Decent, low cost 24-32x mil-dot scope?

[JMP]

Thanks. I'm in San Diego. Been to Turners, DGM and Dicks already. Most have just 3-9x and nothing bigger. My goal is to shoot past 100 yds so I'm definitely, absolutely positively certain 9x isn't enough. I've got vision issues thanks to my many years in the glare and sun at sea. Shooting is just one of my many expensive hobbies and limited funds mean I have to accept the fact that I can't afford the "best" or sometimes even "good" and settle for just "ok".

9x should be more than enough. Otherwise, you end up with a beast on a .22lr and it'll make the rifle an ergonomic catastrophe. If you are only shooting from a bench 100-300 yards, and you want to get as much magnification for cheap, get a fixed power. Here's an inexpensive 20x fixed. Magnification of 20+ is okay at 100-300 yards. For longer distance shooting, folks will need to start reducing magnification due to mirage.

http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-20x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P53716.aspx

Most decent fixed power scopes will be at 10x or 12x since that will work at just about any distance.

If it is just seeing where you hit, then a spotting scope is what you need.

[stretch2]

Also
We all get what we can afford, period
If you go with a cheaper scope (less than $300)
Its best to get a fixed power, less moving parts, no changes in poi as you change magnification
N

After some research I came to the same conclusion, so am now looking for a suitable fixed power scope.

Ergonomics? Here's my dream scope:



Just kidding...

[screate]

Pentax Gameseeker 30 or any Bushnell Banner

http://swfa.com/Pentax-85-32x50-Gameseeker-30-Rifle-Scope-P48566.aspx

[bombadillo]

I had the 8-32 pentax gameseeker and it SUCKED. Poor image quality, even worse at high magnification, and very grainy. Exit pupil was horrible above about 18-20x and almost unusable at 32x. I wouldn't recommend it even though the specs on it are great.

[skyblue]

"Low cost" and "decent" are very subjective terms and often at opposite ends of the spectrum when talking rifle scopes. I would be looking at offerings from Nikon, Bushnell, Vortex, or Burris for "decent" glass at a reasonable price point.

You should also have no problem shooting to 300 with 14x. Nikon Buckmasters 4.5-14x40 Side Focus Matte BDC would be a good choice - $270 on Amazon. If you need to see POI, get a spotting scope.

The bitterness of poor quality lasts far longer after the sweetness of low price is long forgotten...

This is the thread that I meant to start after a trip to the range last weekend! Just like the OP, age has started to dim my vision, and I'm starting to find my Weaver RV7 lacking when shooting my 10/22. I can see the target through the scope at 100 yds, but I would really love to see the POI without having to switch to my 10x50 binoculars after each shot (don't have a spotting scope yet).

I second your advice regarding avoiding scopes from Barska, Simmons et al, and would probably be looking in the Mueller-Weaver price range, but what magnification should I be looking at if I wanted to see POI at 100 yds and beyond? Would 16x be enough, or should I go for 24x or 36x? Kinda worried about shake at higher magnification...

[THEJAPINO]

The target rimfire guys rave over Weaver T-series fixed 24x and 36x. Also look up older fixed Japanese Tasco's if you could find one. They'd be a bit cheaper that the Weaver scopes.

[Dinosaur Jr]

This is the thread that I meant to start after a trip to the range last weekend! Just like the OP, age has started to dim my vision, and I'm starting to find my Weaver RV7 lacking when shooting my 10/22. I can see the target through the scope at 100 yds, but I would really love to see the POI without having to switch to my 10x50 binoculars after each shot (don't have a spotting scope yet).

I second your advice regarding avoiding scopes from Barska, Simmons et al, and would probably be looking in the Mueller-Weaver price range, but what magnification should I be looking at if I wanted to see POI at 100 yds and beyond? Would 16x be enough, or should I go for 24x or 36x? Kinda worried about shake at higher magnification...

It all depends on your eyes and if your using "Shoot N C" (or similar) targets, which I highly recommend. My most recent scope purchase is a 6-24x.