Budget 'high seat' stalking scope for short range/low light

[kennyc]

my 2 penneths and worth every penny you paid for them 6x42 used from any of the big names S&B, Zeis,Swaro, etc will do just about everything you want in a stalking scope, it will give clear vision at silly o'clock when your binos give in and you won't be buggering around with AO, zoom or eyebox, theres a very good reason why they have remained popular over the years, there are also a lot of 8x56 scopes coming available as the trend towards good quality variables becomes stronger (note I said good quality, this equates to "spendy" )
if you absolutley "have" to have a variable, and you haven't got the budget for the big boys, then I have found the Falcon menaces to be very good, I particularly like the mil/mil FFP versions for target use, but that said, the 6x42 will still get you on the deer in any shootable condition , and you can pick up good examples for under £300 and often a bit cheaper.

 

[User00003]

A good condition Zeiss (diatal za) or swaro nova or S&B 6x42 or 4x32 / 4x36 is your friend...but they have short tubes the 4 powers, and be careful your receiver and mounts will let your mount it set far enough back for good eye relief! That’s why a lot of early rifles with 4 power scopes mounted them in clawmounts with the objective bell housing over the front receiver ring

 

[Davee]

Don't underestimate the Falcon especially the illuminated version. Had one on a .22 for bunnies and night vision -for some nv you need the focussing feature. I've also had one on my 6.5, weight is not a problem in a high seat, - unless you have a 2 mile trek to get to it. Also ffp makes it easy for wind corrections. Blocking out the target is not really a problem unless you want to head shoot rats! If the reticle gets too fine use the illumination on it's minimum setting. Forget fashion, that's for the numpties, you need an affordable tool that works! Also the higher magnification makes zeroing much easier. Remember you'll probably shoot more paper than Deer. I've got a Menace 4-14x44 IR for sale -replaced by a ATN for NV and a Falcon 5-25x56 for target shooting. What ever you get avoid like the plague anything with mil-dot reticles and MOA turrets.

 

[geordieh]

I wouldn't use any of those scope for stalking if you already have one on a rifle that is ready to go. They will simply not be much (or at all) of an upgrade on what is atop the rifle at the moment.

I have a Diamondback HP on a little rimfire for bunnies. That is the supposedly better version than the one you mention. It is fine in decent light for rabbits and mechanically is sound but it aint no stalking scope. It is quite poor at last light IMO. I would never put it on a stalking rifle when you might need to shoot a deer on a dark background in failing light. It will let you down.

Don't take shortcuts with Optics. Use what you have until you have saved at least 400quid and then buy something like a 3-16x42 Baby STAC or find a SH Delta Titanium or similar scope with proper optical performance that will offer you a mag range that is useful and will provide you with all you need for a long time.

I bet there are hundreds if not thousands of Nikko sterling,Rhino or Apollo scopes on centrefire rifles round the country that have never let people down.I have a Zos 3-12 x 56 which I paid £12 for delivered from Shanghai nearly 17/18 years ago been on everything up to 308 never let me down yet.Lightwise probably 10 minutes behind my Schmidt + Bender 8x56

 

[Erik Hamburger]

I suggest you look at the Sighton 'Hunter' series: This would be my choice: 'Budget' at around £150 new, but a sealed unit, multi-coated lenses, waterproof, shock-proof. And a lifetime warranty.. And great for short distance high seat shooting at low light: http://sightronusa.com/product/sih1-754x32/ which is 1.75-4 x 32
For the conditions you describe you'll find winding it up to x2 or x 3 is just fine.
Or find a half-decent x4 fixed scope - there aren't that many on the market but there are a few. Tick these boxes: Sealed gas-filled unit; water-proof; shock-proof; multi-coated lenses.
Good luck!

