what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I read all the threads and made a thread. Everyone always says to buy a scope for no less then $150, which I do agree with. But my problem is, even at good times I can't even afford cheap $50 scope (wife does the budget). It is great that yall gave me ideas for what type of scopes I may get a few years down the road. Also I did not pay over $300 for any of the rifles I own so I can't see putting a $200 - $300 scope on one of them. My point is, there has to be some desent brands of scopes out there for people like me who have a very tight budget.

Corey
Rifles I own:
Savage 110E 30-06
chinese type 56 SKS
ruger 96/22
Knight American knight 50 cal
browning Hi power (fig clone) 9mm

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

It sounds like you have 2 choices. Either trade for a gun with open sights or figure out how to get a scope.

I won't try to tell you how much to spend on a scope, but I also won't sympathize with you when buy a cheap one and it craps out. You should buy the best optics that you can afford, and if that is a used $25 cheapo, you can always upgrade as you can afford it.

I have a box in storage with some old scopes that came off guns that I have bought over the years, and I will see if I might have one you CAN afford.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I have to say I am really say am I sorry about this post because right after I made it I figured out how to save up the money for beat stuff. I am only shot one scope, I have one on layaway., that is come out next weekend.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

Put money aside every paycheck it might take long, but it will be worth it. Alot of people aren't well off unless there really rich, but alot of us have to put money aside or caught deals and discounts when they can. If it something you really want you will go through anything to work for it. You can do it corey i believe you can. :D

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I second that! Optics are not something you can skimp on! Just my 2 cents:D!

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

Couldnt agree more, nothing is more important than good optics and its mounting hardware. Theres always a deal out there, trade a gun if you have to. You will never regret buying a scope that will last.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I wouldn't hesitate to put at least twice the value of the rifle inthe price of a quality scope.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

So I got my ml for $40 so I can put an $80 scope on it. ;)

just kidding, since I made this thread, I have been doing a lot of playing my budget, I am going to get cheap this year. (glasses suck) then upgrade every few months with better scopes. also, as early as a month to first of the year I will be doing a job change, making twice of what I am now, for same job and less stress.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I have to agree with everyone myself in not buying a cheap scope,I've shot them all my life and there no good at first and last light,and plus I want to know for sure what I am shooting at so I chose the zeiss conqeust 3.5x10x50 plus if I go to alaska or saskatchewan I don't have to worry about the scope fogging and freezing..........Ted

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I have a scope on layaway right now a tasco world class 3-9 X 50. I put on layaway before I joined. but I did say I was going to upgrade next year. the scope I have right now is a tasco 3-9 x 40 or 50 I am not to sure, I got it with my 30-06 win I bought it 10 years ago so I am not sure how old it is I bought the gun used.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

As long as a scope will stay at zero you can use about any of them and adjust to their lower quality optics butat the very minimum it has to stay at zero after repeated shots.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I feel this fellas problems. I know everyone in here preaches and preaches and preaches like he says about buying these $300 scopes. It kinda makes the smaller people feel a little more poorer, when they open up their own cabelas or bass pro shops books, or any book at that matter. I just have this massive problem, I get all pumped up about buyting a new scope, cause i have been looking for one to go on my new Winchester Featherweight .300 WSM. I have a Bushnell Banner, dusk til dawn(i think) on it now. It looks pretty sharp on the gun and it gets the job done. Dont get me wrong, its no nikon Buckmasters, but its nice. When I get to the point to buy one, i just go why fix something that isnt broke AND why argue with the mrs about a scope, when you can argue till your eyes turn green, and she will NEVER UNDERSTAND. So there has to be a pretty good low range, budget scope OR if any of you guys have some used scopes they would want to get rid of, let us know?? lol. :) So buddy, dont feel bad cause you cant afford a major scope. justhave to make do with what you can and dont feel sorry about it. Be proud.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I use the Banner also. On both the ML and Rifle. I love them. I've never had a issue in anything I consider shooting light. They seem to be rugged and the only fog issue I've had is going from warm to cold. Yeah I'd love to have one of those fancy european scopes, but I'm happy with my affordable Bushnell. I've had a few of the cheaper Tascos, I didn't like them at all. There are nothing like the banners.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I forgot about this thread and I started it, all my gun "right now" have tascos, one I got with my savage 110 30-06, which I bought used 10 years ago so I don't know how old the gun is or the scope. I put it on my ML. but I am planning on buying new muzzleloader next year and I am planning on putting a higher end scope on it and upgrading my others even my old muzzleloader's scope. I am going to save the money and do one or two a year. go with what I have for now.

dmitchell I know what you mean about the mrs. keep your eyes on nikons, you can catch some good sells on them. I think I am going to go with nikon when I goto upgrade my scopes.

kelincp everytime I went to get the affordable bushnell, they where out. But tasco is way better then bsa, I put one on my sks (does not have much recoil) and shredded the crosshairs, on top of that the eye releaf was wrong.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

Is there a scope out there worth buying for under $150? I have been reading a few threads about buying entry level rifles, but people leave out the glass. $150 bucks is alot of money for some people. Are the Cabelas pine river any good? I would like to see some input for a sub $150 scope if any.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

Natchez has Weaver Grand Slam 4.75 x 40's, and Browning (2-7 x 3_ and 3-9x40)for just a hair under $150. INCREDIBLE bargains, those, and serious scopes, too. They also have new Prostaffs going under $150, and those are quite good, too, in my experience.

