Which scope?

[sparkyaber]

I am new to deer hunting, bow and gun, and need some advise on a scope for my gun. My dad gave me his guns to keep at my house for he has no use for them, and one of them is a marlin 336A 32 special. I am thinking of using this gun this fall to deer hunt. My friends say it is a great brush gun to use just the open sites, but I am intersted in putting on a scope. Something on the low power end. Like a 1-4X adjustable, or a 2.5X fixed. I really don't want to spend a bunch of money on the scope, because I need the barrel drilled and tapped to mount the scope, which will set me back a decent amount. What would be a cheap (emphasis on cheap) decent scope for that gun? I am thinking of going to either the big C in Rogers, or G.M. in Blaine.

Thanks

[gunmunky]

You might also consider a red-dot. If you're set on a scope I would get a fixed 2.5 or 4 power over a variable. Its not hard to drill and tap a receiver at home if you take your time.

[huntnfish]

If all your shots are going to be short I would look into the red dots, especially if most of the shots you will get are at running deer. I think a 2.5 or even a fixed 4 power would be just fine if you are mainly hunting out of a stand.

[Tom7227]

Why not go to a gunshop where they can get the thing set up for you? If you do it ASAP they may be able to get it done in time but you'll be pushing it. You may be better off this season just spending some time on the range and getting used to the gun. You're looking at 40-50 yard shots max and a scope may not really be that important. Knowing how to use the gun efficiently and accurately is a much needed skill.

[sparkyaber]

Thanks for the input guys. The gun is currently at a gunsmith as I type this. I never had given any thought to a red dot, I will look into them.

[Tom7227]

If you spend $200+ you can get a scope that has some good light gathering capability that adds about 10-15 minutes to your shooting time. You should shop around and spend as much as you can afford because this adds a lot to what you're setting up. You really can't rely on what you see by looking at something in a brightly lit store because they pretty much all look alike under those conditions. I have a Burris 1.75 to 5 or something like that and it is a sweet thing to have because it helps you really define your target in low light conditions. Do some reading on it so you learn a bit more before you make the purchase. Once you're set up don't forget to spend an hour and a couple boxes of shells at a range to get the feel of the gun and get it properly sighted. Good luck and have fun.

[Larson15]

bushnell, tasco, simmons all make scopes under $100 that will get the job done.

[Tinkhamtown]

Bushnell 1.5 X 4.5 shotgun scope

Have 2 on 22s, 2 on 30-06, 3 on 44, and 1 on 12 gauge all with years of trouble free service.

Tink

[Red Miller]

I second that about the light gathering capabilities. I had a red dot on my .44mag pistol. It was an overcast day and the target was standing in buck brush at about 40 yards. I could not pick out my target due to the slight tint on the lenses. Cost me a deer that year. That was that, I have Nikon EER scope on that unit now and is shoots great.

[Tom7227]

bushnell, tasco, simmons all make scopes under $100 that will get the job done.

Yes, they will magnify during daylight and help you ID the target and get the shot where it needs to go if you sighted in properly. I don't think they do much in terms of light gathering for the early and late opportunities. If that isn't important then forget what I wrote above.

Tom

[fishorgolf]

I have a Bushnell banner 1.5 X 4.5 (under $100) on my daughters shotgun and it is a very nice clear scope. But it is NOT a light gathering scope. As Tom states you will need to spend $200+ to get a scope with this capability.

[crothmeier]

I have a simmons whitetail classic 2-10x44. it definitly gathers light, its about 8 years old though, but i have been happy with it, and if i remember right i spent aroun 179 on it.

[sparkyaber]

thanks for all of the ideas!!