what size scope?
 

ive got an optima with a redhead scope within a few months ill probably buy a nikon

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20712&id=0006464 711747a&navCount=3&podId=0006464&paren tId=cat20760&navAction=push&catalogCode=QT &rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat2076 0&hasJS=true

RE: what size scope?
 

I have a Nikon Pro Staff in the 2-7X32 and think that has to be one of the best values out there for the money. How many times do we actually need more then 7X with a muzzleloader. On the range yes, but in the woods, a 4X seems about right. When walking I like the 2X.

The scope is small at only 11" in length, light, and with excellent eye relief. $129.00 is a good fair price for the scope. Also they have a life time guarantee. The gunshop I bought mine from told me the reason he sells a lot of them is that they never come back for service or anything...

I also have a Sightron S1,Millet Buck, and a Bushnell Banner Dusk to Dawn on other muzzleloaders and all of them are exceptional scopes and a great value. I've nothing against the Leupolds, and some of the higher end scopes out there. They are excellent and do the jon just great. I actually own a couple ofthem on some of my center fire rifles.I just hate spending more for the scope then the rifle. Also when I look at how the ignition of the open breech rifles I have is burning the paint right off the scope bit by bit, I am kind of glad it is not some $400 scope on there. It would make me sick...

Good luck with your selection.

RE: what size scope?
 

http://www.ultout.com/nikon-optics.htm an alternate place to buy that scope.

RE: what size scope?
 

Good choice in the inexpensive group for 2-7s or 3X9s. The Sightron S1 is another solid choice - along with the Millet Buck Gold & Bushnell Legend/Trophy. All of these are similar prices & you cannot go wrong with any of these choices. How I rate them...

Sightron S1
Nikon Prostaff
Millet Buck Gold
Bushnell Legend/Trophy

Should you find a few more dollars under your dresser, move up to the Nikon Monarch, Sightron SII, Bushnell Elite.... lastly the Simmons Aetec... but's it's long & heavy - not suited for everyone using a ML.

Just my 2 cents.... my eyeballs!

RE: what size scope?
 

I own Bushnell, Leupold, Simmons and Nikon scopes. The Bushnell Banners are on my ML and shotguns and I can't think of a better bang-for-the-buck scope out there. I use the 3x9x40. With the ranges and accuracy that the newer ML's are achieving, I wouldn't pass on a 150 yard shot. I have gotten them at my local BPS for about $80-90 on sale.

RE: what size scope?
 

underclocked thanksfor those prices
im still debating keep my bass pro scope or buy a new one. i may just ask for one for xmas

RE: what size scope?
 

you might as well see how well the Bass Pro scope shoots. You can always get something different down the road. Good luck.

RE: what size scope?
 

"On the range yes, but in the woods, a 4X seems about right. When walking I like the 2X."

I agree. I have 2.5X or 4X fixed-power scopes on all my ML. I have even gone back to a fixed power on my long-range elk rifle. I use a Kahles Helia 6X on it (a 7mm Rem. Mag.). The last elk I shot with this scope was about 30 yards away, max., in thick "black timber", and I felt no handicap with a 6X scope at all......

RE: what size scope?
 

Mine is a Bushnell Trophy 1.75-4x32 Turkey/Brush Scope with a ‘Circle-X’ Reticle, in a flat black finish. It sits atop a CVA Buckhorn in .50cal;
previously, I had it on a .50 Staghorn for two years.

At the 100 yard the line at the range I sometimes wish for a bit more magnification, but in the woods it is just fine.
When I purchased this scope I almost bought a 2x7 Nikon, and kind of wish I had; that said, I'm satisfied with the Bushnell, and don't plan on replacing it until it breaks.

RE: what size scope?
 

I understand exactly what you're saying. I have a 1.5-4.5x32mm Bushnell Banner on my Black Diamond XR. This is an excellent scope. Very clear, good light gathering ability but the ONLY draw back is on the range at the long distances. I wish it had more power. Although it does fine, just that at times you wish it was at least a 7x when you're shooting distance is all.

I am tempted to remove that scope and put it in a different rifle I have and sticka Pro Staff or a Sightron 1 on that rifle..

RE: what size scope?
 

I put a simple fixed 4X32 on my optima. Haven't seen a need to change yet.

RE: what size scope?
 

Listen to Cayagad He always gives good advice, First hand experience.
I personnally would never go over 2x7 and probably lower.
Redclub

RE: what size scope?
 

Allseasonhunter7

What size scope??? To me that really depends on you, your hunting terrian,your ability, the animals you might be shooting, the range that you might be shooting,and your confidence to shoot.

Here in Idaho, and I am going against the norm I know, we have a lot of open territory due to the heavy logging, steep terrain, and then back to thick timber. I use to hunt with a 2x7 all the time - today I really do prefer the 3x9x40. There is such a wide variety of scopes, prices, and reticles available in this scope range. my favorite reticle remains the Mil-Dot especially with ML's - this allows me to make the necessary adjustments with ease.

Succesfully shooting a ML at an animal is really dependent on bullet placement, the 3x9 offers my more ability to that at ranges greater than 150 yards. Of course the down side there is 1 out of my 20 hunting shots might be at a 150 yards or greater - so as a lot would say I am over-scoped...

If you choose to go with the 2x7 - look at the Swift Premier they offer a 2x7x40 - superior light gathering qualities and great lenses...

good luck in your search....

RE: what size scope?
 

I have an old Weaver K2.5 that has survived a 12 ga. for many years and my muzzle loader for about 20 more.............for swamp hunting it is has been a great scope..............open field, you could use more power. Don't over look a low fixed power scope, they are simple and tough.....well they use to be...........not sure about some of the brands now days.

RE: what size scope?
 

its a 3X9X40

RE: what size scope?
 

another thumbs up for the bushnell banner and trophy series. the circle x reticle is the way to go. 4x for 100 yards is nice. no dials to fiddle with. i like to keep it simple when i can.

RE: what size scope?
 

I use the 1.75-4x32 trophy turkey scope too and think the magnification is fine for a black powder rifle. WhatI find that is more important is the eye relief you get with this scope. I had to have a generous eye relief after being ringed by a 3-9x32. Kinda makes you feel like a fool with blood running off the end of your nose, lol. Good Luck