Need a tough but cheap scope

[oldred]

Wasn't sure where to ask this so I hope here is ok, I need an economical (CHEEP!) low power scope for a beat up 12 gauge pump that's to be used as a slug gun for carrying around in my farm truck. This thing will need to be able to stand the recoil of a short barreled, 18 1/2", shotgun and other than that does not need to be anything special. Suggestions?

[HARRYMPOPE]

Old Weaver steel K2.5 is a tough animal.

George

[x101airborne]

Same as HARRYPOPE. Find a Weaver K series and something with a post crosshair.
You will never find one better without spending 500.00.

[bearcove]

+1 for old Weavers

[Artful]

I'm going to sound crazy but I bought a mount for my Rem 870 and used a Red Dot - worked great -
like $30 at Walmart - BSA was the brand. Used it for two days of LEO Shotgun class - over 200 rounds fired - bird, buck and slug.

[RugerFan]

If fixed power is acceptable I'd say look at Tasco. I have a mid-70s Tasco 4x that has taken a beating and never lost zero. Also have a $24 4x Tasco I bought in 1999 that is still rock solid. can't vouch for Tasco variables as I have not owned one.

[bearcove]

The Tasco scopes made in Japan were decent.The china ones weren't. I have one that I haven't thrown away won't sell it as its junk.

[fatnhappy]

Slug guns and fixed power scopes go together like applewood smoke and bacon.

If you're going cheap (which I don't recommend) I would suggest you find a bushnell wide angle fixed 4X.
My reasoning is based entirely on personal history with slug guns. My lightest is an Ithaca 87 deerslayer II with a fully rifled 20" barrel. Unloaded and unscoped it weighs in at 6.5 lbs. With 3" ounce and a quarter Lightfields it's certainly no love tap.

I bought that shotgun brand new in 1990 and could only afford to stick a 2.5X Tasco on it at the time. I actually kind of liked that scope combo until the lenses came unglued from recoil about 5 years later.
My buddy also put a tasco 2.5X on his 11-87 slug barrel. I think it lasted 2 seasons.
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h152/lhsjfk3t/hunting/101_0581.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h152/lhsjfk3t/hunting/101_0579.jpg

Back in 88 I bought an Winchester 70 featherweight in 06 and promptly topped it with the afore mentioned bushnell. When I upgraded to a 4X leupold that bushnell started moving from rifle to rifle as I upgraded glass. It spent probably 10 seasons on that Ithaca slug gun until it was again replaced with a 1-4X leupold.

I've seen a lot of rifles topped with bushnell scopes over the years. I've heard very few complaints about them. I think that says something.

BTW, I agree with everyone else about old steel tube weavers being stout as granite. I sold a K6 as a benefit auction here. It too went from rifle to rifle. The hard part about getting one of those weavers is finding someone willing to let them go.
Please note the steel tubed Weaver 2.5X on my 1100 LT.

My personal alternate recommendation: The leupold fixed 4X
It's solid. It'll hold up to the recoil. It's warrantied for life. It's usually less than $200

It's on my .30-06
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h152/lhsjfk3t/hunting/05_Buck.jpg

[x101airborne]

I used to find a lot of low variables and fixed power leupolds for sale for around 100.00. Usually around a late 70's model, but I didnt care. I really like my old leupolds, but seems everyone else caught on at the same time.