How much $ on a scope?

[Brett248Vista]

Suckersrus,

I agree with that completely! And here's the rub, a 15-22 is not for "serious use". It's not for big game hunting, it's certainly not a primary go-to weapon for critical self defense and for chasing paper it's a 3 to 3.5 MOA rifle. That narrows down the how serious of an optic that needs to be mounted to this platform.

With that being said, if someone wants to put an expensive optic on it, go for it! But there are affordable options out there that are well suited for the design philosophy of this platform.

 

[LimaCharlie]

What to spend on a scope depends on many factors including: what caliber, distance to target, size of target, stationary target or moving target, is the target a dangerous animal? For plinking with a .22, I would keep it way under the price of the rifle. If you are talking long range big game hunting, a good scope might cost as much as or more than the rifle. If you are looking to compete in 2,000 yard matches, the scope might cost two or three times the cost of the rifle.

 

[Brett248Vista]

Charlie,

I just did a quick google search and more than a few recommended the Vortex Razor ($2K) for 2K yards. That's substantially cheaper than a .50 cal.

For $1300 you could get a nice Trijicon 5-20 x 50!

 

[hangnoose]

BUDGETS

If I stayed within my budget I'd own nothing worth over 200$. anything nice I have, I left the budget in another area code. and most important, don't let the wife find out. "you remember this gun, we shot it at the range that time".

 

[photoracer]

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.

I actually have one of the same 1.5-4x scopes you mention. It works well for many types of activity. The only reason I changed to a different 1-4x28 scope from Sniper, Inc. ($140) was to get a reticle that more closely matched the one on the $400 Burris MTAC 1-4x24 currently on my 3-gun AR for practice use.

 

[Friggs]

Thanks all for all the info. You gave way more than I expected.

Bill

 

[UKRsoldier]

My first scope for this rifle was a Nikon 4x30. I think it ended up being $90 retail. I didn't think that was a cheap scope. Nikon obviously makes good quality lenses and glass, and my Nikon 5100 is an awesome DSLR. I ended up selling the scope a couple months later because I didn't think it fit the look of the rifle well, and was more suited to a Ruger 10/22, and replaced it with a covered red dot, but the scope itself was perfect.

 

[Kevin8503]

I'm in the same boat. I have about $100 left in Amazon gift cards from Christmas. I've been looking for a cheap but decent ~$100 scope for my 15-22. It's a paper puncher and my only rifle. I can't imagine dropping more than $100 on one. So much junk to wade through on Amazon though...

 

[Decipher]

Take a look at Primary Arms branded optics. They are seriously nice for the money and well-backed by a great company. I have one of their RDS optics for one of my ARs.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[Jhm4040]

Has anyone tried a micro dot sight from Primary Arms on their 15-22, or on any other firearm?
John

 

[Decipher]

I haven't tried their microdot but that's exactly what I have my eye on. The RDS I have sitting for one of my ARs is their full 30mm tube. It's a very nice, combat capable scope. Given my experience, I have no hesitation in purchasing another PA optic. The micro dot only weighs about 4 ounces and I'm sure is super clean and bright. I'd personally rather have a Primary Arms optic over the competitor's Bushnell TRS-25.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[Jhm4040]

Thanks for the quick response. I've been looking at lots of reviews-very confusing- but the PA looked good for the price.

 

[Decipher]

My pleasure. You can't go wrong with PA. Great company and always quick to answer my inquires.

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[RussellAthletic]

Has anyone tried a micro dot sight from Primary Arms on their 15-22, or on any other firearm?
John

I've run one on both my 15-22 and AR15 and have been very pleased. They are light and very fast. The price is great too.

If you want more scope then check out the Mueller APT. I have one on my Savage .22and it's been great.

 

[hangnoose]

NO IT'S NOT A WEDDING RING

I take much better care of my scopes. Rings I've lost, bent to the point of no return, etc. The good one stays in the drawer most of the time while the cheapo gets the day to day abuse. The most common scope mistakes IMO, a big scope on a small gun & too much mag power. Lot's of power is nice from a bench but can be counterproductive in the field. A 1.5x5, 2.5x, 4x, 2x7 can be accurate to 300 yds & be better up close on the lowest settings. My motto is dig deep for quality optics & leave your budget in the rear view window, when single I ate a lot of mac & cheese/ramen noodles, couldn't take dates out to dinner or hang out in bars, but those memories fade and am glad I paid thru the nose every time I look thru my German binocs even 25 years later. $1,000$ for 25+ years of happy use is a bargain if you can take care of them & not lose them. 100$ for optics you can't stand each time you look thru them & have to replace 3 times aint woth it IMO.

