User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 3/7/2023 9:23:30 AM EDT
[Last Edit: shotar]
I intend to purchase a new scope for my Marlin. This rifle is used primarily for deer hunting one week per year. I currently have a Leupold 1.5-4x on it, and it was inadequate to see a deer at about 125yds in the late afternoon lighting conditions. I lost it in the brush. I intend to buy a 3-9x scope. Typical range for deer hunting for me is between 50 and 200yds.
Two I'm considering are Burris E1 - $130 Amazon. I have one of their scopes and it's excellent. Glass is equal to or better than the VX freedom. Sig Buckmaster 3-9x on sale at PSA for $90. Which way to go??? |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/7/2023 3:20:59 PM EDT
[#1]
My gun will be the Ruger SBL when they become available. I picked up a Leupold VX-2 1.5-4 x28 scout scope. The reason being is that with QD rings I still maintain the ability to use the peep sight, and the fact that most of my hunting is done in fairly thick woods where 4 power is an adequate magnification.
|
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 3/8/2023 1:06:37 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Bubbatheredneck]
[#2]
I doubt $100 glass will be better than your Leupold on 2x or so at dusk.
Fixed 4x perhaps ? |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/8/2023 10:06:57 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Bubbatheredneck: I doubt $100 glass will be better than your Leupold on 2x or so at dusk. Fixed 4x perhaps ? The Burris 4.5-14 I have is on par with the Leupold and very well built. My real question is about the SIG. It seems to get good reviews but I've no idea if those reviewers know anything about glass. |
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 3/8/2023 3:04:15 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By shotar: The Burris 4.5-14 I have is on par with the Leupold and very well built. My real question is about the SIG. It seems to get good reviews but I've no idea if those reviewers know anything about glass. Most any scope is fine most of the day. You are paying for performance those first and last 15 minutes of shooting time. I seriously doubt a $90 scope will deliver that. YMMV |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/8/2023 4:26:44 PM EDT
[#5]
I have a Leupold 1.5-5X on my Guide Gun that allows for the occasional 200 yard shot and is fairly bright at dusk.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/8/2023 5:19:56 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By FB41: I have a Leupold 1.5-5X on my Guide Gun that allows for the occasional 200 yard shot and is fairly bright at dusk. I'm thinking the 3-9 with more light gathering at the objective. I think I'm gonna go with Burris unless I see a VX freedom at a screeming deal. This is a one week per year gun, really 5 hunting days. |
|
|
|
NY, USA
|
Posted: 3/8/2023 10:48:49 PM EDT
[#7]
No flames intended here. You asked for advice, and I mean well.... You have a problem... You want a decent scope, with good resolution. However, you want it for next to no money. Its kind of like 'I want a really good car, maybe a Porsche. I've got $3,500".
There isn't a $130 scope on the market that is going to offer good low light transmission and resolution. Upping the magnification isn't going to help you, not if its a cheap scope... I've been hunting woods and swamp and fields since 1994 with a Leupold Vari-X III, in 1.75-6x. By todays standards this isn't a great scope, but it was damned good when I bought it. My Black powder wears a 1.5-5x Weaver Grandslam. My old moose rifle wore a 1.5-6x Busnhell Elite 4500. You dont need a $1000 scope, and you dont need a high magnification. You do need a modestly decent quality scope, that has good glass, and good antireflective coatings. I've got some higher end Leupolds, like VX6. They are amazing, but its not really necessary. If you want a good starting point, try a Leupold VX3. Its going to set you back about $350... There are others, but "decent scopes really do start at about $300, regardless of brand. If that's simply too much (I understand budgets, trust me), then I really recommend you dont bother. Any $130, 150 scope is going to be a similar disappointment. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/9/2023 6:10:52 AM EDT
