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All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Air Guns And Related Accessories Review Gates => Scopes And Optics Gate => Topic started by: Wolfer on February 10, 2020, 07:07:48 PM
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Just for giggles what is the cheapest scope to go on a expensive gun. Mine isn't,t a real expensive gun to most but to me it was. HW 95 and a Barska 3x12x40 AO. Shoots scary accurate. Mike
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I'll be swapping my $40 CVlife 6-24x50 onto my new HW 95 as soon as my flu goes away. It's been on a Crosman NP scope killer for 2 years. It hasn't died yet.
I'm tempted to order a scope, but I'm not sure if anything is shipping from mainland China with Chinese New Year and the Corona virus panic.
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Those Barska 3-12x40 scopes were popular low cost scopes a few years back. I have several of them that I had mounted on spring piston guns and they worked without failing.
My problem is that my old eyes got even worse, and the eyepieces no longer have enough adjustment to accommodate my eyesight; the reticle is blurry even when the eyepiece is screwed off as far as possible.
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Thanks for the replies,always wondered about the CV life scopes. Also Jeff sure wish the old Hetters company was still around. Spent hours reading those catalogs when I was a kid. Betters.world famous fruit cakes that Canadion trappers would paddle the canoe a hundred miles for just one slice. Mike
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(from 1967 Herter's catalog)
These fruitcakes make modern fruitcakes taste like they were made by indifferent high school girls!
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My favourite cheap scope is the Barska 4x32 A0.
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Just for giggles what is the cheapest scope to go on a expensive gun. Mine isn't,t a real expensive gun to most but to me it was. HW 95 and a Barska 3x12x40 AO. Shoots scary accurate. Mike
I'm not most, my HW95 is one of my most expensive and one I saved for a few months to get but it wears a Hawke Airmax 3-9x40.
Cheapest scope I own is a Nikko-Sterling Game King 3.5-10x44 AO IR mounted on a Webley Valuemax .20 cal I use for pesting. Never given me an issue and haven't regretted buying them when I did. I got a pair of from Kentucky Gun Company when they were selling them for $44.99 each. You can still get them for $49.99 each plus shipping: https://www.kygunco.com/Product/View?ItemNo=121481 (https://www.kygunco.com/Product/View?ItemNo=121481)
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Thanks for the replies,always wondered about the CV life scopes
I have half a dozen of those $20 small 4x CVLife scopes and they have all been fine. I can shoot 1/2" 25-yard groups with them, so that's good enough for me. They are only 8" long and light, so a good match for small light airguns.
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I bought a Hammers 3-9X32 from Wallymart for $58. I don't know about you fellas but that qualifies as a "cheap" scope by my standards. It held up to being bucked off my Winchester 1100 and then mounted on my Hatsan 125 through the break-in period. Still going strong. I've got a couple of the cheap 4X scopes Umarex specs on their Walmart guns. I consider them to be better quality than the Optima scope that came on my Hatsan. After adjusting the objectives they work fine and seem pretty tough. They now reside on my pumpers where they will probably last forever.
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I bought a Hammers 3-9X32 from Wallymart for $58. I don't know about you fellas but that qualifies as a "cheap" scope by my standards. It held up to being bucked off my Winchester 1100 and then mounted on my Hatsan 125 through the break-in period. Still going strong. I've got a couple of the cheap 4X scopes Umarex specs on their Walmart guns. I consider them to be better quality than the Optima scope that came on my Hatsan. After adjusting the objectives they work fine and seem pretty tough. They now reside on my pumpers where they will probably last forever.
Thanks Sam, you reminded me I have a Umarex 3-9x32 AO scope that came with my Fuel .22. Don't have the rifle anymore but I do still have that scope. It's been on at least a dozen break barrels while I saved to either get one or get something better than a rifle came with, has been used for 1000's of rounds and for all that beating, still holds zero. Reticle is a little thicker than I like but has always been a solid scope and why I kept it.
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Does what you can get on sale count as "cheap"? A link to Tasco Varmints on Amazon for $27 was posted to the bargain gate recently.
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My purchased "cheap" scopes on my airgins consists of:
(3) Nikko Stirling GAMEKING 3.5-10X44
(3) UTG Hunter 3-9X40AO
(1) UTG 3-12x32AO Mini SWAT
(3) Hammers 3-9x32AO
(1) UTG 4x32 Mil-dot
All above were under $60 when purchased.
Below are replacement scopes from Hatsan
(1) Hatsan 3-9X40AO
(2) Hatsan 3-9x40
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Cheap scope....????
I picked up a Tasco 2.5x10x42mm AO for $29.99 on Amazon. Was not expecting to much, but for 30 bucks I took a chance.
