Tempted--Scope Question

[Mebits]

Well, since I have had no accuracy problems since I rezeroed the cheapo Gamo scope on the BC, it's probably premature to be talking new scopes, but still, after thinking about it, I'm wondering what  my options are.

I'm killing the starlings at all ranges possible now, but if the scope does die, I'm going to need a new one.

I'm shooting a pretty harsh BC 1200 with a GRT III trigger, and my typical shot is like 18 yards. The absolute maximum shot I can typically try is about 30 yds and that's shooting into someone else's yard. :O. This is just a starling and sparrow gun. I can't justify spending a lot on a scope on this gun at this juncture. Fortunately, I gather that there are passable options out there.

So, what are the more reliable options for a springer used as I use mine" I don't want to pay more for my scope than I did for my gun. Price is an object. And bear in mind, I'm happy enough with the scope I have, though it's beginning to rattle a bit (I can tighten it back up).

So, what are the recommendations on the cheaper end?

Thanks in advance.

[gamo2hammerli]

Get something that`s been proven and airgun rated.  Somewhere in the mid $100.00.  If you get a cheap inexpensive one....and something goes wrong...you"ll have to go through the whole process of testing; stock screws, scope, scope mount, bad pellets, defective piston seal, barrel sway etc.  a big pain in the you know what.  Get a half decent one and it should last you a longer time.  Bushnell, Hawke, Burris are pretty good.  I know Bushnell claims all their scopes are airgun rated....don`t know about the last two.

[mhojai]

Hawke offers very good deals -- I bought a MAP8 and it works very well ...
http://www.hawkeoptics.com/us/riflescopes/airmax/index.php

[longislandhunter]

One of my favorite scopes is the Leapers 3x9x32 AO that optics planet sells for $50 bucks including shipping.  I have quite a few of these and they've all performed well for me....

Jeff

[airiscool]

Stanley,
".............Get something that`s been proven and airgun rated. Somewhere in the mid $100.00. ......."

Maybe not all mid $100.00 scopes.  I got a Leapers 3-12 mini swat side AO for about $140.00.

It's boxed up waiting for when I have time to finish packing and send it back. The AO started to go out of adjustment every few shots. Got worse so that after each shot it's too blurry to see if I hit anything until I re-adjust it.

The 'target turrets' take several shots to settle into position after each adjustment.

And the locking turret rings - to keep them locked for more than a few shots, you have to tighten them so much they pull the POI off. Better off just leaving them loose.

The extra perks that made it a mid $100.00 gun are what is causing all the problems. Had I gotten the simpler, less expensive ones like Jeff's, I can't help but wonder if it would have held up better.

Or step up in price to better overall quality ?


Paul.

[only1harry]

A harsh shooting gun will eventually break most of the cheaper scopes (<$200) except something like a Leupold depending how much you use that gun.  I recommend getting your guns tuned for a smoother shot cycle and get a middle-top of the line Leapers or a Hawk.  I 've been reading that Hawks are doing well so far with a few exceptions of bad ones being returned.

The Simmons 44Mag (6.5-20x44) is holding up well on my 350 .22 for about 700-800 shots now.  I thought I had a problem with it so I put another 44Mag on it that I had as spare, and it wasn't the scope.  The windage screws had come loose on the Beeman 5039 mount.  If you can find one used in good condition ($100-115 in great condition) I suggest you include that in your shopping list as well, but they are hard to find.  I bought 3 of them.  If you can tune your Magnum Springer to shoot around 20fpe or under, a Bushnell Legend 5-15x40 may work well for you too.  I have the Legend on the Diana 36 which shoots 14.5fpe, but I have seen them on 16-17fpe guns holding up well too.  However I would not put any scope on a Magnum Springer that had a very harsh shot cycle.  You need to fix that first and then scope it.  I 'd start with a Maccari seal and a lube tune or a complete tune.

[Mryan21]

The scope that came with my BC broke after 1500 shots or so. So i'm assuming the same will happen to you sooner or later. You're smart to be looking for another scope, because eventaully that gun is going to eat the one thats on it. The gamo scopes are junk IMO. I would use it till it breaks though. Like LongIslandHunter said, try a leapers 3-9-32ao. I have had 3 of them on the BC and a couple of other springers. They all held up. As a matter of fact, i still own all 3 of them and they still work like new.

[atchman2]

I'd get this one too:  Leapers 3x9x32 AO that optics planet sells for $50 bucks including shipping  That is a good deal for a reasonable scope.

[Mebits]

Roger that. I understand the bias toward better scopes, but if I'm not shooting a ton, and a scope lasts 2500 pellets, I might go 4 years on $160 worth of less expensive scopes.

BTW, is this the one you're talking about?

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Leapers_3_9x32_Rifle_Scope_Illuminated_Mil_Dot_Reticle_1_4_MOA_1_Tube_Weaver_See_Thru_Rings/2853

[atchman2]

I think they are talking about the AO version.

[longislandhunter]

Randy is correct...... I meant the AO version of the Leapers 3x9x32.   I must have close to a dozen of them and every one has held up like a champ, even on hard hitting magnum springers....

Jeff

[Mryan21]

yeah i was also talking about the ao version. Here is another cheap scope with ao that has held up great on my RS2, and also on BC for awhile. Still works like new as well. http://www.opticsplanet.net/tasco-3-9x44-titan.html

[Mebits]

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Leapers_Golden_Image_3_9x32AO_Rifle_Scope_Mil_Dot_Reticle_1_Tube/866

how many 3-8x32 scopes do those guys make?

[only1harry]

From P/A:

http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Leapers_5th_Gen_4_16x50AO_Rifle_Scope_Illuminated_Red_Green_Mil_Dot_Reticle_Zero_Lock_Reset/1808

It is the 4-16x50 Leapers. I think they have lowered the price. I never remember it under $100.  It's only $82!  

Heavy though.  About 1.6lbs vs. the 3-9x32 which weighs 1 pound.  The heavy construction of the 4-16x50 should be able to withstand a Magnum's springer recoil, at least that 's what Leapers claims.  I also think these are popular with Magnum SPringers, unless there is a newer Leapers model out there which is why they lowered the price maybe?

[Ace_doc]

leapers 4 x 32 golden image scope with mil dot reticle.