Low power 20mm scope with duplex reticle?

[imashooter2]

I need to put a scope on my 1894C. What I want is a low power, standard eye relief riflescope with a 20ish mm objective for aesthetics and as close as I can get to a plain Jane duplex reticle. And I want to spend less than $500 for it.

The Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x fixed power would be perfect, but try to find one.

The Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 isn’t terrible, but I was trying to get a standard crosshair and not an illuminated dot.

Everything else I’ve found is either very expensive or has some tacticool reticle. I’ve got a couple of the Leupold VX Freedom 1.5-4x20 with the MOA ring reticle on ARs and that’s not what I want for my classic lever gun. The pig plex is better, but still pretty far from a standard duplex.

This place has an incredible hive mind. If what I want is out there, someone here knows about it. I appreciate any help!

[centershot]

I was looking for something along those lines several years ago, and found my answer in the Leupold VX-1 Shotgun scope. It's a variable, 1-4 X, and 95% of the time it's set at 2x. I liked it so much that I now have four of them, one on my 1894c, one on my M500 slug gun, one on my .50 caliber inline muzzle loader and the fourth on my 30-30. These scopes all have the "Heavy Duplex" crosshair, it's perfect for the heavy cover that I hunt in and there's no problem seeing the crosshairs if there's any light at all. Small, lightweight, tough as nails, works for me!

[huntinlever]

I need to put a scope on my 1894C. What I want is a low power, standard eye relief riflescope with a 20ish mm objective for aesthetics and as close as I can get to a plain Jane duplex reticle. And I want to spend less than $500 for it.

The Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x fixed power would be perfect, but try to find one.

The Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 isn’t terrible, but I was trying to get a standard crosshair and not an illuminated dot.

Everything else I’ve found is either very expensive or has some tacticool reticle. I’ve got a couple of the Leupold VX Freedom 1.5-4x20 with the MOA ring reticle on ARs and that’s not what I want for my classic lever gun. The pig plex is better, but still pretty far from a standard duplex.

This place has an incredible hive mind. If what I want is out there, someone here knows about it. I appreciate any help!

The FXII is what I have on both my Marlin 45-70 gg and my son's 336. Leu told me some time ago that they haven't stopped producing it, but they do it in infrequent runs. From what I've seen, they've all but stopped if not stopped completely. I did just look and Midsouth is showing as "Backorder OK," so not sure if that means they expect more in the offing.

[Rich/WIS]

I have a Leupold VX Freedom 1.5-4X with duplex reticle and it is excellent. Like the OP like the smaller straight tube scopes on hunting rifles. IIRC was about $200. Also have an older Leupold 1.5 -5X with the duples reticle and it is also excellent, but don't recsall what I paid for it.

[pietro]

.

I, too, use a lightweight (7oz) 2-1/2X, short (9") "shotgun" scope (no different than a "rifle" or "muzzleloader" scope) - except for it's 7" eye relief.

When mounted on the rib of my Ruger #1, with the eyepiece even with the receiver ring, it was as fast to use as a receiver peepsight.

It's a $50 20mm Simmons (straight objective) that has stood up to both a shotgun and a few (heavy recoiling) rifles for many years.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/simmons-21005-shotgun-rifle-scope-171754079

I've found it to be comparable to my 3X Leupold in optical clarity and durability (YMMV).


.

[imashooter2]

I was looking for something along those lines several years ago, and found my answer in the Leupold VX-1 Shotgun scope. It's a variable, 1-4 X, and 95% of the time it's set at 2x. I liked it so much that I now have four of them, one on my 1894c, one on my M500 slug gun, one on my .50 caliber inline muzzle loader and the fourth on my 30-30. These scopes all have the "Heavy Duplex" crosshair, it's perfect for the heavy cover that I hunt in and there's no problem seeing the crosshairs if there's any light at all. Small, lightweight, tough as nails, works for me!

That would have been the nuts, but unfortunately discontinued by the manufacturer. Now they want to sell you the pig plex in that application. Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll search other manufacturers for that option.

[FergusonTO35]

I love this type of scope, and conclude that Leupold is the best way to go. Everything else in this category is discontinued and has no warranty or repair support left. My three Marlin .30-30's wear them: one VX-3 and two VX-Freedoms (current version of VX-1). If you can find one, the old Japanese Weaver V3 1-3x20 is an outstanding scope and actually more compact than the Leupold. Unfortunately, my understanding is that Bushnell or whoever owns Weaver these days will only replace it with a new 3-9x40 which totally defeats the purpose of a compact scope. If you can live without warranty support there are alot of good ones out there. The old Japan made Bushnell Banners are really good and you can get a nice one for well under a c-note.

