Some of the most widely repeated advice regarding rifle scope buying is to spend as much or more money on the scope as you did on the rifle you wish to put it on. I can’t say I agree that that is always necessary, but I do appreciate and agree with the underlying message; don’t cheap out on your scope!
A bad scope can make an excellent rifle nearly useless while a quality one will allow you to get the most out of whatever rifle it sits on. When you look at today’s flourishing optics market, the temptation to buy a lower cost scope is stronger than ever with many imported optics promising all the features of scopes costing ten times as much.
This begs a very important question; namely, what is it that high-end scopes offer that cheaper alternatives don’t? To help answer this question I hit the range with three different tactical riflescopes and conducted a head-to-head evaluation.
The Contenders
The most expensive of the three scopes was the Nightforce NXS 2.5-10x42mm. This scope features mil turrets, digital reticle illumination, a unique “zero-stop” mechanism, and an advanced proprietary reticle design called the Mil-R reticle. It carries an MSRP of $2000.
Next up we have the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T 3.5-10x40mm. It shares many of the same features as the Nightforce NXS such as an illuminated proprietary mil reticle and parallax adjustment, but adjustments on the Leupold are made using special turrets with markings that match the drop of 168 grain .308 rounds. The MSRP for this particular model is $1689.99.
Lastly, we have our budget scope, a Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40mm. As you might expect, this scope lacks some of the features found on the other two scopes. It does not have an illuminated reticle or a parallax adjustment knob. It is fixed at 10x magnification and uses a basic mildot reticle. The Bushnell 3200 Elite has recently been discontinued, but they can still be found for around $200.
Out of the Box Impressions
After getting all the scopes together I carefully looked each one over in order to see how the three optics differed from one another in terms of parts fit and finish as well as overall scope construction. It’s important to understand that tighter tolerances and better materials mean increased manufacturing cost and that the inclusion of unique features means that the manufacturer has likely spent a significant amount of money on research and development as well.
Unsurprisingly, the Nightforce led the pack in this department, as it should given its higher price tag. The NXS’s mil turrets adjusted easily and securely with very solid mechanical clicks that could be felt even with gloved hands. The markings on both the windage and elevation knobs also lined up perfectly with the index point on the scope body, meaning that there was no question as to how many clicks of adjustment were made.
All moving parts of the scope were well-machined to provide a textured gripping surface, and the scope sported a very durable matte finish. The NXS also sported more features overall, such as red and green push-button illumination seamlessly incorporated into the parallax knob and the proprietary Mil-R reticle and Zero-Stop mechanism.
In second place was the Leupold Mark 4 LR/T. Leupold optics have an excellent reputation for durability and clarity which I can personally attest to, having used some of their products on missions in Afghanistan. However, in this case I was a bit underwhelmed with the fit and function of the elevation and windage turrets. The adjustment clicks were less positive than on the NXS and overall the turret rotation felt a little mushy.
The index mark on the scope body also didn’t quite line up with the markings on the scope turrets. This wasn’t so bad that accurate adjustments weren’t possible, but it’s a little obnoxious for a scope costing this much. The LR/T made up for this somewhat with a great finish, clear markings, a well-designed reticle, and reticle illumination with more brightness settings than offered on the NXS.
In last place was the Japanese-import Bushnell 3200, which really never had a chance of competing with the other two optics in the first place. Unlike the other two scopes it is unable to adjust over a range of magnifications or to correct for parallax at distances other than 100 yards. The green-on-black markings were more difficult to read and the scope is overall very plain in appearance as well as reticle layout.
The finish appears thinner and more reflective than that of the other scopes. Surprisingly, the elevation and windage adjustment clicks were more positive than those on the Leupold LR/T and overall the Bushnell’s turrets felt much less mushy, though it did have a substantial offset between the turret markings and the index line on the scope body.
Range Performance
The main factors I was concerned with in terms of scope performance were optical clarity and adjustment accuracy. A good optic should present the brightest and clearest target image possible and also make accurate and consistent adjustments to the reticle. All three scopes were used on the same rifle for their evaluation on the range which consisted of observing and engaging a 12” steel plate at 500 yards to gauge image clarity, as well as a “box drill” to evaluate the accuracy and consistency of elevation and windage adjustments.
