Question On Rifle Scopes

[HARVEY]

I'm looking into getting a scope for a rifle (Mini-14), for target shooting. I've heard conflicting opinions re Weaver, Redfield, Barska, Nikon and more. Money IS an object. Just as we ask each other about tools, from poor to good, that's my question about scopes. Is Barska junk and/or crappy; is Weaver top of the line? Are they worth their prices?

Thanks, Everyone!

[RoosterShooter]

If you are looking for a good scope for half the price then go with Leapers! I have seen on many online forums where 'professional' shooters smear these scopes, but they have never let me down. Granted they are US Optics or a Schmidt & Binder, but they are a good, durable scope to do what you need it to do.

I have 2 Remington 700s and an Armalite AR-10 that ALL have various Leapers model scopes on them. Furthermore, I shoot tactical competitions at Rockcastle with these scopes, and always get laughed at. I really don't care! If it works for me why should anyone else judge what brand it is?

If you trust the net, which I don't always do, you will get all sorts of conflicting reports on these scopes. Mainly from people who have more money than sense, and are into the whole 'tacticool' movement. I, for one, believe in buying a scope that will work, and not overpaying for it.

Just my 2 cents.

Edited October 15, 2012 by RoosterShooter

[TwinOaks]

The best optic for you is going to depend on what you expect to do with the rifle. If you're going to be hunting for meat, spend the extra money on a scope that has multiple coatings on the lens, 1/4 MOA adjustment, and has the highest light transmission you can afford. If you just want a 'plinker' or a varmint rifle for the occasional coyote (where you're not concerned about precision shooting and "on target" is good enough), then save the money on a scope for more ammo. A Walmart BSA red dot at >$50 would be more practical than a $2500 ACOG.

If you'll be using it for tactical shooting training, look for ruggedness and compactness. If you want "tacti-cool", then just get what looks good.

Also be aware of the accuracy capabilities of the platform. The Mini-14 is capable of decent accuracy with good ammo....but a bench rest rifle it is NOT.

I don't have extensive experience with really nice scopes (shot a few names, never owned them), but I'll add to your confusion by suggesting another brand - Konus. Good optics for a reasonable price.

Of course, the optic can only do so much....if you haven't developed the shooting skills to shoot 1000 yards, there's not much point in having a $3500 Zeiss.

As a point of reference for my comments....I've got several friends who have AR platforms with forward grips, more rails than a pool table, lasers, flashlights, and $600 EOTech optics.. I put a $50 fixed 4X Leapers on mine. So far, we haven't run into hordes of MZBs, had to make any tactical entries into fortified compounds (at night), or even shot past 200 yards. The point is, I KNOW that the AR I built (M4gery) isn't going to print dime sized groups at 500 no matter who's shooting it, and I'm not going to shoot better than 2" at 100 with that rifle. So....I have a fun to run rifle that cost about $300 to build (yes...a franken-15) and it's keeping up with similar but more expensive base platforms with $800+ of accessories. That left more money for boolits.....and leather!

Just remember to have fun and keep it real. Don't fall into the "arm chair Sniper" hoopla.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

I run a Burris on my Ruger M77 hunting rifle.

One thing to also consider is the scope will only be as good as the mount. The whole weakest link deal.

Depending on what you want to do with the Mini, you might look into a Holo type sight, or a red dot.

Yep, you just opened a big ol' can a worms with one little question =D

[HARVEY]

Gentlemen, I thank you for your input. I was leaning toward a Redfield, but first will look at Leapers. I do agree with the perspective of the more practical the scope (and dollar amount), the more leftover for ammo and leather. Amen to that! Thanks again.

[oltoot]

You will find many opinions on this question. Here is mine which will be among the better that you will receive IMHO. I have had a variety of scopes on a variety of rifles over the years and was starting to prefer Redfields before they went out of business the first time. I got started on Burris when they were still made in Greely, CO and have come to be a Burris user exclusively. For the money, they are still great. I have found the best deals on the 3X9X40 fullfield II but have other models, as well. On light recoiling calibers such as the 223 you can probably expect good service from some of the cheapos but generally speaking, optics is still pretty much a you get what you pay for. I used to prefer fixed powers for their simplicity and price but they have just about vanished from most lineups and the Burris variable have served me well up to a 3.5X10X50 on a 300 WSM. I dont think I would spend thousands though to get the very top of the line European Makes.