, all it has is a couple of work spots on the ocular bell, which a little of Brownell's aluminum black will fix right away...