Mounted it on a Umarex Gauntlet .177 Good little scope. Mine arrived well packed and with no issues. I read some have had problems with their Tasco scopes from Amazon, but mine was good on arrival. I sighted the rifle in at 20 yards, it holds zero and it is good to go from 15 to 30 yards. Perfect!!!
The scope itself has a fine line mil-dot reticle (which I like). The elevation and wind-age adjustments are 1/4 inch MOA at 100 yards and can be made by hand. I find the scope perfect for my needs of pest control (squirrels and crows) and target shooting.
I hope this helps someone :D
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I ordered 2 $60 Discovery 4-16x42 VT-R scopes
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I ordered 2 $60 Discovery 4-16x42 VT-R scopes
they came in and I mounted one on my Uragan .25 and the other on my HW100BP .22
these are quite impressive, very clear optics, the front AO works nicely, focuses sharp and clear, the flip up lens covers don't really fit, I don't use them anyways, flip up lens covers on a front AO scope is dumb anyways, the rings aren't bad, Picatinny type 1", very nice locking turrets push/pull type, 4-16 zoom works great even at close up, AO is 5 yards to infinity which is great for close up shooting of pests, and at full zoom it focuses to a Clear picture, and these are very light weight and compact, I like it and would recommend it to anyone.
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I'm giving serious consideration to getting one of these for my .22 Backpacker.
2-7X32 AO Air Gun RS Black Fully Coated, Rings, Truplex, Box, One Size (TAR2732) $48.49
https://www.amazon.com/TASCO-2-7X32-Black-Coated-Truplex/dp/B07S972CTK (https://www.amazon.com/TASCO-2-7X32-Black-Coated-Truplex/dp/B07S972CTK)
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I've had real good luck with Hammers scopes, but tend to buy the UTG 11" and 15" these days. The UTGs generally cost under $150, and there are several good ones that suit my needs. Just depends on the features one wants. I buy the longest one that fits on the rifle.
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I'm giving serious consideration to getting one of these for my .22 Backpacker.
2-7X32 AO Air Gun RS Black Fully Coated, Rings, Truplex, Box, One Size (TAR2732) $48.49
https://www.amazon.com/TASCO-2-7X32-Black-Coated-Truplex/dp/B07S972CTK (https://www.amazon.com/TASCO-2-7X32-Black-Coated-Truplex/dp/B07S972CTK)
I ordered one yesterday. It was $52.06 w/ tax. It should complement the Hatsan 3-9X40AO ($39,95) that was delivered last week. I put the Hatsan on my .177 Optimus; but, I might take it off and put the Tasco on it instead. Or, I'll put the Tasco on my 1322 Backpacker.
Decisions, Decisions.............
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I have a Mueller on my 22 rimfire that has worked fine. I've never had much luck with Tasco scopes. They work like most ~$100 scopes for me. Fine for awhile. I bought my first UTG for my Prod and it was great for maybe a month. Then I noticed it was shifting zero by an inch at 25 yards while it was hung up on the wall with the gun. Happened repeatedly. I sent it in for repair in December and haven't heard anything. The replacement is a Hawke 2-7 Vantage. I like it and I think it's working well. My squirrel count with the bug buster was literally zero and I'm up to 10 with the Hawke in my backyard.
I'll be going up in price, not back down from now on. I think the gears in the cheap scopes are plastic and the mechanisms are just not dependable. OK for plinking and informal target practice but not IMHO dependable enough for hunting/pesting. When the scope changes it's zero unpredictably it isn't fun. I also find the windage and elevation adjustments do not reliably move by the click value on cheap scopes. Sometimes they move more, sometimes less. Makes it hard to get sighted in and ill advised to turn turrents for wind or distance.
I am putting my floor at the Hawke Vantage. I like the Primary Arms 4-14 FFP side parallax significantly more - but it costs nearly twice as much. When I buy a really nice PCP, it will probably get a Element Helix or a SWFA 10X.
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I use these little 3X7X20 Tasco's on my plastic airguns, they're $18 and work out to 50 yds. great. Got em on a few Daisy's and China guns, light, pretty clear, and accurate for these guys.
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I use these little 3X7X20 Tasco's on my plastic airguns, they're $18 and work out to 50 yds. great. Got em on a few Daisy's and China guns, light, pretty clear, and accurate for these guys.
I need to get a couple of those. They would look good on my vintage pumpers. I don’t use them beyond 30 yards anyway. I recently acquired a 3-9X32 Hawke Vantage for $109 from PA. A really nice piece of glass. I have it on top of myXS60C. Last week I was smacking golf balls at 60 yards with it. I have two UTG scopes that I love and a Hammers that just keeps on running no matter what magnum springer I put it on.