The Nightforce NXS and Leupold Mark 4 LR/T came out pretty evenly in terms of clarity. The superb glass used in both scopes made for much greater light transmission that was possible with the Bushnell 3200. My 12” target was clearly visible and defined even under heavy cloud cover which diminished the amount of ambient light. The difference in image clarity between the high-end scopes and the Bushnell actually made it seem like I had a bit more magnification on the NXS and LR/T than I did with the Bushnell.
This isn’t to say that the Bushnell was useless, far from it in fact. While the colors weren’t as bright and the edges of objects weren’t as crisp, I was still able to Identify and engage my target consistently with the budget scope. I could envision difficulties arising at longer ranges or different lighting conditions but in all honesty the Bushnell worked okay.
What really surprised me while shooting the three scopes is that in terms of adjustment accuracy and repeatability it was a wash between all three optics. That’s right, there was no discernable difference between the $200 Bushnell and the $2,000 Nighforce in my test. At 100 yards all three scopes produced windage and elevation shifts on paper that were consistent with the impact shift predicted by the adjustment turrets. Furthermore, all three scopes returned right back to zero after being adjusted to the limits of their elevation and windage range.
The Final Verdict
It’s pretty clear that higher end scopes like the Nightforce NXS and Leupold Mark 4 LR/T are better optics than the much lower-priced imported scopes like the Bushnell 3200, but the question many shooters have is whether the increases in flexibility, clarity, and perhaps durability are really worth the extra money. While I can’t give an objective answer to that, I can say that while the premium scopes offer premium performance, it would seem that you don’t have to empty your bank account to have a perfectly functional optic.
When I first read the title of this article, I expected to see some scopes under 200 bucks versus scopes around the 800 and up. All these are premium scopes on my budget! These aren't for everyday sportsman and hunters in my opinion and I'm sure a lot of people will agree. Nice article either way!
Thats a big jump from $2000 to 200, it was no contest from the start. Should have put in a couple 5 or 6 hundred dollar zeiss or nikon. Js.
I think I've still got the scope off an old Crosman BB gun, might be in your price range.
Jason Lee, I'm sure most of the hunting community fall into the "blue collar" status. Not all of us have a household income over 100k. I was just stating a fact that most shooters and hunters would prefer to read a review on scopes they can afford instead of scopes that cost as much as some of their work vehicles. If you need a location to put that bb scope let me know I'm sure I can tell you where to stick it…….
I agree with the previous posters that while the article is well written the content is severely lacking. 2 $1500+ variable scopes versus 1 $200 fixed scope. I would not consider a fixed 10x scope to be a "tactical riflescope". If the Nightforce and Leupold were placed against a Vortex, Bushnell, and Primary Arms I think the article would have been more balanced and a more informative read.
I agree. I own a few Vortex and for the money they are hard to beat.
I own a USO, vortex and trijicon. And honestly, i like my $1000 vortex over my $3200 uso and $1800 trijicon!
$300 Mossberg, $190 Nikon. Number of one shot dead deer- 6. M4 carbine- iron sights and can hit 24" steel target consistently at 300m. If I owned a high dollar custom long range rifle I would have either Zeiss or Steiner high dollar scope but, until I can afford a Barrett, economy is my game.
a fixed 10x is a staple tactical scope JFYI
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2014/09/19/tactical-scopes-field-test-results-summary/
Yeah, the result could easily be predicted with that spread. The article would have been much more worth the time to read with scopes in the $500-$800 range in the mix
I too, expected to see comparisons between $30 and $300. I will never spend used car money on optics. Maybe I'm on the low budget end of your readership, but I think there are fewer readers willing to spend 2k on a scope. And like you said, on target with each of them.
You can't beat the precision and toughness of a Nightforce! Maybe not for your everyday hunter but for long range it's hard to beat I have 2 of them!
When I first read the title of this article, I expected to see some scopes under 200 bucks versus scopes around the 800 and up. All these are premium scopes on my budget! These aren’t for everyday sportsman and hunters in my opinion and I’m sure a lot of people will agree. Nice article either way!
I think I’ve still got the scope off an old Crosman BB gun, might be in your price range.
