Low Power Scopes

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Sam McCord

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I've been shopping around for a low magnification rifle scope, something in the 2 - 2.75 power range. I have an old K2.5 Weaver (it's loaned out and I'll never get it back) and a Redfield 2.75 that's mounted on a Marlin 444. I like these scopes and for deer hunting around my neck of the woods even a 4x is too much sometimes. Does anybody know of a company that builds scopes of lower magnification? All I can find are variables such as 1.5 - 5 and I want a fixed power. Any help, suggestions, or opinions are greatly appreciated.
Sam
 
If you're looking to pay a premium then Leupold's FX-II sounds fitting, for about $270... Also, I have no experience with the company but, Barska has a couple reasonable.

I know what you mean, sometimes you need that wider field of view. People are quick to throw on a 3-9X40 and crank it way up, but I think the 4X32 on top of Dad's ol Marlin 336 is absolutely perfect.
 
I really prefer a low power scope for many, many applications, but have no problem with a variable. I have several Leupold low magnification variables, 1.75-5, 2-7, 2.5-8, etc; I've got an older Pentax 1.5-4 on a suppressed Browning .22 auto that I really like.
 
Problem with buying low powered scopes is that you can usually find a 1x4 or a 1.5x5 easier and often for close to the same price as a 2 or a 2.5.
I've always been a low poser man and thr two I currently have are both Leoupold one a 1.5 x 5 (on my Ruger 77/22" and the other a 1.75 x 6 (on my 30-06). I paid $100 for the 1.5x5 and $300 for the other one. Just keep the cranked down low. My next purchase will be a 1x4 for the Mini 14.
 
Get that old Weaver back!! I got one (steel tube-2.5 power) on a .375 Marlin that is absolutely one of the worlds greatest brush guns.
 
The Weaver is on a forum members model 54 Winchester in a Stith mount. It completes the "period" rifle he has put together. This forum member shall remain nameless but he is a 29aholic. The chance of me getting the K2.5 back is nil.
I like the small no objective bell variables made by Leuopold but the fixed power scopes are simple and effective and somewhat lighter. I guess I'll keep trolling the shows and fleabay and try to gather a few up. Thanks for the input.
Sam
 
Well Sam, I will give the scope back as soon as I can return your sister back to you...I might even throw in some boot
 
Unless you've got some superstitious aversion to variables, it's hard to beat the Leupold 1-4x for wide field-of-view and, should circumstances require, a modicum of magnification. After long trial, and plenty of error, I've put these on my coyote-calling bolt gun, and an AR, where they are perfect general-purpose fits... (In these days of superb mechanical and optical engineering, backed by bulletproof lifetime warranties, I think there's little reason to worry about the durability of variable power scopes, so long as you're dealing with high-end, well-warrantied products...)
 
If Curtis don't hand it over Doug, get a hold of me. I have an old El Paso Weaver K2.5 in excellent shape I'd sell you.:)
 
I purchased a Simmons 2.5x32 scope twenty years ago for about $20 on sale. Woolworths was getting out of the sporting goods business. I have it on a Marlin 1894 in .357. I have never had a problem with the scope and have never had to readjust zero. I don't know if it is made anymore but the model is #1005. Good luck in your search.

Bruce
 
I shot my first deer with a rifle scoped with Weaver K2.5 60B post and crosshair reticle. I've taken several more deer with the same set-up on a 12 ga. slug gun. My slug gun currently wears a Weaver V4.5 variable. At age 60 I have switched my high powered deer rifles over to Leupold Vari-X II 2-7X. The vast majority of game that I've taken over the years has been with low powered scopes. I've had Lyman Alaskan scopes on my centerfires for a while also, they were the standard when scopes first became available to the american sportsman, military sniper rifles also used Alaskan scopes. In lots of instances, low power is the way to go.
 
Weaver makes a small 1-3X variable that is about 150 bucks and it is an awsome little scope. SWFA does not carry them but I think Midway and several other places on the net have them, and they are highly thought of by the 3-gun match shooters who spend a lot of $$$ on their competitive guns.
 
I have an old Weaver 1X (yes, 1X - no magnification), mounted on a Savage over/under combo .223/20 gauge. Single sighting plane for the .223, no disruption to normal looking over the barrel for the 20 gauge. Could be the ideal survival gun!
 
I used to have a Weaver 2.5x mounted on a Marlin 336. I bought it at a gun dealers for $25. Most dealers take the good scopes off trade-in guns, so thet can sell the next buyer a new scope. Shop around the gunshops.

A used quality low powered scope is probably better than the cheaper scopes. I have a cheap Tasco 2.5x on my .30-06, and a cheap Bushnell 4x and BSA 4x on my .22 rifles. You need a 4x for the little critters. Bob
 
I believe Zeiss still lists a couple of fixed power scopes, but I love those old Weaver K models and still have a couple in service.
 
I also have a Weaver K-2.5 and it's a great scope,
I would think you could get one from Ebay or Gun Broker for about 40 bucks.
I prefer the older Weavers and have several of them, But wont sell them either.
Peter
 
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