Rifle Scopes Which mid / low end scope in 4 - 12, 14, 16 range?

[Rolltide]

Im trying to decide on a new scope for one of my 15-22s. I plan to do a variety of shooting and hunting with it and have decided on a scope in the 4-12, 4-14 or 4-16 range. While I will be shooting with it some, it will be used more by my wife and daughters for plinking and the occasional squirrel hunt.

I've heard good things on RFC about Muellers, but I've never been able to look through one. I've had and still own some of the higher end Nikons, but never a Prostaff, which also gets high marks on RFC. I looked at one of the AR Bushnells in 4.5-18, but it seems incredibly heavy. I've read about the Vortex and Falcon scopes here on the 'hide, but have the same lack of selection as Muellers.

I have Leupolds on a lot of my rifles, but want to keep the price below $300 and there doesn't seem to be anything in their lines except the Rifleman / VX1 series. Ideally, I'd like to have side focus, but could live with an adjustable objective. In a perfect world, I'd also like to keep the weight down since the 15-22's weigh next to nothing and I don't want it to be top heavy.

Any and all help is appreciated.

Chris

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Might be on the lower end og magnification, but Nikon has their EFR 3-9 which is nice for a 22. AO down to 10 yards.

Nikon ProStaff Target EFR 3-9x40 Rifle Scope FREE S&H 6734. Nikon Rifle Scopes.

Also used quite a few of the Mueller's and havent had an issue yet. that 4.5-14 is a big seller:

Mueller Optics 4.5-14x40mm AO APV Rifle Scope FREE S&H MAPV451440, MAPV451440S. Mueller Optics Rifle Scopes.

I just finished a Savage Mark II build, FV-SR setup. I went with a 3-12x42 M223. couldnt be happier...but it has the higher price tag on it.

 

[Rolltide]

Thanks for the info. I'm torn at this point between the P223 4-12x40 and the 4.5-14x40 APV or APT.

Btw, nice Savage!

 

[shooter1054]

I am a big fan of Nikon for my hunting rifles. Everything I can want. I also use them for some long range work within it's limitations. CS from Nikon is top notch as well I've had one out of 6 scopes (all are Prostaffs3-9x40 or 4-12x40) that failed after about 10 years. the reticle adjustment stripped out. Nikon sent me a new one with finger tip turrets no questions asked.

 

[Pinecone]

For the money, I really like the BSA 4-14x tactical available from Midway. $250. Works great on a .22.

Mine lives on my CZ455 VPT.

My 15-22 got a Millett 1-4x.

 

[bobtodrick]

I've owned low end Bushnell's and Nikon's and have found that the Hawke Tactical's are better (IMHO) Hawke Optics | Sidewinder 30 Tactical Side Focucs
Here's a detailed review of the 4.5x14 with comparisons to some of its competition Hawke Sidewinder Tactical 30 4.5-14×42 » OpticsThoughts

 

[Bruno]

I have a Mueller APV, and it works well for its price point on my 10/22. Not had any problems.

 

[Rolltide]

Right now, it looks like the Mueller is the one I'm going with. Are there any known issues that those of you who own Muellers are familiar with?

 

[Tactical_Hunter]

I have a mueller apt on a 17 Mach 2 and it works perfectly with no problems very clear scope, it's just very heavy to me . I would go with a apv over the apt, because of the weight difference.