Jason Lee, I’m sure most of the hunting community fall into the “blue collar” status. Not all of us have a household income over 100k. I was just stating a fact that most shooters and hunters would prefer to read a review on scopes they can afford instead of scopes that cost as much as some of their work vehicles. If you need a location to put that bb scope let me know I’m sure I can tell you where to stick it…….
Jason Kirk , I ain’t pulling down no 6 figure salary, either. And, personally, I was hoping to read a review of more affordable scopes, too (as did many other posters). Perhaps a comparison of several $200ish against one or two big name high dollar jobs. That said, below a certain price point, you’re just comparing one turd to another. I’m not saying you gotta pay through the nose for fancy stuff, but you gotta pay to play, bro. And my basic point stands — below a certain price point, there just isn’t anything to talk about. And if a $200 scope is “premium,” to you, you don’t need to be buying a scope at all, you need a second job.
In a way, I wasn’t even kidding — from the scopes I’ve looked at that were priced less than $200, they weren’t much better than what comes on a BB gun. Unless there are hidden gems out there that I’m just totally unaware of (and wouldn’t THIS be an article worth reading!) there just isn’t really anything worth a damn that costs much less than 200 bucks.
Thats a big jump from $2000 to 200, it was no contest from the start. Should have put in a couple 5 or 6 hundred dollar zeiss or nikon. Js.
Yeah, the result could easily be predicted with that spread. The article would have been much more worth the time to read with scopes in the $500-$800 range in the mix
I agree with the previous posters that while the article is well written the content is severely lacking. 2 $1500+ variable scopes versus 1 $200 fixed scope. I would not consider a fixed 10x scope to be a “tactical riflescope”. If the Nightforce and Leupold were placed against a Vortex, Bushnell, and Primary Arms I think the article would have been more balanced and a more informative read.
I agree. I own a few Vortex and for the money they are hard to beat.
a fixed 10x is a staple tactical scope JFYI
I owned a Vortex and had to send it back due to it wouldn’t hold zero. They did acknowledge this and replaced it at no charge . The turn around was only 1 week but that scope was never mounted on my 308 AR and sold. I also had to send a Nikon back to the factory this year due to the POI varied when changing the power setting from 2X to 7X by 8″. That turnaround was close to 2 months and the “new” scope was repaired and not replaced. I now have a Leupold on that CVA Accura muzzle loader and it is a tack driver at any power. Anyone want to buy a factory refurbished Nikon? ;-]
Thr military uses 10x fixed for “tactical” shit, so.. I guess you’re off.
I own a USO, vortex and trijicon. And honestly, i like my $1000 vortex over my $3200 uso and $1800 trijicon!
$300 Mossberg, $190 Nikon. Number of one shot dead deer- 6. M4 carbine- iron sights and can hit 24″ steel target consistently at 300m. If I owned a high dollar custom long range rifle I would have either Zeiss or Steiner high dollar scope but, until I can afford a Barrett, economy is my game.
http://precisionrifleblog.com/2014/09/19/tactical-scopes-field-test-results-summary/
Extreme;y Helpful Article//results did not surprise me
I too, expected to see comparisons between $30 and $300. I will never spend used car money on optics. Maybe I’m on the low budget end of your readership, but I think there are fewer readers willing to spend 2k on a scope. And like you said, on target with each of them.
$30 will get you a throwaway, but there are plenty of decent scopes for under $300.
Check out weaver V series – japanese
redfield revolution – made in USA
burris fullfield II – phillipines
everything in these particular lines should be great for hunting, range use, whatever you want to do, and most if not all carry lifetime warranties. I have too many rifles to be into expensive glass so I have found these lines and they work great. Primary arms stuff can be solid too. There is plenty of awful terrible crap in these price ranges as well, but that doesn’t mean everything should be discounted.
You can’t beat the precision and toughness of a Nightforce! Maybe not for your everyday hunter but for long range it’s hard to beat I have 2 of them!
We're glad you liked the article Jason! Our intention was to really stack the odds against ts the cheaper but it really did end up surprising us for the better. That said, there has been a calling for mid-range optics reviews and that will not be ignored.
We appreciate your feedback Jason, and while for this article we did try for a wide range of optical quality we also understand the desire for a "closer race" so to speak. We will certainly take that into account!
