huntinsonovagun Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Man, I'm pumped about getting this rifle. I've been looking at scopes here lately. Several months ago, I had my heart set on a Burris Fullfield II 3x9-40. My buddy has since tried talking me into a CHEAPER scope, which completely blew me away!! I would've expected the opposite!! He's told me to check out some BSA's, Tasco's, Simmons, etc... I feel like I'm cutting myself short if I go with a BSA, as well as the Tasco (even with their 'upper-end' scopes). I'm somewhat impressed with what I've seen in the Simmons Aetec, and did some searching on this site. Found mixed opinions on it, but what topic doesn't? The one thing that makes me lean towards the Aetec over the Fullfield II, is the power. 3.8x12-44 on the Aetec, and 3x9-40 on the Fullfield. The $80 price difference helps too! Now....speak your minds on any of the above. I like to take all into consideration. Oh yeah....what do you think about illuminated reticles?? One Aetec I'm looking at (Natchez's) has the illuminated reticle. I've never used, or even looked through, a scope with an illuminated reticle. Is it really better in low light? Is it any worse than a standard reticle in ANY conditions? (any downfall of an illuminated reticle?) One more....scope rings. What do you recommend? And if you could, explain why you have the opinion you do. I like credibility, plus I hope to learn a thing or 2. Thanks fellas... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDubWSR Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... I am a big fan of burris scopes. they have a forever waranty, all metal construction, and fully multi coated glass. I have the 3-9X40 fullfield II on my .17HMR and i love it. The ballistic plex is also a great option you can get in the fullfield II, and it pulls enough light that you wouldnt ever need an illuminated reticle. With the .223 shooting a 55 grain bullet at 3240 fps you can sight your main crosshair in at 100 yards, the second will be 200, the third will be 300, the fourth 400 and the 5th 500. Plus you can get a decent pair of bino's with that scope for $209. i cant give you any input on the simmons b/c i havent ever used one, but i wish i could help ya there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted December 7, 2005 Report Share Posted December 7, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... I've got Nikon Pro staf scopes on 2 of my guns. For $150 I don't think you could find a better scope. Optics are very clear, light penetration is excellent, and have held zero very well. I would suggest leupold rings or a new one that I have on two of my guns called the "quatro" I think, and it's made by weaver. If I were going to spend more than $150, I would get a better Nikon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... I commented on another thread about my fondness of the Simmons Atec scopes. My son has two and I have one at present. We have had great luck with all of them. Excellent in low light conditions, Very little fogging, seem to stay zeroed and focused,The new Master series from Simmons promises to be even better. They, as far as I know haven't been realeased yet,although I have read about it in one magazine already. I have several scopes with illuminated reticles. Frankly, I have never used the light in the field. More of a gimmick than practicle use. Do know someone who tried to use the light when the light was on the brightest setting. Darned near blinded him for awhile. I have a lot of faith in the Weaver 4x4 scope rings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntinsonovagun Posted December 9, 2005 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... OK....time to show my ignorance..... The illuminated reticle...it's battery powered right?? Not just a glowing reticle? Can you use it without having it on? Is it black then, or colored? Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ousoonerfan22 Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... I also suggest the nikon pro staff scopes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTbowman Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... First these are JMOs.. I would try and buy a scope to at least be 3/4 of the price of your gun, if not more. No sense in spending $500 to $600 on a nice rifle and $100 on the scope. A gun can kill an animal without a scope but if you use optics, it pays to not go cheap. You get what you pay for in any brand if you do not skimp. With that said, I would go with a Burris, Pentax, Leupold, or equivilant scopes. Key word there was "I". You may choose whatever you like and fits your budget. I have had only 1 Simmons scope on a 30.06 and it was crap. I lost the ability to dial in the vertical cross hair. I would not put that scope on a .22 now. It was a long time ago and I never used them again. I am sure they make better then what I had but I never went back to them. As for the lighted reticle. I see the need for that as much as I do for a lighted sight pin on a bow. If its dark enough to need a lighted sight then its to dark to shoot. This can go for scopes too. Plus in my experience with them, they can lessen the view