Post by: Atroxus on February 14, 2010, 12:01:55 PM
Bushnell Banner 4-12x40 Riflescope Multi-X Reticle Matte $85.75
http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=BH&prodID=BH714124&prodTitle=Bushnell (http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=BH&prodID=BH714124&prodTitle=Bushnell) Banner 4-12x40 Riflescope Multi-X Reticle Matte
Bushnell Legend 4-12x40 Riflescope Multi-X Reticle Matte $124.95
http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=BH&prodID=BH754124M&prodTitle=Bushnell (http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=BH&prodID=BH754124M&prodTitle=Bushnell) Legend 4-12x40 Riflescope Multi-X Reticle Matte
Simmons 4-12x44 ProHunter Riflescope Truplex Reticle Matte $89.95
http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=SN&prodID=SN511045&prodTitle=Simmons (http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=SN&prodID=SN511045&prodTitle=Simmons) 4-12x44 ProHunter Riflescope Truplex Reticle Matte
Simmons 4-12x40 ProHunter Riflescope Side Focus Truplex Reticle Matte $79.95
http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=SN&prodID=SN517716&prodTitle=Simmons (http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=SN&prodID=SN517716&prodTitle=Simmons) 4-12x40 ProHunter Riflescope Side Focus Truplex Reticle Matte
BSA Contender 4-16X40 Riflescope Side Parallax Mildot Reticle $109.86
http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=OS&prodID=OSMD416X40&prodTitle=BSA (http://www.natchezss.com/Optics.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=OS&prodID=OSMD416X40&prodTitle=BSA) Mil-Dot 4-16x40 Riflescope
Post by: Thenewguy on February 14, 2010, 12:04:48 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 14, 2010, 12:08:14 PM
Look here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Burris-Fullfield-II-3-9X40-Scope-BALLISTIC-PLEX-3x9x40_W0QQitemZ290402396668QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439d54e9fc (http://cgi.ebay.com/Burris-Fullfield-II-3-9X40-Scope-BALLISTIC-PLEX-3x9x40_W0QQitemZ290402396668QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439d54e9fc)
Post by: Atroxus on February 14, 2010, 12:08:40 PM
Post by: Huntbear on February 14, 2010, 12:09:45 PM
(http://www.Redfield.com)
You can get into one for about 2 bills. Same warranty as Leupold, too.
Post by: Atroxus on February 14, 2010, 12:16:00 PM
I am also confused as to why I would want a lower power scope? Granted starting out I don't plan on taking any long shots, but as I gain skill through practice I would like to have that option.
Post by: Huntbear on February 14, 2010, 12:21:21 PM
Post by: Thenewguy on February 14, 2010, 12:22:16 PM
Post by: Atroxus on February 14, 2010, 12:36:06 PM
Post by: jackelope on February 14, 2010, 12:44:02 PM
Deer present a lot bigger target than paper does at the range.
If you have $200 and don't mind a used scope I'd keep looking. You can probably find a Leupold VX1 for that money...
Those budget scopes you mentioned may have a hard time standing up to the recoil of your '06 over a period of time too...something to consider.
Post by: Deep Forks on February 14, 2010, 01:11:21 PM
I Sent You a Pm. :)
Post by: bobcat on February 14, 2010, 04:07:22 PM
You're better off buying better quality, and less magnification. A sharp, clear 3-9x is much better than a blurry 4-12x.
Vortex is a good option as has been mentioned, if you can find one at a low enough price. If not that Burris Fullfield 3-9x is a reallly good scope for only $160. I've got the same scope on my Weatherby 30-06.
Post by: AWS on February 14, 2010, 04:10:09 PM
The reason for lower power scope is for there larger FOV (Field of view) which equates to faster target aquisition. They are lighter in weight and can be mounted lower to the bore making for a a better cheek weld.
AWS
Post by: Intruder on February 15, 2010, 08:25:32 AM
- Weaver Classic V 3-9 x 40 for 169.99
- Vortex Diamondback 3-9 x 40 for 189.99
Of the ones you mentionend... the Legend is going to have the best glass. As others have said.... stick to the 3-9 and buy better glass. You'll get more bang for your buck.
Post by: Atroxus on February 15, 2010, 08:45:30 AM
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on February 15, 2010, 09:30:19 AM
Post by: Atroxus on February 15, 2010, 10:59:05 AM
Post by: jackelope on February 15, 2010, 11:12:24 AM
If you don't use it, then fine, but honestly another 15 bucks when you're spending almost 200 bucks is a drop in the bucket. You'll also get the 12x power.
Post by: bobcat on February 15, 2010, 11:16:04 AM
Post by: Atroxus on February 15, 2010, 11:18:30 AM
Post by: bobcat on February 15, 2010, 11:20:40 AM
Post by: Atroxus on February 15, 2010, 02:44:12 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 15, 2010, 05:13:23 PM
Post by: Intruder on February 16, 2010, 02:23:54 PM
Reticle choice is really personal. Lots of dudes luv the BDC stuff. I can take or leave em... wouldn't pay extra for 1 anyway.
