I know this has probably been discussed ad naseum but......

Any recommendations for a scope in the 150-400 dollar range? I'm using a Bushnell 4x12 40AO on both of my Ruger "project" guns. I'm looking for a scope to put on my CZ452 (which will probably become my competition gun if I can ever find time away from work that coincides with a tournament... ) The Annie is going to have to wait until I can sell off some other stuff!!

Mary is helping me with the scope rings issue

Anyway....interested in your (collective) recommendations.

If more magnification isn't a problem for your current shooting skill, then a Weaver T24 with 1/2 minute dot and 1/4 minute clicks would suit your need very well.

Bushnell 4200 series with a 1/4 dot would work well and is a variable 6-24. or a Weaver v16 with 1/8 dot. if your eyes work well. I have had good luck with both these scopes, giving the nod to the 4200.

The Weaver KT15 is a good choice for a budget scope if you can handle the magnification and a fixed power is alright.

The Weaver KT-15 and V16's amaze me with value for the $. I have 3 and won't get rid of them.

would a bushnell elite 3200 10x40mm Tactical scope do good on a hunter class silhouette Rifle?

I know this is going to be poo-poo'd by others here, but...

I recommend the Mueller Eraticator. It is a 8.5-25x50 scope with target turrets and an illuminated 1/8 target dot. The illuminated dot is good for those times when you're shooting at black-painted targets. The price is just $230.

It weighs 1.5 pounds, so it's a bit on the heavy side, but you can still make weight in Hunter class when you mount it on a 452.

I think the 8.5 minimum power setting is a bit high for people like me that are just starting out at Silhouette, but with some serious practice, you can overcome that. I currently have a Mueller APV (4.5-14x40) and have been practicing at 8.5x, so when I get my Eraticator (sometime in January - I hope), I should be used to the 8.5 setting.

Mueller's customer service is also top-notch.

JSimmons, it's hard to dump on Mueller because there's no history on them. I certainly hope it works well for you! When I first started shooting Silhouette (my first experience with competitive shooting) Kitty explained that most Silhouette shooters played follow the leader on equipment because it saved time, money and aggravation. Since I'm stubborn, contrarian and like to experiment, I've done a lot of upstream swimming - except on scopes.

Others had already explained to me that scopes are one of the few things that you really get what you pay for, and that good glass is expensive but holds its value. Finally, Kitty explained the importance of "repeatability", or mechanical reliability in a scope, and that was enough even for me. All I've ever had is Leupold or Weaver.

Jsimmons, the Mueller sounds interesting, what color is the illumination? 1/8 dot might be a bit small for my eyes but if it is illuminated then that might make a difference. How many matches or practice sessions have you had on the scope. Repeatability is important. If that is holding up and the glass is good you might have an option for people out there.

Kevin

kevinpagano wrote:Jsimmons, the Mueller sounds interesting, what color is the illumination? 1/8 dot might be a bit small for my eyes but if it is illuminated then that might make a difference. How many matches or practice sessions have you had on the scope. Repeatability is important. If that is holding up and the glass is good you might have an option for people out there.

Kevin

The illumination is red, and it has 11 brightness settings. If the illumination is off, the dot is black (only the dot is illuminated, BTW). It also has fine cross hairs.

I haven't actually got one yet (I'm currently using a Mueller APV), but I'm planning on it next month. I've heard from others that the scope is repeatable and this is after bouncing the scope around in the woods. I haven't seen anyone complain about the repeatability of any Mueller scope, so I'm gonna give it a shot.

BlauBear wrote:JSimmons, it's hard to dump on Mueller because there's no history on them. I certainly hope it works well for you! When I first started shooting Silhouette (my first experience with competitive shooting) Kitty explained that most Silhouette shooters played follow the leader on equipment because it saved time, money and aggravation. Since I'm stubborn, contrarian and like to experiment, I've done a lot of upstream swimming - except on scopes.

Others had already explained to me that scopes are one of the few things that you really get what you pay for, and that good glass is expensive but holds its value. Finally, Kitty explained the importance of "repeatability", or mechanical reliability in a scope, and that was enough even for me. All I've ever had is Leupold or Weaver.

When I said "poo-poo'd", I meant that it's something other than what is commonly recommended.

A lot of the people on here are using Anshutz rifles paired up with high-dollar scopes (Leupold, Burris, Weaver). If nobody actually tries a scope from a new manufacturer in a competitive setting, a history cannot be established. I'm like you - I rarely accept the party line, and I'm willing to experiment. Swimming upstream is "what I do".

Besides, wouldn't it be refreshing to be able to recommend (to new silhouette shooters) a less costly scope if it was deemed competition worthy?

I'm not saying that the expensive scopes aren't worthy of respect. I'm just saying that just because a scope is new or costs considerably less doesn't mean it's not worthy of the same level of consideration.

Based on my experience with the APV, I honestly don't feel that buying another Mueller scope would be a "bad thing" (tm).

Wring it out and keep us posted!

Weaver K15, V6x24, and the Grand Slam are great scopes, and cheaper than the T series. I have several of them, and they all track great.
My .02 cents.
Evelio.

I'll be interested to hear how the Mueller does as well - be sure and post a review after you've used it a while.

(First post! Hello all!)

I have 2 of the Bushnell 4200 elite and like them very much. With the rain gaurd on the scope it does not fog up and is very bright and repeats. I got both of them at bear basin. The person I talkked to was nice and very helpful. It has a 1/4 dot and the only thing is that it is 1/8 clicks. Some people have a problem with that, but I have not had any problems with it, Just get in the habit of setting it back to chicken's when you are done. Hope that helps.