by Scopeman [ posted: 12.Nov.2006 01:33 AM ] [dura-link][Print]
Gringo, You have indeed hit a small dilema. Since the Mueller you mention is a rimfire scope I wouldn’t mount it on anything that would have all that great a recoil such as a .270. Rimfire scopes are often built less durable since it is not expected that a rimfire rifle would be involved in sharp recoil or the rough experiences of, for instance, big game hunting.
Here’s a rough rundown of how scopes go (keep in mind this is a simplified rundown and by no means complete). I also won’t cover pistol, tactical, or shotgun scopes.
Rimfire scopes – Lighter weight, lower powered, less rugged, often adjusted to minimize parallax problems at short range, often have 3/4” tubes, and fine reticles. Usually lacks special features like optical coatings, specialty windage and elevation dials/knobs, range finding reticles, etc. Often includes rings for mounting on a rimfire rifle. Example: Leupold VX-I 2-7x28mm
Varmint scopes – Designed for shooting small targets at longer distances. In addition to magnification varmint scopes often focus on the style of reticle. They often do not differ from target scopes in most ways and include large magnification, optical coatings, larger tubes, durable, specialty dials/knobs, parallax adjustment, and specialty reticles. Example: Leupold VX-III 6.5-20x40mm
Big Game scopes – Designed for shooting larger targets at moderate distances. Often include medium magnification, optical coatings, larger objectives, larger tubes, durable, gas filled, large eye relief, specialty reticles. Example: Leupold VX-III 3.5-10x50mm
Target scopes – Often do not differ from varmint scopes in most ways. Usually includes large magnification, optical coatings, larger tubes, specialty dials/knobs, and specialty reticles. Typically the most “adjustable” scopes. Example: Leupold VX-III 8.5-25x50mm
Trends in scopes are changing. In the past scopes were basic tubes with precision lenses mounted with an adjustment system to allow for changing point of aim. Nowdays scopes are gas filled to handle moisture, have large objective lenses for light gathering, and have ever increasing magnification, etc. In addition there are now more reticle styles than you can shake a stick at. Don’t get me wrong, I like things like the Leupold varmint reticle but when push comes to shove, a fine crosshair is all I need. Other trends include cost. After WWII Japan gained a reputation for producing anything and everything cheap and often poor quality. Nowdays that role seems to be filled by China. They way things happen now is someone in Sometown USA has a product they want to produce so they contract with some company in China to product the product cheaply. So, some Chinese people find some work and we get inexpensive products. I’m not going to go into the “rightness/wrongness” of this situation but the point here is you will often find scopes made in China. Some are good quality some are not. It all depends on the manufacturer. So, don’t assume all Chinese made scopes are bad, but don’t assume they are all good either. Basically if you pay $100 for a scope, expect a $100 scope. Lastly, there are a large number of scope manufacturers these days. Some, such as the Italian made Konus have been around a bit but are only now being marketed in the US. Others such as Swift Optics have been around a long time but many folks have not heard of them. So look around, you might be surprised what you find. When you find something that interests you do your research and you should be fine. Like any other business scope manufacturers are trying to differentiate themselves to sell their products. Don’t get drawn in by moderately useful selling points like “critical eye relief/non-critical eye relief” etc. Start with good basic features and go from there. Get real world info from those who have used the scopes. Keep in mind you are looking for trends. You will find those who will swear by a brand and others who will adamantly advise against it. The trick is to get people both for and against to give real concrete reasons why. One person will claim a scope is not clear but others will think its great. The problem is, this is a subjective issue that is hard to get consistent reliable data. I once thought a scope was blurry. Its focus was stiff at first so I became, forgive the pun, focused on the focus knob and forgot about the parallax altogether. Once I realized my mistake, I adjusted the parallax and it was crystal clear. I owe Konus an apology:-)
Now, as to your request, I would recommend a Simmons model number 512104. Its about $200 give or take and matches your requirements. If you are more budget minded you can get a Konus 7256 or 7257. They are 3-12 power, which is more than enough for what you are likely to be shooting with a .270, but are in the $100 range so they are worth a look. If you have any more questions let me know.
Hope this helps.
Larry
Blazing Basin Supply