To scope or not to scope lever action

[Sparks57]

I grew up shooting my grandfather's 30-30 Winchester. I just purchased a Rossi 30-30 Rio Grande. It has a great classic look to it. I pick it up next week. The Rio Grande comes with scope mounts. I'm just getting into long guns, as I've only had handguns. So, I bought an AK47 and the Rio Grande.
Sorry for the long intro, the question is, do I get a scout a scope for the Rio Grande? I think I might be breaking some John Wayne code, but my eyes aren't what they used to be, and the scope is appealing to me. If the scope is a go, what scope do you recommend?
I'd like to keep the price down.

[kielbasavw]

This is what I did

[Sparks57]

Thanks for sharing Kielbasavw, how do you like the scope on the rifle?
I am a newbie to scopes, what type of scope do you have?

[TMB 1]

Rio Grande is side eject like Marlin. I would put a Vintage Weaver K2.5 on it. I see them go for $30 to $70 on ebay depending on type reticle and condition.

[TURNKEY13]

Not a scope expert here, but two things. Scopes are like glasses, if you need them, use them. Otherwise shooting will be no fun if ya cant hit anything. Also, regarding the lower pic, looks like waaaaay to much eye relief. The rear AO should be closer to the hammer, or at least where its comfortable for you without creeping to far forward. Lastly, my opinion on the old west rifle/scope look, i think it looks best with a lower power smaller glass, maybe 32 mm OB's as to not take to much away from the rifle. Besides, in the old days, they didnt have 56mm glass!!!! Ha!

[SHEPHERD321]

one vote for no scope

[ely]

You will like a scope on at least one of your long guns. The 30-30 accepts a scope well, so it's a good choice. I put a scope on mine and liked it, but finally removed it. I wanted a quick handling/lightweight rifle to use as needed. My Savage 30-06 serves my scope rifle needs. Don't loose the flush screws that are in the holes tapped for the scope base, as I did.You'll need them if you decide to return your rifle to original.
Either way your going to love shooting and hunting with your levergun.

[JWHuey]

Not a scope expert here, but two things. Scopes are like glasses, if you need them, use them. Otherwise shooting will be no fun if ya cant hit anything. Also, regarding the lower pic, looks like waaaaay to much eye relief. The rear AO should be closer to the hammer, or at least where its comfortable for you without creeping to far forward. Lastly, my opinion on the old west rifle/scope look, i think it looks best with a lower power smaller glass, maybe 32 mm OB's as to not take to much away from the rifle. Besides, in the old days, they didnt have 56mm glass!!!! Ha!

I believe that is a scout scope,that is the correct distance for eye relief. Due to the top eject of certain lever action rifles,you would be unable to use a regular short eye relief scope.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/scout_scopes.htm

[theshoer]

No scope

[Remus]

....Also, regarding the lower pic, looks like waaaaay to much eye relief. The rear AO should be closer to the hammer, or at least where its comfortable for you without creeping to far forward....

Lastly, my opinion on the old west rifle/scope look, i think it looks best with a lower power smaller glass, maybe 32 mm OB's as to not take to much away from the rifle. Besides, in the old days, they didnt have 56mm glass!!!! Ha!

They do make scout style scopes with extended eye relief - that could be one or a pistol scope that has significant eye relief.

I concur in general trying to keep a "period look" for lever guns, my preference is for peep sights rather than a scope but my vision is still okay.

Insofar as the Rio Grande - the pictures that I saw have the scope mount integral to the receiver. You would not put a scout scope on that - any normal eye relief scope would do fine.

This is what I wished that I had purchased last night had I known it existed.

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/hog-riflescopes/

This is what I purchased in gloss: (think the gloss would keep a bit more of a period look for your rifle than a matte)

http://www.leupold.com/hunting-shooting/scopes/vx-1-riflescopes/vx-1-2-7x33mm-includes-shotgunmuzzleloader/

[TURNKEY13]

I believe that is a scout scope,that is the correct distance for eye relief. Due to the top eject of certain lever action rifles,you would be unable to use a regular short eye relief scope.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/scout_scopes.htm

You are right.. Maybe i NEED glasses!!

[VegasND]

Lever actions are flat and handy. Rather than add the bulk of a scope I prefer:

[Bainter1212]

If you can find an old Weaver tip-off base/ring combo on ebay you can use irons or a scope. I have them on two rifles and they hold zero perfectly. If you want to use your irons, just flip the scope to the side.

[pennstater]

Lever actions are flat and handy. Rather than add the bulk of a scope I prefer:

That is exactly what I have on my 94. As long as my eyes hold out, it stays.

[Sparks57]

Wow great input, thanks. The Rio Grande is similar to the Marlin with side ejection. The rifle comes with a scope mount. Still torn, I am going to call my 98 year old grand dad today to get his input as well.
Started looking at the Weavers and think it's a good fit.