Post by: bobcat on February 16, 2010, 03:06:26 PM
If all that's changing is the power and the reticle then opting for higher power option may be nice. If you have to drop down a level in glass quality to get the extra power, stick w/ the 3-9 w/ better glass.
:yeah:
I agree. I should have said that in my post. If the 4-12 is the same model as the 3-9 you're looking at, and is only $15 more, then fine. But if you're dropping down in quality to go with the higher power, then it's definitely not worth $15 more.
Post by: jackelope on February 16, 2010, 03:22:12 PM
Post by: Atroxus on February 16, 2010, 03:28:05 PM
If all that's changing is the power and the reticle then opting for higher power option may be nice. If you have to drop down a level in glass quality to get the extra power, stick w/ the 3-9 w/ better glass.
:yeah:
I agree. I should have said that in my post. If the 4-12 is the same model as the 3-9 you're looking at, and is only $15 more, then fine. But if you're dropping down in quality to go with the higher power, then it's definitely not worth $15 more.
Ya, based on the advise here and other forums I would have stayed with the 3-9 if the 4-12 had been lower quality brand/model. My choice was between vortex diamondback 3-9x standard reticle for $150, or vortex diamondback 4-12x with BDC reticle for $165(tax and shipping included), so I went with the upgrade. :)
I picked up my rifle today, and got the bases mounted. The scope shipped today so I am hoping to have it on the rifle within a week. :IBCOOL: I also picked up 2 boxes of federal vital-shok loaded with 180gr Nosler accubonds. Yeesh those are pricey. I figure 180gr should be enough to drop an elk, but not enough to demolish a deer too badly since I plan to use the same rifle for both.
Post by: jackelope on February 16, 2010, 03:29:36 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 16, 2010, 03:37:03 PM
The weight of a bullet isn't what will "demolish" a deer, it's more the velocity and the type of bullet. The heavier bullet will actually do less damage because the velocity will be lower. The heavier bullets are good to have for elk as they will penetrate farther. The Accubond is a good choice, they will work at a range of velocities, so performance should be good whether the animal is 10 yards, or 350 yards. The only real disadvantage to a 180 grain is the recoil. If you find that after shooting your new rifle, you are "afraid" to pull the trigger, you might consider going to a lighter bullet. With the Accubond, and other premium bullets, you will still get good results with bullets as light as 150 grains, even on elk.
Post by: Deep Forks on February 16, 2010, 04:45:15 PM
Atroxus, you'll like the scope, great choice. My son and I both own 4x12 diamondback's and can't believe the clarity of the glass, from low to high power it stays clear, sharp and has good color rendition. Have fun shooting and I'm hoping your first animal is in the near future. The meat will be the best part except coyote. :) :chuckle:
Post by: lamar_hunter on February 16, 2010, 05:10:53 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on February 16, 2010, 05:35:31 PM
Post by: Atroxus on February 16, 2010, 06:32:07 PM
Post by: bobcat on February 16, 2010, 06:49:21 PM
Post by: Atroxus on February 16, 2010, 06:58:07 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 16, 2010, 07:14:14 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on February 16, 2010, 08:01:39 PM
No need to worry about buying used Leupolds, as you can just send it to them if there's anything wrong with it and it will be either fixed or replaced with a new one.
Yup. I'm watching about 5 of them right now...
Post by: bowhunterforever on February 17, 2010, 01:44:59 AM
banner series have always worked good for me.:yeah: Me too, I have two of them.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on February 17, 2010, 07:48:09 AM
banner series have always worked good for me.:yeah: Me too, I have two of them.
I have had two Bushnell Banners. Both of them wore out after about two years and wouldn't hold a zero. That's when I finally sacked up and bought a Leupold. I liked the Bushnell when it was working, but got tired of replacing them.
Post by: jackelope on February 17, 2010, 07:56:12 AM
I have a banner but have never used it. I just mounted it on my 22-250. It seems to be ok but not great. Pathfinder, what rifle did you have yours mounted on that broke them?
Post by: hillbilli on February 17, 2010, 08:47:14 AM
Post by: bobcat on February 17, 2010, 09:10:53 AM
I can't see a dang thing through my Leupold Vari-x III right at the end of shooting time, let alone 10 minutes later. Those Banners must be a lot better than I thought.
(You do realize legal shooting time is 30 minutes after sunset) ???
Post by: jackelope on February 17, 2010, 09:15:43 AM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 17, 2010, 09:29:36 AM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on February 17, 2010, 10:13:50 AM
I would imagine that the inexpensive scopes like Banners work pretty fine on lower recoiling rifles. If you put a cheap scope on a .338, odds are it's gonna break.
I have a banner but have never used it. I just mounted it on my 22-250. It seems to be ok but not great. Pathfinder, what rifle did you have yours mounted on that broke them?
I had them on my .270s. First one was on my .270 Husquavarna, I kept having to readjust it. It would hold the zero for a few months, then I would have to resight. I sold the gun (with that scope and a warning that you may need a new scope soon). When I bought my Rem 700, I mounted a Bushnell Banner 6x12x50 on it (I always have been a slow learner) and it shot just fine until last summer. I had it dialed in when I shot it in June, then took it out in July and it wouldn't even hit paper. It's sitting on my shelf right now, replaced by a Leupold I could afford (VXI 4x12x40). Now I am in the process (slowly) of replacing my other scopes with Leupolds.