 

[jimbo1984]

Simmons are fine scopes and very good value for money but think about a meopta 7x 50 excellent glass and can be bought for about 150 second hand

 

[pendle]

You can pick up a C- More scope 2-20 x44 for about £150.00 2nd hand
Illuminated reticle red or green with mildot got one on my 6.5x55 hit gongs at 1000yds with it . Highland outdoors where selling them. C-more do a lot of diffrent scopes and aimpoint type

 

[tarponhead]

It's very confusing - too much marketing and conflicting advice. I have a range of scopes because I am similarly confused. I currently have Swarowski, Steiner, Lightstream, Nikko Sterling, Vortex, Burris, Meopta, and Leupold. I also have objective lenses from 35 - 56mm. I love them all, but at the moment when I have to pull the trigger, none of the bells and whistles make any difference, so get what you like when you look through it and leave the rest to field craft and a safe, humane shot.

My night vision is poor so I refuse to pull the trigger in the last minute before full darkness. I know when I can be sure and when I'm not, so the benefits of the really top end stuff for me is limited.

For pure sight picture, in the mid price range, my favourite is Leupold 3-9 x50. But that's just me. Enjoy your search and buy second-hand.

 

[Chasey]

We'll I tried out the Simmons scope in the field and it wasn't too bad. Managed to get a 1" 'group' with it at 100m. However the reticle is rather thick for the longer shots at small targets. My biggest problem is that it fogged up instantly in the rain making it virtually impossible to get a sight picture. Looked through my mate's Vortex Viper next to me and it was crystal clear. Oh, and the AO is a pain as expected.

Short term I can't afford the Viper range but anyone got any experience of the cheaper Diamondbacks? They have less lens protection but Ive read good reports online, albeit mainly from the US No offence Muir...its just our weather and range of shot can be rather different! ).

I should have thought of that. I have a 4-16.42 Dimondback on my 10/22you can have a look at next time

Its good, plenty good enough for the 10/22 but not as nice as the viper.

If you remind me ill bring them both. I also have a Loupold you can try

 

[Sheprador1973]

It's very confusing - too much marketing and conflicting advice. I have a range of scopes because I am similarly confused. I currently have Swarowski, Steiner, Lightstream, Nikko Sterling, Vortex, Burris, Meopta, and Leupold. I also have objective lenses from 35 - 56mm. I love them all, but at the moment when I have to pull the trigger, none of the bells and whistles make any difference, so get what you like when you look through it and leave the rest to field craft and a safe, humane shot.

My night vision is poor so I refuse to pull the trigger in the last minute before full darkness. I know when I can be sure and when I'm not, so the benefits of the really top end stuff for me is limited.

For pure sight picture, in the mid price range, my favourite is Leupold 3-9 x50. But that's just me. Enjoy your search and buy second-hand.

Good points very well made TH...

 

[Sheprador1973]

I should have thought of that. I have a 4-16.42 Dimondback on my 10/22you can have a look at next time

Its good, plenty good enough for the 10/22 but not as nice as the viper.

If you remind me ill bring them both. I also have a Loupold you can try

Thanks for the offer mate. Guess we had other things on our minds what with the downpour and all!

Been offered a Vortex Diamondback 3.5-10x50 for around £140 which i think ticks most boxes...agreed not going to compare to the Viper, but more than useable I'd expect while I get saving!?

 

[Sheprador1973]

Scope mount sizes (Optilock)

Was going to start another brief thread in Optics but may as well ask on here while some are still looking...

Currently have what I believe to be 1" blued medium Optilock rings on bases on the rifle. Say that as its not written on them but the scope on it only comes in 1" tube. Will a scope with metric 25mm tube fit these rings or are they 'out' enough to cause problems. Need clarity on whether Optilocks in 25mm and 1" are one and the same basically.

Wont be keeping them anyway Id imagine (swap em out on here?) as with a particular 25mm tubed scope in mind, i could get away with the Extra Lows for a much better sight picture.

Thank you.

 

[jimbo1984]

Yes they're exactly the same and I'd stick with the medium ones to be honest

 

[Sheprador1973]

Yes they're exactly the same and I'd stick with the medium ones to be honest

Thanks Jimbo. Reason Im considering lower rings is that with a proper cheek weld on my stock the current scope is rather high and I'm having to crane my neck up. I could fir some kind of add on cheek riser i guess but figured lower rings would be more solid and straightforward. Am I missing something? Thank you.

 

[Sinistral]

Thanks Jimbo. Reason Im considering lower rings is that with a proper cheek weld on my stock the current scope is rather high and I'm having to crane my neck up. I could fir some kind of add on cheek riser i guess but figured lower rings would be more solid and straightforward. Am I missing something? Thank you.