FC

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I had a 10+ year old tasco on my muzzleloader, it held the zero perfectly. it is going to be the first scope I replace. maybe, I just may replace it when it goes bad.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I have a NcStar 10~40x50mm illuminated on my savage 10FP (.308) and I can hit vienna sausage cans all day at 250 yds. I used to buy the hype that only the name brands (Leupold, Nikon, etc) made quality scopes until I gave NcStar a try. And my father has Leupold's on TWO of his rifles. Yeah, it doesn't have diamond clarity but for my eyes and the price I paid for it, it can't be beat. I'll take 85% just as good a scope for 25% of the cost of the comparable one. Scopes today just aren't the same as they used to be years ago. Unfortunately, people aren't willing to give anything new a try and are quick to bash anything NON-name brand because it either isn't name brand or the price isn't worth bragin about. They make $500.00 (and up) on down to $35.00 DVD players, and many people use those $35.00 wally-world players and NEVER have a problem with them. Manufacturing cost for pratically EVERYTHING have came down...UNLESS you're buying a highfalutin name brand. People flaunt and floss in their Hummer H3's and I cruise on by in my Chevrolet Colorado that has the same in-line 5-cylinder as their H3 made by Isuzu. Yes Leupold and other do make optics that are exceptional but for the average hunter on a working mans budget, who may only hunt in his back yard (and never see Africa the Yukon or Alaska much less hunt there) without a "high and mighty" budget these scopes will fit the bill. Bottom line, Buy the best you can afford. If it comes with a lifetime warranty (NcStar does) and fits your budget give it a try. It beats not being in the woods at all. You don't have to buy LOW end and you Don't have to buy HIGH end. But don't believe the hype that you can't get exceptional bang for your buck for under $150.00.

FYI: I picked up my NcStar Scope for under $120.00 and after shooting well over 500 rounds (more than a few hunting seasons) it's still going strong. YMMV.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I was thanking of putting an Ncstar on my sks but I went with a tasco, ok I have tasco on all 3 of my guns. only brand I would not give a second chance to is bsa, too many problems

if I can remember when I started, it was a rant, I was not really not looking for any replies. I guess this is going to be another rant just let me get going.

I have learned a lot about a lot of things in the short hum make it 2 months I been on here. I still don't get where I need to take out a small loan to buy a scope. I do see paying $150 to $300 maybe even up to $500 for a scope, but someone paying $1000 or more for a scope, how long did you save for that. I am very happy with my $30 - $100, they hold zero, they gather light pritty well for me, I have great night vision. YES I am going to jump up to "better" brand (Nikon) but only when I need to, not just because someone tells me that brand sucks and strip it off the gun and use open sites until you can pay for a better scope, and if you have a wife like mine, you have to tell her why you need, want, and why you want to pay that much for a scope. for a $1000 dollars I can take my wife on a nice trip, to see her family in FL. and that is what she would tell me.


I know down the road someone is going to save this, and throw it back into my face. So be it.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

Cory,

The ironic thing is that NcStar is made in an old Tasco factory in China, using the same tooling equipment and optics that Tasco scopes were made with. No different than the Taurus PT92 coming off of machining equipment in Brazil that Berettas rolled off of. Roll with what you can, when ya can. Priority number 1 is "Keep momma happy!"

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

Corey,

I'm probably not the most knowledgable person here, but I am 47 and have been hunting and shooting since early childhood. My experience with rifles adn scopes is 25+ years, so take my opinion it for what it's worth.

I would not buy a cheap scope, regardless of the price of the rifle,period. Use open sights until you can afford something decent.

You can't shoot what you can't see. Cheap glass will eventually fail you. The scope will either fog, lack sufficient resolution in dim light, or fail to hold zero. I've seen it happen over, and over, and over again on my buddies and relatives guns when they try to go cheap. All those cheap Chinese-made scopes and binos look great in the store but fail to deliver in the field.

I don't think that you have to spend a great deal of money to buy a perfectly servicable, reliable riflescope. My rifles wear mid-priced scopes from top manufacturers and and I absolutely satisfied with them. Lately I have bought used scopes off ebay and they have turned out great.