Post by: Atroxus on February 18, 2010, 01:36:09 PM
Post by: addicted on February 18, 2010, 01:39:19 PM
Post by: jackelope on February 18, 2010, 01:52:26 PM
Post by: jackelope on February 18, 2010, 01:59:10 PM
Post by: jackelope on February 18, 2010, 02:01:58 PM
http://swfa.com/Weaver-Detachable-Top-Mount-1-Rings-P10414.aspx (http://swfa.com/Weaver-Detachable-Top-Mount-1-Rings-P10414.aspx)
Post by: Atroxus on February 18, 2010, 02:17:17 PM
here's what you need:
http://swfa.com/Weaver-Detachable-Top-Mount-1-Rings-P10414.aspx (http://swfa.com/Weaver-Detachable-Top-Mount-1-Rings-P10414.aspx)
You sure I won't need the high height? Seemed odd to me that the magnification adjustment ring was resting on the rear base.
Post by: tony04 on February 18, 2010, 07:50:34 PM
also, i would like to add that i'm really glad that nobody chimed in to say "save your money for a leica or swarovski, blah, blah, blah." instead everyone stuck to his budget and offered their advice. :tup:
Post by: Atroxus on February 18, 2010, 07:54:14 PM
if you didnt ding the rings up too bad and have the packaging they might take it back.
also, i would like to add that i'm really glad that nobody chimed in to say "save your money for a leica or swarovski, blah, blah, blah." instead everyone stuck to his budget and offered their advice. :tup:
Rings not dinged at all, and I still have the original packaging so I will be taking them back. Jackelope offered to hook me up with some rings if he still has his spare set. If that works out I may exchange my wrong rings for some media for my tumbler, or some more ammo for the new rifle. :IBCOOL: Definitely some very nice people on this forum.
Post by: jackelope on February 18, 2010, 08:43:32 PM
It would likely cost you less to buy that one from SWFA than it would to drive 180 mile round trip in gas to exchange them. Just a thought I guess unless you just want to go to sportsmens. Maybe the one in Mt Vernon would take them back and swap you out. Is that closer?
I had the medium height rings on mine as was ok. I don't think you'll need the high's but maybe...I don't recall to say for sure. My rifle was a savage model 10 which should be the same as that Stevens.
Post by: Atroxus on February 19, 2010, 05:55:07 AM
Well I wish I could help but I can't seem to locate that offset ring. At the same time I can't remember what I did with it either. Sorry.
It would likely cost you less to buy that one from SWFA than it would to drive 180 mile round trip in gas to exchange them. Just a thought I guess unless you just want to go to sportsmens. Maybe the one in Mt Vernon would take them back and swap you out. Is that closer?
I had the medium height rings on mine as was ok. I don't think you'll need the high's but maybe...I don't recall to say for sure. My rifle was a savage model 10 which should be the same as that Stevens.
Ya, I called and was told I can return it at a closer store, as long as I have the receipt. So I will probably swing by there Sunday to exchange them. I'll be taking the rifle as well and have them mount the scope for me to make sure I get the right rings though.
Post by: Atroxus on February 20, 2010, 07:31:04 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg693.imageshack.us%2Fimg693%2F6962%2Fscopedstevens200.jpg&hash=cd782552cf103010e37c75519bcee27f47364774) (http://img693.imageshack.us/i/scopedstevens200.jpg/)
Post by: Pathfinder101 on February 20, 2010, 08:28:53 PM
Post by: Atroxus on February 20, 2010, 08:33:28 PM
Looks good! I see you are letting it sleep in the bed with you. That's OK to do it once or twice, but don't let it get used to sleeping with you, or it will be a hard habit to break. :chuckle: :chuckle:
My wife is a little miffed that I am making her sleep on the couch tonight to make room, but she'll get over it right? :devil:
Post by: Atroxus on February 22, 2010, 04:00:44 PM
The scope performed flawlessly. Great visual clarity and brightness. I am very happy with it's performance so far. Thanks again Elknut for the spectacular deal on it. :IBCOOL:
My performance was not so flawless. I am pretty sure I was flinching due to not being accustomed to the recoil. So after "dialing in" my scope at 100 yards; my best 4 shot group was still about 2 inches across. I think I am gonna have to invest in a limb saver and/or switch from 180gr bullets I have now to some 165gr or maybe even 150gr bullets. My shoulder already has the start of some good bruising. I expect it to be very purple by tomorrow.
Post by: jackelope on February 22, 2010, 04:11:23 PM
glad to hear you got out and got the gun shot...a 2" group is not too bad out of a brand new gun the first time you shoot it.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on February 22, 2010, 04:15:17 PM
a limbsaver pad or any other good pad is a given for me...they all get them
:yeah: Worth their weight in gold...
Post by: Intruder on February 23, 2010, 03:01:10 PM