Rifle Scope, or no rifle scope, that is the question

[TDawgNOk]

Ok brothers, as many of you know I plan on going on my very first deerhunt this fall. I have only used a small scope on my dads old short barreled .22, and then I didn't like it very much. I have always loved shooting open sites though. So, should I go borrow a high powered scope and get to practicing???? Or just go with open open sites?

[CHAVEZ CHAVEZ]

how far do you plan on shooting ?

[catfisherman60]

I like a scope myself.don't see as good at 47 as i did at 18.LOL.

[splitshot]

Tony up until about 10 yrs. ago i always hunted with open sights. Here's the story and the reason i now put scopes on my rifles. I was hunting from a tree stand and there was about 15 minutes of daylight left. I was hunting in heavy cover in a thick stand of pines, so the light was very poor. Out comes the biggest buck i have ever seen, the kind you see on the cover of Field and Stream magazines, the kind of buck that makes you break out in a sweat in 10 below temps. In less than five minutes he stopped and turned sideways offering me a perfect shot. The problem was when i sighted in on him the front sight was blurred and i was afraid of taking the shot and wounding him. Had i been using a scope the light would have been magnified, by the scope and i would have had a trophy of a lifetime. Since then i have had no problem bagging my deer in poor lighting conditions.

[TDawgNOk]

Now THAT is a very strong argument on the scope side. Thank you very much!

[cats4uandme]

well last year i too did my first deer season at age 32. during firearm and muzzeloader season i took my first two deer with a cva .45 cal muzzeloader i got on clearence for $49 with a bsa $30 scope. one dropped dead the other made to 30 yards before expiring. i can hit a quarter at 100 yards while i knew of at least three friends that hit a deer with 12 guage slugs open sights and were unsuccessful in finding the wounded game. ive shot this gun 40 times give or take and with locktight on the scope mounts its as accurate as the day i sighted it in. i use powerbelt bullets. this season during the firearm weekend the rem 1100 will be still on the hooks. the cva with scope will be on my shoulder.

they claim that 3 shots are better that one. but i had a deer and they did not. lol. one accurate shot IMO is much better tasting.

[TDawgNOk]

Ok, any suggestions on an inexpensive scope for a 303?

[Flintman]

Tony, I just pulled up rifle scopes on ebay and they had 2500. About 3 days of watching and bidding you will have any power you want, at a very good price.

I'm like Mike, cant see too good anymore. Not gettin old I just see good anymore.

[jeffw51]

heres my take on scopes,i much prefer shooting with a scope if i want to pick out a hair near a deers heart and shoot i can.the drawbacks are most cheap scopes dont pick up a lot of light and they tend to fog on cold clammy days.on the other hand good scopes pick up more light than the human eye and are fogproof.its a cost issue i never skimp on optics and if i have to id rather shoot iron sights.good low cost scopes bushnell,nikon good luck tony.

[samh]

Just remember look at your target ( ie. deer) and keep your eyes on it and bring the rifle and scope up to firing position. Don't look in the scope and then try to find the target. You can get on target faster with a scope than with open sites if you practice this. With open sites you have to line up the target, the front site and the back site, with a scope its just put the cross hairs on the spot and shoot. Best low priced scope out there, to me, is a Worldclass Tasco, you can find a 3 X 9 X 40 for around $70, even cheaper on E-bay. For the money it's a pretty good scope.

[TDawgNOk]

Tony, I just pulled up rifle scopes on ebay and they had 2500. About 3 days of watching and bidding you will have any power you want, at a very good price.

I'm like Mike, cant see too good anymore. Not gettin old I just see good anymore.

Alright Tom, I went to fleabay and looked at scopes. Now I have a big ole headache. How will I know what will fit a 303, and what will work well with a 303??

[xringer3]

I'd get a Nikon ProStaff or Bushnell Trophy. I've got both of these. They never loose their zero from year to year, draw in alot of light, and don't fog up. My Nikon is actually clearer than my Leupold VXIII. If you're not shooting much over 100 yards, I'd stay with the lower power like the 2-7 power. You'll have a better field of view at close range. Both of these scopes will run you less than 130.00.

As far as which one will fit your 303, it's not the scope you have to fit. You'll have to get a base and rings for your particular gun and the scope fits on it. B-Square makes a no gunsmithing mount for your British 303 and I think you can get it for under 40.00. They seem to be good solid mounts.

I've had a 1.5-4.5 power Bushnell Trophy that I paid 95.00 for new. It is as clear as the day it was new. I got it 6 years ago and it's never lost zero. I've got it on a 308 and regularly make 200 yard shots with no problems. The lower power makes running shots through the woods at close range alot easier!

