Low mag, High Quality

[oxn939]

Looking for something in the 1-4 or 2-7 mag range for a lever setup. I own a few VX-3s, but they seem to end up in the "okay as long as they get babied" category in independent drop tests.

Criteria are as follows. Set and forget type optic in the aforementioned mag range, 1" tube, 500 bucks or less, that is actually reliable through a variety of field conditions. Love the Hurons on my bolt rifles, but their LPVOs are 30mm for some reason. SWFA seems to do alright, but have heard enough stories of failures that I'm not sure they're a big step up from the VX-3 line. Am I missing anything, or does the market just not exist?

 

[TN2shot07]

You have to hunt one down on the used market but the fixed Leupold’s are really good in my experience. I swapped my muzzleloader to a 6x this year

 

[Kauaihunter]

A lot of the LPVO market seems to target the AR style platform and have 30mm tubes.

 

[BrentD]

Weaver K3 or K4? Vintage, of course.

 

[BrentD]

I want to change that to a Lyman Alaskan.

The Complete History of the Lyman Alaskan Scope - Gunsmithing Journal

The Lyman Alaskan is one of the finest scopes ever made in America. It was mfg'd from 1939-1957 and hit the market just as telescopic sights became popular.

kurtthegunsmith.com

 

[elkduds]

Had one of these atop low see through rings on my Marlin 444. It was a great stillhunting setup. 1x4 IIRC.
Redfield, founded in 1909 by John Redfield in Denver, Colorado, is a renowned American optics company known for its riflescopes and other hunting and shooting accessories. The company, particularly its Widefield series from the 1960s and 70s, gained prominence for offering a wide field of view, a feature that was revolutionary at the time. Redfield scopes were a staple among American hunters for generations, known for their quality and durability.

 

[mtmuley]

I want to change that to a Lyman Alaskan.

The Complete History of the Lyman Alaskan Scope - Gunsmithing Journal

The Lyman Alaskan is one of the finest scopes ever made in America. It was mfg'd from 1939-1957 and hit the market just as telescopic sights became popular.

kurtthegunsmith.com

Brent, these guys are right up your alley. I live not far from them. Have some old scopes I am thinking about taking in to have assessed. Maybe even sell. mtmuley Vintage Gun Scopes https://share.google/tOiWdypyc3KDvYzpR

 

[BrentD]

Brent, these guys are right up your alley. I live not far from them. Have some old scopes I am thinking about taking in to have assessed. Maybe even sell. mtmuley Vintage Gun Scopes https://share.google/tOiWdypyc3KDvYzpR

Yup. I know of them. They were first to mind when I saw the OP.

My most modern style of scope is a K3.

 

[MTLabrador]

If zero retention for drops is the biggest priority you’re going to have to go 30mm, and a Trijicon accupoint 1-4 would probably be the way to go. For a lever gun I’d probably go with a fixed 4x Leupold.

 

[BrentD]

If zero retention for drops is the biggest priority you’re going to have to go 30mm, and a Trijicon accupoint 1-4 would probably be the way to go. For a lever gun I’d probably go with a fixed 4x Leupold.

Or just go all out and go back to irons.

 

[mtmuley]

Yup. I know of them. They were first to mind when I saw the OP.

My most modern style of scope is a K3.

I have a K4. And a Weaver variable that is vintage. I'm pretty sure I have a Lyman or two here somewhere. I need to look. mtmuley

 

[mtmuley]

Or just go all out and go back to irons.

My Grandfather's 94 will never wear a scope. mtmuley

 

[MTLabrador]

Or just go all out and go back to irons.

My .30-30 and .45-70 will always be irons only.

 

[oxn939]

If zero retention for drops is the biggest priority you’re going to have to go 30mm, and a Trijicon accupoint 1-4 would probably be the way to go. For a lever gun I’d probably go with a fixed 4x Leupold.

Is there some kind of benefit to a 30mm 1-4 I'm missing? It's heavier and has a lower mag range than the 1" 3-9, less capable in every way.

Good news is, ran a range with my Leupold this morning and all was well. Do suppose she'll stick around

 

[MTLabrador]

Is there some kind of benefit to a 30mm 1-4 I'm missing? It's heavier and has a lower mag range than the 1" 3-9, less capable in every way.

Good news is, ran a range with my Leupold this morning and all was well. Do suppose she'll stick around

Not really, other than I’ve heard good things about the durability. My Leupolds have always worked well for me for set and forget scopes.

 

[mtmuley]

Not really, other than I’ve heard good things about the durability. My Leupolds have always worked well for me for set and forget scopes.

Yep. mtmuley

 

[BrentD]

My Grandfather's 94 will never wear a scope. mtmuley

But do you hunt your big game with it?

 

[BrentD]

I hunt with a scope sometimes, but i do not make a habit of it.

 

[mtmuley]

Yep. mtmuley

Not yet Brent. I'm getting there. I will have it with me if I draw an antelope tag. But, I plan to carry it for mountain whitetails. mtmuley

 

[mtmuley]

But do you hunt your big game with it?

Thanks for a kick in the ass. I have all the components, I just haven't done anything. mtmuley