I agree with JimD, I’ll be making the Hawke the base line for future scopes.
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You like the Hawke 2-7x32 then the Barska version half that price looks almost like same scope to me side by side I have both.
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Best bang 4 the buck in sheer clarity scopes-
$58-$104 Centerpoint 3-12x44 PLT BDC 30mm side focus.
$99 Simmons Aetec Side Focus 3-12x44.
$180 - $229 Aim Sports Alpha6 4.5-27x50 extremely clear for under $1200 price scope yup compared to other under $1200 well known popular overpriced scopes that are made in China very hard to bat it's eye friendliness under $1200.
SURPRISING NOBODY PUSHED THE ALPHA6 HERE-!
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I consider a "cheap" scope to be under $100.00. That said, I just picked up a Center Point 6-20x50mm TAC scope from Fleet Farm for $99.00 and I sure am impressed with it
I have german glass on all my PB's, nothing under 1k but I just cant take any of them afield without being paranoid!
The CP is perfect for field use since it's clear all the way to x20 and everything turns well without sticking like all the bargain basement junk.
As a bonus, it will focus at 10m at x20 magnification so I can see those tiny targets!
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I consider a "cheap" scope to be under $100.00. That said, I just picked up a Center Point 6-20x50mm TAC scope from Fleet Farm for $99.00 and I sure am impressed with it
I have german glass on all my PB's, nothing under 1k but I just cant take any of them afield without being paranoid!
The CP is perfect for field use since it's clear all the way to x20 and everything turns well without sticking like all the bargain basement junk.
As a bonus, it will focus at 10m at x20 magnification so I can see those tiny targets!
David for the price those are fantastic scopes ,also the 4x16x40 works very good like the 1 you have ... I have a bunch of these scopes on guns they have never let me down , CP also has a glass etched retical 3x12x44 with locker's that I really like also , you can get them at some of the walmart's just like the other's ...
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I consider a "cheap" scope to be under $100.00. That said, I just picked up a Center Point 6-20x50mm TAC scope from Fleet Farm for $99.00 and I sure am impressed with it
I have german glass on all my PB's, nothing under 1k but I just cant take any of them afield without being paranoid!
The CP is perfect for field use since it's clear all the way to x20 and everything turns well without sticking like all the bargain basement junk.
As a bonus, it will focus at 10m at x20 magnification so I can see those tiny targets!
David for the price those are fantastic scopes ,also the 4x16x40 works very good like the 1 you have ... I have a bunch of these scopes on guns they have never let me down , CP also has a glass etched retical 3x12x44 with locker's that I really like also , you can get them at some of the walmart's just like the other's ...
I’ve got one of their older 4-16X40 scopes and it is a brute. It has survived two hunting seasons on top of my Hatsan 125.
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I consider a "cheap" scope to be under $100.00. That said, I just picked up a Center Point 6-20x50mm TAC scope from Fleet Farm for $99.00 and I sure am impressed with it
I have german glass on all my PB's, nothing under 1k but I just cant take any of them afield without being paranoid!
The CP is perfect for field use since it's clear all the way to x20 and everything turns well without sticking like all the bargain basement junk.
As a bonus, it will focus at 10m at x20 magnification so I can see those tiny targets!
David for the price those are fantastic scopes ,also the 4x16x40 works very good like the 1 you have ... I have a bunch of these scopes on guns they have never let me down , CP also has a glass etched retical 3x12x44 with locker's that I really like also , you can get them at some of the walmart's just like the other's ...
I really struggled with my purchase, my experience with CenterPoint scopes has been absolutely horrible! The last one I got came with my Benjamin Prowler, a complete piece of &^^&! If it weren't for you guys encouraging me, I would never have taken the chance on a Center Point.
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The CP that comes with the Prowler is super cheap. They market much better scopes. My 4-16X40 was about $80 at Walmart eight years ago. It has lived on a couple of magnum springers and spent some range time atop my FAL. Right now it’s on my Hatsan 125 and doing fine. But I do have to remember to check the fiddly little screws on the turrets for tightness frequently. The IR even works though I don’t use it.
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Just got the 6x20x50 really impressed with it, besides the fact need to come up with some extra high scope rings because of clearance issues on my Vectis. I forgot to mention I have 4 of the 4x16s on other rifles all springer no problems. Just put my oldest on my Swarm Mag Gen 2 and its a thumper. I have about 700 rounds thru it now no problems. While I am here any ideas on extra high rings would be appreciated. Mike
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Just got the 6x20x50 really impressed with it, besides the fact need to come up with some extra high scope rings because of clearance issues on my Vectis. I forgot to mention I have 4 of the 4x16s on other rifles all springer no problems. Just put my oldest on my Swarm Mag Gen 2 and its a thumper. I have about 700 rounds thru it now no problems. While I am here any ideas on extra high rings would be appreciated. Mike
You could add a dovetail to picatinny rail adapter and then a higher picatinny ring. The stock adaptor that came on my RIM adds about 1/2” to the height. Even medium height rings work with my 40 mm scope.
