...to mount a $200 scope to a $1200 rifle?

Specifically, I think I'm going to take the plunge and finally buy a Sako 75 Grey Wolf (laminated stainless), probably in either 270 WSM or 300WSM for no other reason than I like both cartridges really well. But for the scope I've been considering giving the Simmons AETEC Master Series scope a try (they will be priced at about $200-220 at MidwayUSA when they arrive at the end of August). I've read glowing reviews about the new Meade owned and designed Simmons and Redfield scopes, and a couple of the trusted regulars here seem to swear by the current AETEC scopes as being worth several times what they cost. I'm up in the air between the AETEC Master and a more expensive but time proven and trusted quality Nikon Monarch UCC 3-9x or 4-12x.

I guess something in my gut tells me that it's wrong to put a low dollar scope on a high dollar rifle...similar to putting retread bias tires on a brand new Corvette. I'm willing to spend $500 on a scope, but if the Simmons AETEC is really all it's cracked up to be, I could spend the money I save on other toys to go with it.



Mike

I have heard really good things about the Aetec. It's not the cost, but the quality of the lens that counts. I want to purchase one as well.

Personally, I'd think such a rifle would warrant a bit more investment on the optics. Like UT said, ACorvette doesn't run on retreads. Zeiss or Swarvoski (sp/) would be my choice. I was told once, "you spend half as much on the optics as you did the gun".

That Sako 75 Grey Wolf looks like a very nice rifle and personally I would get better glass on it then the Aetec. There’s nothing wrong with the Aetec scope. I have one but I wouldn’t do it. If I had to, I would put the Aetec for one or two seasons until I could afford something else. If you have confidence in the Aetec and you would be satisfied, then I would say go for it. The end result is you have to be satisfied and not worry about what everyone has to say. Good luck..

The ATEC is ok but not my favorite. I would put a Bushnell Elite 4200 on it. They have a good warante and let in 95% of available light, to get any better than that you will have to go to a $800-$1000 scope. The 4200 is $400 at cabelas but you can get them cheaper on other internet sights. They are very close to the Nikons and they have rainguard. You can fog them up with your breath and still see through them to shoot. I have the 4200 in 1.5-6x36 on my 7x57 and I am going to put a 4200 2.5-10x40 on my .223.

try thr burris L.R.S great scope very clear $369.00 this scope is just as good as the high price one.

I have one of the atec scopes on a 50 cal muzzleloader and has done well the last 3 years.
But if I was going to get a sako I would put a burris signature selecton it.
Think I would like to try one of the new atec's too.

IMHO the Aetec is what I would call a "decent scope" but not something I would compare too say a Conquest, 4200 Elite, VXIII, Signature Select etc... Sure it would work fine on the Sako and you probably wouldn't have a minutes trouble with it. I have not yet dealt with a new Master Series. They certainly should be better than present, but the only literature I have read on them is their own.

You are asking about a "decent scope" on a fantastic rifle, at least you aren't asking about putting a BSA on it! If you already have the scope that's fine. If all you can spend is $200-$250 then do yourself a favor and get a Nikon Buckmasters for that gun. They are LIGHTYEARs ahead of the Aetec in clarity, a simple glance through each will bear that out.

Good luck,
RA

I have not heard anything bad about the new Aetec, but I believe that, when it comes to optics, you get what you pay for. I am sure tehre are a few bargains, but all in all it is true. That being said, i think you can overpay for the scope. How far a shot are you taking, hunting conditions, accuracy expectations all come into play.I am big fan Pentax optics. I think they compare favorably with higher dollar scopes, but do not carry the same price.

Let me ask it this way. You are about to spend approx $1,450 on a rifle and scope. Could you buy a lessor rifle, better scope and get teh same accuracy.

I am like those before me. It would seem to defeat teh purpose to by a trophy gun and lessen the value with a $200 scope.

I have a Leupold VXII and an Aetec new in the box. I have low light tested both and formed my own opinions of sight clarity etc.... In my tests the Aetec wins hands down in every category except finish. I think Leupold is clearly the better looking scope but the Aetec is the better functioning scope.

Tom