This is my first message on the hunting board but I need your advice. I just bought a 30-06 and need to purchase a scope. In the Cabellas catalog they sell Simmons for a decent price. I was looking at Leupold and Nikon but they can get pricy. Anyone have a comments on Simmons and advice which scope to buy. THANKS

I have a Leupold, a Nikon and Bausch & Lomb. They are a little pricey, but well worth every penney. Your optics are the most important investment you can make. Never skimp on the optics. Cannot shoot what you cannot see. Having used several lower priced brands (excluding Simmons) I would never go back!

My choice is for Leuold & Stevens. The after the purchase backing of the product is unsurpassed. The scope is one product that
you can skimp on and will haunt you for as long as you own it. It's not worth going the cheapest way you can. Put the purchase off for a while and then get the best quality you can. There a many excellent scope mfg out there. None of the really good ones are low priced IMO.

Leuopold or Burris. Had nikons blow out, bushnells blow out... haven't played w/any of the higher end than those ones..

I have 2 Leupold Varix2 scopes. Very good scopes and worth saving your $ for.

Yes, Don't buy a cheap scope, you'll regret it!

I've heard Simmons is making a better quality scope now, have not talked to anyone who has one. Talked to lots of Leupold owners though, they're very happy.

Leupold all the way. Great scopes and actually reasonable for the quality that they are. Check around for the best prices. Archers Afield has them for a decent price on their website. Also might check on E-bay.

I have one Leupold Vari-x 2 on my .300 Win Mag. Very good scope for the money. The Vari-x 2's can be had for a bargain compared to some of the other high-end scopes. I know where that rifle shoots because I can depend on the scope. I needed it this year when I took my bear at 343 yards.

I am also a big fan of the upper end Simmons scopes. They are on my .22mag and little .44mag carbine semi auto. Both variable 3.5-10 x 50mm. Both of these rifles are used at ranges under 100 yards, and I can continually put round after round within 2" all day long. Not a match scope, but for the range I use them for, any better is overkill.

Make your choice based upon the use for the rifle. You can get a very good scope for under $200, after that, it becomes an issue of how good the shooter is and how much your train.

Be realistic and start at 100 yards, move to 200, once you master that, move farther out. If you want to shoot much further, either invest in a membership at a club with a 300 yard+ range, or buy a range finder. Most folks can shoot "okay" at 200. Few can do well beyond that.

Good luck on your choice.

Andy

I have a couple of Nikon scopes,and am very happy with them. I have one on a .270 and one on a syn. stocked .338 Win mag. The .338 has substantial recoil, and the Nikon has stood up to over 300 rounds,without changing it's zero. Both scopes have precise adustments,that actually move the point of impact 1/4" at 100 yds,just like it's supposed to. Leupold makes very good optics as well,but can get rather pricey when you get to their better lines.

The best advice has already been given...don't skimp on your bino's or scope's.

Thanks for your advice. I agree that the scope is very important. It looks like my Christmas present this year will be a Luopold scope for my new rifle. .

Fishaddict, I have a rifle for sale and a guy is interested in it without the scope if he buys it I can let you have a Leupold Vari X-II for $200.

Leopold vari x2 which is now a varix1 is the way to go I have seen them on sale as low as $179 Hold op great and have excellent brightness.
I had a Burris 3-9 fullfield that I loved until I compared the visiibility in low light conditions.
The burris didnt come close to the leopold.
I do have a 3-9 nikon buckmaster that came on a rifle Ibought. It seems to be pretty equal to the leopold.In light transfer.I just hope it holds up in ruggedness

Hi, I have heard the Cabela's Outfitter Series of scopes are great quality/value. They are nitrogen purged, single aluminum tub,adj objective and coated lens. They are close to leupold in eye relief and FOV.