I'm looking for a good low power scope

[Maineboy]

I have a Mauser action 35 Whelen that I want to scope with either a fixed low power scope (4X max) or a low power variable (2-7 max) The rifle is used for deer hunting in the brush and 75 yards would be a pretty long shot. What I really need is something that will work well in the 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset that begin and end the legal hunting time during our deer season. I don't want to spend over $300.00 and am leaning toward a Nikon Monarch 1-4 "African", a 2-7 Burris Fullfield II, or a Leupold FX-2 2.5x ultralight. I'm open to other suggestions, but I'd like to stay in the $300.00 ballpark and light gathering is very important.

[gray wolf]

I have a Nikon Monarch 2 1/2 X10X42 that has only been on a 22 rifle. The scope is like new.
I think they go for $389.00 I am selling it for $299.00.
PM me if you think you may want it.

[hornsurgeon]

i have been using a bushnell shotgun scope on my 45/70 and have been quite happy with it.

[Heavy lead]

I would try (and have two, one on a 11-87 slug gun and another on a 338 Win Mag) Leupold VX I shotgun scope with the heavy duplex reticle. Really a good low light reticle. Fine for the rifle and the shotgun, also great eye relief.

[Nobade]

I really like Weaver K4 or K6 scopes for uses like this. About $150 new.

[paul45120]

I've got a couple Leupold 1x4 and a 2x7 shotgun scope mounted on various guns. Heavy reticle is easy to pick up with Plenty of eye relief.

[muzzleblast]

Although mostly I use them on the lowest setting, I prefer low magnification variables over fixed low magnification scopes just in case I get the opportunity to use a bit more magnification, like in a clearing.

As far as selection is concerned, personally, I wouldn't go with anything less than a Leupold VX-II 1X4. Optics Planet has these for $299. The VX-II has descent light gathering and exit pupil specs. For $100 more the VX-III 1.5X5 has better glass / coating than the VX-II along with the VX-III's positive click w&e adjustments rather than the VX-II's friction type adjustments. Still, better IMO is the Leupold 30MM tube 1.25X4 European model with the German #4 crosshairs at $399 from OP. I honestly think the extra $100 for either a VX-III or European is $$$ very well spent. And, in order to beat Leupold VX-III and European light gathering / transmission qualities you have to spend a lot more money. You may be able to find better prices somewhere other than OP. I just use them as a reference.

I only mention Leupold because I have used and still own some other brands of low magnification variables, but don't use them on heavy recoiling rifles because the Leupold's all have eye relief in the 5.5" range at the lowest settings, something one needs to keep in mind when buying a scope for the larger calibers. You might want to check the Nikon's specs before commiting. I know Burris' eye relief is much less than the Leupold's.

Just my $0.02. Hope it helps.

[Mk42gunner]

I have a Leupold Vari-X III 1.5-5X on my Whelen. In these days of monstrous scopes, a straight objective looks very business like. Their 1-4X is also a decent scope.


Robert

[dualsport]

Bushnell Elite 3200 2x7 Firefly. These things are great and tough as heck. The fat part of the crosshairs(duplex type) are fatter than normal in regular daylight. They glow in the dark. You just shine a flashlight in the eyepiece for a minute or two and they glow like those old watches did. No batteries, no electronics. You can see your crosshairs even in a pitch black dark room. Natchess is selling them at a discounted price, less than $200 I think. Work like normal in daylight.

[Houndog]

I use the Leupold 2x7 and don't think there's anything else better in low light conditions. I've used it under a street light many times dispatching skunks and yotes! My next choice in your price range would be the Bushnell Elite 3200.

You've got your priorities right as far as I'm concerned! Most folks put WAY too much scope on their hunting guns and loose valuable hunting time at dawn and dusk.

[Richard B]

I like old fixed power scopes that can be purchased fairly inexpensively. I have an old Weaver 2.5X on my .35 Rem, a Bushnell 2.5X on my .32 WS and a Redfield 2 3/4X on my .32-20.

If I were to go shopping for a new scope I would look for a Weaver 2.5X or 4X

[dubber123]

I have several Leupold 1-4's, (VXII) on rifles, and the VXIII 1.5-5X on my 6.5mm. I have been pleased with all. I don't think you give up much with the lower power scopes, (except weight)... I have a fixed 6X on my .221 Fireball, and have shot numerous .5" groups at 100 yards. I don't know what more I could reasonably expect a higher power to get me. The Nikons also seem to have good light gathering, and would be amply rugged for your caliber.

