Suggestions for an inexpensive scope? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

ForTehNguyen · 05-31-2008, 10:33 PM

I want to eventually start shooting 200 yards (hard for iron sights). 200 yards is the longest my range offers so I dont need anything expensive with huge magnification. Sorta want a scope that mounts on top of the carry handle so I can use irons sights whenever I feel like it without detaching the carry handle. Do you have to re-zero if you remove the handle?

using amazon for quick pics, something along the lines of this:
Amazon.com: NcSTAR® 3-9x42 mm Illuminated Rubber Armor Scope Matte Black: Sports & Outdoors

What are some decent and not too expensive scopes like this for shooting 100-200 yards? I dont plan to go nuts with accessories for my AR

KEVWYO · 05-31-2008, 10:48 PM

I'm not sure of the quality of the NcStar scopes or the Leapers brand. They are much cheaper than the Millettt DMS and this scope:

Any thoughts on this scope

Basically you're talking $50-100 for the NcStars/Leapers and the Millett and the like at about $225-250. Then again these are a fraction of the cost of some of the real high end scopes for AR's out there.

I guess it comes down to what you'll be happy with and can afford but there is always something to be said for quality and that usually means more cash.

chupacabrachus · 06-01-2008, 12:24 AM

I have actually had luck with BSA scopes. Many folks have had problems with them from what I've read on the net with them not holding 0, poor craftsmanship, etc... but not me. They're cheap, clear (surprisingly clear for a "crap" scope). Check them out. I've also got a Simmons 3-9x40mm on my .17hmr that came with the rifle and I've never felt a need to replace it... it's always held a zero and has aided in the harvesting of many many critters with no problems (with the exception of early morning hours, the reticle is a bit dark...the scope is perfectly clear in daylight though). I wouldn't mind a bit more magnification to be able to tighten up those "cover-with-a-dime" groups at 100y.

ForTehNguyen · 06-01-2008, 06:44 AM

what magnification values should I be looking at for 200 yards

NickG19FL · 06-01-2008, 07:19 AM

a 3-9x40 would be good for me at 200 yards i like being able to dial in the power i like for target shooting .. .. for your ar you may want a fixed power scope theres to many choices ..
Im building an AR as of now and i have no idea what im going to put on top of it .. i was thinking hard about an EO tech though .. i know these are some hard decisions ...

Reeek · 06-01-2008, 08:31 AM

Check out the Muellers.

I just ordered a Mueller 3.5-10x44 Tac II, their best scope, $247.00 OTD shipped. It's going on my Fulton Armory FAR15 Predator when it gets here in a week or two.

The APV's seem well regarded by many rimfire shooters and the Eraticator is well regarded for super long range, all for the money.

Limited lifetime warranty. Some models have illuminated reticles.

Welcome!*•*Mueller Optics

Mueller Scopes, THE APV & 8X25 50MM ERATICATOR SCOPES

Mueller Eraticator 8.5-25x50 Scope

RifleGear - Mueller Optics

Check out this review and the comparisons:

Real Guns - Mueller3-10x44mm Tac II

KEVWYO · 06-01-2008, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForTehNguyen

what magnification values should I be looking at for 200 yards

If all you're looking to shoot is 200-300 yards perhaps the variable low power scopes 1-4x like the Millett or the Nikko Stirling might just fill your needs.

Eventually, I am planning to get one or the other as I just want a small scope for helping my eyes see and be able to reach out accurately to two or three hundred yards.

Water-Man · 06-01-2008, 11:23 AM

3-9X40 is fine. Several decent scopes available for under $250.00. Check out swfa.com

EricCartmann · 06-01-2008, 11:40 AM

A 3-9x scope is too much scope for a carbine, unless you plan to shoot little varmnints like Prarie dogs.

Any variable scope will also have about 3" of eye relief, so you will also need a proper mount to put the scope more forward in order to get the proper cheek weld.

For man size targets, a 4x zoom is plenty for anything out to 600 yards or less, some will even say it is good out to 800 yards.

In the $200 price range, there is really only one option and that is the Millet DMS. But even with the Millet it is luck of the draw if you end up with a good scope or not. I have 2 Millets, one the glass has a fish eye effect (fuzzy around the edges if you are slightly off center), and the glass on this one is not that clear. My other one has crystal clear glass that is great in low light condition and picking up shadows in really bright condition, it comes very close to my ACOG in clarity, but it has the "fungus problem" on the brightest setting at night.

XDAz · 06-01-2008, 11:41 AM

Nikon Prostaff 3x9x40 from Ebay. $100

05-31-2008, 10:33 PM	#1
ForTehNguyen XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,346	Suggestions for an inexpensive scope? I want to eventually start shooting 200 yards (hard for iron sights). 200 yards is the longest my range offers so I dont need anything expensive with huge magnification. Sorta want a scope that mounts on top of the carry handle so I can use irons sights whenever I feel like it without detaching the carry handle. Do you have to re-zero if you remove the handle? using amazon for quick pics, something along the lines of this: Amazon.com: NcSTAR® 3-9x42 mm Illuminated Rubber Armor Scope Matte Black: Sports & Outdoors What are some decent and not too expensive scopes like this for shooting 100-200 yards? I dont plan to go nuts with accessories for my AR __________________ XD9 Service Black XD9 Subcompact x 2 Kimber Tactical Custom II AR15 16" Midlength Lancaster AK47 Remington 870 12ga Express Last edited by ForTehNguyen; 05-31-2008 at 10:36 PM.

