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Scope or not to scope, if so, which one?

GlockMeisterGlockMeister Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
edited March 2008 in Ask the Experts
Hi all,
I"m asking the experts for their opinion/s. I'm considering a scope for a Winchester model 94AE in 30-30 for general hunting. I was considering a Leupold Rifleman scope 3-9X40mm with wide duplex reticle.

I've heard it's more of a brush gun, in this caliber. I can kind of relate to that. I've read, where a scope with an objective more than 32mm is actually to much for this caliber as well. Also more of a fixed power is suggested over a variable powered one of say 3-9.

In something as simple as watching a good old western or good old movie where a Winchester has been used, no matter what caliber, I never see a scope mounted on it. Which leads to my next read suggestion. It's a brush gun, it's a 30-30, it won't really reach out there and touch something, basically anything out to 150yds, maybe 200yds is it, and it's a lever action Winchester, just use the irons.

So here's my question, what are the suggestions/recommendations of the experts on this? Use a scope? Get a 3-9X40 scope? Get a 4X32mm scope? Just use the irons? Not that it matters, but just to have them in case I now or someday decide to scope it, if I decide not to now, I've already found and bought the original Winchester hammer extension (found 2 actually, so have an extra, hey 17 bucks for the 2) as well as a set of Weaver Winchester model 94AE 1" scope rings see-through mounts ($10.49 total), so not like it'll break me if i decide not to for the time being, or not at all.

Thank you in advance for any and all advice/suggestions/recommendations...

Comments

  • blackhawk45blackhawk45 Member Posts: 481 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Personally, I wouldn't mount a scope,of more than 6x on a 94in 30-30.
    Unless you decide to use hornadys leverevolution ammo,I would keep my shots at 150yards and less. JMO
  • eastbankeastbank Member Posts: 4,052 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    a leupold or burris 1.5 x 5 power scope is just about right. you can shoot with both eyes open at 1.5-2 power for running or close shots and use the upper powers for shots that are at a longer range. just a thought, (i don,t think see thru mounts are all there cracked up to be, they put your head up to high to use them well and you lose your cheek weld) eastbank.
  • bull300wsmbull300wsm Member Posts: 3,289
    edited November -1
    I'm not sure about your Winchester but I have a Marlin 336 that has a burris Fullfield 3x9-40. I use the LeverEvolution ammo and have taken deer out to 250 yards. With my old eyes the magnification seems to help , but I would scratch the see through mounts as they sit your scope too high...my .02.....Bull
  • carbine100carbine100 Member Posts: 3,071 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Good advice so far. I too would not use see-thru's. Scope power is a personal preference thing. Some folks like higher power scopes, and some lower power.
  • reddnekreddnek Member Posts: 1,552 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree with Eastbank ,a 1.5x5 would be perfect, some fool stuck a 2x10 on my marlin 336 30-30 and when the money is available it will be repaced.
  • guntech59guntech59 Member Posts: 23,188 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    My 336 (35 Rem) is topped with a 1.5-4.5x32. I don't think I have used it over 3x since I mounted it. I am not a fan of the see thrus. They just don't work for me. If you DO mount the scope use the lowest set of rings you can get away with.
  • HerschelHerschel Member Posts: 2,035 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I agree that the see thru mounts are a bad choice and suggest the 1.5-5X as being adequate. I don't like the idea of a oversized scope on the carbine. It looks as awkward as a bear riding a tricycle.

    There were not good, rugged inexpensive scopes available in the old west. If there had been I would bet the cowboys and indians would have used them.
  • GlockMeisterGlockMeister Member Posts: 5 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for all the info//input/opinions/replies guys. I truly appreciate it.

    Currently, I'm leaning towards not scoping it. As for the see-thru mounts, only went or was going to go with those in case of scope failure. Wouldn't have to remove the scope while out, then have to carry it around, and would still be able to use the irons. I will say, I've yet to hear of a scope failure and I honestly didn't think the scope would be raised too high, well I didn't think about it to be a problem. Especially when I see guys mounting scopes on their ARs carry handles. Not that it makes it okay or any better.

    But again, I think I may hold off, and put the cash towards either another toy or other items. I will keep an all your suggestions in mind and check back to see it anyone else has posted. I was leaning towards the 3-9, so if I needed I could zoom in, the 9X so to speak. The 40mm was merely for light gathering. As noted, I doubt there'd be much cause to go beyond 3 or maybe even 4X on it though. As for the ammo, I currently haver/bought some of the Hornady LeveRevolution to try it out and 2 boxes of the Federal Power-Shok.

    Again, Thank you all very much. G-Meister
  • eastbankeastbank Member Posts: 4,052 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    the boys who put scopes on ar handles put a strap on cheek piece after shooting it one time and the boys with flat top ar,s put risers on to raise the scope up as they are to low with out it. i would say you can shoot just as small a group with a 1-5 scope on 5x at 200yds as you can with a 3x9 on 9x, with out the bulk or weight of the 3x9. i use a rem. pump carbine in 30-06 with a 2x7 leupold for deer and i could have killed every deer i ever shot with that rifle with a 1.5x5 scope on it. eastbank.
  • SCorversSCorvers Member Posts: 2,063 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    How about a Williams peep sight? Way better than the "buckhorn" sights and quick to target.
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