The information I gleaned from this is, I apparently can't afford a "High End" scope.
Extremey Helpful Article//results did not surprise me
I owned a Vortex and had to send it back due to it wouldn't hold zero. They did acknowledge this and replaced it at no charge . The turn around was only 1 week but that scope was never mounted on my 308 AR and sold. I also had to send a Nikon back to the factory this year due to the POI varied when changing the power setting from 2X to 7X by 8". That turnaround was close to 2 months and the "new" scope was repaired and not replaced. I now have a Leupold on that CVA Accura muzzle loader and it is a tack driver at any power. Anyone want to buy a factory refurbished Nikon? ;-]
I like the NF optics, but for the money, you can't go wrong with Vortex Optics and their no questions asked VIP warranty. They are a quality optic for sure
I would have liked to have seen a vortex scope in the line-up instead of the bushnell.
I am truly disappointed in this article, I was so hoping that it would compare optics that a working class individual could afford. Not saying that I can not afford these premium scopes, it's just that i might want to get laid in this decade ahead.Just saying!!
Tasco has been in the game for along time, I have 2 and they have never let me down
Most cheap scopes will fail a "cats" test. You get what you pay for. But cheap and you'll be buying it again
The information I gleaned from this is, I apparently can’t afford a “High End” scope.
I like the NF optics, but for the money, you can’t go wrong with Vortex Optics and their no questions asked VIP warranty. They are a quality optic for sure
I would have liked to have seen a vortex scope in the line-up instead of the bushnell.
I am truly disappointed in this article, I was so hoping that it would compare optics that a working class individual could afford. Not saying that I can not afford these premium scopes, it’s just that i might want to get laid in this decade ahead.Just saying!!
Tasco has been in the game for along time, I have 2 and they have never let me down
Most cheap scopes will fail a “cats” test. You get what you pay for. But cheap and you’ll be buying it again
Better comparison for the low end is the $400 konus konuspro m80 with mildot and illuminated reticle. …far closer comparison and still shows a +$2000 scope is not the only option for precise shooting
I have 2smitt benders and a zisse mad until I looked though then in the field I did not know what I had been missing,high end glass will make difficult shot much more doable at 500 yd plus so save your money till you can by the best if your life is worth it!
Jason Kirk , I ain't pulling down no 6 figure salary, either. And, personally, I was hoping to read a review of more affordable scopes, too (as did many other posters). Perhaps a comparison of several $200ish against one or two big name high dollar jobs. That said, below a certain price point, you're just comparing one turd to another. I'm not saying you gotta pay through the nose for fancy stuff, but you gotta pay to play, bro. And my basic point stands — below a certain price point, there just isn't anything to talk about. And if a $200 scope is "premium," to you, you don't need to be buying a scope at all, you need a second job.
In a way, I wasn't even kidding — from the scopes I've looked at that were priced less than $200, they weren't much better than what comes on a BB gun. Unless there are hidden gems out there that I'm just totally unaware of (and wouldn't THIS be an article worth reading!) there just isn't really anything worth a damn that costs much less than 200 bucks.
Well I just read this and was wondering why there was not one word about the vortex scopes I have the vortex viper Pts 6-24 x 50 FFP that I have shot it out to 1425 yards and planing on taking it out to a mile and I would call it a budget scope for the price under $1000
Didn't find this article particularly helpful. Some middle of the road scopes int he $4-500 range, some cheapies and some high end would be much better. Clarity is some what subjective depending on your eye sight. And why use a fixed power that has been discontinued vs 2 still available variable powers?
A SCOPE IS A SCOPE. YOU NEED THE RIGHT SCOPE FOR THE TYPE OF HUNTING OR SNIPING . I PREFER A SCOPE WITH THE ADJUSTMENTS ON THE OUTSIDE,NOT UNDER A SCREW ON CAP. IF YOUR INTO BIG GAME HUNTING THEN GO OUT AND WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A $2K SCOPE. I GOT A BUSHNEL SCOPE FOR MY SAIGA AND IT HAS THE OUTSIDE DIALS. IT WORKS AND THE OPTICS ARE JUST AS GOOD AS A$2K. I PAYED $199.00.