 

[photoracer]

It's a scope, not a wedding ring.



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.

Then I guess you are not a serious shooter then. The only people who says those things are ones that have never had the chance to use one of those $1000-$3000 scopes. They say things like that because they are trying to justify to others that there is no need for a scope in that price range. They cost that much for a reason. Sometimes the reason is mil-spec ruggedness. I am not saying that every person needs one, especially on a 15-22. The scope on my 3-gun AR is a $400 Burris MTAC 1-4x24. That was put on there after I had trouble with my first scope, a Firefield 1-6x24 ($150). Admittedly I was planning on going to the Vortex Razor HD II 1-6x24 ($1299) because it was, bar none, the finest scope I had ever looked thru (except for my gunsmith's Nightforce), but some SUV repairs reduced my budget, and the Burris was the best one under $500 that I had a chance to look thru and met my design wants (also owned by my gunsmith). When I built my .308 long range bolt gun I put my old faithful BSA Mil-Mil MRAD 4-14x44 ($250) which is likely the best scope in its price range, but it was only on there to get it tuned out to about 600 yards. To get to 1000 yards I had to replace it with a Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x50 ($950) because even with a 20 MOA offset rail it is about the cheapest you can use that will allow enough elevation on the turret to reach 1000 yards. Until you shoot a box at long range you have no idea if your turret repeatability is good enough for long range shooting. I am willing to bet just about nothing under $600 is good enough. A scope has to cost at least $1200 to get the brightest and best glass in it as that is what special low dispersion glass costs. Scopes without it routinely start getting weak and fuzzier around 2/3rd of the way up the power scale. The expensive scopes are dead sharp at the max power setting.
On the other hand there are plenty of people who have the money to buy the most expensive cameras available. But that does not make them photographers. And just like that many buy the Nightforce or US Optics, or Zeiss rifle scopes who are not serious shooters. But by buying the best equipment they only have themselves to blame if they can't shoot. Because they did buy the best they only cry once as they say.
So for a 15-22 that is a mall ninja toy, any scope or airsoft clone is fine. If you want it to actually shoot well than spending up to $250 is more than sufficient because you are only working on an envelop of about 200 yards max with a rifle that is 2-4 MOA at best. I spent $140 for the 1-4x28 BDC scope I use on the 15-22 I use for 3-gun practice. It has a reticle similar enough to the Burris MTAC that I can use it.

 

[Engieman]

When and if you can....try to physically look at or compare scopes side by side. Guns shows or large retailers offer the best potential for doing this. Red Dots range in quality, clarity and dot size. Also, your EYE's have a lot to do with it. Folks with various eye conditions will see a large 'flame' verse a dot with some scopes, others will provide a much better 'dot' picture. Having said that, a low power, cross-hair scope may work better. I have a 2X post-style scope that is just wonderful to use. I love it every time I shoot it.

We are all different (eye's) and have different budgets and preferences. The best way to make an informed choice is to compare and contrast. Hard to see all the models in one place at one time, but it's the best way to make a decision that works for YOU. Add warranty, features, reputation, quality and historical track record to the mix as well.

Good luck

 

[batman4706]

Scopes & red dots

I have a Tasco 4-16 for mine, use it on a 300 blk AR as well. Good scope for the money. I have several red dots and the Primary Arms is the best. I got mine when they had a sale that included the AR mount for free.

 

[Gopher Slayer]

Then I guess you are not a serious shooter then.

WRONG. Since you tried to pull my card I'll let you read some of it.

First, I live and work on a large cattle ranch in Montana. When I'm not working I'm shooting or reloading. Even when I am working I have a rifle with me for the gopher that won't shut up or a coyote that's in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I'm not out there shooting large steel plates or paper targets at under 100 yards all day. I'm shooting small targets that move. Sometimes they're twenty feet in front of me and sometimes they're so far away I only saw them because I was glassing the area with my binos(which are Zeiss).

The only people who says those things are ones that have never had the chance to use one of those $1000-$3000 scopes. They say things like that because they are trying to justify to others that there is no need for a scope in that price range.

Did you miss this part?

Just to clarify my post...


I don't think it's stupid to buy an optic that costs as much or more than the rifle. I've done it myself.

I just don't agree with the "ARFCOM formula" that says the optic SHOULD cost as much as the rifle it's going on. That reminds me of the wedding ring formula.

My $750 Elk rifle has a $250 optic on it. It's taken more abuse than I'd like to admit and has never failed me.

