Name some "bargain" scope brands

[Rat Robb]

I know a couple guys that use this out to 1800yds...and beyond

https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-20x42-tactical-30mm-riflescope-6.html

-Robb

 

[maxxhavoc]

I'll second SWFA as a bargain. The mechanical parts are very precise and durable. I have not tried any of their HD glass, but their regular glass is pretty good.

Most of the savings comes from using a fixed power, but my 3x9s never really did get moved off of 9 very much anyway.

 

[wally]

Most of the savings comes from using a fixed power, but my 3x9s never really did get moved off of 9 very much anyway.

I've often wondered if there could be significant savings in a "binary" scope say 5 or 20x without zoom, and if so why aren't they being made?

Invariably I'm at the low end for walking around or non-prone position shooting and at the high end for prone or off a bench.

 

[Derek Zeanah]

I've often wondered if there could be significant savings in a "binary" scope say 5 or 20x without zoom, and if so why aren't they being made?

The Elcan Specter DR is exceptional, and I'd own a few of them if I could afford them. They're the only ones I know of, though.

 

[Slater]

Konus is a brand that I've seen sold on Optics Planet, Amazon, gun shows, etc. I believe the company is based in Italy but has their products manufactured in China. Seems to have more positive than negative reviews.

http://www.konus.com/us/home/

 

[Danoobie]

When I can, I go with Zeiss, but I believe Nikon has some of the best bargain scopes out there.

Leupold, Nikon, Zeiss.

Want to "save money"? Go to Costco, Goodwill, and Dollar General.

 

[Caldart]

I have always thought Bushnell is excellent bang for the buck.

 

[Walkalong]

Wait for significant sales to get more for your scope dollars. Closeouts when they upgrade or change for example.

https://www.eurooptic.com/51054-Leica-Leica-ER-5-2-10x50-scope-ballistic-reticle.aspx

https://www.eurooptic.com/minox-za-5-hd-2-10x40-w-mino-plex-reticle.aspx

https://www.sportoptics.com/zeiss-hd5-5226319981.aspx

https://www.eurooptic.com/leica-er-5-2-10x50-scope-with-4a-reticle-51051.aspx

 

[pblanc]

I have a Hawke Sport Optics Vantage 3-9x40 AO scope on a Ruger 10/22 and I have been pretty happy with it. Cost was just around $100. For a little more money, the Nikon scopes have excellent optical clarity.

 

[cdb1]

I’d love to have this one:

https://www.eurooptic.com/51054-Leica-Leica-ER-5-2-10x50-scope-ballistic-reticle.aspx

 

[Walkalong]

I’d love to have this one:

https://www.eurooptic.com/51054-Leica-Leica-ER-5-2-10x50-scope-ballistic-reticle.aspx

I bought the plex reticle version when they were $499 shipped. They are gone now. Superb scope.

 

[cdb1]

I bought the plex reticle version when they were $499 shipped. They are gone now. Superb scope.

If I got one a German #4 would be my preference followed by a plex. I think I could live with the Ballistic reticle though.

Eurooptic has nice stuff, have you had good luck with them?

 

[ilbob]

My experience is kind of limited but it seems to me that the lower cost units seem to have a rather high DOA rate but if they survive a while they seem to work fine.

Some of the lower cost units may have adjust range issues though. I had one that as you adjusted it to its limits it would shift the point of aim as it was shot. It worked fine when it was not at the limits though. I think the issue was the spring that held it in place just was not strong enough when it was out at the limits.

Overall I have had pretty good luck with cheaper optics but I don't beat on them.

 

[Sav .250]

Bargain scope brands are the ones you can barely afford.

 

[Walkalong]

Eurooptic has nice stuff, have you had good luck with them?

Two experiences ordering with them, both positive.

Also picked up this Minox on sale at about $300/$400 off. (Don't remember exactly now)

 

[cdb1]

Two experiences ordering with them, both positive.

Also picked up this Minox on sale at about $300/$400 off. (Don't remember exactly now)

Thanks.

 

[Walkalong]

Here's a good deal, I could also live with the BDC reticle in need be. Those Minox reticles are very fine though.

https://www.eurooptic.com/Minox-66607-MinoxZX5-2-10x50-BDC-66607.aspx

 

[Derek Zeanah]

Here's a good deal, I could also live with the BDC reticle in need be. Those Minox reticles are very fine though.

Dude, stop. I already bought a shotgun I don't need this week. Quit it with the nice optics already...

 

[BigBL87]

I've heard good things about Konus but have never owned one myself.

I've had several Mueller scopes. I really like them and they are better than their price would suggest. I do find their eye boxes to be a little unforgiving, though.

I have two of the Bushnell AR Optics line of scopes. The clarity is impressive, especially considering I only paid about $100 for each. That is admittedly is well below MSRP but I think you can still get them in that range. I've heard their Banner series is a good value as well.

Lastly, Primary Arms is pretty universally recognized as a great bargain option.

 

[Legionnaire]

Interesting thread, guys, but we seem to be drifting from Derek's purpose: identifying good quality low cost brands that he can recruit as advertisers. With that in view, I suggest:

Mueller
Hawke
Aim Sports
UTG

Edit: Athlon

 

[Walkalong]

Dude, stop.

https://www.sportoptics.com/zeiss-rifle-scope-bargain-center.aspx

 

[LoonWulf]

I missed the advertising part. I'd add Athlon to that list, and maybe Sig

 

[Legionnaire]

Yeah, I should have thought of Athlon.

 

[Kendal Black]

An interesting research tool you can use for free is to look at the Amazon ratings of various scopes. Amazon reviews are customer-written (they banned reviews for which the writers got discounts or free products). While the reviewers vary in their depth of knowledge you can see some trends when lots of purchasers are talking about the same virtues or faults.

My own go-to for a lower-shelf scope is Bushnell. I have two. When using them I do not change sight settings in the field, thinking the repeatability of the settings is bound to be less than a high dollar scope's. But I can see through them all right and so far the zeroes have not walked.

UTG/Leapers is attracting some favorable attention in Amazon reviews.

 

[JeffG]

Me too! but I've only got one and its on a .22lr Its been great but for $60 I wouldn't really expect it to hold up on something like a .308

My 308 and my .458 wear BSA scopes.