I think I would have enjoyed a review between the NF, Leupold and a $500 -$600 scope as that would a more interesting comparison more likely to be of consideration to the average shooter.
Yet if you use the Bushnell Elite Tactical it would perform better than the other two.
Better comparison for the low end is the $400 konus konuspro m80 with mildot and illuminated reticle. …far closer comparison and still shows a +$2000 scope is not the only option for precise shooting
I have 2smitt benders and a zisse mad until I looked though then in the field I did not know what I had been missing,high end glass will make difficult shot much more doable at 500 yd plus so save your money till you can by the best if your life is worth it!
Now gobget a $39 simmons and try it againdt the $200 bushnell.
Well I just read this and was wondering why there was not one word about the vortex scopes I have the vortex viper Pts 6-24 x 50 FFP that I have shot it out to 1425 yards and planing on taking it out to a mile and I would call it a budget scope for the price under $1000
Didn’t find this article particularly helpful. Some middle of the road scopes int he $4-500 range, some cheapies and some high end would be much better. Clarity is some what subjective depending on your eye sight. And why use a fixed power that has been discontinued vs 2 still available variable powers?
A SCOPE IS A SCOPE. YOU NEED THE RIGHT SCOPE FOR THE TYPE OF HUNTING OR SNIPING . I PREFER A SCOPE WITH THE ADJUSTMENTS ON THE OUTSIDE,NOT UNDER A SCREW ON CAP. IF YOUR INTO BIG GAME HUNTING THEN GO OUT AND WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A $2K SCOPE. I GOT A BUSHNEL SCOPE FOR MY SAIGA AND IT HAS THE OUTSIDE DIALS. IT WORKS AND THE OPTICS ARE JUST AS GOOD AS A$2K. I PAYED $199.00.
I think I would have enjoyed a review between the NF, Leupold and a $500 -$600 scope as that would a more interesting comparison more likely to be of consideration to the average shooter.
Yet if you use the Bushnell Elite Tactical it would perform better than the other two.
Now gobget a $39 simmons and try it againdt the $200 bushnell.
Very good I recently bought a ruger 762 and have been looking
This is the dumbest article I've read in a while.
Realy uninteressting Article! Comparing a 200$ to 2000$ Scopes has no value at all. What you expect from a 200 bucks tube? Make a test of a 500,1000 and 2000$ Scope. Thats more reallife orianted IMO. And pleace dont mix variable with fixed scopes.
Bs article.
Very good I recently bought a ruger 762 and have been looking
Final verdict: buy a Busnell, save the rest of your money for more guns & ammo.
Cant believe they used a piece of crap Nikon mount for this test .Anything but Nikon !
This is the dumbest article I’ve read in a while.
Nikon. Great budget optics from a company that knows a thing or two about lenses.
Realy uninteressting Article! Comparing a 200$ to 2000$ Scopes has no value at all. What you expect from a 200 bucks tube? Make a test of a 500,1000 and 2000$ Scope. Thats more reallife orianted IMO. And pleace dont mix variable with fixed scopes.
I don’t even own one, so I’m not defending my own choices; but those 3200’s are a great deal and are plenty Capable. Ive used them. I would recommend that scope to anyone who isn’t trying to spend much. Ypu can spend more and get worse.
Bs article.
Final verdict: buy a Busnell, save the rest of your money for more guns & ammo.
Cant believe they used a piece of crap Nikon mount for this test .Anything but Nikon !
BSA, Barska, AIM Sports ?
as usual you get what you pay for – I wouldn't trade my Nightforce scopes for anything else – that said you can do pretty well with lower price glass – just not cheapies – they will drive you nuts
Nikon. Great budget optics from a company that knows a thing or two about lenses.
Yeh, we all need a tactical scope for our tactical rifle. You never know when you're gunna need to kill shit.
The comments focusing on costs are misleading, the essence of the article rest in the descriptions of what and how to compare the differences of any price range of scopes. Nice work Mr. Eggimann.
BSA, Barska, AIM Sports ?
BSA: only really good scope they have is the 4-14X44 (which is a rebrand, and sold by several other scope makers for about the same price). I know this after using many BSA scopes.