Burris used to make this type of scope and as far as I know they still honor the warranty on them no matter how old they are or if you bought it used. However, if they can't fix it you'll probably just receive a Fullfield II 3-9x40 as a replacement. Not a bad thing, as the Fullfield is an awesome scope, but it's not compact by any means.

[FergusonTO35]

You can still get the VX-Freedom with duplex reticle for $200.00 or so on Fleabay and Gunbroker pretty easily if you are patient. I got two of them in the last month.

[imashooter2]

I’ve owned my last Simmons and I was hoping for new… but wish in one hand and spit in the other! :-|

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Kestrel4k]

Leupold doesn't really do their standard Duplex in that FX2; most of those scopes are done with the Wide Duplex.
I have looked through the uncommon Heavy Duplex and it is crazy thick.
Most of the older M8's in that same form factor are glossy finish and use the standard Duplex which is what I've always preferred.
Just a FYI,

[imashooter2]

I’d prefer the standard, but would gladly take a heavy duplex over the tacticool reticles.

[centershot]

Here's one on E-Bay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/235152143738?epid=24031084238&hash=item36c028f57a:g:Q9kAAOSwHcFk5uCV&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4HIMFa5369VjKiSdtlY9jWpzf85fA QcXpIXzcKTQR%2FEzqaKQL7ekyMdXK7jL2rBEhg6k%2FsmpvpT Hte7SJL7dnEUcbW6qJILMi7x1nAb2rTWfZgJmR63Ly5zOeZYz8 aKoJYq8fBRBRjr642orcbs3aV076JzK1BWMSgRuGeLHX8%2Fzp dBBj2v4xakgdovn4sYCO19IN7LDqK9XE9N2%2F2emo5Kih8A3h uBeqPcIiiTkxOH7ccGbgRN7294W%2Fsu4aNx%2FF8Uc0p8YTQu oHd30KlnDOHaBTmZxXrstP4IJmYDn80ta%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6j1 np_IYg

[imashooter2]

Here's one on E-Bay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/235152143738?epid=24031084238&hash=item36c028f57a:g:Q9kAAOSwHcFk5uCV&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4HIMFa5369VjKiSdtlY9jWpzf85fA QcXpIXzcKTQR%2FEzqaKQL7ekyMdXK7jL2rBEhg6k%2FsmpvpT Hte7SJL7dnEUcbW6qJILMi7x1nAb2rTWfZgJmR63Ly5zOeZYz8 aKoJYq8fBRBRjr642orcbs3aV076JzK1BWMSgRuGeLHX8%2Fzp dBBj2v4xakgdovn4sYCO19IN7LDqK9XE9N2%2F2emo5Kih8A3h uBeqPcIiiTkxOH7ccGbgRN7294W%2Fsu4aNx%2FF8Uc0p8YTQu oHd30KlnDOHaBTmZxXrstP4IJmYDn80ta%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6j1 np_IYg

He says it’s pig plex. :-(

I’m keeping an eye on the site looking for either an FX-II Ulralight or a standard duplex VX Freedom.

[Mk42gunner]

Also keep an eye open in the swapping and selling section. Within the last year I picked up a Redfield Widefield 2 3/4X that now resides on my Marlin Model 336CB in .38-55.

Robert

[Texas by God]

The M8 2x Compact is worth looking for.
I check the bay every so often for fixed power scopes; last year I picked up a Weaver K1.5 and two K2.5 steel scopes that now live on my house AR15, my 44-40 Topper, and my 91 Mauser.
I’m not one for overscoping ; and it’s sad that the clean lines and utility of the old fixed power scopes are things of the past.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[imashooter2]

There’s a few M8s up for auction. They are a little pricier than I'd prefer for used scopes. I’ll keep watch though. Thanks!

[1006]

I ended up with a Leopold 1.5-4 Freedom with the MOA Ring; wanted a standard or wide duplex, but figured I could learn to use the reticle for holdovers.

317464

[FergusonTO35]

I’ve owned my last Simmons and I was hoping for new… but wish in one hand and spit in the other! :-|

Thanks for the suggestions.

The OLD Simmons Whitetail and Pro Hunter are really good scopes. I have a 2-7x32 Pro Hunter on my .223 Zastava bolt gun right now. They were made in the Phillippines where alot of good optics are made, including Vortex and Burris. They did make a 1-5x20 which looks eerily similar to the Nikon Monarch. No warranty or factory support that I know of, but for a fraction of Leupold price it's not a bad bet.

