Scope recommendations for a .223 bolt-action rifle (Mossberg MVP)?

[G-Mac]

My LGS is ordering me one of these little Mossberg MVP Predator bolt-actions. I'm buying it mainly for target shooting, but once I get it dialed in, it's going to be my coyote/varmint gun too. I want to get a good scope but don't want to go broke doing so....maybe $200 tops. Any recommendations on specific models? I have experience with Weaver, Simmons, Bushnell, Leupold, Nikon, etc...not necessarily loyal to any particular brand.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I just picked up a good used Bushnell 3x9 (Baush and Lomb) at a pawn shop for $100.

 

[Marine Corps Air]

Gary,

What about a Redfield Revolution 3 X 9 X 40?

I have one for my Springfield M-1A and another on my Winchester Model 94 Sporter. They're built by the same company as Leupold (Leupold owns Redfield), very similar optics, absolutely great technical support (have called several times for recommendations regarding my mounting brackets and rings - i.e. low profiles), and even better, they won't destroy your "Gun Budget"!

http://www.redfield.com/riflescopes/

The Customer Reviews at Amazon are Five Stars.

 

[sigp220.45]

I like Nikons. I found this little 2-7 at Wally World - it had become separated from its box and they sold it for $100.

 

[Hillbilly77]

I'm a Leupold lover.

For $200, a Leupold VX-1 is a great option.

For another $100, a VX-2 model may be a better option. If I understand correctly, they are basically the same scope, but the VX-2 has more internal lenses and better light gathering ability. That may be helpful with low light coyote hunting.

Leupold VX-2 - everything you need and nothing you don't. Also, lifetime warranty and made in the USA.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Go for the extreams in cost, something that's a throw away or something that will serve you well for the rest of your life. The price point you chose is right in the middle, and on new scopes it is not a good place to be. you don't get some of each you end up with none of either end! It is going to cost more for a good quality scope used that you want to pay. save up. And don't cheap out on the mounts and rings either.

Not what you want to hear, but somebody should tell not to waste your cash. Ivan

 

[fyimo]

Leupold Vari XII 3x9x40mm scopes come with a lifetime guarantee whether you are the original buyer or if you buy it used. So buying a used one in good condition fits your price range and it would serve you well. I have them on several of my rifles and they are excellent scopes.

 

[histed]

My Model 70 wears a Leupold VX-2 in 4 X 12, but its been on there for over 30 years. I have no idea what they run new, but it would be hard to beat. Mine gets used on PA groundhogs, so I like the extra magnification. OTH, my brother swears by Nikon and the ones I've seen seem like they'd do what you want done.

 

[Waywatcher]

Leupold; used if you have to. With Nikons, I've noticed that if your eye is on the edge of the exit pupil, they do weird visual stuff that I don't care for. Leupolds are much more forgiving in this respect and they're made in the USA. Leupold holds their scopes to higher shock/impact resistance than the other bargain brands. I have a VX-3 on my Winchester Model 70 but if I was bargain scope shopping I would still stay within the Leupold brand.

Click here to go to MidwayUSA for a 3-9 Leupold VX-1; $199.99

 

[Big Stick]

When it comes down to it, and you are out in the field in some poor conditions, you will never be looking through your optics, thinking "I wish I hadn't spent so much on this scope"......

 

[damienph]

Simmons Whitetail Classic

Simmons Whitetail Classic Rifle Scope 6.5-20x 50mm Adjustable

I have a variety of scopes; I will say that my favorite brand is Leupold. However, a cheap scope that has worked well for me is the Midway USA exclusive Simmons Whitetail Classic for $109. I also sprung for the sunshade. I have had one of these on my DPMS Bull 24 for about 3 years, hundreds of rounds, absolutely no problems whatsoever.

I am not implying that this scope is as good as any of my Leupolds or Nikon Monarchs but it is a heck of a deal for $110! Check out the product reviews.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Coyotes and "Varmints"....... .223

Two scopes I like for walking around/utility use.......

Weaver 1-3x20 ...... about $170-180 (on the .22lr..... 10-75 yd shooting)

Leupold's 1-4x20...... about $220 this scope is mounted on my CZ 452 FS in .22mag and my 527 FS (mannlicher) .223.

At 1X they are nice for walking around in SW Pa.'s medium to thick woodlands (snap/2eyes open shooting)...... at 3-4X they are still good to go out to 150yds on Coyotes and groundhogs.

Both are small, light and handy on a rifle ........

 

[coltle6920]

I wish you guys would quit pushing expensive scopes on G-Mac! I don't mind him getting a good scope as long as the price of his target stand doesn't go up to pay for it.

 

[G-Mac]

And don't cheap out on the mounts and rings either.....Ivan

Bumping this thread back up with an update.

I picked up the Mossberg MVP at my LGS a couple weeks ago. It was a special order and I had to wait for it. Not a problem, as I was trying to scrape together the money anyway.

