How much $ on a scope?

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Friggs

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I have read about "cheap scopes" and the problems they will give you. But I wonder, how much do you need to spend on a scope before it is no longer a "cheap scope"? I did not find this info yet. Maybe I missed it. If I did, I apologize.

Thanks,

Bill
 
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Well... That's a tough call because there are some great cheap scopes out there.. The big issue with cheap scopes is always going to be Quality Control. Meaning that you may get one out of the box that's a Home Run (my experience with my NcStar Mark III One Sight System) but others have bought the same sight and had issues. But the plus is that the company will make it right, so you may have to deal with some down time till it's right. Or you may just get the home run out of the box.

Some companies are better than others.. Primary Arms is known for offering affordable optics with great quality control. NcStar not always the case.. Not sure about Leapers/UTG.

If you want a really good "Not Cheap" scope well then... there are tons of brands.. Nikon, Leupold, Trijicon, Specter, EOtech, MEPro, Burris etc..
 
When I was in the market for my 1st entry level scope, I used a website like Midway's that allowed me to narrow my search based on 1)max price, 2)most favorable reviews, and 3)features. That way, you'll at least get a feel what the majority of users like. Warranty is important to some, and Vortex's warranty is among the best in the industry. The mount / rings are important as well, and often add a significant amount of cost to the purchase. Lastly, it's probably good to know what the lighting will be like where you will be using it. If you shoot indoor ranges, or in dimly lit areas, a battery-powered illuminated reticle will be very nice to have. If you only shoot during the day, something like that will be a wasted feature. Hope this helps...good luck!
 
I read some where that your scope should be in the same price range as the cost of your firearm. I will probably never afford to use that math myself but, I just picked up a Redfield Revenge scope for one of my rifles and the glass is nice and has some great features for $220.
 
bellarum said:
I read some where that your scope should be in the same price range as the cost of your firearm. I will probably never afford to use that math myself but, I just picked up a Redfield Revenge scope for one of my rifles and the glass is nice and has some great features for $220.
Click to expand...

In my humble opinion, if your scope is not intended for hunting or self defense, your scope should do 2 things: Allow you to see your target clearly, and stay as close to zero as possible. Again...just an opinion, but you could get into some really nice optics suitable for a 15-22 for half of what the rifle costs.
 
cheap scopes

to answer the op's ? I think it would depend on the financial situation of the individual. I've been called well beyond frugal but will spend whatever it takes to get what I want when it comes to guns, optics and holsters. I've never regretted paying too much for something of good quality. I've had plenty of regrets spending less money on cheaper stuff I didn't like and ended up replacing. buy quality once and only once and be happy you did every time you use it.
 
A lot of good glass in the $200.00 or so range. Leupold VX-1, Bushnell 3200, Burris Fullfield, Nikon Buckmaster, among others, come to mind.

Larry
 
There's some very good advice that's been posted, but as someone who recently went through the scope buying process for the first time I'll echo some of the important thoughts.

You need to know what you're shopping for before sinking money into a scope so you don't buy something that isn't suited what you need.

Will you be shooting long distance? Low light? Shooting different distances frequently? Do you need a larger diameter scope?

All of these have a role in choosing the scope that's right for you.

I'll also reiterate that you should buy the best scope that does what you want it to. Scopes are a "buy once cry once" item, but as an optic, they're what allow you to derive joy from shooting.

Buying one that is a "good deal" that may **** out on you down the road, not hold zero well, or has crappy customer service, just to save a few bucks isn't wise. Buy the best scope you can within your budget or save a little more to get what you want instead of compromising for something cheaper.

Personally, I went for a Primary Arms scope that cost just over $200 so there are good scopes to be had for those with smaller budgets. It's met all of my needs and then some.

Good luck!
 
In my experience - as much as the rifle - if you're going for distance.
 
Bill, I take it you wish to scope a 15-22, in my case one of mine is set up with a $100 scope that I bought on Ebay and it has a lighted cross hair ( or not) 1.5x4 variable power, 30 mm tube and a neat cantilever mount. Would I put it on a 3 gun match rifle? No, but works great on the 15-22 and adds over a pound giving the rifle better feel. On an AR I bought a cantilever mount for 20 bucks on ebay and a BSA 2x scope from Midway for $40. This thing is great for short range and holds zero under all the conditions I have subjected it. Then there is the Eotech on a DPMS .308....point being I can spend what I want for the needed result, however, if you pay for a quality you normally will not be disappointed.
 
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My Bug Buster is a neat scope up to about 5x after that it is not as clear as I would like, but at what distance are you going to shoot a 15-22 that 5x will not accommodate? I found a need for YHM 1/2" risers to be comfortable. The 1.5x4 Monstrum with cantilever mount I spoke of in an earlier thread works better on a 15-22 for me.
I hope all the suggestions have not confused rather than aided answering the original question.
 
Gopher Slayer said:
I don't agree that the scope should cost as much as the rifle. That's only important for people who want bragging rights on an internet forum IMO.
Click to expand...
And we all know what opinions are worth...;)

How much you pay for an optic depends on a lot of things, including your budget, the rifle's intended use, and what you want.
If you want to put an ACOG on your 15-22, can afford it, and decide it's the best fit for you after researching it, then what other people think should be irrelevant. You will always be able to find someone on an internet forum who thinks your choice is the stupidest thing they ever heard of.
Sometimes they're right, and sometimes they're wrong. But in the end, it's your rifle. As long as you made an informed decision after considering your needs and budget, and the actual capabilities and reputation of the product, then you did good.
Of course, if you don't really know what you need, don't properly research your purchase and buy blindly, then yeah, you probably screwed up.
 
My Ruger 10/22 has a Nikon Prostaff 3-9 BDC on top.

Rifle: $180
Scope $225

It is a great setup for my aging eyes, hence my previous post.
 
GM, I must agree with your choice, the Nikon optics are hard to beat for the price. I have the same scope on a .17 HMR and for the money is hard to beat.
My threads on this topic were simply to state you can go inexpensive and be happy (I am) or you can spend a lot for quality optics and be happy ( I have and am). What an individual purchases should please him not other forum posters ( me included) who are simply offering first hand experience.
 
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