[imashooter2]

I ended up with a Leopold 1.5-4 Freedom with the MOA Ring; wanted a standard or wide duplex, but figured I could learn to use the reticle for holdovers.

317464

I have that scope and reticle on 2 different ARs, and it is decent glass and the tacticool ranging features let me pretend I’m an operator, but it isn’t what I want on my pretty little lever gun

[MarkP]

I do not recall the exact prices I paid for these but I think this amount listed on the right is close;

LEUPOLD VX-3 1.5 -5 X 20 mm ($400 ish 5 yrs ago)
BURRIS 1.5x6 Signature Series ($300 - 25 yrs ago) at the time Burris had this listed in their catalog as there brightest scope.
LEUPOLD VX-III 1.75 - 6 X 32 mm ($350 -- 5-7 yrs ago)
Weaver 1-3X - Very nice for the price, (< $150 I bought 3 of them around 2010) held zero on Rem 11-87 Slug, Rem M SEVEN KS in 350 Rem Mag, and a 416 wildcat. I compared these 40 min before sun up to a 2.5 x 8 Leupold VX-3 not much difference in very low light. My eyes and my daughter's eyes.

[imashooter2]

VX3 is well over $600 today. Might find a Weaver or Burris on the used market. Thanks!

[bman940]

I'd go a little bigger than a 20mm objective. Check out Riton Optics, 3 Tactix 1-8X24 scope. I have two on AR's. 1 is on a 9mm pistol cal. carbine, that is loads of fun to shoot. I saw it is on sale for $240, $60 off the normal price. It would be a nice low-profile option to make slinging lead more accurate and fun. No matter what you go with that Marlin is great fun.

[gumbo333]

I have a pig plex on my Henry 30/30. Works great. What’s the problem with a pig plex???

[imashooter2]

I have a pig plex on my Henry 30/30. Works great. What’s the problem with a pig plex???

Nothing if you are happy with it. I want a classic duplex on my classic lever. I want it for personal aesthetics. Same reason I only want a 20mm objective.

[charlie b]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/335012783511?hash=item4e00516597:g:TDAAAOSwOCZk8lX O&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwEBrlj7AuMtQiHlm%2B0T1kLil%2F 3M9hzQjisYpBpcf2zN6%2BWYxSJ5k9KsIPv0nym2ToiCVjwhmo F%2FOSEhX5wywe2Ov85IyiT043TFgh2hRPdT%2B2bxSPzUYX%2 FvMg7V6Lrdspn1BJRSEqXq5wSf0cfs6cMMGqmZ07IjH22gJgVc mF20BD35v6VvUswGw6JEdMznWE4YOpfZrlUl0IhVSU895I%2BL sT28OXgG4wKNM3%2FizCzWrUWI4CuDNUMweyxK2QEqIsQ%3D%3 D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR47kiKjOYg

[imashooter2]

Charlie, that Weaver looks great! Thanks for the link.

But I just logged on to say I bought a factory refurbished 1.5-5x20 Leupold VX-3 for $399 shipped at Midway. Everything I wanted and only 1/2 inch longer than the FXII that has been out of stock. I’m pretty pleased!

[imashooter2]

I think I’ll replace the gloss Weaver rings with some matte Leupold Rifleman rings to match the scope. Also a little bummed I had to use a one piece base that hangs off the front of the receiver to get ring spacing. On the up side I found my original Marlin offset hammer spur in one of the many parts boxes. Anyway, here she is. I still prefer the WGRS, but the 20mm Leupold looks good.

http://imashooter2.com/pictures/resized/scoped1894.jpg

[huntinlever]

I think I’ll replace the gloss Weaver rings with some matte Leupold Rifleman rings to match the scope. Also a little bummed I had to use a one piece base that hangs off the front of the receiver to get ring spacing. On the up side I found my original Marlin offset hammer spur in one of the many parts boxes. Anyway, here she is. I still prefer the WGRS, but the 20mm Leupold looks good.

http://imashooter2.com/pictures/resized/scoped1894.jpg

Just a note but I used an offset spur for years, with the low Leu rings. Never liked it because it loosened too many times for comfort, though after applying gorilla torque it seemed to finally set for some seasons. Mounted my son's 336 with Leu mediums, liked them so much did the same on my 45-70. Hammer problem solved, no issue at all with cheek weld (in fact, I like it a bit better, though it's not dramatic either way).

[FergusonTO35]

Good score! My super accurate Glenfield 30 wears the same scope. I did put a pic rail on it just so I could get the eye relief right, had to lean way back when using regular bases.

[imashooter2]

Good score! My super accurate Glenfield 30 wears the same scope. I did put a pic rail on it just so I could get the eye relief right, had to lean way back when using regular bases.