Barska: the Benchrest is really their only good line, and it’s fairly solid (I have one on a .22-250 and’ it’s quite good at hitting very small targets at 100+ yards).
AIM sports: I have never seen a scope from them that wasn’t complete crap.
as usual you get what you pay for – I wouldn’t trade my Nightforce scopes for anything else – that said you can do pretty well with lower price glass – just not cheapies – they will drive you nuts
I got a cheap scope, CP and am happy with it, but I cant afford more, so being happy is a must doesn’t do any good to want more if it’s not in your income range.
Yeh, we all need a tactical scope for our tactical rifle. You never know when you’re gunna need to kill shit.
The comments focusing on costs are misleading, the essence of the article rest in the descriptions of what and how to compare the differences of any price range of scopes. Nice work Mr. Eggimann.
Great article, my personal preferences lean to the higher end optics because I was a scout sniper and the qualities those scopes offer is something I appreciate when setting up and taking a long shot. When hunting or target shooting, it is true that the lower end scopes are adequate and in some cases desirable for taking a quick shot on target. My short range rifles have such scopes, my long range rifles (800-1500 m) sport the optics needed for what they are used for. I have friends that put high end high power scopes on everything they own. It is rather silly to put a high power variable scope on a squirrel rifle or even something you will use for in the woods deer hunting, where the long shot will be under 150 yards.
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I don't think the article is comparing the average joes scope to the slightly above average joes scope. They took a couple scopes that are unaffordable or whatever for many people (high end) and compared it to an economically relevant scope. .. and then stated the cheap ones are fine. If u want to compare cheap to cheaper, google is your friend. It's already been done 8675309 times
Maybe I’m mistaken, but I don’t think the article is comparing the average joes scope to the slightly above average joes scope. They took a couple scopes that are unaffordable or whatever for many people (high end) and compared it to an economically relevant scope. .. and then stated the cheap ones are fine. If u want to compare cheap to cheaper, google is your friend. It’s already been done 8675309 times
What does Jenny have to do with this?
If you keep your eyes open you can find higher end scopes discounted and new for a good price
If you keep your eyes open you can find higher end scopes discounted and new for a good price
Have to agree with Jason Kirk! If you got paid to publish this go back and earn your money, compare five scopes starting at the 400, then let's say 600 to 700, get the point, really Did not gain any knowledge from this information given sorry.
Have to agree with Jason Kirk! If you got paid to publish this go back and earn your money, compare five scopes starting at the 400, then let’s say 600 to 700, get the point, really Did not gain any knowledge from this information given sorry.
Would like to see a comparison of scopes from 200 to 1000. or a place where I can read ratings on scopes like a consumer report article.
Would like to see a comparison of scopes from 200 to 1000. or a place where I can read ratings on scopes like a consumer report article.
This was an awesome article. Unfortunately, half of the people reading it do not understand life. The article showed that you don’t have to spend a thousand dollars to get the job done. It wasn’t to compare scopes for people to buy. I hope you guys don’t use this same mentality with protecting your family or looking for jobs.
Come on man you got be flinging the stuff from the south end of a north bound bull, right. A 200.00 scope fixed power at that, against the NSX and The Leupold Mark IV. I don’t know how much Night Force and Leupold is paying you but, they didn’t get their moneys worth. What a worthless waste of band width. You must be an MIT grad and think we are stupid, right.
Fixed power is used in many military optics because of its’ simplicity. When shooting for groups or long range most people will just dial to the max anyway. And most serious shooters know bushnell 3200’s are respectable scopes. By keeping them simple they are able to make them decent. If they were adjustable mag range, they would have to skimp out somewhere else to sell em at that prIce.
Here are a few more in that proce range that are very capable optics:
-Weaver v3 1-3×20 – great lightweight close/med range scope.
-redfield revolution 2-7 & 3-9
and for red dots:
-primary arms micro dot
-primary arms advanced micro dot
All these are are proven, good products regardless of their reasonable prices.
Ridiculous. Comparing $1500-2000 dollar scopes to a $200 dollar model and declaring the $200 model unable to deliver the goods, is like comparing a Lamborgini to Falcon. Gee, wonder which will outperform the other…
The Bushnell Elite 3200 10×40 is the same model that Barret used on its single shot .50 bmg package . What does that mean? It’s tough enough for .50 bmg and below which is what most will use it on.
