Side focus scope

[454 Big Block Chevy]

ok, i'd like to get a Side Focus (AO) rifle scope, whats the best low cost scope to get into this feature?

[s10gto]

Leapers has one just over $100 bucks. Hawke also make a nice one for around $225.

[oldpink]

Expect to pay $100 minimum.
Leapers has several, but they are all 30mm tubes, so you will also need rings to fit them.
PyramydAir lists all of them.
I just saw that Kruger has a US made side focus scope with a 1" tube, though.
You can find them on OpticsPlanet.com

[s10gto]

Hawke
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Hawke_Sport_Optics_Eclipse_4_16x50AO_Rifle_Scope_Illuminated_Mil_Dot_Reticle_1_4_MOA_30mm_Tube/2547

Leapers
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Leapers_Accushot_3_12x44AO_SWAT_Rifle_Scope_Illuminated_Mil_Dot_Reticle_1_8_MOA_30mm_Tube/2263

[s10gto]

IMHO The Hawke is worth the extra. Got one on my TX. Very nice glass. As oldpink said they are 30mm tubes so don't forget a mount.

[larspawn]

Long range target?
Short 10 yard shots?
Hunting?
Springer or PCP?

If you aren't long range shooting I'd say stick with something max to 16x and get mildots.

Answering yourself those questions will greatly narrow down the field for "appropriate" scopes.  You already know this but it depends on your application.  My FT scopes would be very disappointing for a hunting rig.

I've also had very good results with Osprey and ZOS scopes.  Chinese but aren't they all?  I even shot a season of FT with a large 10-40x50 Osprey that I reparallaxed down to 10 yards.  I will say the optics on the Ospreys and ZOS are up to the glass on my Nikko Sterling Nighteater and Hawkes.  In fact I'm not impressed with the optical qualities of my Leapers Swat SWF 4-16x56. Too much outer ring distortion.  I think they've gone up in price but still pretty competitive.  I think I picked up my 10-40x50 new off eBay for $120 shipped. 

I got on 3-9x42 ZOS for $19 shipped!  No AO but I have it on a B26 and I love it.  Has held up very well is IR to boot!

Over $100 but still cheaper than some of the others.

[GatorGunner]

Here's a couple of Simmons offerings at Optics Planet. 

http://www.opticsplanet.net/simmons-44-mag-4-12x44mm-wa-adjustable-rifle-scope.html

http://www.opticsplanet.net/simmons-44mag-6-21x44-side-parallax-adjustment.html

I have this particular model on my TX200 MKIII http://www.opticsplanet.net/simmons-44mag-6-24x44-side-parallax-adjustment-mildot-riflescope-447703.html. 

The thing I like about a 44mag is the lower profile for mounting closer to the action.  I am able to use med. mounts with the 44mag on my TX.
Also, it's considerably lighter than the Leapers in most any comparable configuration.  Sometimes by as much as a half a pound.  I know these are more than your limit of $100.00, but still worth consideration. 

While I'm at it I'll drop a name on you.  Gene also has several of these that he likes as well.  It was his recommendation that put one on my TX.  Glad I listened because the TX is already a heavy gun and didn't need any help from the scope.

(Kerplunk...sound of rather big name hitting the forum floor)

[454 Big Block Chevy]

i would love to just put a 600 dollar VX-3 Leupold on my rifle, but i doubt that will ever happen...

[bart the fart]

accushot 4-12x44 swat 110$ my favorite scope....long distance or short. best all around and she can take a massive beat down. i might even get a big side wheel for it....cheers bart

[454 Big Block Chevy]

Thanks everyone!