[Last Edit: shotar]
[#8]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By frozenny: No flames intended here. You asked for advice, and I mean well.... You have a problem... You want a decent scope, with good resolution. However, you want it for next to no money. Its kind of like 'I want a really good car, maybe a Porsche. I've got $3,500". There isn't a $130 scope on the market that is going to offer good low light transmission and resolution. Upping the magnification isn't going to help you, not if its a cheap scope... I've been hunting woods and swamp and fields since 1994 with a Leupold Vari-X III, in 1.75-6x. By todays standards this isn't a great scope, but it was damned good when I bought it. My Black powder wears a 1.5-5x Weaver Grandslam. My old moose rifle wore a 1.5-6x Busnhell Elite 4500. You dont need a $1000 scope, and you dont need a high magnification. You do need a modestly decent quality scope, that has good glass, and good antireflective coatings. I've got some higher end Leupolds, like VX6. They are amazing, but its not really necessary. If you want a good starting point, try a Leupold VX3. Its going to set you back about $350... There are others, but "decent scopes really do start at about $300, regardless of brand. If that's simply too much (I understand budgets, trust me), then I really recommend you dont bother. Any $130, 150 scope is going to be a similar disappointment. The $130 scope was on sale from $300. I presume clearing out last years product line. I have a higher power scope in the same product line on a varmint rifle and the brightness and glass are on par with the $300 leupold that's on it, that was $200 when I bought it. A $300 scope, on sale for $130, is still a $300 scope, it just costs less because it's on sale. Markup on optics is around 100% or maybe a bit more. |
|
|
|
LA, USA
|
Posted: 3/9/2023 6:18:50 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By frozenny: No flames intended here. You asked for advice, and I mean well.... You have a problem... You want a decent scope, with good resolution. However, you want it for next to no money. Its kind of like 'I want a really good car, maybe a Porsche. I've got $3,500". There isn't a $130 scope on the market that is going to offer good low light transmission and resolution. Upping the magnification isn't going to help you, not if its a cheap scope... I've been hunting woods and swamp and fields since 1994 with a Leupold Vari-X III, in 1.75-6x. By todays standards this isn't a great scope, but it was damned good when I bought it. My Black powder wears a 1.5-5x Weaver Grand Slam. My old moose rifle wore a 1.5-6x Busnhell Elite 4500. You dont need a $1000 scope, and you dont need a high magnification. You do need a modestly decent quality scope, that has good glass, and good antireflective coatings. I've got some higher end Leupolds, like VX6. They are amazing, but its not really necessary. If you want a good starting point, try a Leupold VX3. Its going to set you back about $350... There are others, but "decent scopes really do start at about $300, regardless of brand. If that's simply too much (I understand budgets, trust me), then I really recommend you don't bother. Any $130, 150 scope is going to be a similar disappointment. #7 is the winner. Great Advise. Money Spent on glass is money well spent. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/9/2023 10:58:54 PM EDT
[#10]
If you plan to put more than a few shots down range each year I doubt a $90 scope is going to cut it. A modern load is pretty stout. A VX Freedom is about as budget I’d go.
Personally I like a Aimpoint |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/9/2023 11:01:08 PM EDT
[#11]
I have an old Nikon Monarch African 1-4x on my 45-70. It seems to be just right and I haven't found myself wishing for more power. It's very compact too, doesn't feel over sized for the rifle.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/17/2023 9:08:52 PM EDT
[#12]
I run an older Leupold muzzleloader/shotgun scope. It’s 2-7 and the 20 gauge slug BDC matches my hand loads closely.
|
|
|
|
CO, USA
|
Posted: 3/19/2023 4:13:35 PM EDT
[#13]
My Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70 wears the same Luepold Vari X-III 1.75-6 as my heavy African rifles. I have never found it wanting on any game.