I’m lucky to have a short neck, at least as far as scope mounting goes. I’m very happy with the glass, the Leupold inspectors must be far more discerning than I am… I couldn’t find the “blemish” that saved me $200.

[nueces5]

I need to put a scope on my 1894C. What I want is a low power, standard eye relief riflescope with a 20ish mm objective for aesthetics and as close as I can get to a plain Jane duplex reticle. And I want to spend less than $500 for it.

The Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5x fixed power would be perfect, but try to find one.

The Vortex Crossfire II 1-4x24 isn’t terrible, but I was trying to get a standard crosshair and not an illuminated dot.

Everything else I’ve found is either very expensive or has some tacticool reticle. I’ve got a couple of the Leupold VX Freedom 1.5-4x20 with the MOA ring reticle on ARs and that’s not what I want for my classic lever gun. The pig plex is better, but still pretty far from a standard duplex.

This place has an incredible hive mind. If what I want is out there, someone here knows about it. I appreciate any help!

your prayers were heard

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175745611847?hash=item28eb413847%3Ag%3AWgYAAOSwf2N kcOoV&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4N0%2FsG2w6cTphhVrasH2wdBk76Q IN2jj8VJeeXd3PfZYpE9ELGx2VyTQsJqKDDzJT9gjLP72Z%2Bp NfJ%2FsljFi%2F8Pn2i3TUCgPc0hZ%2BgNUHDKc12vCGDlfe70 %2B4jkFwXETwNmZJzj2L%2FASndXAqQKY3HuifroGipYpT2hX% 2BKZwUyll3aXeSl7zdaocMXLeBC24rbV2S5r4dkKNtgDU59sMv iFLF8lqs3v%2Bc498e6og8PMPLKJuDbEV%2Be0HUx506ocaiFx nXCVwP4%2BkOGdzg0IaSRdJgJzMy%2FKoPzrKWhfj1xva%7Ctk p%3ABFBM2Nm629Ni&LH_ItemCondition=3000

[imashooter2]

your prayers were heard

https://www.ebay.com/itm/175745611847?hash=item28eb413847%3Ag%3AWgYAAOSwf2N kcOoV&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA4N0%2FsG2w6cTphhVrasH2wdBk76Q IN2jj8VJeeXd3PfZYpE9ELGx2VyTQsJqKDDzJT9gjLP72Z%2Bp NfJ%2FsljFi%2F8Pn2i3TUCgPc0hZ%2BgNUHDKc12vCGDlfe70 %2B4jkFwXETwNmZJzj2L%2FASndXAqQKY3HuifroGipYpT2hX% 2BKZwUyll3aXeSl7zdaocMXLeBC24rbV2S5r4dkKNtgDU59sMv iFLF8lqs3v%2Bc498e6og8PMPLKJuDbEV%2Be0HUx506ocaiFx nXCVwP4%2BkOGdzg0IaSRdJgJzMy%2FKoPzrKWhfj1xva%7Ctk p%3ABFBM2Nm629Ni&LH_ItemCondition=3000

Wow! That’s a rare bird right there! I think I’ll stick with the VX-3i though. Thanks for thinking of me!

[Shawlerbrook]

Love those Leupold 1-4X scopes. Got one on my Marlin 30AS 356 Winchester Trapper rebore.

[atr]

you might try Mueller scopes. they are made in china but I have two and they are very good scopes

[W.R.Buchanan]

I have two Weaver K2.5's One has been completely rebuilt by L&K and the other was perfect to begin with. I might mount one on my Current Marlin 336 .30-30 Project. It would be the perfect scope for a Vintage Levergun from 1958.

Randy

[FergusonTO35]

Love those Leupold 1-4X scopes. Got one on my Marlin 30AS 356 Winchester Trapper rebore.

Same here! Got 'em on all three of my Marlin .30-30's. The 2-7x32 is another jewel of a scope. Compact enough for the dense woods but has more than enough magnification for when a longer shot presents itself. I have a Leupold made Redfield 2-7x33 on my camo Savage Axis .308. Good rifle and scope for both woods and open field use.

[imashooter2]

Same here! Got 'em on all three of my Marlin .30-30's. The 2-7x32 is another jewel of a scope. Compact enough for the dense woods but has more than enough magnification for when a longer shot presents itself. I have a Leupold made Redfield 2-7x33 on my camo Savage Axis .308. Good rifle and scope for both woods and open field use.

I have 2-7x32 VX-2 Leupolds on my .35 REM and thutythuty Marlins. Fine scopes, I just wanted something more compact for the 1894.