of what your trying ti shoot at by being brighter then your target. Again JMO but I feel the extra cost is not worth it. For rings a bases, go with something with quality hardware. Multiple screws on both sides of the ring caps too. Like anything else all brand name have cheap and good and somewhere inbetween, just dont go cheap. All to often I have seen guys buy a great gun and very good scope and put $20 rings and bases on then and had "scope" issues. Its not the scope I assured them. The rings could not do the job and loosen often. They were continuously trying to sight in there guns. JMOs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... I have used the Simmons and Tasco's before, and they are alright but are NOT the quality of the Leupolds or Nikons or Bushnells. I am putting a Nikon Buckmaster 4-5x14 on my 25-06 Encore barrel. It will cost me around $280 for the scope, and I use Leupold rings and bases for all my guns. I know what to expect from experience using that set-up. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper Posted December 9, 2005 Report Share Posted December 9, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... I personally won't spend the money on any Simmons, Tasco or Bushnell scopes...not that they are bad or junk. I've had all three and all served their purpose at the time. I use Leupold or Burris bases and rings. I have at 3 Nikon scopes, two Leupolds and a Burris (among a few others)...for the money, I feel its hard to beat a Nikon. Just my opinion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washi Posted December 10, 2005 Report Share Posted December 10, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... No more Tasco for me, EVER. I now own a Simmons Aetec and I really like it but would not buy the low end Simmons. I recently bought a Bushnell for my daughters rifle and it looks to be a pretty good purchase too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted December 10, 2005 Report Share Posted December 10, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... Huntin'sonovagun... The iluminated reticle is often battery powered. The reticle is seen normally when the scope is turned off. When it is turned on the crosshairs are lit up. Generally there is a dial which can be turned to increase or decrease brightness. There are some scopes out now which glow after being exposed to light much like alot of watches do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSU_Seminole Posted December 11, 2005 Report Share Posted December 11, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... [ QUOTE ] Man, I'm pumped about getting this rifle. I've been looking at scopes here lately. Several months ago, I had my heart set on a Burris Fullfield II 3x9-40. My buddy has since tried talking me into a CHEAPER scope, which completely blew me away!! I would've expected the opposite!! He's told me to check out some BSA's, Tasco's, Simmons, etc... I feel like I'm cutting myself short if I go with a BSA, as well as the Tasco (even with their 'upper-end' scopes). I'm somewhat impressed with what I've seen in the Simmons Aetec, and did some searching on this site. Found mixed opinions on it, but what topic doesn't? The one thing that makes me lean towards the Aetec over the Fullfield II, is the power. 3.8x12-44 on the Aetec, and 3x9-40 on the Fullfield. The $80 price difference helps too! Now....speak your minds on any of the above. I like to take all into consideration. Oh yeah....what do you think about illuminated reticles?? One Aetec I'm looking at (Natchez's) has the illuminated reticle. I've never used, or even looked through, a scope with an illuminated reticle. Is it really better in low light? Is it any worse than a standard reticle in ANY conditions? (any downfall of an illuminated reticle?) One more....scope rings. What do you recommend? And if you could, explain why you have the opinion you do. I like credibility, plus I hope to learn a thing or 2. Thanks fellas... [/ QUOTE ] HSOG this is just my opinion. I'd stay as far away from Simmons, Tascos & especially BSA scopes. I once saw a guy at a shooting range sighting in a brand new Browning A Bolt 300 mag with a brand new BSA scope. After about 15 rounds the glass fell out of the front end of the scope. You must have good glass if you're going to deer hunt & if you're like me if you sit until the very last legal minute of shooting time you want to buy a scope that will gather as much light as possible. I always tell people to get a Leupold, Nikon or Burris scope & wouldn't buy ANYTHING less than these scopes. Or buy the Zeiss Conquest scopes, their for North American hunters & their around the price range of the Leupold Vari XIII. If you can really afford it, get yourself a Zeiss VMV straight from Germany, a Kahles or Swarovski scope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted December 11, 2005 Report Share Posted December 11, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... There's a reason the Burris is $80 more than the Simmons. It's way better glass. In optics, you usually get what you pay for. I own a couple BSA's and a Bushnell and a Tasco. Save your money and put it toward a good scope. If you want the most "bang for your buck" on a budget...... Burris Fullfield II Weaver Classic V Series Nikon Buckmaster Leupold VXI Bushnell Elite 3200 I just picked up (another) one of the Weaver V10 Stainless scopes for around $155 from Natchez. I've got one on a .300 Win Mag already and absolutely love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
