imported post
I'll tell you how you could resolve the issue quite inexpensively and still keep the rifle. Go buy a fixed power scope, like a 6X40 anything. My nephew has a marlin 22 rifle with a BSA that is really inexpensive, like 30 bucks I think and it is quite accurate for something your only going to use at say a 150 yds. or less andon a rifle that recoil isn't an issue with. And if you scope it for up close on a rifle like that you'll not have any problem with close shots what so ever. Its a thought, although I know you would be much happier with something like a .308. Just be sure to consider the recoil with something such as a .308 is going to be a problem with a cheap scope due to the eye relief, or rather the lack there of causing injuries. Again, the Leupold may be a $200 scope but it is something you'll not regret buying, ever. Those who have never used quality optics will tell you that there is no difference in the $50. stuff vs the Leupold, and it just isn't at all truth or accurate. Those scopes that most rifle packages come with, Bushnel, Simmons, and any of the other Nikon, you name it and they are all in a pile in my reloading box never been used, and never will be, especially after what happened to me back in the 1980s costing me a few stitches and a concussion. It has happened to so many including my Son, my wife, and countless people I've sold rifles to in the sporting goods business. I've also had to pass on shots because those scopes fog up no matter how hard you try to keep from breathing on them, and if you get a shot that has the sun light towards you at all you can't see anything, not the slightest image at all. I don't know if you've ever shot a high powered rifle before, if not it is a completely different world to consider. A .308 is accurate out to a good distance and is limited primarily by the optics you put on it. A decent 3x9 scope, Leupold will give you shots out to 500 yds. or more accurately. I've actually killed antelope at 590 yds. with a 3x9 Leupold with one shot in the lungs from a .270. And I wouldn't hesitate to take a longer shot than that with something like the .308. Your talking about a round with the capability to shoot very light projectiles (100 grain) at over 3500 fps, to heavier 220 grain bullets at 2900 fps and everything in between. I'm not a 30 cal. guy but I have no problems with them and there is no other caliber that offers more varities than the 30 cal. weapon. Of the 30 cal. weapons I prefer the .308 over the 30-06 in fact. Its a short action cartridge and is rated for long range shooting, snipers used them until recently when the new ultra mag cartridges became the better choice, though they are designed after the .308 cartridge due to its short action, high velocities, lower pressures, and proven accuracy. In fact if I were you I would go with the ultra mag, it won't cost you any more than the standard .308 and it will deliver a better choice of capabilities. The 30-06, .308, .270, 7mm, 300 , and many more all come in the ultra mag. The .308, 30-06, and the 300 are all the same bullet, just different cartridge behind it. Those ultra mags are a completely new and different world of concept and accuracy that is unmatched by any of the old designs and is really the way to go if your thinking about a high powered rifle to begin with. The velocities of the ultra mags are amazing, absolutly amazing. Well, good luck and I hope I haven't caused you more confucsion by offering my opinions.
gamestalker