[Kutter]

Just remember look at your target ( ie. deer) and keep your eyes on it and bring the rifle and scope up to firing position. Don't look in the scope and then try to find the target. You can get on target faster with a scope than with open sites if you practice this. With open sites you have to line up the target, the front site and the back site, with a scope its just put the cross hairs on the spot and shoot. Best low priced scope out there, to me, is a Worldclass Tasco, you can find a 3 X 9 X 40 for around $70, even cheaper on E-bay. For the money it's a pretty good scope.

Sam, that is great advice, both on the way to find the deer in the scope and on the Tasco Worldclass. Best "cheap" scope on the market.

On the other hand........................
Tony, the most expensive stereo sound bad with cheap speakers!
Even a cheap stereo can sound decent with great speakers!
Same goes for rifles and scopes.

[Katmandeux]

The most powerful argument for scopes is this: almost everyone shoots better with one.

While that means more deer killed, it also means fewer deer wounded, crippled, and unrecovered (one of the few shames in hunting).

The biggest bargain in optics is a used Leupold. They carry a lifetime warranty, no matter whether you're the first or tenth owner. Simply send it to the factory, and they'll return it to you, good to go, no questions asked.

[Grits]

In my opinion, the Tasco World Class is a good scope for the money.

A scope is a superior sight in almost all hunting situations, even close range dangerous game. It is important to match the magnification of the scope with what you are shooting.

Keep your scope set around four power. Turn up the magnification as needed. On the highest setting, you can drive yourself crazy because you see any small movement of the rifle. It is also harder to pick our your target on the high magnification.

Also, I would check the NRA website on sighting in your rifle. Remember, your point of impact will change as you barrel heats up. If you do not let it cool a little between shots, you can chase your zero forever.

Good luck and kill a big one.

Grits

[Kutter]

The biggest bargain in optics is a used Leupold. They carry a lifetime warranty, no matter whether you're the first or tenth owner. Simply send it to the factory, and they'll return it to you, good to go, no questions asked.
Their a bargain new also. I believe the $500 or so I spent on my Vari-X-3 was worth every penny. Of course, now they have a Var-X-7 out that put's mine to shame. LOL

It is important to match the magnification of the scope with what you are shooting. Keep your scope set around four power. Turn up the magnification as needed. On the highest setting, you can drive yourself crazy because you see any small movement of the rifle. It is also harder to pick our your target on the high magnification.
Very good points. Tony, listen to these guy's, they know what their talkin about.
you can chase your zero forever.
Somewhere, there has to be a good joke in that. My mind just hasn't found it yet. LOL

[jeffw51]

tony ,are you confused yet?

[Kutter]

Confusion is a way of life for Tony. It's the degree at any given moment that is gaged.

Remember, we're talkin about a guy who is going deer hunting for the first time, and comes to a catfish board to learn all there is to know about deer.

???????


Sorry, Tony, couldn't resist. It's been a long time since I took a jab at ya.

[chambers bd]

Center point 4x16x40mm 1/4 moa mil dot rifle scope
Hi Folks,
I was looking for a scope for my Mini 14 and came upon this one at wally world.
Its made by the of crosman inc co, and it is 1/4 moa instead of 1/8 moa which is what I tend to like.
It tuned in very quickly and it has locks for the turrets and once zeroed you can reset the turrets to zero. It also as well has red and green illuminator.
Clairty is excellent and coated parrallax lens adjustable, weight 18.8 oz , cost $69.00 .

I got it set dead center 3" high at 100 yards.

I like it and would recommend it for what its worth. Time will tell.:smile2:

I will let you know how the varmits rate it.

[derbycitycatman]

I use to like to shoot with open sights since thats one less thing that can go wrong. I shoot better with a scope though and my eyes have gotten to where a scope is necessary. Ive been plenty happy with my Bushnell Sportsman that hasnt been to the factory at all in the last 5-6 years while by friends with the good scopes, nikon and leupold have all been back at least twice. They wont tell me how much they spent of shipping.

[jeffw51]

Alright Tom, I went to fleabay and looked at scopes. Now I have a big ole headache. How will I know what will fit a 303, and what will work well with a 303??
tony fitting your 303 is a matter of scope mounts and rings ,almost any scope can be mounted to that gun youll have to ask a dealer for bases and rings for your 303.alot of great advise hear on scopes any of the scopes mentioned will work .

[cumberlandcat]

My brother shoots open sights and hates scopes but last year he bought a new 30-06 and I talked him into puttin a scope on it and he hates it so I guess it is a personal preference. I love scopes and won't go out without one.

[Big B]

Check out the Cabelas Pine Ridge scopes. They aren't expensive (the $100 dallar area) and have great optics.

