The distance from the eye to the scope is called the eye relief.  For a scout scope, that's going to be about a foot (a quick check showed one was 8.5-14").  If you've already got the mounts in place, and they're on the receiver in the "usual" location, you'll be needing a conventional scope.

What kind of shooting are you anticipating?

The cartridge is not a long distance one, so high magnification won't be needed.  I've started thinking about this same topic, and haven't decided yet.  I'm leaning towards something in the 2-4X, and I prefer fixed magnification rather than adjustable.

What are the advantages of fixed power over variable.  I am familiar with eye relief. Yeah, the mounts are right over the bolt.  If it was a forward mounted scope, I would do something with a pistol scope, but that is a non issue, because I'm not drilling into this gun.  That was the whole purpose of fabricating these mounts to fit.  I could have had a N04Mk1 SMLE scope mount put on it if I wanted to drill into it.  These guns are too rare in the US to put holes into it.  I'd like to keep it nice.

Edit: My shooting will be out to 200 meters but mostly under

Last edited by Pyromancy5 (2010-08-19 11:50:51)

My preference is for fixed because with adjustable ones, I find that I set it to one magnifacation and don't touch it much after that.  Also, even with what's supposed to be a decent scope, the eye relief does change slightly through the adjustment range.  It seems that adjustable magnification is a big selling point though, based on the relative selection of fixed vs. variable.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/53582-34.html

***I haven't read the whole thread, I will have more time to later, so if I say anything that doesn't fit, don't give me shit about it.

Optics are an essential part of a weapon system, and as with anything you get what you pay for.
Now, there are some better than others, naturally, and there are a few decent quality models of glass for a fair price.

If you're going for a scout config, I'd recommend going with a pistol scope as you said.
If you're not limited by a scout config, but still on a tight budget, your three best options are as follows:
Nikon Buckmaster
Simmons AETEC
SWFA Super Sniper (ridiculous name, probably the best optic in the price range and has mil-dot reticle available).

Personally, that's the very low range of what I would get. Naturally you won't be going Nightforce/Schmidt & Bender/Swarovski/etc, but any of the above will serve you well.
I'm not a fan of weaver mounts, but from what you say it might be your only option sans drilling and tapping for mounts.
Remember that a good set of rings is important, too.


Buy from Opticsplanet.com. Great people, great service, great prices. I've bought lots from them, highly recommended.
I'd avoid cheaperthandirt. They are a bunch of cocksmoking swindlers







Got any pics of the current setup with mounts?

kap said it.
You get what you pay for

Go to your local store and check out some scopes in your price range.  Look through them & see which you like.  The clarity is a huge part of a scope so try not to check them out in one of the box stores where it is nothing but bright florescent lights.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-rif … scope.html at the top of your price range & you would still need rings but it is a Leupold ( Lifetime Warranty & Waterproof)

I like this one.  A lot.  Anyone want to talk me out of it?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt … =185917001

I have had 3 pentax cameras and their optics are pretty awesome.  A lot of the lower power scopes dont open back up to a large objective lens.  Leupold zeis and swarovzki all have some that are the same design.  With only a 5x max zoom, I am not terrably concerned with light transmission, that and I rarely if ever shoot in low light conditions.  Most of my time is spent at a range anyways

Check out the Vortex Diamondback & Razor (particularly the razor), too.
They're a fairly new name to optics, but make great stuff, have excellent customer service and an amazing warranty (fully transferable, unlimited lifetime). I have a pair of their binocs an they are fantastic.
They are way underpriced

The EOTech 4xs are way overpriced, but they're quality.

LaRue Tactical used to sell a "Po' Boy" magnifier as an option with their flip-to-side mount. It was a cut down Hendsoldt/Zeiss 2x optic for $200 bucks. Looked fairly ugly, but Hendsoldt/Zeiss is great glass.

Got my Pentax in the mail yesterday.  I like it alot.  It has nice optics.  really good in good light, and not bad in low light especially considering the 20mm objective lens.  It's a step above the Tascos and Bushnells and maybe 2 of the cheaper Nikons that I looked at in stores.  I like the "Percision Plex" reticle which is a balistic reticle for bullet drop., but I cant find any information on how it translates to MOA.  Any suggestions on how to find this out?  and before you ask, yes, I already looked on Pentax's website.

I'm sorry to hear it's not what you'd hoped for.  That's my biggest gripe with adjustable scopes.  The eye relief changes enough through the range that I have to adjust my head position. 

I'm going to try a scout scope setup on an SKS this weekend, if the parts show up today as expected.  I've got a 2 3/4X and a 4X.  Not sure which will be better.  For the 7.62x39, possibly the lower power.  We'll see.