The following are scopes mounted on my rifles that I can strongly endorse. They are all moderately priced:

1. $140.00 for a lightly used Nikon Buckmaster 3X9X40 on my Omega Muzzleloader. Super scope, very bright, lifetime warrenty thought I hear that Nikon's customer service is not very good.

2. $138.00 for a "used" (the scope was virtually new, no marks) Burris Fullfield II 3X9X40 with Ballistic plex reticle mounted ona Ruger M77 .270. Great scope, very clear. made in America, lifetime warrenty

3. $234.00 for a new Bushnell Elite 3200 in 4X12X40 with AO and ballistic plex reticle mounted on a Browning A-bolt in .270. Very nice scope with the rainguard coatings and ballistic reticle (retail list price $399.00). Lifetime warrenty, made in Japan, former B&L 3000 scope.

Scopes I would not buy: Nikon Prostaff, Tasco, BSA, Barska, Leupold Rifleman or VX-1, Bushnell other than theElite series, any of the "new" Redfields

Scopes in the "moderate" price range that I have read good things about and am interested in owning: Sightron SII, used Bushnell 4200 (saw a 3X9X40 the other day on ebay for less than $250.00), Nikon Monarch, another Burris.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

mouthcaller:

I have said a number of times in this thread as well as others that I was going to up grade. if fact, some of the scopes you have listed are the ones I am thinking about. I have missed 3 deer just last year with a tasco on my 30 - 06 but it was user error. another thing I can not use open sites on my muzzleloader, I bought it used and someone had removed them and don't see putting $40 pair of sights on it, when I only paid $40 for it. I am planning on getting a new muzzleloader next year with a better brand of scope. but like I said, I will be upgrading when I have saved up enough money too. I do have plans.

but there is on thing I do agree with ya, bsa really really suck, I know that first hand, I do have one problem with my tascos. when you sight them in, shot, sight to the hole, shot, sight to the hole. it is not really a problem, saves me ammo.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I got a redfield a few years ago that was being discontinued for around $100. Retail around $250. I got it from sportsmansguide.com . That is a great place to get good deals on equipment. Trouble is, good deals only come around once in a great while.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I know what you mean forestcure, a local gunshop moved and where clearing out some scope (mid to high end) they where not going to sell any more for at or below cost. I still did not have the money that was the only thing that kept me from buying one, that and hearing it from my wife

Ahh, the "bargain" Redfields
 

forestcure,

If the Redfield you got wasmade bythe original Redfield company in Coloradoyou have a good scope but, unfortunately, no warranty. If it breaks you are up a creek. Redfield went out of business and the name was sold to another company who makes inferior scops using the Redfield name. The original Redfields were as good as, if not better opically, than Leupold. In fact, Leupold and Redfield were considered the premier optics manufactures in America. I have not looked at any of the "newer"Redfields but a couple of my friends have and they say the quality is not nearly the same.

I have two Redfields, both 3X9s. One is a top of the line Illuminator (great scope), the other is one of the "Widefield" models. The Illuminator is the probably the best scope I own. About 10 years ago I dropped the.270Winthat the Widefield was mounted on while pulling it up to my treestand one day and it hasn't been the same since. Unfortunatly for me I am SOL with that one - the "New" Redfield company does not honor the warrenty of older Redfield scopes.

Good luck

Mouthcaller

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

A store in Augusta GA. was selling Simmons 8-Point Scopes 3x9x50 for $50.00 so I bought one and put it on a Remington 700 300 Win. Mag for the fun of it and have shot 7 deer with it in the last 3 weeks. It has worked great so far even with the recoil of the 300!! No it does not gather a whole lot of light at dark thirty but it works alot better than I thought it would and has a lifetime warranty!!! Sean

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I bought a Simmons 4 x 32 Pro Series Diamond reticle shotgun scope for my Omega 50cal. at Walmart for $58. It has a 5" eye relief, good in low light, easy thumb and forfinger adjustments for sighting in. And has very clear optics. It comes with a lifetime warranty. And it is guaranteed not to have to be re-zeroed as long as the scope doesn't move. I am getting 3/4" groups at 100 yards and would put it up against the Nikons. Thats the craziest thing I've ever heard that you need a scope that costs twice what your gun did!!! JMO The shots on the black dots where XTP's theones in the middles are using SG 250gr. Shockwaves with 2- 50gr. 777 pellets. I shot all afternoon and the POI never changed. With my $58 lifetime warranty true zero guaranteed WallyWorldscope. LMAO

chris

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

Way to go!!! That's what I'm talking about. No need to spend as much as the rifle cost on a scope in order to...get the job done.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

well when I think this thread finally dies it comes back to life. I was at the range today, shooting my Knight that I picked up for $40 with my 10 + year old tasco. high winds. I have shoot all but 9 loads before I notice my top turret was unscrewing, tightin it back down fired my last 9 off.



