Cheap Scope Selection

i've had nothing but good experiences with my tasco WCP and simmons 44mag. looking at tasco's "new" site, i see that the scope "i" have is now called the tasco titan, but it is the same scope.

these scopes are inexpensive and should be just fine, especially on the .17hmr.

Mr. Mom, I tried the link and got a error page, I'll try again later.

 Ron, I think the titan has a 30mm tube. The feature I'm looking into the most is zero change with power changes. Right now I'm leaning towards a Whitetail expedition 6-18, but not set in stone.

  rob: here try this www.sportsmansguide.com.  dont know what happened when i tryed to post it.  matt got a tasco 6x24 with a dot for 150. nathan got a bsa 6x24x44 with 2 sun sades for 99. i got the same 1 as nathan for my .308. havent had any problems with it. the have alot others to pick from.

Rob1 wrote:  Ron, I think the titan has a 30mm tube.

in that case, maybe mine isn't the twin to the titan. except for my own WCP, i have never seen a WCP with the "tall" adjustments, just assumed that the titan was the one had that had been "re-named."

have heard great things about the simmons WE, but no actual experience. my guess is that the higher end of the "cheapie" scopes are, in many cases, at least as good if not better than the low end of the "fancy" scopes. considering the feature that you are looking for, this narrows the choices a bit, but i would think that it also assures that what you DO pick should be of good quality?

Ron, I probably posted in the wrong forum.

Thanks for all the responses. Chris at SWFA has spoke very highly of the White Tail Expeditions, that peaked my interest. I'm also very interested in a Swift as I've heard they're very good with their warranty service. The Tasco's offer features I'm interested in for a good price. I have one Tasco straight six power that came with a used rifle and has been my extra scope and has been on a bunch of different rifles for short term use untill I got a different scope. It's been very good. There's a lot of choices. I might see if any of local's carry models I'm interestd in, I've already checked for the expedition and had no luck. I have a fullfield II I was going to use for the 8mag. I thought about using that and sticking with the scope that was on the 8 previously, but that would still leave me a scope short. My wife thinks it's quite humorous that I feel quilty (just a little) for my impulse buy of the .17hrm and my ensuing scope shopping. I keep telling myself "this will be the last one for awhile". Who can think of J-Lo at times like these. Maybe I'll sleep on it awhile. Thanks for sharing all your experiences. Rob

Rob1;

Just got back from a range trip this morning.  Did a fair amount of load testing on the 6mm & also wanted to dial in the Tasco/Savage combo.  I can now tell you this on the Tasco mil-dot 2.5 X 10 A/O.  The click adjustments are not, repeat NOT, consistant or accurate.  If you fiddle with it enough it can be made to get (sorta) close to where you want the zero to be.

However, if in the field, you thought to move it say 6 clicks left to adjust for wind, it would take another range session in order to return it to the original zero.  Well sorta close to the original zero.

The optics aren't all that bad, the workmanship shows sloppy for some things.  There are all kinds of glue goobers in the A/O bell.  And the knob adjustments are not what you'd call top-notch.  But, it was only $65.00 delivered.  So what the hell, I got what I paid for.  I'd never put it on anything but a .22 rimfire though.  I am sure that the quality may vary some also.  I shudder to think what a Monday morning one would be like if mine is a good one.

Not the scope I'd think you want on the .17 Rob.  The Simmons would fill the bill though.  If you get the Swift, please let us know how it does.

900F

As you know, I am NOT a fan of expensive scopes.  For the most part . . . it is a "crock" . . . a feeding frenzy to create some kind of bragging rights.  You have seen Ron's 44MAG.  I was VERY impressed with it.  I wanted higher magnification and found a good deal, but I wouldn't hesitate to put one on again.

However, it is not what I would call inexpensive.  When I looked around for another scope I was led to the Bushnell Trophy.  Several magazine articles indicated they were "goodenuff!"  I got a super price from Natchez.  The Banner costs less and I believe North Logan has a Bushnell Banner or two.  If I wanted an inexpensive scope that is the way I would go - with the Bushnell Banner.  Natchez also has "refurbished" scopes, but I always feel a little uneasy about such things.  Might get one that DFC beat up someone with!  

Anyway, my Trophy is a fine scope, never moves settings, and I particularly like the amber optics.  It is proof that you can get a good scope for less than $100.

BSA has a scope specifically made to use with the .17 HMR.  I can't recommend the BSA - for many reasons - POS - junk - made in China - the last is good enough to scare me off.  They USED to make a good motorcycle - and rifle.  They should have stayed with what they knew?

By the way, the Bushnell Trophy is made in Korea.  So are most of the Swifts.  They are very similar.  I wonder if they may not be popping out of the same sweat shop?  Could be.

Nice to live in Gods country?

Dan

I think scope chiefs are being discontinued.

  They have a mess of them at the bushnell factory outlet - they get all the discontinued models there.  They are also startin to carry Tasco disc. models.  If you get your heart set on one let me know and I'll get on their call list.  unfortunately they don't mail them out, but I could help you out if your really set on it.

Spot