30-30 scope question

[hillhntr]

If an answer to this is on here, or if somebody has posted the same thing recently, somebody direct me to it, if not, here goes.

I'm considering getting a cheap scope for my Marlin 30-30. I was just wondering if the 3x9x40 scopes for around $30 were okay? I hunt almost pure woods and the occasional 100 yard field in Wolfe Co. There will never be a shopt presented over 100 yards in the specific area I'm talking about. I'll admit, I've only hunted open sights, but I tried a scope the first time I ever went, but I found that I had trouble 'finding' the dumb deer in the scope. I've chalked that up to nervousness, but am wondering if anybody else has that trouble? Regardless, what have you all found to be the most beneficial of using a scope and what have been the biggest drawbacks? I think I'm doing okay with open sights, but would like to hear some opinions.

[shogan]

3-9X40 is more than enough
Finding one that will last very long for 30 will be tough

here is a website that talks about scopes he has other pages worth reading.

You also might look for a used one.

I have a 4-16X50 BSA contender new that could be shipped to you for around 50 bucks. For under 70 bucks you can get a Bushnell Banner. For the under 50 dollar range check out the bushnell sportsman.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/scopes_price_class.htm

[fusion308]

I have a suggestion ,since you had trouble with finding that dum deer on account of nerves. Try a 1.5-5 power scope on low setting 1.5 you have over 70 ft field of view,its easy to find the deer with this,also you can magnify up to 5x for close ups. In the woods and for the 30-30 this is a fast, accurate setup.............................

[trust me]

If you can shoot 100 yds with iron sights, just skip the scope. Good dependable scopes cost a lot more than 30 bucks.

Nothing wrong at all with a 30-30 and iron sights. I've used it with good results. Practice the 100 yd shots and anything inside is a piece of cake.

[Eagle85]

I have a Bushnell Sportsman on my 30-30 and it has held up well since I put it on last year. 3x9 is plenty of power. I've never set mine higher than 5x when deer hunting, but I usually leave it at 3x or 4x depending on where I'm hunting.

[RocketRider]

I have an old Tasco pronghorn 3x9 on my 30/30 and have had no problems at all with it. I could replace it with a better scope (all my other rifles wear upper line Leupold or Nikon scopes) but why mess with it? As long as I can put 3 shots inside the 10 ring at 100 yards, that's all I need!

RR~

[MrHank]

My wife has a Simmons 8-point on her 30-30 for the last 6 years and has no problems wiht it, it cost about 50 dollars at Wal-Mart. As far as finding deer in your scope keep it down on 3 power or buy a set of see thru mounts for your scope then can use the scope or your sights.

[hillhntr]

I guess you get what you pay for, so there would be no real advantage for me in getting a scope (especially since I am not wanting to spend much money). If I can make a shot with the iron sights, I guess I'll stay that way until I have to go a different route. I will be checking out that site, however. Thanks for the tips.

[hillhntr]

I have a suggestion ,since you had trouble with finding that dum deer on account of nerves.............................

I forgot to mention that was the very first time I ever deer hunted, so I think nerves were a good excuse:D .

[KYhunter79]

Everyone keeps saying in every thread here lately that if you aren't going to go expensive, then there really is no need even getting a scope. I don't agree at all. I have a Tasco on my 30-06, and a Tasco on .22LR and I have had no problems. At all. No fuzzyness. No reticle problems. NOTHING. Tasco's aren't very expensive at all, and i'm sure most people would consider them a "lower tier" scope. But, I am completely happy.

[mwezell]

Spend about $50.00 on a tasco world class. Not bad for tthe price either.

[Rem7600]

As fusion308 said, you might try a low power scope. I have had good luck with 2.5x shotgun scopes, having one on a muzzleloader and one on a 22 mag. If you are accustomed to using open sights, switching to a scope may require some practice. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the target, shoulder your rifle and the target should be in your crosshairs. There is still time to get used to a new setup before the season opens.

[shogan]

I actually have vision problems with one eye bad and the other not great so I'm not able to see the sight and the deer (or target) at the same time; one or other of them is blurry. This holds true for every weapon I shoot even my bow so I have gone to scopes on everything and consequently my shooting is more respectful to the animals. I always grew up shooting open sights and frankly was reluctant to go to scopes but bottom line I do what works for me.

If you can shoot open sights at a target then you may not need a scope. But if your shooting free hand in the field make sure you practice free hand. If your shooting with support at the range then you should consider a shooting stick. I love taking my monopod out so I don't have to look for the right size stick. But yesterday while squirrel hunting I just used a stick and that helped too.

[love the woods]

if i were in your shoes, i would call Natchez shooting supplies and order a simmons 8-point scope in 3-9x40 for $24.95. this ain't the best equipment on the market but it has been my experience that they work fine. i have better stuff, but there is a comfort in the carelessness of carrying inexpensive equipment in the field. i think. the gun i pull out of the safe in bad weather is usually not the best i own, but it will not provide the hunted any additional security.

[hillhntr]

I actually have vision problems with one eye bad and the other not great so I'm not able to see the sight and the deer (or target) at the same time; one or other of them is blurry. This holds true for every weapon I shoot even my bow so I have gone to scopes on everything and consequently my shooting is more respectful to the animals. I always grew up shooting open sights and frankly was reluctant to go to scopes but bottom line I do what works for me.

If you can shoot open sights at a target then you may not need a scope. But if your shooting free hand in the field make sure you practice free hand. If your shooting with support at the range then you should consider a shooting stick. I love taking my monopod out so I don't have to look for the right size stick. But yesterday while squirrel hunting I just used a stick and that helped too.

That's a very good point. I do most of my practice freehand, and in a variety of stances that I envision I might encounter during the hunt. Knowing you can hit your target cleanly offhand gives me more security than using a rest at the range.