Rifle Scopes Parallax Question, Help Please

[Zog117]

I'm not very active in this forum, but I figure that this is the best place to ask.

I am looking at getting a Primary Arms 4-16 scope for simple range work to test reloads, nothing else. I will only be using it at 100yds on a 5.56 and 308.

So here's my question: A guy is trying to selling me a used PA 4-16 scope and he says the Parallax adjustment doesn't work (spins freely) and aside from that it's good to go. From what I've read on the internet Parallax adjustment is only an issue when shooting at extremely long distances. I think I can get him to sell it to me for like $80, but considering the defect and my application, would I be better off just buying a new one perhaps a new PA 3-9? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[George63]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

he is trying to sell something that belongs in the trash - who knows where the setting is and cannot be adjusted, not likely to be at 100 yds like you need

plenty of fully functional used scopes that would be suitable for your purposes that could be had for around a 100

and your info is wrong - parallax is more critical ( in terms of moa ) for short distances -ie for 12 yd airgun competition proper AO adjustment is essential - of course an moa at 800 yds is 8 times as large in inches as at 100 yds so the lesser error in angle can be more in inches

 

[Graham]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

That scope is broken. Why would anyone buy a broken scope?

 

[Zog117]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That scope is broken. Why would anyone buy a broken scope? </div></div>

The only reason it was even remotely a consideration was because me being a noob to scopes, I didn't think that the Parallax Adjustment was that big of a deal for my application from the research I did. I'm glad that you guys chimed in though!

So what would be some good scopes around the $100 range that would be good for what I'm doing? (Testing reloads at 100yds).

 

[George63]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

mueller APV is about that new

 

[roggom]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

Zog, glass is one of the most crucial parts of your shooting system. In short: you can not hit what you can not see.

If you will only be working up loads at 100Y, then I would look for a second hand scope. SWFA has some decent scopes on their "sample list". http://www.samplelist.com/ViewProducts.aspx

Something like a Redfield revolution, or a vortex Diamondback should be fine.

Those should also work for close range deer hunting, if you hunt.

Beyond that, I recommend you put some money away for a decent long range scope.

 

[Shooter45]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

You lose a lot of quality in that price range of $100, but I've been using a Simmons Aetec 2.8-10x44 on an accurized 10/22 for years now. I've been more than happy with it and had amazing luck, no problems what so ever. CDNN has them right now (which they usually don't carry high quality stuff in the first place) but they are only $100.

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/siae2bliltrr.html

 

[BobD]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

Zog117, Just as important... Dont buy a scope from someone that sells broken used scopes. Seriously.

Will you only be shooting at the 100 yards you spoke of? You may want to consider looking into a fixed power scope, you are paying extra money to change magnification, that same cash could be put toward better use if its not a necessary feature.

*Parallax adjustment is used to correct an error when the reticle and target do not appear on the same image plane correctly. This is usually offered in scopes with a top end mag above 10x where the error is more apparent. Most scopes at 10x and below are preset from the factory for parallax at a set distance, ie.. 100 yards. You can detect this yourself when you are lined up behind a scope and slightly move your eye of axis either vertically or horizontally. If when doing this the reticle moves around the target and does not stay in place you know what your problem is.

Check the optics for sale here, you will certainly get a better value buying a scope that just has ring marks and signs of use opposed to trying to get new glass at that price. Nothing wrong with used- just stay away from things with broken or missing pieces

 

[Zog117]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

Thanks for all the advice guys! It is greatly appreciated. As I mentioned before, I will only be shooting at 100yds to simply testing reloads. Not for duty use or sniper work at 500+ yds or anything crazy like that. Nor do I hunt.

I am not a long range shooter. I could, but it's just not my gig. I shoot three gun/ tactical type stuff and have several scopes to fit my type of shooting. ACOG, Eotech, 1-4 scope, 1-6 scope, but nothing with high magnification designed for precision which is what I'm looking for to help take me out of the equation when testing my loads.

Does anyone have any thoughts on Primary Arms scopes if I bought them new? From what I've seen on youtube they are considered high value scopes at a good price. Are there better products out there, of course, but perhaps not in that price range.

 

[Zog117]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

So I guess here is another question, what would be a good affordable 10x fixed power scope? I don't think variable power is really all that necessary considering what I'd be using it for.

 

[strat81]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Zog117</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So I guess here is another question, what would be a good affordable 10x fixed power scope? I don't think variable power is really all that necessary considering what I'd be using it for. </div></div>

Bushnell 3200 10x Mil-Dot reticle. May also be sold under the Bushnell Tactical name. It's available with MOA knobs and MIL knobs. Either will work fine for load development at 100 yards. Midway has them new for under $250 and they go on sale pretty often. Use ones pop up regularly for $150-$200.

SWFA's Sample List has a bunch of Super Sniper 10x scopes for $260, which are also excellent scopes.

 

[BobD]

Re: Parallax Question, Help Please

I will second the suggestion to grab a Bushnell 3200 if you can... very inexpensive. Now and they are a great value... also have a lifetime warranty. Look at a few reviews, they really are a good buy. I bought a new one recently for about $150..