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Just for giggles what is the cheapest scope to go on a expensive gun. Mine isn't,t a real expensive gun to most but to me it was. HW 95 and a Barska 3x12x40 AO. Shoots scary accurate. Mike
To me, it doesn't matter how cheap it is as long as it works. I have a few Leapers/ UTG scopes that were inexpensive, and they work great, have a clear sight "picture", and hold up well.
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I tried the $29.99 Amazon Tasco 2.5-10x42 and $45 Amazon CV Life 6-24x50 illuminated they are OK scopes for the money in fact I tried them on springers like an R7 (HW30s) still going.
The Centerpoint 30mm 3-12x44 PLT BDC SFP $59 refurb Wing Supply-Field Supply or $104 Wal-Mart online is the next level of wow factor which should be the MINIMUM acceptable glass everyone should expect followed by the Alpha6 minimal acceptable glass for ANY scope costing more than $200 regardless of brand compared to other scopes up to $1000 - $1200 price point.
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Gonna share a little secret there's this seller Supcase on EBay selling Barra scopes they are FANTASTIC discontinued scopes selling for dirt cheap about 25 - 30 cents on the dollar without factory support and bought a bunch and they compare to the SWFA SS JAPAN made $699 scopes in glass for dirt cheap.
Offer 30% off his selling price and depending on his daily mood he may likely accept it. Never pay asking price when there's MAKE OFFER post on on EBay. Counter with a little higher offer if he doesn't take the first offer don't lowball otherwise he won't play ball with you so 30% is fine.
I bought the Japan made Barra Hero FT 5-25x50 ($999.99 retail) for $200 shipped while others who caught him in a better mood paid $150 and $175 shipped. This scope is clearer than the $1499 Element Nexus.
There's the Barra H30 made in China (mostly everything's made in China even Athlon $1199 Ares ETR and $1000+ Hawke Frontiers and even the $200 Alpha6 with comparable glass) and the 4-16x50 30mm side focus was $189.99 at Optics Planet I originally bought one from there $225 shipped after tax then saw it for $120 from Supcase over on EBay offered $80 he took it it's as clear as my $699 SWFA SS 3-15x42.
I bought couple of the H50 Japan scopes and they are clearer than my SWFA SS and almost as clear as my Nightforce SHV paid $200 - $225 offer he accepted.
There's others still available and you won't find anything in this price point that's remotely as nice.
I'd stick with the Japan H50 and Chona H30.
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Honestly and in all seriousness if you can overcome the $100 mental hurdle you would be surprised to find diamonds in the rough that punch WAY WAY WAY above their price points.
Example when you pay $29.99 for a $79.99 Tasco you still getting a $79 99 scope. Or $45 for a CV Life still a $45 scope. Or $59 or $104 for a $150 Centerpoint.
Once you get into the $125 to $210 price range you get scopes that are at least 5x better by paying double your intended budget. So getting 5x better paying 2x the budget sounds rather reasonable to me.
You are talking opening up to the next level that natters especially when you get the hook ups for the cherry picked deals
I'd rather pay $150 for a $1000 scope than $100 for a $150 scope if this makes any sense to any of you at all.
Better yet I would rather pay $209 for a $393 scope than $799 for a $799 scope that isn't as clear as the $393 scope I paid $209 for even if I had the money to throw away.
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Still have a Nikko Stirling mountmaster on my Terrus and it's holding up.
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Still have a Nikko Stirling mountmaster on my Terrus and it's holding up.
That's a magnum springer? Right? How long has it been on there? More appropriately how many shots through it?
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Still have a Nikko Stirling mountmaster on my Terrus and it's holding up.
That's a magnum springer? Right? How long has it been on there? More appropriately how many shots through it?
It's actually around 12fp, not quite magnum level. I have about 2000 shots through it so far.
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Still have a Nikko Stirling mountmaster on my Terrus and it's holding up.
That's a magnum springer? Right? How long has it been on there? More appropriately how many shots through it?
It's actually around 12fp, not quite magnum level. I have about 2000 shots through it so far.
Thanks
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Still have a Nikko Stirling mountmaster on my Terrus and it's holding up.
That's a magnum springer? Right? How long has it been on there? More appropriately how many shots through it?
It's the Parrus that's the Magnum springer. My Parrus is a 25 fpe rifle.