[Uncle Grinch]

I have been using an old Weaver v1.5x4.5 and although, it's heavy (steel tube), it's been a great scope. Had to send it back for repair due to dust inside it, but they don't make them like this anymore.

[MT Gianni]

I really like a 2x7. I have a Leopold VX11 on my 308 and it has good light gathering quality. I have previously used a World Class Tasco 2x8, and have a Weaver steel tube 2.5. Go for the Leopold.

[GabbyM]

I've a new production Weaver 1 X 3 variable. Really like it. Set on ONE X it's a natural both eyes open sight picture. I've never tried it but am sure you could shoot running rabbits with a 1X scope. All you see is that ocular ring but it's not noticed in the heat of action.

Leupold should be a good one too but I bought the Weaver for less money.

[Doc Highwall]

I have the older Leupold LPS 1.5-6X42mm and the Nikon Monarch Gold 1.5-6X42mm. I also have 1 3/4-5x20mm Redfield and a few others in low power.

[redneckdan]

Given your specifications I would recommend a red dot sight. The Ultra Dot sights are very dependable and retail for about $130.

[dualsport]

I would normally recomend a Leopold too, just that the Bushnell Firefly reticle is very handy for poor light. I like the simplicity of it, no batteries. Have one in 2x7 and also a 2x6 pistol scope. Both are good solid scopes. I suspect the Firefly line is or will be discontinued due to poor sales, I see them discounted for sale.

[Lloyd Smale]

hard to beat a 1x4 or 1.5x5 leupold on a true hunting gun.

[Char-Gar]

Sniff out an older Weaver K2.5 or K3, Redfield 2. 3/4, Lyman 3X etc.. You can pick them up in top notch quality for well under $150.00 and will last your lifetime.

[Baron von Trollwhack]

Burris Timberline 2 X 7 , ballistic plex, Lifetime guarantee, $119.95 + shipping @ Riflescopes.com.

BvT

[tonyjones]

I have a Mauser action 35 Whelen that I want to scope with either a fixed low power scope (4X max) or a low power variable (2-7 max) The rifle is used for deer hunting in the brush and 75 yards would be a pretty long shot. What I really need is something that will work well in the 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset that begin and end the legal hunting time during our deer season. I don't want to spend over $300.00 and am leaning toward a Nikon Monarch 1-4 "African", a 2-7 Burris Fullfield II, or a Leupold FX-2 2.5x ultralight. I'm open to other suggestions, but I'd like to stay in the $300.00 ballpark and light gathering is very important.

I have a Leupold FX2 2.5x Ultralight on a CZ 550 FS 9.3x62 and I'm quite happy with it. Of the scopes that you mention and considering your self imposed price limitations it is my opinion that the leupold is the best choice optically and mechanically. The 2.5 ultralight will handle a lot of recoil, more than your 35 Whelen will dish out. For low light hunting, if you can convince yourself to let go of $700 to $800 look at the Meopta Meostar 1x4 with illuminated reticle. I have one on my .416 Rigby and it's awsome!

[Pepe Ray]

Gunshow in Presque Isle this w/e.
Should be able to find something there, eh?
Pepe Ray

[Maineboy]

Gunshow in Presque Isle this w/e.
Should be able to find something there, eh?
Pepe Ray

I will be checking it out.

[Maineboy]

A big thank you to everyone to all who've posted. You guys have given me alot of great suggestions but I haven't committed myself to anything yet. I'm still studying this issue pretty hard.

[Maineboy]

I bid on Ebay and won a Nikon African 1-4x. It's used, but according to the former owner was mounted on a rifle but the gun wasn't fired. He bought it this past November and included the original sales slip and have no reason to believe different. I've mounted it on my Whelen with Burris Signature Zee rings and their offset inserts. The front mount screw holes are a bit off center and the .010 inserts centered the scope quite nicely. I sighted it in with some odds and ends reloads I had lying around and needed only 2 moa left windage adjustments to get the scope on but I needed 8 moa adjustment to get the elevation right at 100 yards. I't's a real nice setup, plenty of clearance between the eyepiece and my eye at 1x but I do have to creep up on it at 4x. I'm anxious do some more load development. I've shot this rifle quite a bit with the cheap tasco I had on it before but it wasn't a very good hunting scope in low light conditions. I guess the real test will be on a heavily overcast opening day, one half hour before sunrise down in a thick cedar swamp.

[MT Gianni]

Nice looking package.