"Budget" Rifle Scope - First time buying a scope

[NordicDave]

learn how to shoot well with iron sites and spend the money on ammo.

Well said. Save up and buy something 1/2 way decent. There is no free lunch. Any money spent less than about $300 on a scope is a waste of money. Better to stick with iron sights.

Spend some time behind expensive glass if you get a chance, and the compromises of cheap scopes become apparent. Cross hairs slightly wondering around, scope cannot return to zero after adjustment, distortion at the edges of the glass, inconsistent focus across the plane of view, etc.

[billped]

Scope snobbery is a treatable condition. Buy something cheap and have fun. Either you enjoy the scope or you learn a lesson, both results are worth the money.

[covingtonhouse]

Nikon rimfire scopes on sale at cabelas this month. Just picked up a couple of 3-9x40's for a pair of old savage rifles. Bought them because of a prior Nikon scope purchase that I am also very happy with. Very clear view, and very bright.

[Cowboy T]

Scope snobbery is a treatable condition. Buy something cheap and have fun. Either you enjoy the scope or you learn a lesson, both results are worth the money.

Agreed. I've currently got a cheapie Tasco 3-9x40 that I picked up from a buddy for $10. Works just fine on the 10/22. Also, look into the cheapie "made in China" scopes that usually come with Remington ADL rifles. First thing a lot of people do is mount a better scope (e. g. Leupold VX-1 or Redfield Revolution), so they either sell the included Chinese scopes for cheap or just toss 'em.

[canative]

I have a Redfield Revolution 2-7x33 on my Marlin .22 and it works great.

[coy80176]

Surprisingly, you don't have t spend a lot...

I've got on old Simmons 22 Mag scope on my Marlin 795 and with bulk ammo group baseballs @ 100 yds

And softball groups @ 200 yds.

[Dinosaur Jr]

Mueller APV AO 4.5-14x40 is a proven .22 favorite! About $135

http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Rifle-Scope-Black-4-5-14/dp/B000SULCTA

I have a Nikon Rimfire Prostaff 3-9x40 that is pretty sweet too. About $120

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-ProStaff-Rimfire-Black-Riflescope/dp/B004JMQ9I2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1397923457&sr=1-1&keywords=nikon+prostaff+rimfire

[Webologist]

Check out Walmart, they have a decent selection

I bought a CenterPoint with illuminated reticles for my 10/22 from Walmart, intending to replace it later. Never did, never will, it works great.

I think it's $58 or $68...

[shoebox56]

I bought a CenterPoint with illuminated reticles for my 10/22 from Walmart, intending to replace it later. Never did, never will, it works great.

I think it's $58 or $68...

Same here. CenterPoints are totally underrated. They do the job well.

[LBDamned]

^ ^ ^ Yeah. Minute of squirrel at 100 yds. - Who needs a scope?

zombie squirrels are no problem for 100 yrds... but this is an entirely new millennium - squirrels from outer-space are hi-tech and you need to account for the unexpected!

a $40 Barska will get the job done on a budget... but if you are a serious extraterrestrial squirrel sniper, you need a Night Force or Schmidt & Bender or US Optics, nothing else will get it done... other than the extra special, super extreme, ultra underground optic that only forum operators know about = the "SS" oh, and whatever PA is hyping this week.