njc110381 Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 Right chaps, I'm looking into low mag scopes for my combi gun. As before I'd like to shoot it with open sights, but I'd like the option of a low mag quick release scope for it too. I can't afford a S&B, Zeiss etc so I'm looking at going cheaper. I need some advice on what's good! I think the best way is to list them with my opinion, then you can just point out your favourite and put me right! 1. Simmons 8 point 1.5-5x32. Retails at about £80, Ramsbottoms has them for £30 ATM. I was considering it, but deep down I know the answer to this question already! 2. Barska Huntmaster pro 1.5-6x42. Found one for £75. I've heard of Barska but can't remember whether it was good or bad. Don't know about this one? 3. MTC Mamba 1.5-6x42 Illuminated. These are about £120. I know MTC are rated as reasonable so this is a serious contender. 4. Vortex Crossfire 1.5-4x32. Again about £120. My Vortex Viper binoculars are very good for the cost - nearly as good as my mates Swarovski! I'm seriously considering this one too. 5. Pentax Gameseeker 1.5-6x40. About £135. Well Pentax cameras are good so the optics should be clear. Didn't even know they made scopes! Nice crosshair. 6. Swift Premier 1.5-4.5x32. About £150. Getting towards the top end of my budget with this one. I've heard of Swift but again can't remember good or bad! Deep down I'm set between the MTC, Pentax and the Swift because they have a nice crosshair. I'd like the Vortex but it has a weird reticule! The MTC is longer and has a 30mm tube so I'd have to buy new mounts. The Swift or Pentax look to be favourite but I'm open to advice (or rather looking for it!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris-NZ Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 I'd bite the bullet and choose either the Pentax or Swift. The Simmons 8 and Barska are bordering on Kamakooza brands.. I once had a 4x32 Pentax an American dealer near gave me for doing a favour, and it was well made with clear optics. Had a decent ocular lens which gave it a very good FOV. Mechanicals seemed fine. my 2c worth.. Chris-NZ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted December 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 Supposedly the Pentax scopes are made by Burris. There's certainly a Burris that's identical to the Pentax so perhaps the Pentax is a good deal? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 If you can track one down the Simmons Whitetail Classic 1.5-5x20 is just a stupidly good little scope for the money. They are Duplex reticle, very bright and clear and happily stand up to the recoil of my 12g slug gun. TC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted December 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 I did consider the Simmons but that model isn't that much cheaper than the ones I've listed. I was a bit concerned about the small objective lens not being good in low light so I skipped it. I want plenty of low light capability. Who knows I may even take it out lamping! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 I did consider the Simmons but that model isn't that much cheaper than the ones I've listed. I was a bit concerned about the small objective lens not being good in low light so I skipped it. I want plenty of low light capability. Who knows I may even take it out lamping! You will be very suprised - work out the exit pupil for a 1.5x20 The lack of front bell means you can mount very low on a slug/combi gun too - handy when you have a cheek piece designed to align with the rib/open sights. Good luck with your decision. TC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
menial 1 Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 The Simmons White Tail Classic 1.5-5x20 Nightview is a cracker of a scope for the money if you can find a secondhand Phillipino model. If you can find a new Phillipino one so much the better, if it's a Master series scope, give it a miss One of the local stalkers has one on his 30.06 and shoots in lowlight conditions. I've got one for my Marlin 45-70 gov, found it on ebay a couple of days ago, £79. Pete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldon Posted December 8, 2009 Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 if you can find a secondhand Phillipino model.If you can find a new Phillipino one so much the better Pete there has to be a line there somewhere Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted December 8, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2009 I was going to suggest that it would be hard to find an unused Phillipino model, especially for under £100 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eldon Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 I was going to say there must be scope for a joke there! Ok i will get my coat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baldie Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 The whitetail was the last of the bargains in the scope world. We sold over 400 of them. I have one on my 12g slug gun, and its just dandy. In fairness the barska is every bit as good, but has better lenses and a ffp ret. Its still a cheap chinese scope, at a cheap chinese price. We are the uk importer for them, and they are good value. People think however, for £100 you are gonna get a zeiss....you aint. I would suspect most, if not all of the scopes on your list come out of the same far east factory [ there are only 3 supposedly ] This section of the market is absolutely cut-throat, and there are no "bargains" in it anymore....the wtc was the last. