Simmons AETEC or Pentax Pioneer?

[jds15151]

My normal scope is a Burris Fullfield II on most of my rifles. But at the moment I am putting together a "new" varmint/light game rifle and wanted to try something different. It will be in .25-06 or .243, and since I am bringing it on my deployment to Yakima I thought I would ask those of you familiar with hunting in Washington what you would recommend? Thanks

[bobcat]

I'd get the Pentax, just because I'm not familiar with the AETEC and I really don't trust any Simmons scope. The Pioneer is the same as the Burris Fullfield II, and I have one of those in a 3-9x40. So buy the Fullfield II or the Pioneer, whichever you can find the best price on. For a 3-9x you shouldn't have to pay more than $199.

[jackelope]

 

[bobcat]

Have you looked on eBay? I just checked and there's a great deal on a Pioneer in the 4.5-14x42mm, the same seller has two of them on there at $199.99. That's a "Buy it Now" price so you won't be bidding against anybody and shipping is free. Damn I'm tempted to buy one of them myself. If only I wasn't broke.  

Here's a link:


http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentax-Pioneer-Rifle-Scope-89620-Deer-Hunting-Varmint_W0QQitemZ110346789090QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b12e60e2

[Woodchuck]

i ahve always had good luck with simmons  

[jackelope]

some screamer deals on simmons aetec scopes here:
http://www.natchezss.com/specials.cfm?contentID=specials&spcGrp=2

swfa has that pioneer scope for $189.95, but the shipping's not free.
http://swfa.com/Pentax-45-14x42-Pioneer-II-Rifle-Scope-P40327.aspx

[jds15151]

Thanks for the responses. I am aware of all the usual places to get bargains on these scopes. I guess my question was more of a comparison of the scopes under normal hunting conditions in Washington. I have always been satisfied with the Burris F II, but was wondering if any of you had used the other two scopes and if the larger objective lenses performed better up there? Thanks again.

[Intruder]

the Pentax is a better scope. 

In the standard configs 3-9 or 3-10 w/ a 40 or 42 mm obj... some others worth looking at under 200:

-Sightron SI
-Vortex Diamondback (great warranty and good glass)
-Weaver Classic V (right now, gun to my head, I'd probably go w/ this for a scope under 200 for a med to low recoiling rifle.... although I strongly consider the Diamondback)

For a shade over 200:
-Buckmaster
-Elite 3200

[Mookie]

I know people who swear by the Aetec, even though they hate the rest of simmons. I think, THINK, it is the same scope as the Pentax Gameseaker, my memory could be fuzzy on that. I have no personal experience with these scopes, just going by what people I know say.

Another really nice scope to try is the Nikko Stirling Platinum Nighteater. I  had one, sold it with a rifle, great scope, super clear and never had any problems with it.

Check Ebay and Gunbroker for Leupold VX I, I got a new 4-12x40 for 225 shipped last year.

[Deep Forks]

  Take a look at the Vortex scopes they're excellent also Redfield now made by Leopold and the Weaver.  In my opinion if your shooting a hard recoiling rifle I'd go with the Vortex, my son has been shooting one for 3 yrs. on a 300 win mag. with no problems.  Good Luck   

[jackelope]

elknut1 is a vortex dealer on here and gives members good deals. check him out if you're interested in a vortex. the diamondback 4-12x40 is what i am running and am very satisfied with it.

[Deep Forks]

elknut1 is a vortex dealer on here and gives members good deals. check him out if you're interested in a vortex. the diamondback 4-12x40 is what i am running and am very satisfied with it.

That's the same scope my son has on the his 300 win. mag and it's good to know about elknut1.  I have been doing my vortex business with The Outdoorsman in Phoenix Az, now I have a choice.      

[carpsniperg2]

i would get the pentax over the simmions but i really don't like either one very much myself

[jackelope]

Forks-
Paul will give hunt-wa members a deal as far as i remember.
Don't hold me to that but I do believe thats the case. I also have mine on a 300 wm

[ecnclan]

I've had an Aetec on my swede for a number of years and it has been a good scope.  It's been banged around and hunted in all conditions with no problems.  Pentax scopes aren't bad, quality for the money.  I would say whatever you find the better deal on between the two.