Frozenny hit your problem on the head in his post above. Stop acting like a poor and pony up for a decent scope for that rifle! I have a Sauer 200 in 30-06 I aquired In 93 or 94. It came with a Swarovski 3-9x33 scope on it. It is not the best light gathering scope compared to more modern glass. I have killed a lot of game with it over the years. It’s been to Africa and taken a lot of plains game there from Kudu and Gemsbuck down to warthogs and Springbok. It’s taken well over 40 deer and many many elk. I’ve only had to put finishers into 4 animals that I can recall. Are 3 Whitetails in MO and a White Springbuck in the Karoo area of South Africa. None of these were because I couldn’t see. I simply refuse to take a shot in insufficient light. My hunting partner hunts with some serious high end glass and take a shot right at either end of legal hunting hours. My scope costs me 7-10 minutes of shooting light on both ends. That scope has never failed me and despite its poor light gathering capabilities compared to other glass it will ride that rifle till I die. Keep an eye on Midway as they often blow out good scopes at lower prices. I would be looking for something lower power but with a 30mm tube. That should give you a little More Light gathering capability while giving you a scope that is about ideal for the caliber. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/19/2023 7:20:34 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Hasher1: My Marlin Guide Gun in 45/70 wears the same Luepold Vari X-III 1.75-6 as my heavy African rifles. I have never found it wanting on any game. Frozenny hit your problem on the head in his post above. Stop acting like a poor and pony up for a decent scope for that rifle! I have a Sauer 200 in 30-06 I aquired In 93 or 94. It came with a Swarovski 3-9x33 scope on it. It is not the best light gathering scope compared to more modern glass. I have killed a lot of game with it over the years. It’s been to Africa and taken a lot of plains game there from Kudu and Gemsbuck down to warthogs and Springbok. It’s taken well over 40 deer and many many elk. I’ve only had to put finishers into 4 animals that I can recall. Are 3 Whitetails in MO and a White Springbuck in the Karoo area of South Africa. None of these were because I couldn’t see. I simply refuse to take a shot in insufficient light. My hunting partner hunts with some serious high end glass and take a shot right at either end of legal hunting hours. My scope costs me 7-10 minutes of shooting light on both ends. That scope has never failed me and despite its poor light gathering capabilities compared to other glass it will ride that rifle till I die. Keep an eye on Midway as they often blow out good scopes at lower prices. I would be looking for something lower power but with a 30mm tube. That should give you a little More Light gathering capability while giving you a scope that is about ideal for the caliber. How nice for you. I'll probably go with the burris. Pretty impressed with the one on my varmint gun. |
|
|
|
CO, USA
|
Posted: 3/19/2023 7:25:51 PM EDT
[#15]
I appreciate your condescension.
I’ll think of you next year while I’m I. Africa and you’re at home being a poor. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/19/2023 7:29:17 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Hasher1: I appreciate your condescension. I’ll think of you next year while I’m I. Africa and you’re at home being a poor. I'll be hunting with my buddies on my back 100. I imagine we'll have a pretty good time. |
|
|
|
CO, USA
|
Posted: 3/19/2023 10:32:28 PM EDT
[#17]
That’s what poors do.
They never thing big nor reach for the stars. My 4th safari who’ll be more deliscious than the one you will never take. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/20/2023 4:48:29 AM EDT
[Last Edit: shotar]
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Hasher1: That’s what poors do. They never thing big nor reach for the stars. My 4th safari who’ll be more deliscious than the one you will never take. I may live poor on my estate, but my trust fund is fine. I could spend more on a higher end optic to shoot a 150yd deer 5 days a year, but i dont want to. I can hunt out my back door and have good friends and neighbors. Im as comfortable at the opera as i am at the feed store. My blue blazer prep school friends seem to not act like you towards others. Rather we were taught to appreciate how one treats others as the measure of success. Telling someone to stop being poor, while bragging about your hunting trip, is not really a good look. It screams new money. Meanwhile my prep school buddy who comes to our bird shoot with his H&H double shoots about as well as my farmer buddy shooting the same 870 he's had forever. Same farmer who just paid cash for a $1million JD combine, but drives a 15 year old truck and will until it won't go anymore. Enjoy your time in the third world. |
|
|
|
CO, USA
|
Posted: 3/21/2023 12:40:40 AM EDT
[#19]
I will
And you enjoy wishing you were me. You’ll never live the dream? New money? Nope just a regular guy who managed to do well and avoid vices, divorces, and child support. I simply shooed not to live a boring life and I can’t take it with me in the end. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/21/2023 12:46:07 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Hasher1: I will And you enjoy wishing you were me. You’ll never live the dream? New money? Nope just a regular guy who managed to do well and avoid vices, divorces, and child support. I simply shooed not to live a boring life and I can’t take it with me in the end. Given your attitude here, I can't imagine I'd ever want to be you, or anywhere near you, nor that anyone not on the payroll would either. |
|
|
|
CO, USA
|
Posted: 3/25/2023 9:58:29 AM EDT
[#21]
That’s ok by me.