05-31-2008, 10:48 PM	#2
KEVWYO XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,608	I'm not sure of the quality of the NcStar scopes or the Leapers brand. They are much cheaper than the Millettt DMS and this scope: Any thoughts on this scope Basically you're talking $50-100 for the NcStars/Leapers and the Millett and the like at about $225-250. Then again these are a fraction of the cost of some of the real high end scopes for AR's out there. I guess it comes down to what you'll be happy with and can afford but there is always something to be said for quality and that usually means more cash. __________________ "the facts don't matter and the truth isn't important in American politics" AZXD But if it takes bold faced lies to keep Obama from winning ... I will not only support the lies, I'll help spread them. AZXD This is the political section there is no room for truth, justice and anything that's fair and right. - (one eyed fatman)

06-01-2008, 06:44 AM	#4
ForTehNguyen XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,346	what magnification values should I be looking at for 200 yards __________________ XD9 Service Black XD9 Subcompact x 2 Kimber Tactical Custom II AR15 16" Midlength Lancaster AK47 Remington 870 12ga Express

06-01-2008, 08:31 AM	#6
Reeek XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 1,781	Check out the Muellers. I just ordered a Mueller 3.5-10x44 Tac II, their best scope, $247.00 OTD shipped. It's going on my Fulton Armory FAR15 Predator when it gets here in a week or two. The APV's seem well regarded by many rimfire shooters and the Eraticator is well regarded for super long range, all for the money. Limited lifetime warranty. Some models have illuminated reticles. Welcome!•Mueller Optics Mueller Scopes, THE APV & 8X25 50MM ERATICATOR SCOPES Mueller Eraticator 8.5-25x50 Scope RifleGear - Mueller Optics Check out this review and the comparisons: Real Guns - Mueller3-10x44mm Tac II __________________ U.S Navy Veteran - CTT - Naval Security Group Guns: XD9SC with Heinie Straight 8 Night Sights CZ P-01 with Meprolights - green/green EAA Witness (Tangfolio) Elite Match .45 Taurus PT1911 with Heinie Straight 8 Night Sights Kel-Tec P3AT Fulton Armory FAR-15 Predator, 24" SS 1x12 Barrel w/Mueller TAC II Savage 93R17 BVSS .17 HMR Remington 870 18" 6+1 w/Choate Mark 6 Last edited by Reeek; 06-01-2008 at 08:33 AM. Reason: Typos

06-01-2008, 11:23 AM	#8
Water-Man XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southeast Posts: 209	3-9X40 is fine. Several decent scopes available for under $250.00. Check out swfa.com __________________ We can only count on ourselves to maintain our liberties. Proud to be a veteran!

06-01-2008, 12:24 AM	#3
chupacabrachus XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,388	I have actually had luck with BSA scopes. Many folks have had problems with them from what I've read on the net with them not holding 0, poor craftsmanship, etc... but not me. They're cheap, clear (surprisingly clear for a "crap" scope). Check them out. I've also got a Simmons 3-9x40mm on my .17hmr that came with the rifle and I've never felt a need to replace it... it's always held a zero and has aided in the harvesting of many many critters with no problems (with the exception of early morning hours, the reticle is a bit dark...the scope is perfectly clear in daylight though). I wouldn't mind a bit more magnification to be able to tighten up those "cover-with-a-dime" groups at 100y.

06-01-2008, 07:19 AM	#5
NickG19FL XDTalk Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 54	a 3-9x40 would be good for me at 200 yards i like being able to dial in the power i like for target shooting .. .. for your ar you may want a fixed power scope theres to many choices .. Im building an AR as of now and i have no idea what im going to put on top of it .. i was thinking hard about an EO tech though .. i know these are some hard decisions ...

06-01-2008, 11:40 AM	#9
EricCartmann XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: My Mom's Basement Posts: 1,398	A 3-9x scope is too much scope for a carbine, unless you plan to shoot little varmnints like Prarie dogs. Any variable scope will also have about 3" of eye relief, so you will also need a proper mount to put the scope more forward in order to get the proper cheek weld. For man size targets, a 4x zoom is plenty for anything out to 600 yards or less, some will even say it is good out to 800 yards. In the $200 price range, there is really only one option and that is the Millet DMS. But even with the Millet it is luck of the draw if you end up with a good scope or not. I have 2 Millets, one the glass has a fish eye effect (fuzzy around the edges if you are slightly off center), and the glass on this one is not that clear. My other one has crystal clear glass that is great in low light condition and picking up shadows in really bright condition, it comes very close to my ACOG in clarity, but it has the "fungus problem" on the brightest setting at night.

06-01-2008, 11:41 AM	#10
XDAz XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Anthem, AZ Posts: 249	Nikon Prostaff 3x9x40 from Ebay. $100 __________________ "You just gotta be happy and make the best of things...even if you get the brown Playdough." Disarming the public DOES NOT disarm the criminal.

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