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted December 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 Oh right, that's changed things a bit then! In that case there's always the Leupold VX1 1-4x20 shotgun scope. It's at the bottom of the Leupold range but I find my 3-9x40 is a good scope for what it cost. Or would that be a relabelled far easten thing too? I did like the spec of the Pentax. The clarity is said to be very good in low light and the cross hairs are suposed to be very strong too. Maybe an old WTC would do the trick if they were good. I have to say I had an old Simmons on an air rifle once and although it didn't cost a lot it was extremely clear and bright. Certainly much better than the likes of Hawke etc are these days. It was as good as my VX1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 FFS - How many people do you need to tell you ? Ring SYSS and see if they have any left if not try here :- http://www.uttings.com/?Categories/Shootin..._whitetail.html You know it makes sense........ TC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted December 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 When Baldie said they were the last of the bargains I assumed that maybe manufacture had moved and the ones being sold now weren't the same? Am I being a bit simple here? It's not unusual for companies to source cheaper (and not so good) people to build their products! Now I've spotted the Leupold I'm pretty set on that if I'm honest. Mainly because I have a 3-9x40 VX-1 and I think they're very clear scopes for the money. I've found one for £185 so it's not going to break the bank. If I'd have known Leupold did a scope like this in the VX-1 range I wouldn't have bothered asking about anything alse! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
varmartin Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 FFS... ...Just stick a Red dot on it and go ` tactical`.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted December 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 I don't want a red dot! Stop picking on me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 I'm just looking for the banging head on wall smilie.... Enjoy ! TC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted December 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 I was looking for that just now and you're right, there isn't one! It looks like I'm going to go with the Simmons now anyway, the shop selling the Leupold looks a bit dodgy. I can't find anyone else offering it in the UK which is a bit odd, it's put me off a bit. It's either the Simmons or a VX-II which is £260. Still not that bad, but getting a bit much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baldie Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 We sold our last wtc the other day. They have discontinued the wtc range, and replaced it with an inferior one. If you ring round, you will still find one. Places to try, would have been us, but basically anywhere that does gallery rifle stuff, but far more likely would be the specialist airgun shops, as it was a very popular airgun scope. Sandwell field sports, guns international, the airgun centre, etc, may all be able to help. failing that, if you aren,t in too much of a rush, we get s/h ones regularly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted December 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 Thanks baldie. I'll have a ring around, there are loads of websites with them on so someone should have one. I really can't decide between a Simmons and a VX-II 1-4x20. I've just sold my .22 Hornet which will give me a bit to play with but I still need to spend as little as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackjack Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 there is a 2nd hand wtc on stalking directory for £45 right now. for what it worth i have had a few wtc and i rate them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted December 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 Thanks for that. I've put my name to it if the guy still has it. You know with all this searching I didn't even think to look around and see what's about on the forums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackjack Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 big old place that tinternet ,hope you get it dude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
menial 1 Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 FFS - How many people do you need to tell you ? Ring SYSS and see if they have any left if not try here :- http://www.uttings.com/?Categories/Shootin..._whitetail.html You know it makes sense........ TC Wished I'd seen this, bargain at £99. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
menial 1 Posted December 9, 2009 Report Share Posted December 9, 2009 I'm just looking for the banging head on wall smilie.... Enjoy ! TC I've found a headbanging smilie, you look a bit of a rocker TC http://www.dragondesign666.medusarecords.n...Motorhead_1.jpg Jedward my arse, this is what a real band sounds like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.jpg.0972b4e2bdf0b5a4109eb96f2b1b62ad.jpg)
(200x135).jpg.0fd0a94f065c6cb243fdff1b40e0819a.jpg)
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.