help with scope.

[mthomas]

I am new to the ag scene, but am really enjoying it. I think my somewhat compulsive nature is ideally suited to this activity. I enjoy spending a few hours evaluating ammo, and I enjoy taking a walk in the woods to see what I can target.  I currently own a CFX, with a GRTIII trigger. ( to all newbies, just buy the trigger, and enjoy a weapon that actually feels like a firearm, not a rough toy).

 I am looking for a scope for casual shooting. Mostly plinking and targets of opportunity at 20 to 50 yards. If I shoot something, I want to know where the round will impact.The gamo scope provided is ok but for me not too usefull beyond about 25 yards. I would like higher variable  mag and better glass. I also like mil dot as they allow me to compensate at varying ranges. I would also like to keep the weight down and the length down. I can walk and shoot alll day with my ruger .243, but even at the light weight of a cfx, air rifles are beasts, add in a 14+ inch, 20 oz scope and the fun factor starts to go away. I have noticed that after an hour of popping ' what looks like a nice target to you boys?' with my twelve year olds, their daisy pumper starts to get more accurate and fun as their arms are not wiped out. My next purchase will be an air arms tx200, although I hate the thought of a 9 plus pound rifle, so I would like a scope worthy of that rifle as well.

So, what is the ideal? What ideas do you have? Give me some input. I have read most of the posts to date and have seen very few clear recomendations other than peakchicks for the bushnell trophy series. saadly not avail with mil dot. Money is always a concern, but can be traded off for quality and long term durability. Gene, you seem very detail oriented, and have tried a lot of equipment, but dont seem to actually love a lot of the scopes you try. What is your opinion? How about everyone else? Please Chime in.

[Gene_SC]

My eye sight is not as good as it once was... So I stick with mostly 40 objectives and do have a couple of 50's. A Bushnell Sportsman 4-12X40 AO is a bargain at under $50.00 and is typically a better scope than the Gamo scopes. It depends on how much you want to pay along with how healthy your eyes are. The bushy that I mentioned would probably work just great on the CFX for what you want. Remember do not get a scope that is to long. It will interfere with your loading breech. The reason I referred you to the Bushy Sportsman is because it is not only low cost but light weight as well compared to BSA and Leapers of the same power. Good luck.

[daved]

How much magnification do you need?  From past experience, I found that around 13-14" was about as long a scope as I could put on a CFX.  Lots of scopes in that range, but not many are lightweights.  If you're looking for light and compact, I can highly recommend the Burris Timberline 4.5-14x32.  Yes, 32, but to my eye, it's as bright as the 40's and 44's I've used in the past.  Under 12" long, and weighs about 15 oz.  No mil dot, but Burris has a proprietary reticle called the Ballistic Plex which I like just as much as a standard mil dot.  Eye relief is quite long, from 3.75-5", but I'm sure it would still work nicely on a CFX.  I think you can find them for under $200 if you shop around.  I'm surprised these haven't caught on more among air gunners, maybe the price is just enough of an extra jump that most don't go there.

If you'd like more info, Gene reviewed this scope here, didn't like it, traded it to me, and then I reviewed it in the same thread.  He must be old AND blind, because I think it's a great scope :-)!  Later.

Dave

[mthomas]

All great suggestions. I looked through the bushnell, and liked it except for the lack of some sort of a mildot. Burris looks ideal other than the cost. Lowest i found was 195. Thanks for the time guys, I will fill you in on my final decision, and reasons for that decision when I finalize.Mostly I think it will come down to a cost/clarity issue. I have a feeling I may do a series of evals and returns. There is a gunshow coming soon to Reno, but unfortunately, I will be out of town while it is running.

[hodgjy]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10248654

[hodgjy]

I have had good luck with Leapers and Centerpoints.  To change the crosshair blur, simply adjust the eye piece quick focus.  Works everytime for me.  Hope it works for you, too.

[matthew_H]

i would go with the bushnell i mostly use bushnell scopes i even have a 3-9x32 on my .50 cal in line muzzloader .never a problem and it dont fog or get blurry at high mag like some cheap scopes can .

[mthomas]

went with an RWS 3-9x40. Met my reqs re length and weight, had a mil dot type reticle, and AO. I believe this is a discontinued item so was a few bucks less than retail, and happened to be avail locally. Glass seems clear at all mags. I'm happy for now.

[TCups]

See:
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=OSAR312X44&prodTitle=BSA%20%20Air%20Rifle%20Scope%203%2D12x44%20AO%20Target%20Turrets