Simple, reliable scope for short range

While experimenting with subsonic loads for my Bergara .357 magnum, I fitted a Nikko Stirling Mountmaster 4x32 scope. It was the only spare scope I had, having taken it off a .22 rifle which I sold.

I've found that I can remove the scope from the Bergara... and then refit it without having to adjust the scope. While I like to use open sights, there are occasions when a scope will ensure a better shot. With this particular rig I feel I am limited to keeping my shots within eighty yards most of the time.

I don't know much about scopes. This Nikko scope has worked very well for me even though shooting 200 grain bullets must shake it around a bit compared to a .22 rimfire bullet.

I'd like to know that I have a reliable scope on my rifle. I have been thinking about getting a nice compact low powered scope... maybe something like a Leupold 1.5 - 4. But I see there are other choices too, like a Simmons Whitetail Classic 1 - 4 x 20 for maybe half the price of the Leupold. I'd be perfectly happy (or even prefer) to have a fixed power scope with less working parts... say a 2.5 or 3 power, but they don't seem to be easy to find.

There are some really inexpensive scopes available on AliExpress and elsewhere, but I doubt that they'd be reliable. But who knows?

Anyway, I'd appreciate some comments. Is the Nikko Stirling more likely to fail than something else? How have Simmons scopes performed? Are there better options that aren't disproportionately expensive? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Leupold

Subs in most cals have similar trajectories, so I'd consider a rimfire scope with a BDC for subs. I had a Bushnell 2-7 which worked well and was inexpensive. It didn't track particularly well, but it didn't need to either - zeroed it and forgot about it.

i have a 4x28 compact for sale (was on the wifes sks) has weaver style rings fitted. $50 plus postage or a leupold 1 power quick acquisition scope for $400 which is great for bush shooting

https://www.nzhuntingandshooting.co....ut-time-54158/

Leupold all the way

The advice about a 22 scope with bdc subtensions is the best option. Nikon made some excellent .22 scopes. There's nout wrong with nikko stirling though.

I put vx1 3-9 on my 44 sub gun and it is great, I got the Lr duplex which gives me a 30m zero and something like 80m point of aim

there is so much estimating going on with subsonics that its barely useful but i definitly use the zoom range when delivering a CNS or brain shot usually at 5 power

2-7 firedot is my favorite tho, just not cheep and is 30mm tube so outside your parameters

I have a Bushnell 2.3/4 power on a take down 22, had it for years. A good compact scope barring when it fogged up once in the 80’s on my 308 but that’s the only issue I’ve had with it.

Suggest Weaver K4, top value for money.

My go to scope for many years was a Weaver 2.5X, one of the old steel tube models. Thats now on a mates 22, cant fault it. I have a 3X Weaver on my 222, shot more animals in a 5 year period than all of my other rifles combined. Had another 3X Weaver on a dedicated goat rifle for a while, and another on a 223. They are nice and compact, low profile and simply put - just work. Weaver has been discontinued but if you're interested I may be able to lay my hands on another.

For some reason I have a hankering for a 450 Bushmaster as a scrub gun and able to take longer shots too. I kept the old Weaver 2.5 that I took off the 303 just in case I need to scratch that itch!

Thanks for all the useful and encouraging responses. I really appreciate this forum.

It seems that the Nikko Stirling scope will be fine for now.... and I will feel more confident about making a scope decision in the future.

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Originally Posted by Finnwolf

I have a Bushnell 2.3/4 power on a take down 22, had it for years. A good compact scope barring when it fogged up once in the 80’s on my 308 but that’s the only issue I’ve had with it.

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that needs to go on a x39mm bush hobbits short rifle.......it would be NEARLY as good as an old M8 4X

I am using leupold vx3i and ziess conquest these days and would recommend either brand. But there is nothing wrong with a nikko ,i had one on my old 270 gave it shit held
zero for years ,my mate was running a nikko panomax on his howa 300wm wilst he saved up for something a bit nicer and that one is still doing good service on his 22 after hundreds of rounds on the magnum

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Coote

Thanks for all the useful and encouraging responses. I really appreciate this forum.

It seems that the Nikko Stirling scope will be fine for now.... and I will feel more confident about making a scope decision in the future.

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Indeed. Though in all honesty 4x is probably as high as you would want to go for an 80 metre rifle. A 1-4 or similar would allow you to "both eyes open" and keep both in focus when looking through bush giving you a better field of vision and seeing where the animal goes..

My Brother uses a Vortex Spitfire 3x https://www.shooterssupplies.co.nz/p...-1544dfbf31f4/ And he is very impressed with it. (And he does not impress easily)

Also, if you dont mind batteries there are red dots as well.

I have nikko Stirling on most of my rifles put them on to get me started with the intention of upgrading at a later date 15+ years later I still haven't upgraded as they suit my price range I can see clearly through them they hold zero and that's all I need they punch well above their price

Thanks for the further comments and ideas.

Come to think of it, I have a Nikko Panamax scope on my Howa .223 and I have been nothing but impressed with it. I've only had it a year or two, but I see no reason as to why it won't continue to serve me as it has held its zero perfectly.

I had a relatively inexpensive illuminated Hawke scope on my .308 and it was fine.

When I think about the first old scopes our family had, they make most modern scopes look fantastic. Being able to see clearly through them, and to go out in the mist or drizzle without fogging up are wonderful improvements.

I am curious about the very cheap scopes i see for sale at places like AliExpress. I suspect they are made with paintball guns and air rifles in mind.

Yeah you'll never win a bragging competition with them but if you just want to go and shoot shit they are fine if they were that crappy they wouldn't still be around

yeah its not like we are getting charged by elephants or shot at
any scope can get knocked off cheepies are just slightly more likely