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Help fellas. I've created a monster.

coyotehunter223

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 23, 2011
46
13
40
Unadilla, GA
So here's the problem. My daughter has been shooting for several years now but back in March we had a little can shoot with the church to raise money for the boy's home. She wanted to go so I fixed her up a little Ruger American Ranch in 223. No decent scope was available on such a short notice so I snatched my Steiner 5-25 off one of my other rifles and put it on the American for her. I know, I know.... not smart. She had been using a little 4-12 out to 400 on plates but seeing drink cans at 20-25X for the first time she turned around and looked at me and smiled and said "Daddy I can see with this thing!" So here's the dilemma. I told her she could not have that scope lol. She is 11 and there is no way Im spoiling a kid to that quality. I come from the old school thought of you've got to earn it. I need input on a scope in the sub $500 preferable Sub $300 range with decent glass and MIL/MIL as she already understands its. Preferable something to at least 20X with some decent glass. I know Im asking a lot and I dont expect Steiner quality at this price point but any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
 
Why don't you give her some options ? All of them being on the table, but she has to work for them. My Dad did that with me when I was young. I had motorcycles, hydroplanes, skiis, etc., but I had to work for them. I damned sure took great care of those things that I had sweat equity invested in. to this day, I still take very good care of my belongings and it's because of the lessons that my Dad taught me.
 
Pull up all those options on the computer in separate tabs. Then have her look at the reticles and turrets. Sounds like she has been shooting long enough to know what she might like. While she would like anything you gave her, she would appreciate it more if you let her pick what she likes.
 
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A little over your budget but probably the best glass in the price range. I've read the reticle is a little small at min mag but sounds like she's doing mostly target shooting.
 
So here's the problem. My daughter has been shooting for several years now but back in March we had a little can shoot with the church to raise money for the boy's home. She wanted to go so I fixed her up a little Ruger American Ranch in 223. No decent scope was available on such a short notice so I snatched my Steiner 5-25 off one of my other rifles and put it on the American for her. I know, I know.... not smart. She had been using a little 4-12 out to 400 on plates but seeing drink cans at 20-25X for the first time she turned around and looked at me and smiled and said "Daddy I can see with this thing!" So here's the dilemma. I told her she could not have that scope lol. She is 11 and there is no way Im spoiling a kid to that quality. I come from the old school thought of you've got to earn it. I need input on a scope in the sub $500 preferable Sub $300 range with decent glass and MIL/MIL as she already understands its. Preferable something to at least 20X with some decent glass. I know Im asking a lot and I dont expect Steiner quality at this price point but any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Quit being a cheap ass dad. If my 11 to daughter was into shooting, she would be using the same glass I am too keep her interested and spending time with me.

Get her a zco 420 from @CSTactical

While your at it get yourself one too because life is too short to be using bush league glass... Your welcome
 
Quit being a cheap ass dad. If my 11 to daughter was into shooting, she would be using the same glass I am too keep her interested and spending time with me.

Get her a zco 420 from @CSTactical

While your at it get yourself one too because life is too short to be using bush league glass... Your welcome
Off topic, are you adopting?
 
Off topic, are you adopting?

That's what I was wondering....

Op they also have the 4-24 for 100 more. Find her some good Japanese glass on discount. The bushy dmr2s seem to have gone back up in price so I think the crimson trace are probably the ticket right now. I've only bought LOW scopes and I think those are JOL and had some quirks but the glass should be nice.
 
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Trade glass around. Using quality mounts, the return to zero will be close.
 
Monster LOL, buy the best glass you can for her, it will keep real monsters from appearing later in her life. My 3 all shoot and I have never regretted a single dollar I spent on the gear or ammo.
 
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Make her work for that Steiner that you put on the rifle.
Obviously you have other rifles and other scopes. The steiner wasn't being used so what is the big deal? I'd do anything to keep her shooting. You will realize this in a few years when other interests start to pull her away from shooting. Keep her at the range away from all of those other influences mainly mainstream media.....
 
Arken makes a great scope. I have the 4-16 and a 6-24. Been looking at selling the 6-24 with rings and caps. It's on my 22lr atm, just going a different direction with that rifle now.
 
First of all, it’s okay to spoil your daughter from time to time. They grow up too fast and life is too short. If you just can’t afford it, then let her shoot with your Steiner when you shoot together and you deal with the lesser scope.

second, finding a decent magnified optic in the $300-$500 range is just about nil, maybe a used PST II 5-25 (I was impressed with mine). I highly recommend getting an SWFA fixed scope, 16x, they even make a 20x, optics will be MUCH better than any magnified optic at the price.
 
interesting problem (besides finding the "best" scope for <$500).
i didn't run into this "good enough for you, but not good enough for dad" problem.
i always let her use the same equipment if her size didn't matter.
i do understand the desire not to spoil the child.
lol, and of course, daddy didn't have any expensive scopes either. :ROFLMAO:
 
The Steiner's place is on my 7 Practical. Too much gun for her right now. I pulled it off because it was the easiest mount to put back. If I could afford another scope of that quality I would by all means do so. The kid is not neglected I promise lol. She's been behind a thermal since she was 6 years old. I am going to get her something for the American till she is ready for a bigger rifle with more reach. She will work for it she and I have already talked about that. Just trying to see what's out there. Does any one know how the Venom's glass is and also how is the glass on the Arken?
 
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The Steiner's place is on my 7 Practical. Too much gun for her right now. I pulled it off because it was the easiest mount to put back. If I could afford another scope of that quality I would by all means do so. The kid is not neglected I promise lol. She's been behind a thermal since she was 6 years old. I am going to get her something for the American till she is ready for a bigger rifle with more reach. She will work for it she and I have already talked about that. Just trying to see what's out there. Does any one know how the Venom's glass is and also how is the glass on the Arken?
if you want to try to stick to your budget, you might want to talk to doug at camerlandny.com, since he can actually look through the scopes and he has some sales going on right now. i didn't mean to sound like i was giving you a hard time. your daughter is lucky to have an involved dad.
if you do get something sub $300, think about putting away $200 in a special scope fund for her next one.

 
if you want to try to stick to your budget, you might want to talk to doug at camerlandny.com, since he can actually look through the scopes and he has some sales going on right now. i didn't mean to sound like i was giving you a hard time. your daughter is lucky to have an involved dad.
if you do get something sub $300, think about putting away $200 in a special scope fund for her next one.

You are good man. She and I have agreed around 4-500. I'll talk with Doug. Just call him?
 
Looked through a venom and Midas Tac 6-24 side by side yesterday. I would say optically close. Very good up to the highest setting. Eye box is better on the venom. Zero stop is better on the Midas Tac.
All just my opinion. YMMV.
 
just recently have seen some bad reviews on the venom, and good reviews on arken. fwiw, since i have seen neither myself.