Looking for a 30-30 scope
02-05-2019, 10:20 PM
#2
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Trumbull County, Ohio
Posts: 9,520
I suppose I would caution you to not go cheap. Then I'd ask you to define cheap.
If you buy a cheap scope I promise you that it will fail you eventually. It will. It might take fifteen seasons, but it will poop out on you at some point. So you have to weigh the value of your available cash, and your expectations.
If you can afford a $100 scope.... Then wait another month or two and you can afford a $200 scope. That should get you into the entry level for some Nikon's, leupolds, redfields etc. Especially if you watch for sales or rebates.
There is nothing more frustrating than sitting in the woods on a rainy foggy day, but you're out there anyway cause you need to fill a tag, and when the game animal steps out and you pull that scope up it's just solid fog in your lense. Or you look through your scope and somehow your crosshairs are making an X shape instead of a proper cross.
Theres a big gap between what I consider cheap scopes, like the package sealed Walmart specials and the acceptable entry level scopes that can be had for around $200 if you watch for the deals.
-Jake
If you buy a cheap scope I promise you that it will fail you eventually. It will. It might take fifteen seasons, but it will poop out on you at some point. So you have to weigh the value of your available cash, and your expectations.
If you can afford a $100 scope.... Then wait another month or two and you can afford a $200 scope. That should get you into the entry level for some Nikon's, leupolds, redfields etc. Especially if you watch for sales or rebates.
There is nothing more frustrating than sitting in the woods on a rainy foggy day, but you're out there anyway cause you need to fill a tag, and when the game animal steps out and you pull that scope up it's just solid fog in your lense. Or you look through your scope and somehow your crosshairs are making an X shape instead of a proper cross.
Theres a big gap between what I consider cheap scopes, like the package sealed Walmart specials and the acceptable entry level scopes that can be had for around $200 if you watch for the deals.
-Jake
02-05-2019, 10:25 PM
#3
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Trumbull County, Ohio
Posts: 9,520
Also, for whatever it's worth to you. WHEN I scope my .30-30 it wears a Nikon prostaff 3-9X40. Right now my Marlin is open sighted. But I use that prostaff as an extra to bounce around wherever I need it. It's been on everything from a .22lr all the way up to a .338 win mag. And performs very well for what you would need.
I prefer the 3-9 option. In Pennsylvania we have antler restrictions and having that ability to get a slightly better look before taking the shot is useful at times.
I also see those on sale right now for $180.
-Jake
I prefer the 3-9 option. In Pennsylvania we have antler restrictions and having that ability to get a slightly better look before taking the shot is useful at times.
I also see those on sale right now for $180.
-Jake
02-06-2019, 05:22 PM
#5
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Trumbull County, Ohio
Posts: 9,520
Big,
that's what I would do. Like I said, say you have a hundred bucks now for a scope. Throw that in an envelope in your drawer. Even if you save $20/month in that envelope then by the end of October you could afford a very nice scope. More than you would need. But that's just an example.
No rush to buy something at this point in the year. so take your time, save up, do some research on what's available in your price range, and have it ready to go for November.
I hunt Indiana county mostly by the way. Also try to get up to Clinton county for bear season when I can
-Jake
that's what I would do. Like I said, say you have a hundred bucks now for a scope. Throw that in an envelope in your drawer. Even if you save $20/month in that envelope then by the end of October you could afford a very nice scope. More than you would need. But that's just an example.
No rush to buy something at this point in the year. so take your time, save up, do some research on what's available in your price range, and have it ready to go for November.
I hunt Indiana county mostly by the way. Also try to get up to Clinton county for bear season when I can
-Jake
02-07-2019, 07:41 AM
#6
Fork Horn
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 141
02-07-2019, 08:28 PM
#7
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: IL
Posts: 6,575
mine use to have a 4x...
years ago I switched scopes from another rifle, a 2-7x 33mm or so, it's the perfect scope for that 30-30 IMO! looks perfect, great mag range for the 30-30, 2x for stalking...
7x is plenty for out to 200yds, even with new special ammo 300yds can be done with that 7x.
2-7x is the perfect scope IMO.
depending on cost etc... a 1-6x might be cool even better-er, lol, but pretty sure you can get a 2-7x quite cheaply and a nice 1-6x will cost you.
years ago I switched scopes from another rifle, a 2-7x 33mm or so, it's the perfect scope for that 30-30 IMO! looks perfect, great mag range for the 30-30, 2x for stalking...
7x is plenty for out to 200yds, even with new special ammo 300yds can be done with that 7x.
2-7x is the perfect scope IMO.
depending on cost etc... a 1-6x might be cool even better-er, lol, but pretty sure you can get a 2-7x quite cheaply and a nice 1-6x will cost you.
02-19-2019, 08:13 PM
#9
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Eastern PA
Posts: 12,745
For a 30-30 I don't think you can go wrong with a decent fixed 4X. If you would decide on a variable route I would suggest a 1.5 - 4x. At the ranges you'll be shooting there isn't any need for more than a 4x. It will give you a decent field of view yet still have enough magnification for shot placement out to 100 yards, even 150.