 

[trebor127]

if funds permit

try something different,but one of the best combinations

i think there is.......im saving for a tan colour version

EOTech EXPS 3 und EOTech G33.STS Bundle | EoTech / Red Dots | Weapon Accessories | ISSProtectiontrade ®

Keith

 

[Brett248Vista]

You really can't argue facts. The fact is: There is a reason good glass is
expensive. It's the manufacturing involved, better scopes have bigger
Objectives and the larger the Objective gets, it becomes exponentially
more difficult to keep the image fast (light transmission) and free of
Chromatic Aberration.

This is done with expensive base glass or crystal and expensive and time
consuming grinding and polishing processes and with expensive vapor
deposit coatings.

Does that mean you have to buy a 3k Optic? No! But there is a legitimate
reason for that 3K optic.

 

[trebor127]

the EoTech range of sights cost peanuts there in America

they only become expensive when we get them from official

channels here in England.......

EOTech EXPS3-2 Holographic Weapon Sight 65 MOA Circle with (2) 1 MOA Dots Reticle Matte CR123 Battery - EXPS3-2 - Midway UK

EOTech G33 3x Magnifier with Switch to Side Quick Detachable Mount Matte - G33.STS - Midway UK

combined price from an english seller = $2813 its not funny

keith

 

[Brett248Vista]

To further put things into perspective about the cost of glass.

You could buy a fully professional D-SLR Camera body for say
$5,000.00 to $7,000.00 and you could spend $10,000.00 for one
lens (If you are shooting sports photography for example).

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

$3k optic (and second one as a spare) makes sense when you're going on a $50k Safari.

For purposes of 1522 discussion, it seems to me that matching the type of optic to the type of shooting is a more important focus. I mean, I would not take for free a Nightforce NXS 3-15x if I had to mount it on my 1522. I use my 1522 for fair weather offhand shooting bouncing around soda cans and other debris at 50 yards and under. That calls for a 1x red dot, and my dime store PA MicroDot serves well for that purpose.

 

[Kevin8503]

To further put things into perspective about the cost of glass.

You could buy a fully professional D-SLR Camera body for say
$5,000.00 to $7,000.00 and you could spend $10,000.00 for one
lens (If you are shooting sports photography for example).

Very true. But you can take amazing photos with an old D90 and a kit lens. I do it all of the time. Just like a camera, it's not just the scope, but who is holding it. Sure a $3k scope will give you a better sight line, but if you can't hold the rifle properly it really doesn't matter.

 

[Brett248Vista]

Kevin,

No doubt! But there are circumstances where the more expensive
equipment is a requirement to be able to do the job. I referenced
sports photography for example, and at the professional level you
need that equipment.

Just as Phil said, you don't want to go on a 50K Safari with cheap glass
and no backup.

But specifically for the 15-22 discussion it's really moot!

 

[Kevin8503]

Kevin,

No doubt! But there are circumstances where the more expensive
equipment is a requirement to be able to do the job. I referenced
sports photography for example, and at the professional level you
need that equipment.

Just as Phil said, you don't want to go on a 50K Safari with cheap glass
and no backup.

But specifically for the 15-22 discussion it's really moot!

Indeed. My wife hates that I have not only Black Rifle Disease but also Camera Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

 

[johnfjr]

My two cents, tried the cheaper scopes ($85 - $100) did not hold the zero or poor quality lens. Purchased the Nikon P-22LR, what a great scope! Im 51 need glasses but with this scope good up to 100 yards, clear and bright lens, but mainly shooting 25 to 50 yards into a 1" to 2" group, also purchased another Nikon, more power for my Savage Mark II, cant go wrong with Nikon scopes, but remember you will speand another $50 for the Nikon scope mount.

 

[RedNeck Jim]

My Aimpoint Pro costs 4 times what my TRS-25 costs. It does not shoot 4 times better but I really like the durability & long battery life of the Aimpoint. The TRS suited my style of shooting just fine but I feel better having the nicer optic... even on a "lowly" 15-22.

I think it important to remember that these accessories are not wedded to any particular gun... they go on & come off real easily. I personally feel better knowing if my Eotech on my AR were to ever fail again, then I have a similar quality optic ready to go. Hard to put a price on peace of mind.

Also my 15-22 is not any cheap rifle anymore. It has been upgraded with pretty much every accessory as big brother. By the time I add up what I've got in my 15-22, a $400 Aimpoint doesn't look out of place anymore. Funny, but I actually value my 15-22 over any gun I have or have ever shot. Mine functions flawlessly, is relatively cheap to shoot, plus is so quiet (with suppressor) that I can shoot on my property without bothering my animals.

 

[HeyMikeyE]

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.

I put a Non-BDC Nikon Prostaff 3x9x40 on my main hunting rifle three years ago. I can still see well through it, in fields, really pushing legal shooting time.

If you can find the non-bdc version you can save a few more bucks. Last I saw they were around $150 at Academy.