Need Advice On Which Rifle Scope To Buy
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 2

It is my humble opinion that 99 out of 100 people dont know sqwat about rifle scopes. I am the first to admit that I am one of the 99. I am considering putting a scope on my deer rifle. It is a Reminton 7600 slide action rifle in 35 Whelen. Just so that you know, I have been shooting rifles for a long time and I qualify expert with my M1A with iron sights so I know how to shoot. I have always been an iron sight shooter. The thing is though is I am 44 years old now and my eyes just aint what they used to be and that is why I am thinking about a scope. What I am looking for is perhaps a fixed 4 power scope that doesnt have some monster bell on the front. Just a nice slender scope with a forgiving field of view.
And So
I am hoping that anyone who is knowlegable, and I want to emphasize knowlegable, about scopes could help a guy out with a little advice.
I want to keep it around $400.00 and I am going to hunt deer with it (30-150 yards) , not take head shots at 1200 yards. I hope that $400.00 is enough to get one that isnt fragile.
Thank you in advance.[/align]
And So
I am hoping that anyone who is knowlegable, and I want to emphasize knowlegable, about scopes could help a guy out with a little advice.
I want to keep it around $400.00 and I am going to hunt deer with it (30-150 yards) , not take head shots at 1200 yards. I hope that $400.00 is enough to get one that isnt fragile.
Thank you in advance.[/align]
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Clermont Florida U.S.
Posts: 4,970

I think a fixed 4 power would be a good choice. I'm certainly not an expert, but have been around awhile. If you're a "Loopy guy" they have some decent fixed power scopes (FXII or FX III) that would fit within your budget criteria. Also, Weaver and Sightron have some pretty decent offerings. Stepping up, a Kahles, Zeiss or Schmidt and Bender are at the top of the heap... but more expensive than you indicated you were seeking. Check the sample list at S.W.F.A. for some great deals on used or discontinued models. You can save some real cash there. I recently saw a fixed Kahles 6X on there for $499. If you want some real expert advice, go to the Optics Talk forum there at S.W.F.A. There are some very knowledgable folks there (to be sure). Good luck in your search.
#4
Fork Horn
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Hamiltucky, OH
Posts: 485

This might be a good place to start: http://www.opticsplanet.net/how-to-choose-riflescope.html
Some other interesting reading might include:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/under-scoped.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/thoughts_scopes.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/straight_scope.htm
Your $400 will buy some incredible glass these days, when compared with that of even 5 years ago. And "4x" and "Whelen" sound (to me, anyway!) like a match made in heaven!
If you take even a cursory look around, you can find some awfully good deals on the 'net. However, I'd still urge you to doyour comparing with your own eyes. Lots of folks have some well-reasoned opinions, but you are the one who'll have to look through the scope every time at the range or in the field. So you may hear people universally RAVE about a certain scope, but if you can't find a store that has one you can compare side-by-side with other contenders, I'd think more than twice about it.
Hope this helps,
FC
Some other interesting reading might include:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/under-scoped.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/thoughts_scopes.htm
http://www.chuckhawks.com/straight_scope.htm
Your $400 will buy some incredible glass these days, when compared with that of even 5 years ago. And "4x" and "Whelen" sound (to me, anyway!) like a match made in heaven!
If you take even a cursory look around, you can find some awfully good deals on the 'net. However, I'd still urge you to doyour comparing with your own eyes. Lots of folks have some well-reasoned opinions, but you are the one who'll have to look through the scope every time at the range or in the field. So you may hear people universally RAVE about a certain scope, but if you can't find a store that has one you can compare side-by-side with other contenders, I'd think more than twice about it.
Hope this helps,
FC
#6
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location:
Posts: 27

D.I.C.K.'s is selling Burris Fulfield II for $239 on sale. They were packaging these with free Garmin Etrix GPS units that sell on Amazon for $100.
The scope if great, and reviews indicate folks are using these successfully out west for dropping elk at 300 yards with magnum calibers. One report was that after 100 magnum rounds the scope was still dead on.
I know this is less then you wanted to spend, but Burris got good comments on Chuck Hawks. It was their recommended 3 star scope.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/recommended_riflescopes.htm
Story on Burris:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/overview_burris_optics.htm
The scope if great, and reviews indicate folks are using these successfully out west for dropping elk at 300 yards with magnum calibers. One report was that after 100 magnum rounds the scope was still dead on.
I know this is less then you wanted to spend, but Burris got good comments on Chuck Hawks. It was their recommended 3 star scope.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/recommended_riflescopes.htm
Story on Burris:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/overview_burris_optics.htm
#9

If you are a hunter, you will want a scope that is good for long range shooting. If you are a target shooter, you will want a scope that is good for close range shooting