OT: Need affordable scope suggestions

[J Miller]

It looks like I'm going to need a new scope ( insert barf icon here) for my Marlin MR-7. There is a long and unhappy story to this, but I won't go into it right now.

I have it's original Simmons 3-9 x 40 scope that's stuck on 3 power, and another Simmons 3-9x? with the oval field of view that was given to me by another forum member. He said the POI moves as the power level is adjusted. Haven't tried it yet, but I will.

So "IF" this rifle shows promise when I get it to the range, what brand of affordable scope would you guys suggest? Remember I'm not employed, so money is definitely a consideration.

Joe

[2ndovc]

I've had really good luck with some of the "Lower Cost" Bushnells. I bought a 3x9x40 new at a gun show about 15 years ago as a temporary replacement for a Redfield that needed repair.

The Redfield ended up on another rifle and the Bushnell is still on my Springfield '03 sporter.

That rifle and I have traveled a lot of miles in all kinds of weather and it has never let me down. I think I paid $45.00 for it then. May have been even longer than that.

jb

[86er]

I highly recommend Pentax brand. Pentax manufactures their own lens from their camera factory (imported to US). They use the Burris company technology for the production. A lifetime warranty applies ($19 gets you a repair or new scope regardless of what happened or who's fault it was for the life of the scope). Two Pentax products won the coveted Best of the Best and Best Value awards from the independent Sporting Arms Retailers Assoc tests this year. The 3X9X40 can be had for $100 from Natchez, Academy Sports or SWFA. You can also get one with the Burris Ballistic Plex range graduated reticle for $15-$20 more. When you need optics and price is a major factor, Pentax is the best for the money out there. Leupold Rifleman is a good scope with the legendary lifetime warranty at $169 2X7X32. In between are the Leatherwood Hi-Lux scopes. Jim Leatherwood designs the scope and creates the manufacturing specs. He then has the lens shipped to a manufacturing plant in China. They have a lifetime warranty and are crystal clear, very comparable to a VX-II Leupold, but the price is $120-150 in the simple/classic fixed power or 3X9X40 configuration.

[J Miller]

jb,
Thanks, I've got a link to Bushnell so I'll check them out.

Joe,
Do you have a link to Pentax for their scopes? I've done some searching but all I find is retail outlets.
I'd like to read up on them. I've got a Pentax 35mm camera that's a really good one, so the idea of using a Pentax product intrigues me.

Joe

[dr walker]

j miller here you go.

http://www.pentaxsportoptics.com/#secti ... &product=0

Edited sorry try this one

[Modoc ED]

My first choice would be Bushnell followed by Simmons. Even though you seem to have had a few issures with Simmons, they are good scopes. I particularly like their 22MAG for .22 rifles.

[J Miller]

dr walker,
Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

Ed,
I've never owned a scoped rifle until now. The original scope stuck on 3x was on it when I got it. Whatever issue it has was already there.
The other scope was a gift from forum member who's name escapes me and the wandering zero is what he told me.

I've not fired a single live round out of this rifle yet. So I have no idea what it or either scope is capable of. If I get some good results with the gift scope I'll just leave it there and use it. If not, then I'll need a new scope.

That's assuming I can shoot with a scope.

Joe

[1886]

Perhaps the scope's manufacturer will repair your scope cheaply. That may be the best first option. If this does not work for you then..You stated money is tight and I understand but cheap scopes are best avoided. You will only be out the money and disappointed. Many gun stores sell quality, pre owned scopes at much more affordable prices. Quality, pre owned scopes can also be found on the various auction sites. Many manufactures will also sell their reconditioned optics to the various supply houses at greatly reduced rates. Do your homework, find the brands and models that interest you most and go to town. Do a google or yahoo search for used or reconditioned scopes and see what shows up. Despite being used many manufactures will still stand behind their product fully and often repair or replace for very little if any money except shipping charges. I purchased a defective well known brand. I contacted the manufacturer described the problem, returned the scope and two weeks later I had a like new scope for very little money. It is a very competitive business and many manufactures go out of their way to service their customers. I have since bought several more of the same brand. All used for short money. I like the Bushnell Elite Series, the Burris Signature Series and the Leupold Scout scopes. I want to try a Leatherwood Extended Eye Relief Variable Power scope. Best Wishes, 1886.

