Educate me about scopes

[The Annoyed Man]

Well if they're selling a $930 scope for $300, that's a pretty good price if the scope is genuinely worth $900+. I don't really know much about Weaver optics, so I'm not qualified to comment otherwise.

As far as a 56mm objective lens goes, there is a tradeoff to be had, much like the tradeoff when one goes from a 44mm objective lens to a 50mm objective lens. On the plus side, you theoretically gain some light gathering ability, although a higher quality 44mm lens will gather more light than a lower quality 56mm lens. If Weaver scopes are known for good glass (I honestly have no idea), then you should have a really bright field of view. (There are other factors too like clarity of the glass, and freedom from defects in the glass.)

The downside is the effect of the objective lens diameter upon the height of the scope over the bore. As a general rule, you'd prefer the scope body to be as low and close to the bore as possible without negatively affecting your ability to line your eye up with it. With rifles that have some drop to the comb, a lower scope is easier to deal with because the shooter's sighting eye is lower relative to the bore. With an AR and it's straight stock with no drop, the scope height can be higher. The scope height has an impact on bullet trajectory.

But most of this stuff is really theoretical, and unless you're a sniper making routine 1,000 shots, this won't affect you much other than as an issue of comfort behind the scope.

[Munk]

I'll chime in for the Nikon M223 as was stated earlier. Great investment, great glass, not TOO expensive, and allows for 4-12 magnification and BDC out to 500-600 yards. (I'm happy hitting paper at 300 with my .223.)

[baldeagle]

I just ordered this scope from Natchez this evening. Some of you may want to consider one. The price is so low it makes you think there is something wrong with them, but read this thread on Texas Boars before you discount it. There are a couple of very glowing reviews in that thread for this scope. The site admin used it to hunt hogs and closed out his review with this: "Very impressive scope at a very impressive price."

Out of stock.

That was fast!

[baldeagle]

I just ordered this scope from Natchez this evening. Some of you may want to consider one. The price is so low it makes you think there is something wrong with them, but read this thread on Texas Boars before you discount it. There are a couple of very glowing reviews in that thread for this scope. The site admin used it to hunt hogs and closed out his review with this: "Very impressive scope at a very impressive price."

Out of stock.

They still have these in stock, but I wouldn't wait too long.

[baldeagle]

Well if they're selling a $930 scope for $300, that's a pretty good price if the scope is genuinely worth $900+. I don't really know much about Weaver optics, so I'm not qualified to comment otherwise.

That's the retail price, but you can buy them at Opticsplanet for $415 (when they have them) and eBay for $499. What really motivated me to buy the thing was this comment by the site admin at the texasboars.com forum:

OK folks, the Weaver (in this discussion) was put through a work out last full moon - over 3 nights.
With just MOONLIGHT ALONE we could shoot with confidence with or WITHOUT the dot.
The 30MM tube and 50MM objective is OUTSTANDING at gathering light. We used this scope dialed all the way up shooting 8 ounce water bottles at 100 and 150 yards. Laughing A hog would not have had a chance.

We shot two hogs both just after the full moon,, and before the moon had actually risen. SO, for field testing we were using (ONE) SENDERO RPG 1500 at about 200 yards and very poor set up. With no optics we couldn't see, period. This was a TOUGH TEST for any scope!
225 POUND BOAR was the first test subject. Without the dot we could most likely made a good shot. WITH THE DOT TURNED ON,, it was a slam dunk!
It was indeed EASIER to get the DOT on the hog as opposed to getting the CENTER OF THE BLACK CROSSHAIRS on the hog.

Very impressive scope at a very impressive price.

As far as a 56mm objective lens goes, there is a tradeoff to be had, much like the tradeoff when one goes from a 44mm objective lens to a 50mm objective lens. On the plus side, you theoretically gain some light gathering ability, although a higher quality 44mm lens will gather more light than a lower quality 56mm lens. If Weaver scopes are known for good glass (I honestly have no idea), then you should have a really bright field of view. (There are other factors too like clarity of the glass, and freedom from defects in the glass.)

Light gathering was a big motivator for me as well as the incredibly low price.

The downside is the effect of the objective lens diameter upon the height of the scope over the bore. As a general rule, you'd prefer the scope body to be as low and close to the bore as possible without negatively affecting your ability to line your eye up with it. With rifles that have some drop to the comb, a lower scope is easier to deal with because the shooter's sighting eye is lower relative to the bore. With an AR and it's straight stock with no drop, the scope height can be higher. The scope height has an impact on bullet trajectory.

I wrote Weaver support and asked them what mount to use for this scope and they gave me two answers.

Thank you for your inquiry. The Weaver SPR 30mm Optic Mount (item #99674) is a one piece mount that will allow the proper height and eye relief. If you prefer separate rings you might like the Weaver Six Hole Picatinny Rings (item #99695 in 30mm, x-high).
JR
Weaver Technical Services

I ordered the SPR 30mm Optic Mount this morning.

But most of this stuff is really theoretical, and unless you're a sniper making routine 1,000 shots, this won't affect you much other than as an issue of comfort behind the scope.

Don't think I'll be sniping anything any time soon. I figure, for hogs, I'm not going to go much beyond 200 yards and most likely less than that, so this scope should do the job, I think. Once I get a chance to use it, I'll report the results.

I can bring it to the April get together at Elm Fork if anyone wants to try it out.