[Scott Daw]

If the sights on it are like the ishapore enfield .308 rifle then Id put a scope on it. my old enfield had a v notch in the rear that was hard to see in less then perfect light but the rifle shot great. I dont have it anymore but if it'd have had came with a rear peep sight I'd never have parted ways with it. I just didnt want to ruin it by having it drilled and tapped for a scope. I picked the ishapore 308 enfield over the original british enfield in 303 because I had heard the 303 ammo was real corrosive. Plus 308 surplus ammo was dirt cheap for plinking.

[223reload]

Tony, I know theres a bunch of argument on best scopes , But most of us dont have a generouse bank account. I have used weaver and Tasco . I currently have two Tasco'sone a worldclass 3x9x40 and a silver pronghorn series target in 6-24 both hold zero very well. In fact the world class has been on my 243 for 28 yrs and held perfect zero since I put it on. Simmons also makes an affordable scope .

[Cathooker]

What ever scope you decide on remember this bit of advice......a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link and a rifle is no better than the sights or scope it has on it. I had rather have a $50 rifle with a $1000 dollar scope than a $1000 rifle with a $50 scope.

[badkarma]

I started my oldest grandson out on open sights on a 94 Winchester and he killed deer with it for 2 years before I gave him a scoped 3006.I may be wrong but I think you should learn how to kill deer with open sights frist because it's hard to learn how to shoot deer with open sights after you've been using a scope.

[jeffw51]

What ever scope you decide on remember this bit of advice......a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link and a rifle is no better than the sights or scope it has on it. I had rather have a $50 rifle with a $1000 dollar scope than a $1000 rifle with a $50 scope.
i totally agree excellent point

[chambers bd]

ENF0113

http://www.atigunstocks.com/images/ENFIELD/ENF0113Enfield1ScopeMount.jpg (http://www.atigunstocks.com/product-enfield.html#)
.303 ENFIELD No1 Mk3 SCOPE MOUNT
Fits .303 No.1, Mk. 3 (Does not fit .308) This .303 Enfield scope mount is extremely stable and will hold zero. Black, T-6 aluminum. Great hunting rifle. Install (http://www.atigunstocks.com/installation/ENF0113-install2.html) using weaver-type rings. Installation requires only the included set screws and cap screws. (No gunsmithing.) For .303 Enfields only. Cannot be modified to fit .308.

$42.99
http://www.atigunstocks.com/images/frontpage/button-buy-off.gif (http://www.atigunstocks.com/ati-purchasing.html)
ENF0141

http://www.atigunstocks.com/images/ENFIELD/ENFO113small.jpg (http://www.atigunstocks.com/product-enfield.html#)
.303 ENFIELD No4 Mk1, 2, & 5
SCOPE MOUNT
Fits .303 No. 4, Mk. 1, 2, & 5. This .303 Enfield scope mount is extremely stable and will hold zero. Black, T-6 aluminum. Great hunting rifle. Install (http://www.atigunstocks.com/installation/ENF0141-install.html) using weaver-type rings. Installation requires only the included set screws and cap screws. (No gunsmithing.) For .303 Enfields only. Cannot be modified to fit .308.

$42.99
http://www.atigunstocks.com/images/frontpage/button-buy-off.gif (http://www.atigunstocks.com/ati-purchasing.html)

The best to start off with is go look at scopes find one you want and is in the budget. A 303 will shoot a good distance, once tuned in you well like it.

[billNpam]

If I can make a suggestion. Why don't you buy look through scope mounts. This way you have the best of both worlds. I cannot predict the weather you will be hunting in but on some cold mornings my scope fogs up. This way you can have open sights and have a scope if you like.

[xringer3]

The biggest problem with the see through scope mounts is that you have to raise your head up off of the stock to see through the scope. You can't get consistent groups without a good cheeck-weld on the stock.

All of the scopes mentioned above will all serve you well. I've also had great luck with the Tasco world class. The most critical part of a scope is the mounts. If you don't have good mounts and rings, then the scope won't perform to it's best potential.

[kkyyoottee]

If you choose to put a scope on. You will pay more at a gunshop but they will put it on with the right rings, right bases, and paper zero it. Yeah Fleabay, pawnshops, garage sales all have scopes for cheap but around here most gun shops have a sign you didnt buy it here dont bring it here. I dont personally know your experience in this area but if its your first time spend a little extra cash and have a professional help you out!!!

[Ketch]

I still prefer shooting with iron sights. I have no scope on my pistol, rifle or shotgun, although the only one that gets used for deer hunting much is the pistol.

[Ketch]

Oh BTW, I hunt in a moderately dense woods with very few shots over 30 yards. When I do hunt on the edge of a nearby field, that's when the shotgun comes out.

