Im looking to rescope my Mini-14 .223 Ranch Rifle. I do not want to spend a whole lot on it (its not the most accurate rifle anyway). Do you have any suggestions on a budget 3-9 x 40???
If you're in the market for a Simmons ProHunter Scope, then you've come to the right place. Built to withstand the determination of big-game hunters, ProHunter optics are dependable, regardless of the elements. They boast a special coating to enhance light transmission and increase target definition in low-light conditions. Also, these products are waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof, to handle the toughest environment you can subject them to. For the price, its hard to find a better built scope.
If you don't find the particular model you're looking for below, send an email to SNMAdmin@cableone.net. We'll be glad to check price and availability.
Simmons ProHunter & Pro50 Scopes
More Simmons ProHunter Info | More Manufacturer's Links
2005 ProHunter Master & Pro50 Master Scopes - More Information511608 Simmons ProHunter 4X32 AO Airgun Scope, TT, Truplex, Matte Black
There are a lot of scopes for under $150.00 that will work very nicely on a .223. It doesn't have the recoil shock the big calibers do, so even scopes made by BSA will work. I have a BSA 6-24X50 Mil Dot Target model on my 17HMR and so glad I got it. It is a great scope for that rifle. Would put it on my 300WSM, but I'm not worried about the low recoil of the 17HMR.
1. How bout a used Leupold. They have a lifetime guarantee and there are always some available at gun shows. Since everybody is wanting huge objectives and matte finish, I notice that gloss finish 3.5 x 10 x 42 are very available.
2. On accuracy. You can send the trigger assembly to www.greatwestgunsmithing.com and for about 50 bucks they will take the trigger from the factory 5.5 lbs to a little over 3 lbs.
I have owned Mini-14's for 30 years and the biggest problem about scope is the mounts. Most of the older models have to use a B-square scope mount. These will lossen up after a while. It is hard to keep the scope zeroed in. Are the newer models drilled and tapped? If not you would be better off getting a peep sightto replace the factory v-notch rear sight. Mini-14's aren't usually accurate for very long distances for most parts.
I have owned Mini-14's for 30 years and the biggest problem about scope is the mounts. Most of the older models have to use a B-square scope mount. These will lossen up after a while. It is hard to keep the scope zeroed in. Are the newer models drilled and tapped? If not you would be better off getting a peep sightto replace the factory v-notch rear sight. Mini-14's aren't usually accurate for very long distances for most parts.
I bought a BSA air rifle specific scope and haven't been tremendously impressed, but I also got screwed on the scope from a local gun dealer...I should have done my homework first.
I think a simmons might be a good bet, like some others have said here. I've had a simmons 3-10X44 on a .243 for 12 years or so, and it's been a good scope, especially for the price, which was around $135.
I bought a Bushnell cheapo scope (3x9) at Academy and mounted it to my Marlin 30/30 (which has some kick). It has been accurate (I haven't had to re-tighten and the crosshairs haven't moved around). The scope costs a whopping $28.
When I am looking for something like that I usually check SWFA's Sample List. I picked up a decent scope for my daughter there. Be sure to shop around, because some people say they can buy new for less than the Sample List price. That has not been my experience, but I have not tried all of the retailers. There is another post down the board about looking for a specific Leupold. Many retailers are mentioned including The Optic Zone and Bear Basin. I have never purchased from them but they seem to enjoy a good reputation. If you are careful there is always eBay.
I put a (brand New) Simmons 3X9 on a Mini 14 once and it shook the internals in the scope apart while sighting it in. I guess the shock of the auto bolt slaming shut was too much. Went to a Leupold and problem was solved. Just my 2 cents. Nikons are pretty good scopes.
Its out of you range but I have a Simmons 44 mag it is a 6-20x44 on my 223 and I havn't had to adjust it in years of being abused. I got it for 200 several years ago. You might look to see what they have now. They might have a 3-9 in your price range. When you look get the best light gathering and clearest glass that fits your budget.
Mini's are the most inaccurate rifle I have ever owned. Sighting one in is like polishing a turd, no matter how much spit and polish you use it still won't get shinny!LOL
Don't bother with spending the "most you have allowed" in your budget. It won't make that much of a difference. No adays scopes are better, all around than 10-20 years ago. Burris, Nikon, Simmons, even upper end, Bushnell, will work as well as Leupold, Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, ect. at most ranges and conditions we hunt in here, and for what you need. IMO. Leupold is an over priced brand,IMO. For the money the Nikon line is a wonderful scope and has better light transmission and pick up than does the Leupolds. But a $99 burris will work just fine.
I would just get a red dot scope a just shoot till you hit it, thas what the 20 rnd mags are for,LOL!
i bought a bsa cats eye with iluminated retical for 149.00 plus tax i just made a 150 yard shot of the deer of a life timei i also killed a hog at 75 yards a couple of weeks ago---i killed 2 other bucks a couple of years ago one 75 yards other 50 yards--i love my scope-- i think if u see what i have u may decide to go fer it--3x10x44 iluminated retical--fog proof shock proof--works good lasts long time-- gotta getch ya one
Ive got a Swift 5 x 12 on my .22-250 and Ill swear it has similar low light capability as the Nikon Monarch on my new 300 Win Mag. Bought it at one of, if not the last Gibsons left on the planet which is located right here in Kerrville for $138.00 plus tax.
A post above mentioned the double recoil toasting a cheaper scope, I"ve seen it done to Leupys too on the AR platform. From the bolt slamming forward.
If you go cheap, don't expect it to last forever.
I"ve got a test scope TAsco for my AR load testing, its been through the ringer but its getting close to dieing after a fair amount of rounds. I use a Leupy 4-12 on another AR test bed platform for testing barrel accuracy before putting a new barrel on a gun, so far so good with it.
When I am looking for something like that I usually check SWFA's Sample List. I picked up a decent scope for my daughter there. Be sure to shop around, because some people say they can buy new for less than the Sample List price. That has not been my experience, but I have not tried all of the retailers. There is another post down the board about looking for a specific Leupold. Many retailers are mentioned including The Optic Zone and Bear Basin. I have never purchased from them but they seem to enjoy a good reputation. If you are careful there is always eBay.
Been very satisfied with my Nikon 3X9X50 Buckmaster (This ran me more than $150, I think it's a different line than the one advertised at Academy...I assume quality is similar across lines). Also had a nikon SLR film camera for 25 years. They do a good job on optics.
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