shot one mid low in 3 ring left (oops I jerked) (noticed the turret)
shot two not even half an inch below bull's (just after I fixxed the turret)
shot three left of shot two just in 2 ring
shot four just to the right of shot two
shot five was a shockwave that a guy let me try (aim point shot one)
shot six also a shockwave, I don't know if I missed or put it in the same hole as shot six (guy next to me said I put it in the same hole)
shot 7 almost off the target (oops I jerked again and damn that wind (wind kicked up to 20+ mph about the time I shot))
shot 8 to 10 where at 100 yrds, I got tired they where bad.

shots 1 to 4 and 7 where .430 xtp w/ green mmp sabots under 85 grs pyrodex p at 50 yrds . 8 to 10 where with 90 grs 100 yrds

five and six with 90 grs pyrodex p at 50 yrds

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

Might also want to think of checking the pawn shops. Sometimes you can run across good gear for a really good price.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I've used a Simmons Aetec 3X9X50 scope on a BAR in .338WM for 8-10 years now and it's worked well. Back then, I paid around $100 for it. I think these models go for around 190 or so now but it's close to your $150 limit and has been a really good scope.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I feel your pain brother, I am a full time firefighter and don't bring home much cash!! I stash change and one dollar billsto buy stuff ,and it takes a long time I can tell you that. Be patient and you will get there. I bought a pentax scope for about 120$ fully multicoated optics, nitrogen purged, looks great. what else can I ask for??? No it's not a Zeiss, but it gathers light well and stays true every shot. I saved up for about a year and a half and then bought a Burris FF II that came with a small spotting scope for about 350$ in all. More money than I have ever spent on a scope. But it was worth it. YOU APPRECIATE THINGS MUCH MORE WHEN YOU WORK HARD TO GET THEM!! that is one thing I have learned throught out all of this Good Luck Brother, You have every thing you need to hunt right now that is all that matters.

Have fun and be safe

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I got a plan, it won't start after the holidays, need to get my wife something nice.;);)

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

Save your change! Last year i saved about $350 by just emptying my change in a jar every night. The old lady wont cry about it neither:-). This puts you into a Leupold vx-2, which you never be sorry with, or Nikons buckmaster, Bushnell elite. An extra $100 or lesswould get you a couple of nice Nikons if you can get them on sale.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I agree with the others, buy a cheap rifle, but don't buy cheap glass. That said, without a doubt no ifs, ands, or buts the best value in a scope is a FIXED powered scope. Less money, less weight, more light and clarity than a variable. I am no fan of variables whether it be rifle scopes or spotting scopes. To get one that will match a fixed power you have to spend BIG bucks. Which you don't have. For instance, to get a good eye piece for spotting scope you would have to spend more than most have invested in their spotting scopes! Do yourself a favour and take a look at the Nikon Monarch 4x or 6x their performance will match the varibles costing 3 times as much.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

Hey corey012778,

You might think this is a crazy idea, but listen anyway.

The first post from you in this thread shows a list of guns you own. In the list was an SKS

My suggestion is to sell it and buy a scope you won't have to upgrade a few times.

Why do I say this?

1) The SKS is fun, but the ones I have seen are not accurate enough to hunt with (for longer shots anyway).

2) The Savage you have is a lot better than the SKS

3) The SKS should be easy to sell

4) It will not make your wife mad when you use this money to buy a scope

5) The SKS does not have very much ooomph for over 150ish yards (some say less)

6) The amount of money you get for the SKS should put you in good enough glass to last the rest of your life

7) Buy some Burris Signature Zee rings with any extra money left from the scope purchase (or sell a Tasco to get these)

Now your cooking with a rig that will allow you to do whatever you want anywhere in the world right now, not 6 years from now

Again, just an idea, not trying to get you steamed up or anything

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

hey smokey where I hunt, I only have 100 yrds open, must of the shots I have taken have been 75 yrds or less, all misses thou, more shooter then any of the guns:(. but I am going to put a fixxed power scope on my sks next year, need more eye releif

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

I have been using a Bushnell Banner $100-120 1.5x4.5x32 wide angle scope on my shotgun for quite a few years now. I have never had a problem with it and have shot many deer with it. I shot a doe at 165 yards and blew the heart in half with this setup(i drove the distance from my blind to the deer with my truck and it was 1/10 of a mile) I have never had this "cheap" scope fail me or hinder my ability to take a deer.

I put a $300.00 Leupold Vari-X II 2x9x40 on my muzzleloader this year and it has been nothing but problems. I am shooting an inch low at 30 yards and the scope will not adjust anymore.

Just my 2 cents.

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

go to www.cdnninvestments.com they have some scopes on there that are not half bad and some are selling for 18 dollars and they are name brand. YOu have to download their catalog

RE: what can you do if you don't have $$$ for a scope
 

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