Best Optics - Tight Budget

[Steve P.]

What do the members think is the best bet for me here?

I'm after a scope with very clear optics, preferably mildot and that can give me around 20 mag or more. My budget is around £150 but could stretch to £200.

Is there anything out there for me?

I'll admit, I'm a bit of a scope "biff" when it comes to whats available and I've never spent more than £120 on glass.

Any advice gratefully received.

[chunk]

I have three Falcon Merlins. Good clear glass,target turrets. Really nice units. I have a 10-40x56 on HMR, 4-14x42 on .22, and 4-14x56ir on .223. They were all nearer 200 than 150, but good value.

They have models in the higher mag range at similar price if you shop around. The 10-40 is a bit big for the HMR, but is spot on for precision shooting.Bought it for 150 quid at the time.

[Sam Vimes]

You haven't mentioned the application. Air rifle/powder burner? FT/HFT/Plinking/target/hunting?

[hungryrob]

Gary C was punting some ex demo scopes for 66% of the new price...

Some very good glass for the money at that price.

[Born Again]

You could get a used Leupold for that money if you're prepared to wait around, they might not be the best scopes in the world but they're reassuringly well made with a good warranty.

[Beer Hunter]

Steve,

Without knowing its use, it is impossible to recommend anything. It chould be for HFT or elephant!

Kev.

[Born Again]

Steve,

Without knowing its use, it is impossible to recommend anything. It chould be for HFT or elephant!

Kev.

At x20 + it would have to be a long way away

[chunk]

I`m guessing its for a HMR.

[Steve P.]

Sorry chaps.

You see? I told you all I was a scope "biff".

The gentleman above is correct - it would be to stick on top of my CZ HMR. I have a Simmons Whitetail Expedition 4-12x42 on there at the moment. Good optics, but 12 mag just aint cutting it.

[hungryrob]

MTC 6-24X56 Viper from Gary C if he has an ex demo will fit your job very nicely.

If no ex demo, it's worth stretching your legs for a new one.

[Steve P.]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I've bought a Nikko Stirling 6-24x56 with sunshade and sidewheel. Its now on my HMR and makes a hell of a difference.

Incidentally Rob, I've also just bought an MTC Viper 10x44 which I'm going to make my new HFT scope.

One day, I swear I'm gonna spend more than £120 on glass..........

[Keef]

I've bought a Nikko Stirling 6-24x56 with sunshade and sidewheel. Its now on my HMR and makes a hell of a difference.

Steve, I bought one of these a while back and I have had problems with "White out" or flare when it's above 16 mag, have you experienced this on yours?

[Steve P.]

I've bought a Nikko Stirling 6-24x56 with sunshade and sidewheel. Its now on my HMR and makes a hell of a difference.

Steve, I bought one of these a while back and I have had problems with "White out" or flare when it's above 16 mag, have you experienced this on yours?

Cant say I have Keith. Having said that, I've only used it on one hunting sortie so far. The sun was very bright and I got "dazzled" (?) on more than one occasion as it happens when I was on 24 mag. I put it down to me having not fitted the sunshade it comes with?

[MylesR]

Steve P,
Bought the same scope for my CZ HMR. Great value and a very good scope for it's price range.

Keef, I'm getting the same flare around 14x. wiggled my head around like a jelly on a spring but it was still there. Thought it was light bounce from the barrel or mod but couldn't nail it down. Got flare using the lamp too but only at the higher mags (14+x). Next stop to use the sunshade at night...

[MylesR]

Stuck the sunshade on last night, took a 130yd bunny at max mag and no flare. I can only assume it's light bounce off the barrel bearing in mind I'm using high mounts....