Rifle Scopes?

Question

Whats a good but affordeble scope for a 30-06

Answer 1

A 30-06 is a very good cartridge to have. The recoil is tolerable and there is a wide variety of ammo.

I've been shooting about 26 years and hunting for about 17. What scope to get varies dramatically on your intent for the rifle.

If you plan on only target shooting, then I would opt for a high powered variable or fixed power scope. This makes it much easier to see the targets at long distances (as someone mentioned, a 6-18x variable is great for the range).

If you are hunting in open areas like deer in Texas or pronghorn in Wyoming, you could go one of two ways. A variable or fixed high power scope would work great (there is a downfall to these that I am getting to). Personally, I'd opt for a 3-9x for this situation.

If you are planning on hunting in the woods (deer in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan), I would opt for a midrage variable (3-9x, 2-7x) or a lower powered fixed scope (4x). Why? High powers are great for shooting at targets that are easy to see and there are clear shots with nothing in the way. However, when you are in the woods, deer are harder to pick out amongst the trees and (at least for me) the higher power distracts me as many times I have a big fuzzy branch through the middle of my field of view. With the lower power scopes, branches look like branches, and you have a larger field of view so it is easier to "find" the deer through the scope.

That being said, what brands would I recommend? Most of my scopes have been Weaver, Nikon, and Leupolds. Weaver makes a good scope for under $200 (roughly) and Nikon has a low end scope (Buckmaster I think) that I really like for also around $200.

I have used scopes from cheap Simmons and BSAs to high end Leupolds that ran about $600+. In terms of function, I have had no issues with any brand of scope. I've fired hundreds if not thousands of rounds using each type and I have had no issues with any scope except a Bushnell (the scope was on a used rifle I bought, so I don't know how the scope was treated or if there were previous issues with it. I never blamed the brand as I have had other Bushnells that work great).

Where you begin to notice differences between the cheap scopes and the expensive scopes is the image quality and the light transmission. With some of the cheaper scopes, sometimes the images don't quite look right and seem unnatural (if you never had quality optics, you really won't notice until you do). In low light situations, the cheaper scopes tend to look darker than the higher priced ones.

That being said, Simmons makes a decent "cheap" scope as well as BSA. Weaver has been one of my favorites and is a great "mid priced" scope. Bushnell runs about the same price as Weaver and I have been pleased with them. Nikon has lower priced scopes for around $200 that I like. Leupold makes the "VX-I" series for around $190 to $250 that is pretty good (just bought one myself recently). There is a new brand I have seen called Sightron (I think) that I have seen great reviews about, but I haven't used one myself. They also run about $200.

I would check out the website "http://www.midwayusa.com". They have a huge selection of scopes and many scopes have reviews. Take a look and see what people who bought that particular model say about them.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

If you are going to invest in a hunting trip. License, travel, scouting, clothing, practice and so one and then scrimp on your rifle scope, you are being penny wise and pound foolish. You can put an excellent scope on a cheap rifle and it will shoot pretty well. But put a cheap scope on a good rifle and you are not going to it the target.
Do not use a variable power anything. Dependent on the type of game, the range , and the conditions of your hunt, choose a fixed power scope that matches your needs. i use 2.5 or 4 or 6 power. You do not want to be screwing with your scope when the deer are within range. Also, every variable power i have ever used will change point of impact as you change the power. That means that your rifle is never really sighted in unless you use the same power that you used on the range, and there you are back to a fixed power scope.
Get a Leupold 4 X or 6 X

Answer 3

Depends on what you want to do with your rifle... Hunting?
Also depends on what you call affordable. A good rule of thumb is that semi-decent optics will cost about half as much as the price of the gun. With most scopes- you get what you pay for...

A 30-06 is an excellent caliber for both hunting and target shooting... If you are an avid hunter(or think that you would be if you had the time,) then go with a Nikon Buck Master 6X18X40-
it will run you about $350 but it's good for the target range and taking down game in the feild. Have it mounted by a pro- well worth the $50 or so.
If you plan on useing you gun in tight spots- shots 100 yards or less then go with a Simmons or Bushnell 3X9. you will lose a lot of clarity but they will get the job done for alot less money, but once again you get what you pay for.

Stay away from Tasco optics- unless your mounting it on a BB gun.

Feel like buying American? Go for a Burris. Fullfeild II in a 4.5X14X42 $375 or so. Works great on my Remington 30/06. Holdsup to the kick that you get from a 165 grain bullet- which is most likely what you'll be shooting.

If your REALLY serious then buy a Leupold Mark 4 6.5X20X50
that'll run you about $850- I have one mounted on my Savage 308
but I can honestly tell you that I can't see much difference between it and my Nikons which I have on my Remington 7mm08...and my Sako 222... and my Savage 7mm Mag

I have a Bushnell on my 270, but it stays in in the gun cabinet because it's just not as fun to shoot with cheap optics.

Bang for your buck- go with a Nikon

Answer 4

How to Use a Rifle Scope
Scopes assist riflemen by allowing them to see more precisely at further distances. The power can range from 1.5x to 50x for conventional rifles. When placed on a rifle, it is often "bore sighted" from the gunsmith (or, if you mount it, it isn't sighted at all). When the gun first gets taken to the range, the rifle must be zeroed. Which means that at distance X the bullet will land exactly where the reticle is aimed (not counting for any wind or elevation changes). Standard combat rifles or varmint rifles are usually zeroed at 100 yards (we will assume, from now on, 100 yards is zero distance).

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Guangzhou Precision Optronics Technology Co.,Ltd.

Answer 5

Check out:

http://www.muelleroptics.com/

I have two of their scopes and absolutely love them. they make a great product, very comparable to scopes 1.5-2x their price range. Optics to me are as good or better than Bushnell and the others. If price is not a real matter, go with Leupold. They are great.

Answer 6

Simmons makes a decent, affordable rifle scope. So does Bushnell. Burris is a bit pricier but very good.

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Answer 7

Bushnell makes a pretty nice 3x9 scope that will do the job.I think for the price Leupold's Vari-X2 or X3 Gold ring with adjustable objective is the best.it adds extra 1/2 hour morning and1/2 hour evening time to your hunt.it really gathers light.

Answer 8

depends on how much you want to spend. i just bought a cabelas alaskan guide range finding scope for 329.00. cabelas pine ridge scopes are less expensive but very good quality.

Answer 9

i have a 3x9x40 leupold on my .308. i love it. if you can find them on sale, then you're looking at about $225. i found a sporting goods store that had everything 25% off, so i took them up on their offer. saved about $60. keep your eyes open for a good deal.