Shep,
Having done a rare Login today to post I’ve taken a gander at your Tikka M595 LH in .308.

https://www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk/showthread.php/154850-First-centrefire-now-home-at-last-now-what/page4?&&

My immediate thoughts are that the ‘scope is too much of a whopper, the eye relief is too short & it’s too high mounted. I don’t use moderators at all, but the one you have is certainly of an impressive scale.

Everyone’s different. I use fixed 4x or 6x on my Tikka’s so all the ocular ends align just past the tang of the action. My 7mm RM is fitted with a Leupold M8 6x42 for maximum eye relief, and on this the eye-piece ends up within an inch of the bolt shroud. The distance from butt-pad to ‘scope is 13”, and 12” on all the others.

The gap between the top of the RHS action rail and the ‘scope tube is only 13mm/0.5”. My cheekweld is perfect with the standard Tikka stocks.

As far as ‘scope mounts go, 2 are fitted with Weaver blocks/low DTM’s, 2 with Millett Low W/A rings (p/n TK0001), and 2 with standard Sportsmatch 1” rings (p/n T048C). I did check that the different configurations would all end up at the same height before purchase.

 

[Sheprador1973]

Shep,
Having done a rare Login today to post I’ve taken a gander at your Tikka M595 LH in .308.

https://www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk/showthread.php/154850-First-centrefire-now-home-at-last-now-what/page4?&&

My immediate thoughts are that the ‘scope is too much of a whopper, the eye relief is too short & it’s too high mounted. I don’t use moderators at all, but the one you have is certainly of an impressive scale.

Everyone’s different. I use fixed 4x or 6x on my Tikka’s so all the ocular ends align just past the tang of the action. My 7mm RM is fitted with a Leupold M8 6x42 for maximum eye relief, and on this the eye-piece ends up within an inch of the bolt shroud. The distance from butt-pad to ‘scope is 13”, and 12” on all the others.

The gap between the top of the RHS action rail and the ‘scope tube is only 13mm/0.5”. My cheekweld is perfect with the standard Tikka stocks.

As far as ‘scope mounts go, 2 are fitted with Weaver blocks/low DTM’s, 2 with Millett Low W/A rings (p/n TK0001), and 2 with standard Sportsmatch 1” rings (p/n T048C). I did check that the different configurations would all end up at the same height before purchase.

Hi Derek and really good to hear from you!

Yes all went well and its home now. I agree entirely about the scope but I'm moving it on tbh. Will also be going as low as I ca while avoiding the objective on the barrel and the comb seems quite low on the Tikka (or maybe its my cheekbone!) When replacement scope comes I'll heed your advice for sure when setting up.

PS IMHO the Wildcat Predator 8 looks bloody awful! Really spoils the line of the rifle. BUT they do work well as I discovered when doing a little testing! Plus I need it for the woods...just wish they did a real slimline version that was close in performance. Maybe one for the future...

ATB, Paul.

 

[takbok]

Buy this before it's gone:

For Sale: Meopta Artemis 2000 7x50 scope

 

[Woodsmoke]

Someone has a Zeiss Diatal 6x42 with a No#4 reticle for sale here at the moment. Speaking from experience, this would suit your needs admirably! The No#4 is heavy enough to be seen against cover, and in low light, and the optic quality is second-to-none! Superb 'scope!

For Sale: Zeiss Diatal-Z 6x42 T* scope

 

[Sinistral]

Shep ...
These very helpful links point to the same source for both ‘scopes.
I notice such coincidences so got curious. This is a serial seller (or maybe just a ‘scope freak?) who has advertised SIX different models within as many months.

https://www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk/search.php?searchid=7386266

 

[Sierra]

I have an Edgar brothers 3-12x50. Currently off my rifles but has been good on 22lr & 223 in daylight & on the lamp.
Fixed wise I have a Meopta 7x50 which is very good, currently on my 22lr as the reticule lends itself to the loopy subsonic trajectory very well. It's not the usual for a fixed mag but to me it's the best of both worlds.
For what it's worth, what you describe would suit a good 6x42.