str8shooter48 Posted December 11, 2005 Report Share Posted December 11, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... Check out a Sightron SII 3x9x42. Can't be happier with the one I have. Crystal clear, extremely bright, and a great warranty should you ever need it. The price is right too. Most online and catalog places such as Midway USA, Natchez, and a few others are selling them for $199.99. Check them out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLH Posted December 11, 2005 Report Share Posted December 11, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... I have the Aetec and love it. It is very clear and draws good light in low light conditions. I have leupold mounts and rings and wouldn't have anything else. They're the most sturdy and dependable mounts; I slipped on a rock and fell with all my weight landing on the scope, went and shot it and it was still dead on. Very good mounts and rings IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted December 11, 2005 Report Share Posted December 11, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... I have quite a few scopes in my safe that range from a cheap Tasco up to an American Hunter Swarovski. In fact here is a list of the different manufacturers I have at least one of, listed aplhabetically, not by quality: Bausch & Lomb - now Bushnell Burris Bushnell Kahles Leupold Nikon Redfield Sightron Simmons Swarovski Swift Tasco Weaver Zeiss All are acceptable to great quality. I have had problems with 2 B&L, 1 Bushnell, 1 Simmons, 3 Leupolds. The higher priced scopes have had better quality glass. Mechanically, all of these have been decent. As long as it will at least hold zero, I am happy. I have had Bushnells that had great clear glass but would not hold zero on a deer gun. It worked great ona 22 lr. I have some Tasco and Simmons scopes that hold zero and have repeatable adjustments but have darker optics. I had a Leupold Vari-X III that kept breaking the reticle on a 22-250, then it would not hold zero. As long as you stick with the upper end offering of the lower end manufacturers, you are ok. Middle level manufacturers high end stuff is very good quality and I would take a higher end Weaver over a low end Leupold. One great scope for the price is the Fullfield II by Burris. They have decent optics that allow me to see well past legal shooting minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ousoonerfan22 Posted December 11, 2005 Report Share Posted December 11, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... AJ, Are the Burris Fullfield II's as clear and bright as the Nikon Buckmaster scopes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted December 11, 2005 Report Share Posted December 11, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... [ QUOTE ] AJ, Are the Burris Fullfield II's as clear and bright as the Nikon Buckmaster scopes? [/ QUOTE ] I think so. Everyone's eyes are different though and your milage may vary. I suggest going to a gun shop and comparing them side by side. My Nikon scopes are all Monarch models. I have used the Buckmaster scopes on others guns, but I don't have one myself. Comparing my FF-II to a Monarch would give the edge to the Monarch. Both are as sharp, but the Monarch is a tad brighter. I have not had any problem using either one of them to view things after I could not see them with the naked eye due to darkness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ousoonerfan22 Posted December 12, 2005 Report Share Posted December 12, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... Have you used a scope with 50mm lens or do you think the 40mm are good enough? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted December 12, 2005 Report Share Posted December 12, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... While I do have a few scopes with 50mm lenses, my preferance is 44mm. I like 50mm lenses on scopes that have a side focus though. If its a toss up between a 40 mm and 50 mm, I will usually go to 40mm. They are priced lower, use lower mounts, and are lighter weight. I don't really see an advantage of a 50mm scope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted December 12, 2005 Report Share Posted December 12, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... I LOVE my Bushnell's!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ousoonerfan22 Posted December 16, 2005 Report Share Posted December 16, 2005 Re: Scope shopping.... While at Bass Pro today I looked at the Burris Fullfield II scopes and AJ you are right they are bright and clear.I wish that I would have bought the Burris 3-9x40 for $219 instead of the nikon prostaff 3-9x40 for $149. I really like the Burris 3-9x50 but it's $369. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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