Are there any reliable budget scopes?

[Cfriend]

Looking to buy a cheaper scope (under $300) for a muzzleloader. Assuming it has decent magnification (around 7x), I really only care about reliability. And by reliability, I mean holding zero riding on the truck seat, being carried through the woods, and maybe worst case the gun falls to the ground while leaning against a tree, or I slip and knock the barrel against something. Any suggestions?

Some background:
I will likely never take a shot over 100 yds, and will use it on day hunts close to home where if bump it hard, it won't be a big deal to check the zero. I've done a good bit of research, and I realize everyone says not to buy cheap scopes. However, while I understand the need for quality on hardcore hunts with long range shots, it just seems like a high dollar scope will be overkill for this. I've used cheap stuff like Tasco, Pine Ridge, or basic Leupolds all of my life and haven't had any issues yet, but I wouldn't mind to make a slight improvement over those with this purchase.

 

[lawdogx]

I think you’re about to get a bunch of recommendations for SWFA. The gen 2 6x is due for a restock soon and should be on the top of your list!

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Swfa is the entire list.

 

[joshdidthis]

I'm pretty sold on the trijicon Huron, just wish they weren't quite so expensive right now lol.

Sent from my SM-G991U1 using Tapatalk

 

[Balderdash]

Can't go wrong with the SWFA. Ran one on a 700 ML that gets stretched out to 400 yds. Swapped it out for a LRTSi 3-12 mostly to gain illumination. The SWFA for $350 is one of the better bargains going on anything.

For what you stated in the OP, you might want to give the Sightron 1.75-5 a look. I have one on an ML - mostly because the short size clears the rear sight on that gun, which I leave in place to use when I hunt CO, and the trim ocular housing clears the hammer in low rings. I also have one on a 35 Whelen 7600 carbine and another on a youth model 6.5CM. They have forgiving EB and ER, so far they've been rugged, and the view is better than I expected. They're also not Chicom.

The one on my 7600 carbine has been accidentally dropped a few times, has been bounced around a lot of forest service roads and has put up with 35 whelen recoil - its still holding zero.

 

[atmat]

Looking to buy a cheaper scope (under $300) for a muzzleloader. Assuming it has decent magnification (around 7x), I really only care about reliability. And by reliability, I mean holding zero riding on the truck seat, being carried through the woods, and maybe worst case the gun falls to the ground while leaning against a tree, or I slip and knock the barrel against something. Any suggestions?

Some background:
I will likely never take a shot over 100 yds, and will use it on day hunts close to home where if bump it hard, it won't be a big deal to check the zero. I've done a good bit of research, and I realize everyone says not to buy cheap scopes. However, while I understand the need for quality on hardcore hunts with long range shots, it just seems like a high dollar scope will be overkill for this. I've used cheap stuff like Tasco, Pine Ridge, or basic Leupolds all of my life and haven't had any issues yet, but I wouldn't mind to make a slight improvement over those with this purchase.

Do you need a scope if you’ll never take a shot over 100 yards? I would just run a globe and peep.

Then you're muzzleloader legal anywhere.

 

[Macintosh]

I like a scope in the woods rather than irons, I cant pick a clear hole through brush nearly as well otherwise. I’d look at a trijicon, they have some scopes that could be closest to your budget in 1-4, 1-6, 3-9 magnifications. I would NOT want a scope with open turrets, adjustable parallax, etc regardless of how reliable it was, as even if unlikely those features are a liability for that use.

 

[z987k]

Maybe a used trijicon huron or accupoint.
Or a used Maven RS.2
Or some red dot?

 

[doverpack12]

It likely wouldn’t pass a drop test but the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14 I’ve had on several rifles that ride in vehicles and I bought used on here for $75 has been rock solid. Think I bought it in 2017 or so.

I bought one in 2-7 for 45-70 load development (run skinner rest of time) and a ULUL 223.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Take a look at the made in Philippines, great quality Sightron S1 Series Scopes

 

[mtfallon]

I did a lot of research on this subject and found the Meopta Optika5 2-10x42 1” is very well liked and can be found for $360 on EuroOptic. It's hard to find scopes with 1.5-2X on the low end that are solid and relatively inexpensive.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

I did a lot of research on this subject and found the Meopta Optika5 2-10x42 1” is very well liked and can be found for $360 on EuroOptic. It's hard to find scopes with 1.5-2X on the low end that are solid and relatively inexpensive.

Just a heads up. Meopta has not had a USA service center since September of 2024. They do plan to reopen a space here in the USA, as per our meeting with them this past SHOT Show, but nothing has happened yet. Meaning, all Meopta warranty, or other, service must be sent back to the Czech Republic on the owners dime.

 

[wapitibob]

I have 2 fixed swfa,s that are reliable. Mid glass and crap turrets but that’s what you get for $250.

 

[JGRaider]

From the OP:
Some background:
I will likely never take a shot over 100 yds, and will use it on day hunts close to home where if bump it hard, it won't be a big deal to check the zero.

Amazed at the SWFA recs given the OP quote above, guess I shouldn't be surprised though. Forget the hashes, milquads, mils, and all that other crap. Below seems to me to be the perfect candidate, give your criteria.

F

Sold Thread 'Trijicon Huron 3-9x40 NIB never mounted'

May 11, 2025

I have a new in box, never mounted Trijicon huron 3-9x40 riflescope with a duplex reticle and 1" tube.
I have just taken delivery of it, but it does not match the rifle (single shot Merkel) I intended it for.
My loss your gain, $415 TYD or $400 if you provide prepaid shipping label.
Thank you for looking, Ferenc

• ftothfadd
• Replies: 6
• Forum: Optics Classifieds

 

[JGRaider]

Do you need a scope if you’ll never take a shot over 100 yards? I would just run a globe and peep.

Then you're muzzleloader legal anywhere.

I bet that globe and peep works great in low/challenging light.

 

[jfk69]

The SWFA 6x and the Sightron 1.75-5 are solid choices. I’d add the Burris Fullfield E1 line mentioned earlier. I have three Fullfields, an older first series in 3-9 and two 4.5-14’s. I’ve had them on .50 cal muzzleloaders, .35 Rem and 7 mag, all solid recoiling rifles and they’ve held zero perfectly. Including the 20+ year old 3-9. At around $200 or less, they’re a solid value.

 

[sndmn11]

Used aimpoint

 

[Thinkingman]

It likely wouldn’t pass a drop test but the Burris Fullfield II 4.5-14 I’ve had on several rifles that ride in vehicles and I bought used on here for $75 has been rock solid. Think I bought it in 2017 or so.

I bought one in 2-7 for 45-70 load development (run skinner rest of time) and a ULUL 223.

Burris Fullfield is the only good choice in this category.

 

[KenLee]

I have 2 fixed swfa,s that are reliable. Mid glass and crap turrets but that’s what you get for $250.

Or $400 used on this forum

 

[Seak_angler]

SWFA is beyond solid. Hint