Kimberkid Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 I am looking for low powered variables to put on a tactical division AR. Considering the cost of the popular, well made scopes, I am perusing the lower end options and seeing if they are even worth it. To those in the know, please rank the following brands from best to worst, and any notes if any of those mentioned arent worth wasting the minimal cost (all under $100) on. I havent even heard of some of these brands and am hoping to find a diamond in the rough. -Tasco 1.5-4.5x32 -Bushnell Banner 1.5-4.5x32 -BSA 1.5-4.5x32 -Simmons 1.5-5x32 -Swift 1.5-4.5x21 -Konus 1.5-5x32 -Alpen Kodiak 1.5-5x32 -Barska 1.5-6x42 btw.... is it true that on these low powered variables, the bigger the objective, the better? Is 32mm or 42mm substantially better than 20mm? Thanks for your help, this entire process is getting frustrating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uscbigdawg Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 On that list the Simmons is the only that would (so far) be on my rifle. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shipster Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 Kimberkid I just purchased a Tasco 1.5-4.5x 32mm Pro-Shot Reticle scope a couple of weeks ago mounted it on my Model 1 stainless upper and it works great for a cheep scope it really surprised me on the clarity the way it tracked everything is so far so good. The Parallax is set for 75 yards instead of 50 like most of the scopes you listed. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scooterj Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 btw.... is it true that on these low powered variables, the bigger the objective, the better? Is 32mm or 42mm substantially better than 20mm? the 32mm will have less field of view than the 20mm I have the Simmons 1.5-5 in both variations and the 32mm will only be used on the squirel .22 rifle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OPENB Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 I got the Bushnell Banner 1-4x32. It will hold zero. It has noticable distortion around the edges. It is not true 1x, more like 1.25x. I gave ~$65 at Natchez Shooters Supply for it, I think it is worth that. I hear if you can find the Weaver V3 for ~$150, it is a much better scope. I will probably get that later after I collect the rest of my 3 gun kit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outerlimits Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 luv the simmons-used it last year and it was great out to those 350+ yd targets at the nationals. only complaint is the 1/2" adjustment clicks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 +1 to the Simmons being the ONLY one of those worth putting on a 3gun AR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bp78 Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Anyone with a pointer on where those Simmons scopes are available these days? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LtdShooter Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Don't do it.... save up and spend a little more and get a better scope. Optics are everything expecially on a rifle. If you can't see it your can't hit it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maineshootah Posted January 22, 2007 Share Posted January 22, 2007 Don't do it.... save up and spend a little more and get a better scope. Optics are everything expecially on a rifle. If you can't see it your can't hit it. +1 Much better to spend more on the scope. You have to figure you will be running, diving to prone, you want your optics to be able to stay up to the task. Save the $ and get a good scope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huck Posted January 22, 2007 Share Posted January 22, 2007 I use a TA-11, I used to have the simmons. It is as good as everybody said. In the under 200 catagory it is the winner hands down! Gotta find one used though, as they don't make them any more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midvalleyshooter Posted January 22, 2007 Share Posted January 22, 2007 The Simmons you want is 1.5-5x20. Its not made any more. Run a want to buy ad in the classified here or try ebay. Good luck, MVS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Posted January 22, 2007 Share Posted January 22, 2007 Yeah, the Simmons Pro-Diamond shotgun scope is the ONLY cheap scope worth getting. Everything else that is cheap is pretty much crap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimberkid Posted January 22, 2007 Author Share Posted January 22, 2007 Thanks guys, It hurt, but I dropped the money and bought an Eotech. Another forum member also offered me a Pentax 1.5-5 that I am gonna test ride and possibly buy from him. Any of the local 3 gun matches I might shoot locally rarely venture beyond 100 yards, and usually stay inside 75, so I think the Eotech will probably be my best set up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LtdShooter Posted January 23, 2007 Share Posted January 23, 2007 Good choice. I've got one on my tactical AR and you would have to look long and hard to find something better for most shots within 100 yards. The advantage of the low power variable scope comes into play for the 200 yard shots and beyond or the upper A/B at 75-100 yds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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