[Marlin336]

Well now before you laugh..im just getting on the scene of optics ive been a long time iron sight user and liked them for awhile anyways but... the deer seem to not get within 100yards of where i hunt nemore and this makes it a pain to take one down ( could hit within 100yds but nething out is a 1/5 chance of hitting it with iron sights plus i like just shooting targets and found two scopes @ cheaperthandirt and wanted to know your opinion on which on or recomend a decent one $150us and under...would like mil-dots so here they are:
BSA Platinum Mil-Dot scope 6-24x44 or 8-32x44
6-24x44
8-32x44

OR

Simmons 44Mag 6.5-20x44 no Mil-Dot
44Mag 6.5x44


Thanks!
Suggestions are welcome and also its going on a Marlin 336 but soon upgrading because its not left handed friendly

 

[Critter]

Lets get real here for a minute!

Let's say that the target on a Deer is conservatively 8" in diameter (Vitals, Lungs, Chest). And lets say that you are interested in hitting this 8" circle out to 400 yards. ( A Marlin 336 is a .30-30 if memory holds and that is a 200 yard gun on Deer size game. For the future, 400 yards is apractical limit with most hunting guns, even though you don't mention caliber or rifle type.) 8 inches at 400 yards is 2 moa. This is a huge target for a marksman.

The MARK I Mod 0 eyeball (unaided eye) when young will resolve 1 moa. However, as we get older, this visual acuity will reduce somewhat to conservatively 2 moa or slightly better.Further, resolution will fall as light at the target decreases.

So what to do? I would suggest therefore, a scope of not more than 10x. (.1 moa conservatively or .4 inches resolution at 400 yards.) I would recommend a larger than standard objective if shooting in low light conditions. For hunting application, I would recommend a Duplex cross hair with a fine center and heavier outboard cross. Reason being that fine cross hair is useful for normal shooting at longer ranges, but the heavy duplex is easier to see near twilight or in brushy condition.

Further, for hunting light weight and compactness is better. So I would therefore recommend saving just a little more and purchasing one of the really fine LEUPOLD 3.5-10 variables.

OK, then what is a 6-24x50 or similar scope for Mr. Optics Guru?

I am certainly glad you asked that question. The answer is for precision shooting on small targets at longer range (Prairie Dogs and Squirrels, for example.) A large variable is useful because the target at 400 yards is now 1.5" in diameter.

I also recommend spending a few more bucks for quality rings and bases for this excercise. Scope doesn't do any good if it's not on the rifle at the critical moment.

 

[Marlin336]

thanks and yea ur right it is 30-30... guess ill go about saving me some more money then

would u still recomend a leupold if i was going to use the scope on some long range shooting on a new rifle? because i use rifles more or less for fun and not to hunt

 

[mele]

Critter gave a very good answer, and I agree with his recommendation of no more than 10x. If I were to guess, I would say 85% of the hunters out there are probably OVER scoped.

Yes, Leupolds will work great for your 2nd application of long range shooting. There are many models, but again, do not get crazy on magnification. A solid 3.5-10x or 3-9x is an excellent scope, and will be more affordable (meaning you can get better quality for the same money) than a high magnification.

BSA and Simmons are both on the low end of the totempole.

MEL

 

[Jeff_850]

im a Leupold fan, id go with a VX-I 3-9x40mm you can find one for $200
in my opinion its a good scope for not a lot of money
may be $50 over id just reccomend saving up more they are worth it

 

[Marlin336]

thanks... now im off to find a base (1 or 2 piece) and some rings... was looking at leupold rings and base @ cabelas

 

[Stump]

Please stay away from bsa i have a post on another page look it for to see the trouble i had