Glass for a contender carbine

[pastorp]

Morning all..
 
I'm getting ready to put together my 7-30 waters carbine. I have a 23" TC bull barrel in stainless and matching frame. And a synthetic stockset. Now I'm considering glass for this outfit. Any sugestions?
 
Regards,

[woods]

I have the 20" 223 g-2 bull barrel with the same set up its scoped with and older 3x9 Redfield 5star I picked up on the used rack at the local gun store 96.00 with tax. Everyone is allways talking new glass, you will find lots of good quality glass at the used rack also. Alot of purcasers want a new scope so the owner usually knocks off a few dollars removes the old scope and puts it in the used rack. I have purcased 2 of the old leupold 4 power scopes for around 100.00 dollars each (one has that red tint that really makes my older 45-70 look classy)  all have the same lifetime warrenty no questions asked. They were top dollar scopes 20 years ago and normally don't have a scratch on them with very few hunting hours. I do stick with the top name brands. Leupold, Burris, Redfield and even the old k series weavers, are all on my list, check them over good find one you like and save a few bucks.
 
woods

[martineta]

I agree with Woods.  I am a broke hunting outfitter that loves good glass on my way to many encores and contenders.  Have bought a few Leupolds new but the last ten or so pistol and rifle scopes I have bought have all been used on Ebay and Gunbroker.  All Leupolds.  So far all have been good scopes at half the money.

[Dezynco]

I've been pretty impressed with the new Redfield scopes.  They're clear, easy to use, attractive on a TC carbine, and the price is right.  Of course time will tell how well they hold up.  I picked up a 3x9x50 with the ballistic reticle for $175.00 plus tax because I had the local gun shop order it for me.  Since they know me well, they only upcharged me 10% since it was what they called a "guaranteed sale".
 
I'll also agree with Woods and Martineta, used scopes are a good way to pick up a nice piece of glass.  Especially on the big name brands that have a lifetime warrantee.  There's a NIkon Monarch 2-10x50 with side focus at the local shop for $400.00 that I'd love to have.  It's got a rub on one of the turret caps, but that's ok, I can order another cap, would save about $400 over the price of a new one.
 
If budget is not a big concern, then I really LOVE my Leupold 3x9x40 "European 30" that I have on my 375 Winchester.  I also really like my Burris 2.5x10x50 Fullfield that I have on my 7mmTCU barrel, although it's a little bit harder to adjust.  Both scopes are in the $400 - $500 range.
 
With glass, you get what you pay for, with a point of diminishing returns in the $500 range (my opinion).

[Ladobe]

Byron,

As a long time advocate of top quality scopes on all my firearms, including all the TC's, if you'd asked about 9 years ago I wouldn't add this to the list... Swift Premier (an option if you are forced to be budget minded during this economy).
 
A pard hounded me for months and litterally twisted my arm to get me to buy one.   I was very skeptical, but figured the low cost was worth it to finally shut him up.   Even bought two 4-12's to end it once and for all - one for blued and one for stainless firearms.  Put the silver one on a new rifle I'd bought just to test fire it, and the black on a Remy 700 Sportsman.   They turned out to be surprising scopes that served me well despite the budget price they were.   Still have both of them, and the silver still resdies on the one I put it on "only" to test the rifle before I put a real scope on it.

FWIW
Larry

[pastorp]

Larry,
 
I agree on the swift premier line of scopes. I bought a half dozen a few years ago and used some and gave a couple to a close friend thats a Leupold fanatic. He still uses it, says it's as good as his Leupolds.    Only downside is they are heavier...
 
Regards,

[Grumulkin]

I agree with Woods.  I am a broke hunting outfitter that loves good glass on my way to many encores and contenders.  Have bought a few Leupolds new but the last ten or so pistol and rifle scopes I have bought have all been used on Ebay and Gunbroker.  All Leupolds.  So far all have been good scopes at half the money.

That's what I do in addition to buying at good prices on some forums.  I also have some quality scopes other than Leupold like Nightforce & Swarovski.


If you use Warne Weaver style bases and their QD rings, you can easily switch scopes between barrels thus decreasing the number of scopes you need.

[I make oil]

I've bought a few of the Nikon Prostaff scopes this year and have to say I am very impressed for the quality at the price point.