Recommendations for a scope

[bytchtyts]

Looking to get a decent quality, small, fixed focal length scope for sub-$750. What do you guys recommend?

[Nyksta]

What do you mean by small. Do you mean lightweight, short, 1 inch tube, lower end of the magnification options?

And fixed focal length, are you talking about fixed magnification or consistent eye relief? Paralax?

Is this for big game hunting, varmint hunting, target shooting, mountain rifle? And what caliber and gun are you putting this on?

Theres a lot of options out there to better meet certain styles of use.

[bytchtyts]

Originally Posted by Nyksta

What do you mean by small. Do you mean lightweight, short, 1 inch tube, lower end of the magnification options?

And fixed focal length, are you talking about fixed magnification or consistent eye relief? Paralax?

Is this for big game hunting, varmint hunting, target shooting, mountain rifle? And what caliber and gun are you putting this on?

Theres a lot of options out there to better meet certain styles of use.

I'm looking for a short unobtrusive scope, definitely doesn't need to be a high magnification.

Fixed magnification, It's for short range (likely sub 150 yard) hunting - just to give the old eyes a bit of help. 45-70.

Thanks

[qwert]

Originally Posted by bytchtyts

I'm looking for a short unobtrusive scope, definitely doesn't need to be a high magnification.

Fixed magnification, It's for short range (likely sub 150 yard) hunting - just to give the old eyes a bit of help. 45-70.

Thanks

In approx descending order of quality and price.

Current
Leupold FX-II - 4x33 & 6x36, FX-3 - 6x42
Weaver K-4x?? & K-6x38

Discontinued
Swaro Habicht 6x36
Leupold M8 Compact - 6x??
Leupold M8 - 4x33 & 6x??
Weaver steel tube K-4 & K-6 (made in USA)
Bushnell Scopechief 4x32 (only made in japan)

There are also less common 8x & 10x, and other higher magnifications intended for target use.
These can often be found at Fun Shows and used for wide range of prices, they can be VERY good value,
don't be afraid to make a lowball offer, as few appreciate their excellent value and demand is much lower than it should be.
Many are an excellent choice for a lightweight mountain rifle.
4x can be an excellent choice on a short range rifle for old eyes.

Good Luck, YMMV.

[harv3589]

I would look at the FX-II 2.5x28. You're not shooting that far at 150yrds....the only disadvantage might be how bright the 28mm scope might be but I haven't used it to comment on that.

[Pathfinder76]

http://echolsrifles.blogspot.ca/2017...r-you.html?m=1

[qwert]

Originally Posted by harv3589

I would look at the FX-II 2.5x28. You're not shooting that far at 150yrds....the only disadvantage might be how bright the 28mm scope might be but I haven't used it to comment on that.

The exit pupil of any optic will be = objective size / magnification.
Young eyes may open as much as 7mm but 5mm is much more common, and older eyes 4mm or less,
this is why night binos are often 7x50, and low light binos are 7x35, 8x40, 10x50.

To maximize the exit pupil that our eye can utilize, a 4x needs a 20mm objective and a 6x needs 30mm.
A 2.5x28 will have an exit pupil of ~10mm, which is much larger than our eye can utilize, but may make it easier to quickly acquire a full image.

Good Luck, YMMV.

[Sitting Bull]

After much searching, one of the fellow AO members suggested I have a look at the Leupold vx-3i in 1.5-5 x20. He loves his and said it would be perfect on my 444Marlin. I bought it and it has worked out perfect. Small , lite weight, compact and does not really interfear with the handling characteristics of the lever action for me. I took a nice Black bear last season standing shot at about 100m.Fast and picked up the target quickly. I love having the 1.5 power.
Anyway, check it out. If you want to see it mounted and be able to handle it send me a PM.

[brewster29]

Originally Posted by qwert

The exit pupil of any optic will be = objective size / magnification.
Young eyes may open as much as 7mm but 5mm is much more common, and older eyes 4mm or less,
this is why night binos are often 7x50, and low light binos are 7x35, 8x40, 10x50.

To maximize the exit pupil that our eye can utilize, a 4x needs a 20mm objective and a 6x needs 30mm.
A 2.5x28 will have an exit pupil of ~10mm, which is much larger than our eye can utilize, but may make it easier to quickly acquire a full image.

Good Luck, YMMV.

Thanks to qwert for saving me the task of 'splaining this.

[Nyksta]

if you want the latest technology in small scope options, check out vortex strike eagle 1-6. the 1 is really quick to point and then you have the option all the way up to 6x for better viewing. very small compared to traditional scopes, nice glass, and only $450.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/...ar-bdc-reticle

[bytchtyts]

Thanks for all the advice. Lots to look over here.

[quadmaster]

Big fan of Vortex, I have a couple. I like the Strike eagle but not a fan of the horseshoe reticle, I find the reticle too busy.