[AJMD429]

Bushnells and Tascos have never given me trouble. I have 4x and 3-9x Bushnells (love the old 4x "Sportview") and 5-20x and 10-40x Tascos. I've never gone for the high-priced scopes, because my shooting is done on the home place, so if a scope did break I'm not out a $8,000 once-in-a-lifetime hunting trip. I'd have to replace the Tasco one(s) four times before I'd be in the Redfield/Leupold range of cost, and so far I've not had to replace ANY.

On variables, I always sight in on the highest magnification, but I've not had a problem with un-zeroing at lower powers, at least not past the 1 moa I'm likely to be off on my own even on a good day.

I've broken two scopes that I recall - one on an un-buffered Mini-14 (Ranch rifle has different buffering to protect scopes), and the other on a lightweight, breakopen 12-gauge slug gun - the latter was a $29.95 BSA red-dot, and a lens shattered probably due to uneven pressure when they torqued the lens-ring. I replaced it with a ghost ring peep.

[Ben_Rumson]

What's wrong with using the one stuck on 3x ?

[J Miller]

What's wrong with using the one stuck on 3x ?

Ben,
That's the first one I'm gonna try. It's still bolted into the rings. If it works I'll just use it.
If not then I try the other one. But if the rifle shows real promise I do want a better scope on it.
One that all the features work on it.

Joe

[TNBigBore]

Don't forget about a used Weaver K4 or K6. They are steel tube, many of the later ones have duplex reticle and the glass on the ones made in the 70s and 80s is very clear and crisp. They are steel tubed and look great on a blued steel and walnut rifle. Best of all, a nice one can be had for $60-$80 in the classifieds section here and 24hourcampfire etc.

[bsaride]

Don't forget about a used Weaver K4 or K6. They are steel tube, many of the later ones have duplex reticle and the glass on the ones made in the 70s and 80s is very clear and crisp. They are steel tubed and look great on a blued steel and walnut rifle. Best of all, a nice one can be had for $60-$80 in the classifieds section here and 24hourcampfire etc.

I have a Weaver K4-C3 I just bought from a fellow member (might be TNBigBore) I'm just bad with names.
I don't have a home for it now. It's yours if you want it, we can work out details later.

I read your other post and can't believe what those morons did. another option on the irons would be to open
the screw holes in the bases if necessary and shim one side of the base to help get better alignment.

Jay

[horsesoldier03]

Do a google search for CDNN sports. THey have a catalog that you have to download. They have very affordable scopes there! Some are on the high end and some on the low end. However IMO a bargain can be found in your price range.

[J Miller]

Lots of great ideas.

Jay,
I've got two scopes to work with right now. So although I appreciate the offer of the Weaver I'll pass for now.
As for opening up the holes in the sight base that's not a bad idea. The rear is only off a degree or so and I'm not so sure the front one is that far off. Yes, my eyes can tell if sights are tilting even that small amount off vertical. It's a curse I tell you.
However I'm not doing anything else to the rifle until it gets a work out at the range. Then I'll know better what I'm going to do with it.

horsesoldier03,
I'll give CDNN a look see, thanks for the idea.

Joe

[AndyM]

I have had better luck with lower priced Bushnell's than Simmons. I have one of the higher priced Simmons Atec (or something) on my Ruger 77/22 hornet and it fits that rifle very well.
I would be looking at the Bushnell Banner series. I also own one of these - a 4-12x on a Contender .223 carbine rfile and I would get another Banner without question.

[RSY]

I would take a good hard look at some of the Burris Fullfield line. Even though they're no longer made in USA as they were before being acquired by Beretta, they are still a great product and great value. I have an old Burris Signature 2-8x that has been a solid performer for years.

Scott

[junkbug]

Bsaride;

If Jmiller is not interested in that old Weaver, I am. PM me or email me if you would like to sell it. I can find a rifle to put it on.

Sean

sfoster44@comcast.net