So, I still need a scope, and rings. The gun came with mounts already installed. Since this may be one of the last new rifles I ever purchase, I've decided not to cheap out on the scope. I'm going to go with a Leupold VX-2 in matte black to match the finish on the gun metal. Wondering what would be a good set of mounts to get?

I appreciate all the help you guys already posted. Thank you.

 

[woodsltc]

Bumping this thread back up with an update.

I picked up the Mossberg MVP at my LGS a couple weeks ago. It was a special order and I had to wait for it. Not a problem, as I was trying to scrape together the money anyway.

So, I still need a scope, and rings. The gun came with mounts already installed. Since this may be one of the last new rifles I ever purchase, I've decided not to cheap out on the scope. I'm going to go with a Leupold VX-2 in matte black to match the finish on the gun metal. Wondering what would be a good set of mounts to get?

I appreciate all the help you guys already posted. Thank you.

Good Choice !!!

Don

 

[H Richard]

Add another $100 to it and you can get the Nikon 6-18X44 with sidefocus. One of the best deals on the market, especially if you plan to varmint hunt, the 18X handles it well out there.

 

[model70hunter]

Leupold VX ll is a great choice. I've owned many of this model.

The rings will depend on the size of the front or objective lens.

Take the scope and gun to the LGS, if you are buying a 3x9x40 a medium weaver type in matte black will probably work. I've owned several Leupolds in 4x12x40, they will do what you want.

If you are buying a Leupold in 4x12x50 it probably will take a high ring, perhaps an extra high.

Mount the bottom half of the rings. Put your scope in to make sure the Objective does not touch the bbl or the adjustment knob does not touch.

Also some gun/scope combinations may require offset rings so you can get the right eye relief. I've run into this and the barrel touching many times, usually after I am home and the shop is closed.

A good LGS will have a scope bar to ensure the rings are true so one doesn't get the ding in the scope body at the ring.

If you are going to order your rings this is a good place. I've ordered many things from them, such as Kahles binoculars, and like their service. Weaver Four Hole Skeletal 1" Rings | SWFA

It also is a good place to look at all good rings, optics etc so you can see a good price and different models

The Weaver rings I pointed out are 30 bucks while Leupold Tactical's are 104 dollars. unless one is going full SWAT on coyotes or paper targets something the Weavers look very good.

One should be able to lift and mount the rifle while pushing slightly forward keeping your head erect, pull it back to your shoulder and have the center of the crosshairs in direct line with your eye which is looking directly at your target. The cross hairs will appear on the target like magic. No other movement like stock crawling should occur.

To summarize get rings that allow adjustment for your eye relief (front to back movement of scope in rings), right height so the scope can clear the rifle and give you correct eye positioning when you mount the rifle.

The last thing is have fun.

 

[Fishinfool]

Just to add my two cents to model 70's post, use a Weaver . Picatinny type slotted base / ring set. The Leupold type twist in rings and bases are nice looking, but they are not as strong, and can be difficult to set up properly.

 

[Marine Corps Air]

Bumping this thread back up with an update.

I picked up the Mossberg MVP at my LGS a couple weeks ago. It was a special order and I had to wait for it. Not a problem, as I was trying to scrape together the money anyway.

So, I still need a scope, and rings. The gun came with mounts already installed. Since this may be one of the last new rifles I ever purchase, I've decided not to cheap out on the scope. I'm going to go with a Leupold VX-2 in matte black to match the finish on the gun metal. Wondering what would be a good set of mounts to get?

I appreciate all the help you guys already posted. Thank you.

I certainly agree 100%+ with the OP's decision not to cheap out on either the gun or the scope. Leupolds are among the best scopes available, and I believe that they're still Made in America. I still recommend calling the "Ask A Leupold Expert" (1-800-538-7653) to ask for their recommendations. They know their products better than anyone.

I'm using their Redfield scopes on two of my rifles. I wanted a 3-9X40 (Accu-Range) for my Springfield Armory M-1A. I also am not planning to go after big game in the Kalahari - just out to the ranges for me. I had an M-14 at Parris Island and in Vietnam. I called Redfield technical support three times. They recommended a Sadlak Industries aluminum (not the more expensive steel) scope mount and the correct low mount scope rings, which I purchased from Brownell's.

I certainly hope that the OP will continue to keep us updated on the success of this project.

 

[model70hunter]

Just to add my two cents to model 70's post, use a Weaver . Picatinny type slotted base / ring set. The Leupold type twist in rings and bases are nice looking, but they are not as strong, and can be difficult to set up properly.

I looked this model up, it is either an 18.5 bull bbl or a 20" sporter weight, They have weaver type bases.

The OP said he special ordered it. Don't know what he desired.

Both bbl length's come with or without a Mossberg 3x9x40 scope.