If you never plan to shoot out past a 100 yards I recommend that you get a paper towel roll and some suranwrap (sp) and a sharpy. If you are looking for a 500 yards + shot spend some money. Vortex makes great glass in the $750 – $1000 range.
I’m starting to think that most shooters have become spoiled in their selection of firearms and components. Gucci guns are fine but the guy in a third world army can make the substandard perform in an above average way….and yes I’m referring to optics and firearms with crappy accessories. You think I’m full of it? The next time you’re at the range see if you catch yourself checking out the other guys rifles. What do you think when you see someone with an ncstar or a barska? I’ve had people cast luging eyes on my rifle and me for mounting vortex scopes. Truth be told, the fact that I can’t afford a Leopold doesn’t mean that I can’t outshot you….simply means that I can’t afford a Leopold.
Or spell apparently…. Sorry abou the typos
I have a $99 marcool 4-16-50 scope and can cut a playing card in half on edge at 50 yrds. It also groups a 50 c piece at 200 yrds.
Best scope i have used yet. Shooting with a 5:56 with my reloaded 55 gr. heads with 23.5 gr 844 military pulled powder. ( like hodgson 335).
It just shows you you can shoot well with a cheap scope.
Walter lenartowicz
You dont need buy expensive rifle scope.I recommend Nikon 223. I Bought this scope this week and I cant say enough about how great it is!!! Once we got it dialed in, my Rock River LAR-15 was shooting consistent groups at 100 yards. Scope is well constructed as is other Nikon optics. Scope mounts i bought were the P-223 mounts and they mounted to my mil std rail with no issues. Deffinately recommend this optic for a shooter who is looking for a great scope at an affordable price!!! I found great reviews on http://www.progunowner.com/ . It was around 200 dolars.
Not everyone can afford a Night-force, I’d love to have an expensive scope, BUT this old man who lives to punch paper cannot afford one. I have a 243 Savage with a cheap walmart center-point $69 that works perfect for me. I get laughed at sure, but that $69 was a lot of money for me, and ammo is expensive. I have to stock-up every month so I can shoot every six months. If I were young and had a good paying job, or retired with a good retirement , yes I would buy expensive, but that is not an option.
Yes but I’d still depend on a Simmons 3-9/50mm to get the job done been using for yrs no problems
Good article. for me, having one really good scope, and several less expencive works. I have found that if i intend to sight in at 200yds , i am dead on at 50yds, an inch and a half high at 100yds, and 6 inches low at 300yds. That works most of the time for hunting. if i need more performance then that, i have to spend the extra money for a better scope and a better rifle.
Simmons isn’t a bad scope either had several without any real issues used for 20 yrs got more money in my pocket for them Simmons 3-9-50 all u need for big game small game gets a 3-9-32 Simmons great rifle scopes with good warranty
I have a Simmons pro sport 3-9-50 because it’s all all I really can afford never had a real problem with the cheaper scopes on my guns
I’ve shot Simmons rifle scopes for number of yrs from 3006 to 308 & .22s I have found nothing wrong with them for deer hunting during daylight hours their price is great for a descent rifle scope
A Simmons rifle scope will do all it was bought for like shooting pigs & whitetail deer
I went from Simmons rifle scopes to Nikon Buckmasters hope to get better service from them than the Simmons brand gave me for 20plus yrs
Nikon Buckmasters new and used great scopes for deer hunting
Do you guys think Nikon is a great choice on hunting scopes
These fresh-out-the-box scope reviews are nice but they never shoot them for a year in the field or 1000+ rounds of recoil for real life, long term durability. I realize that costs a ton of money and time. None the less, I’ve owned and own some cheap $200-$350 scopes. They start strong and then go to hell after shooting them a bunch. Anywhere from 400-500 rounds in my .308 , 1500 rounds in .223, ect.
Anyway, just venting as I had my cheapy Vortex Crossfire ii fail miserably on a coyote /pd trip recently. Started strong but went to hell with use. Frustrating,expensive and a long way from home. Great customer service doesn’t help much when you get gear failure in a remote place.