[chambers bd]

Hey Folks'

The thunder roared over the farm yesterday.
I purchased a unversal scope kit for my CVA {WOLF} MUZZLELOADER.
I had some issues with the weaver type scope mounts I as guess most folks have who have used them. I set the 3x9x32 up at 3" high@ 100 yards.
I had so much fun I shot it 32 times:ooooh:.
The 150 grain powder charge and 240gr balistic tips flew very nice.
Im ready for thunder season!

[plainsman]

I've shot with and without, sometimes its nice to have, sometimes its a hindrance. Last year, I missed a shot with open sites, wish I had peep site, but I have a scoped 06 and the mounts are look thru, nice to have, but slows down target acquisition at times, but there are places where a scope would be useful, and places with heavy brush, so just gotta decide, i got a 308 with plain iron on it, good enough for the shootin I do, but I did buy a scope for it, just haven't put it on yet. Dependin on the situation, whether you want a fixed, variable, and what power. whatever works for ya

[plainsman]

Scott, I bought a couple bags of surplus 308, kinda hot rounds for my rifle, if ya notice any overpressure, ask your gunsmith, he advised me not to shoot it in my rem 7600. Its cheap but not if it wrecks the gun, or worse hurts someone, target shootin

[TDawgNOk]

Peep sight it does have!

[fishnfool68]

I would have to go with open sites.If its leupold or open sites I'd go with the leupold.I bought a vx1 for just over $200.I had to save up to buy it ,but hears my reasons.I had a buddy miss a 50yrd shot on a once-in-lifetime buck because the cheap scope he had mounted on his gun was off by a foot.He had sited it in but it didn't stay set due to recoil,and just carring it-thus a problem with cheap scopes.Before buying my scope I polled gunsmiths,hunters,and the brotherhood,90% said leupold for quality,warranty,and dependability.I love it.I have also missed out on long shots on deer because I didn't have a scope and was un comfortable taking a long shot in a dense growth area.Basicly if you can't see your target you won't hit it.Thats my take bro!

[flathead willie]

For someone not used to scopes, I think they can be trouble. Most people shoot pretty well with open sights at distances under 100 yards. Unless you are shooting past that, I don't think a scope is needed.

[Katmandeux]

Peep sight it does have!

A few people like peeps, and occasionally some gun writer sings their praises. I tried one, and didn't like it, because the sight covers up much of the deer. They're great for killing ten rings, but not so great for accurate shot placement on a large animal where the "ten ring" is the same color as everything else.

[porboy]

Tony, I almost use any rifle with a scope. I voted no on your 303 British as the mounts cost to much to buy for it. The money would be better spent on another rifle easier to find mounts for. Nothing wrong with 303 except that.
Bill

[kkyyoottee]

Tony, I almost use any rifle with a scope. I voted no on your 303 British as the mounts cost to much to buy for it. The money would be better spent on another rifle easier to find mounts for. Nothing wrong with 303 except that.
Bill

What Bill said!!!

[chambers bd]

ENF0113


http://www.atigunstocks.com/images/ENFIELD/ENF0113Enfield1ScopeMount.jpg (http://www.atigunstocks.com/product-enfield.html#)
.303 ENFIELD No1 Mk3 SCOPE MOUNT
Fits .303 No.1, Mk. 3 (Does not fit .308) This .303 Enfield scope mount is extremely stable and will hold zero. Black, T-6 aluminum. Great hunting rifle. Install (http://www.atigunstocks.com/installation/ENF0113-install2.html) using weaver-type rings. Installation requires only the included set screws and cap screws. (No gunsmithing.) For .303 Enfields only. Cannot be modified to fit .308.

$42.99
http://www.atigunstocks.com/images/frontpage/button-buy-off.gif (http://www.atigunstocks.com/ati-purchasing.html)
ENF0141

http://www.atigunstocks.com/images/ENFIELD/ENFO113small.jpg (http://www.atigunstocks.com/product-enfield.html#)
.303 ENFIELD No4 Mk1, 2, & 5
SCOPE MOUNT
Fits .303 No. 4, Mk. 1, 2, & 5. This .303 Enfield scope mount is extremely stable and will hold zero. Black, T-6 aluminum. Great hunting rifle. Install (http://www.atigunstocks.com/installation/ENF0141-install.html) using weaver-type rings. Installation requires only the included set screws and cap screws. (No gunsmithing.) For .303 Enfields only. Cannot be modified to fit .308.

$42.99
http://www.atigunstocks.com/images/frontpage/button-buy-off.gif (http://www.atigunstocks.com/ati-purchasing.html)

The best to start off with is go look at scopes find one you want and is in the budget. A 303 will shoot a good distance, once tuned in you well like it.




$42.99 for a scope mount 303 enfield

[massa_jorge]

i would go with the scope. the .303 british has good range potential, and is a hard hitting round. i shoot bushnell scopes now, because they have never let me down. i used to shoot leopold and nikon, and they are good too, just more expensive.good luck with whatever you go with.