I don’t associate with your ilk nor your sister cousins. Enjoy you life. I’m off to the range to zero a new Swarovski. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/25/2023 10:44:16 AM EDT
[Last Edit: shotar]
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Hasher1: That’s ok by me. I don’t associate with your ilk nor your sister cousins. Enjoy you life. I’m off to the range to zero a new Swarovski. I'll be sure to let the guys at both the country club and yacht club know you're not interested in our ilk. I'm thinking an invitation to the farm for a hunt and cookout is probably off the table too. Without that ilk, you don't eat. We have a pretty big shoot in June. That ilk is pretty egalitarian. Some bring multiple machine-gun worth tens of thousands of $$, some bring Taurus pistols. Pretty much everyone gets together and has fun. I've never once seen condescension from anyone. Run what you brung and have fun. I'm not betting that's your ilk either. I'm guessing you don't get invited to much. Anyway, I'm pretty happy with the burris for my intended use. |
|
|
|
CO, USA
|
Posted: 3/25/2023 11:27:24 AM EDT
[#23]
Why would I act like a poor and need to shoot others class 3? I’ll just shoot my own.
A poor like you only gets to live that through the generosity of others. You know the ones who didn’t marry their cousins. I get invited to plenty of stuff. I just don’t line you because you are a whiney cunt. I am sure you have plenty of things to do today down in the holler with Uncle Daddy and Sister Cousin. Me? I’m at the range enjoying my life and knowing you’ll never be anything but a poor. Which since your hillbilly ass can’t comprehend isn’t about income but is about mindset. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/25/2023 1:39:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: shotar]
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Hasher1: Why would I act like a poor and need to shoot others class 3? I’ll just shoot my own. A poor like you only gets to live that through the generosity of others. You know the ones who didn’t marry their cousins. I get invited to plenty of stuff. I just don’t line you because you are a whiney cunt. I am sure you have plenty of things to do today down in the holler with Uncle Daddy and Sister Cousin. Me? I’m at the range enjoying my life and knowing you’ll never be anything but a poor. Which since your hillbilly ass can’t comprehend isn’t about income but is about mindset. Ah, I see. I think I shall change my screen name to blueblood hillbilly. I like hillbillies. Generally good people who know how to get stuff done. Unlike some, their pomposity seldom precedes them. Some of us likely consider you a poor, but are too polite to say so. Anyway, spring break next week, I'll check back when we return from steamboat. Taking the grandkids for spring skiing. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/25/2023 4:45:07 PM EDT
[Last Edit: FritzTKatt]
[#25]
Did you buy the Burris? ETA: just don’t bring it to the yacht club and you’ll be fine.
I think I would have stuck with Leupold, just upgraded from the Freedom series (which I do love mine for small game). |
|
|
|
CO, USA
|
Posted: 3/25/2023 6:20:24 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By shotar: Ah, I see. I think I shall change my screen name to blueblood hillbilly. I like hillbillies. Generally good people who know how to get stuff done. Unlike some, their pomposity seldom precedes them. Some of us likely consider you a poor, but are too polite to say so. Anyway, spring break next week, I'll check back when we return from steamboat. Taking the grandkids for spring skiing. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By shotar: Originally Posted By Hasher1: Why would I act like a poor and need to shoot others class 3? I’ll just shoot my own. A poor like you only gets to live that through the generosity of others. You know the ones who didn’t marry their cousins. I get invited to plenty of stuff. I just don’t line you because you are a whiney cunt. I am sure you have plenty of things to do today down in the holler with Uncle Daddy and Sister Cousin. Me? I’m at the range enjoying my life and knowing you’ll never be anything but a poor. Which since your hillbilly ass can’t comprehend isn’t about income but is about mindset. Ah, I see. I think I shall change my screen name to blueblood hillbilly. I like hillbillies. Generally good people who know how to get stuff done. Unlike some, their pomposity seldom precedes them. Some of us likely consider you a poor, but are too polite to say so. Anyway, spring break next week, I'll check back when we return from steamboat. Taking the grandkids for spring skiing. For the love of god take I-79 instead of I-80. Iowa isn’t bad but western Kansas beats the hell out of western Nebraska. Also less chance of crap weather this time of year. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2023 7:53:39 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Hasher1: For the love of god take I-79 instead of I-80. Iowa isn’t bad but western Kansas beats the hell out of western Nebraska. Also less chance of crap weather this time of year. We flew. Here now, a bit cold, but skiing is great. Grandkid found his toy that he left in the house last year. Thankfully our management company put it in the owners storage area so none of the renters walked off with meow ( fluffy Gund cat ). |
|
|
|
GA, USA
|
Posted: 4/16/2023 10:12:47 PM EDT
[#28]
I have an older Nikon prostaff 4-12x40 on my Marlin, and a 3-9 on my henry. I wasn’t too worried about those, as most shots are within 100yds. Drops them every time. On my 308 which I use when I hunt fields, I switched to a 30mm tube, with a 42mm obj. If you’re concerned with low light, I’d definitely consider getting a 30mm tube. There’s a big difference between that and a 1in tube.
