Rifle Scopes Starter Scope for a 7 year old

armydog

armydog

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    • Nov 26, 2010
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    SW Michigan
    #1
    Need a little advise, looking for a scope for my Grandson, I got him a Remington 700 SPS tactical in .223, he has never used a scope before or shot anything other than 22LR ether so what will be a good scope that will not leave me broke but give him some good service, and what to you think, variable or Fixed power? i'm thinking fixed maybe a 4 power but I don't know. I see this at Midway for 140.00 Weaver Classic K-Series Rifle Scope 4x 38mm Dual-X Reticle Matte, it might be good, Weavers made in China? You know I'll bet i'm more excited about him getting this than he is. LOL
     
    #2
    Re: Starter Scope for a 7 year old

    What is your realistic budget for this? I've never liked or suggested getting something cheap just because it's for a child. Mainly because when it does break they're usually a little more heartbroken/disappointed than an adult. Also, it's going on a centerfire that realistically is capable of 1000yd accuracy with the right ammunition and driver. Fixed 4x would cripple the rifle right off the bat.

    I would look for something simple and durable. Fixed 10x magnification, duplex reticle, 30mm tube (only buy the rings once). Target turrets and mil-dot reticle are debatable if they're in the budget as it's always nice to start them off right from the beginning. That way he can learn adjustments and POA/POI shooting rather than Kentucky windage and SWAG holds.

    Look for something used such as on the forums here or from SWFA's Samplelist.com website. Sure makes a small budget stretch as far as it can. Also, you can't go wrong with Vortex and their warranty if you want a variable power scope.

    Mostly though, I would be looking at getting at least a SWFA SS 10x42 in the budget.
     
    #3
    Re: Starter Scope for a 7 year old

    IMO, I would go with a mid-range variable. With my sons (7 & 6), the higher mag is frustrating for them to shoot because they can't pick up the target easily and keep it steady enough. The variable will give him the option of lower power now and as he gets better they can grow into the higher mag capability.

    I would go with something like a 4.5-14 Nikon Buckmaster or the 4-16 Vortex Viper. I put a Buckmaster on my 22LR and it's a nice scope for the money. Also, it's likely that both of these scopes would sell for close to what you bought them for if you decide to upgrade down the road.

    This is unrelated, but the bigger problem you will have with your grandson will be the stock length. Neither of my sons can comfortably shoot my small centerfires because the length of pull is too great. I actually took a cheap Rem 597 22LR I had and cut the stock down for them to shoot. They also can shoot my AR that has an adjustable stock. Make sure this is right for him because you are teaching the fundamentals at this age and he will undoubtedly pick up bad position habits if it doesn't fit him right.
     
    #4
    Re: Starter Scope for a 7 year old

    Children are incredibly capable of breaking even the most bulletproof things. Get him a USO, the ST-10 is a little cheaper than their variables.
     
    #5
    Re: Starter Scope for a 7 year old

    I use a Simmons 8 Point on my .22LR and it's pretty nice for the cost. $30 on sale and it's a 3-9x40. Reticle and glass will be good enough to learn with. Later down the road, when he gets serious about shooting, step up to a better scope and throw the Simmons on the .22 so he can have something cheap to practice with with a scope. I mean what is $30 now...half a tank of gas??

    http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=SN899658
     
    #8
    Re: Starter Scope for a 7 year old

    Low power variables work great for kids because of their large exit pupil. A large exit pupil gives them more wiggle room which makes it easier for them to learn how to use a scope and keeps them from being discouraged.

    Also look for something with a generous eye relief for the same reasons.
     
    #9
    Re: Starter Scope for a 7 year old

    200.00 to 250.00 would be the most i can spend, and if i know my self in a few years when i can afford it i will upgrade for him if he's still into it and I think he will be. I haven't checked into a Nikon, never owned one but have heard good things about them. Thanks every one you have given me lots more to consider.
     
    #11
    Re: Starter Scope for a 7 year old

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: armydog</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Need a little advise, looking for a scope for my Grandson, I got him a Remington 700 SPS tactical in .223, he has never used a scope before or shot anything other than 22LR ether so what will be a good scope that will not leave me broke but give him some good service, and what to you think, variable or Fixed power? i'm thinking fixed maybe a 4 power but I don't know. I see this at Midway for 140.00 Weaver Classic K-Series Rifle Scope 4x 38mm Dual-X Reticle Matte, it might be good, Weavers made in China? You know I'll bet i'm more excited about him getting this than he is. LOL </div></div>

    S&B 5-25x56 PM2

    Get em started early
     
    #14
    Re: Starter Scope for a 7 year old

    I seriously doubt that you grandson will be shooting that .223 to its capability anytime soon. You need to concentrate on getting something that is easy to use. My vote goes for a fixed 4X. I really liked the little Nikon.
     
    #17
    Re: Starter Scope for a 7 year old

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rosie Palma</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cordoba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Iron sights.</div></div>

    +1 </div></div>

    That i have covered, I have an M4 and a Marlin 22LR that fits him fine, and has been taught the basics on. I'm just on Deployment with too much time on my hands so I figured i would get him a new rifle.
    I also know kids, what fun now may not me tomorrow, gotta keep it interesting for him, keep challenging him or he will be off to to something else.
     
    #18
    Re: Starter Scope for a 7 year old

    I used a Leupold 2x7 on the Contender for my 8yr old grandson.
    He is able to shoot 2" goups @ 50yds from a rest.
    He gets better every time we shoot.
    Be sure the stock fits him so he can get the scope pic easily.
     
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