Just food for thought. I’m trying to stay on topic and not go off on the whole “optic should be worth more than the gun” thing. You’d be fine with a $150-300 scope for a 45/70. Just make sure it’s a good brand and can hold up to that big recoil. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/17/2023 5:18:48 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By telsonman: I have an older Nikon prostaff 4-12x40 on my Marlin, and a 3-9 on my henry. I wasn’t too worried about those, as most shots are within 100yds. Drops them every time. On my 308 which I use when I hunt fields, I switched to a 30mm tube, with a 42mm obj. If you’re concerned with low light, I’d definitely consider getting a 30mm tube. There’s a big difference between that and a 1in tube. Just food for thought. I’m trying to stay on topic and not go off on the whole “optic should be worth more than the gun” thing. You’d be fine with a $150-300 scope for a 45/70. Just make sure it’s a good brand and can hold up to that big recoil. I bought the Burris Fullfield 3-9. So far I'm happy with it. I'm shooting a deer in my yard out to maybe 150 at most. I'm not trekking across the Himalayas looking for snow beasts. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/30/2023 12:12:04 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Lincoln6: I have an old Nikon Monarch African 1-4x on my 45-70. It seems to be just right and I haven't found myself wishing for more power. It's very compact too, doesn't feel over sized for the rifle. I have the same scope on two rifles. A 45/70 GBL and a Remington 673 in 350 Rem mag. Great scope for the money too bad they are no longer available. My only complaint is 4x is a little light for me. We have to count points where I hunt in NY and 5 or 6 power would help these old eyes out. I hate putting huge scopes on what should be handy carbines but at the same time I want a scope that does what I need. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 4/30/2023 12:21:08 PM EDT
[#31]
Wow I should have scrolled down and read this whole thread!!!
Crazy. |
|
|
|
OH, USA
|
Posted: 4/30/2023 1:06:33 PM EDT
[#32]
Not what I expected when I clicked on it……
Shotar- Get a leupold LE account and put a 2-7 on that gun. Anything bigger looks terrible! Plus you will be pleasantly surprised at the price. |
|
|
|
Posted: 4/30/2023 7:03:01 PM EDT
[#33]
As mentioned, I bought the burris. So far, I like it and it meets my needs for a back 40 deer.
|
|
|
|
OK, USA
|
Posted: 8/10/2023 10:06:59 PM EDT
[#34]
Is the Sig Buckmaster 3-9x new? I'll much rather prefer it. Saw one couple years ago.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/11/2023 9:55:50 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Keesman: Is the Sig Buckmaster 3-9x new? I'll much rather prefer it. Saw one couple years ago. Sig bought out Nikon's Buckmaster line. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/11/2023 10:05:59 AM EDT
[Last Edit: TNC]
[#36]
Natchez usually has a lot of scopes and good deals
.45-70 is far from flat shooting. Is there any option with usable ballistic compensation? |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 8/11/2023 11:57:36 AM EDT
[Last Edit: shotar]
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TNC: Natchez usually has a lot of scopes and good deals .45-70 is far from flat shooting. Is there any option with usable ballistic compensation? Yes. The burris app gives me the hold over distances for the stadia lines in the scope. I plug in the data for the cartridge in using and have my holdover for the scope. |
|
|
|
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
