Thought on what scope for a Winchester model 94AE in 30-30?

GlockMeister · 02-06-2008, 11:45 PM

Posting this looking for thoughts on what scope would best be suited on/for a Winchester model 94AE in 30-30. Use would be for mainly hunting.

Also, out of mere curiosity, what was normally on them or what normally came with them if they came from Winchester with the scope in the box or bought as a combo? Brand/ magnification/objective lens size/diameter? I'm sure someone knows what was commonly used. I'm talking of the ones that were manufactured in the '70,'80s and '90s?

Thank you very much in advance.

G-Meister

Lng Rng · 02-07-2008, 12:52 AM

I would look into a Leupold VX-1 in a fixed 4 power. Last I saw, you can get them for under 200 dollars, and are a good, solid scope for your lever.

GlockMeister · 02-07-2008, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lng Rng

I would look into a Leupold VX-1 in a fixed 4 power. Last I saw, you can get them for under 200 dollars, and are a good, solid scope for your lever.

First, thanks for the suggestion. Out of curiosity though, why fixed power over variable power?

G-Meister

win39 · 02-07-2008, 05:02 AM

I have to agree with Lng Rng. I will probably get in trouble for saying this but I will anyway. I is my belief that a 30/30 is a brush gun and really not a long range gun, so you really don't need the magnification. I am not saying the 30/30 will not reach out because any caliber will in certain circumstances. But realistically your shot maybe 150 yrs depending on your terrain. I have several Leupolds in high power and the only scope I use is a Weaver K6. I use this scope because I don't have to worry about having it adjusted wrong in a hurry up situation, and it was my first scope and I have harvested all my bucks using it. (A Luck Thing) I have shot deer up to five hundred down to 30 yards using this scope. Now for target shooting (no). Just My Opinion

irish murphy · 02-07-2008, 05:09 AM

My mate had the same rifle you are talking about mate.He put a fixed 4 power in it and was good.If it was me i would put a variable 1.5/4x20 on top of it.

nathangdad · 02-07-2008, 08:24 AM

4 power is just about perfect for your gun.
A variable power scope (despite a mountain of gun writer's stories) can have the point of impact wander as you move from one power to another.
Also, a 4 power has a good field of view for deer sized game at ranges up to 100 yards which is a very good maximum hunting distance for your gun and cartridge.

Another thing I like about a fixed power scope is the ability to practice and get good with it at various ranges. I find some people spend a lot more time screwing the power up and down than getting quality practice time. I the field their first instinct is to set the power rather than concentrate on the shot at hand which may or may not be available as time moves forward.

Overall, I stick with fixed power scopes. This is a forum so you will get a number of replies as to scopes staying on the point of impact through wide ranges of power adjustments. They have their posts and you have mine.

GlockMeister · 02-07-2008, 11:55 AM

Thanks a lot for the input and explanations as to why, 4 power instead of variable. Now what brand would you recommend, the Leupold, something else? Any other Leupold then the VX-1 lngrng suggested?

Hey guys, here's another thought I'd like your opinion on about this. That is, would you put a scope on it? I mean, they look good with or without one obviously. They shoot good with iron sights for the most part. I just don't know whether or not to put one on it or not, now that I think about it. It also came to mind when I read the term, brush gun (and for the most part, it kind of is, I can agree with him on that, besides, it also functions well out of brush) and as far as about 150yds., it's still a feasible distance for iron sights isn't it?

Thanks in advance again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathangdad

4 power is just about perfect for your gun.

A variable power scope (despite a mountain of gun writer's stories) can have the point of impact wander as you move from one power to another.
Also, a 4 power has a good field of view for deer sized game at ranges up to 100 yards which is a very good maximum hunting distance for your gun and cartridge.

Another thing I like about a fixed power scope is the ability to practice and get good with it at various ranges. I find some people spend a lot more time screwing the power up and down than getting quality practice time. I the field their first instinct is to set the power rather than concentrate on the shot at hand which may or may not be available as time moves forward.

Overall, I stick with fixed power scopes. This is a forum so you will get a number of replies as to scopes staying on the point of impact through wide ranges of power adjustments. They have their posts and you have mine.

What I changed to red that you said nathangdad, is a very good point. Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by irish murphy

My mate had the same rifle you are talking about mate.He put a fixed 4 power in it and was good.If it was me i would put a variable 1.5/4x20 on top of it.

Any brand you'd suggest Irish? In either variable or fixed power? Or is Leupold the way to go?

G-Meister

win39 · 02-08-2008, 02:21 PM

I would look into the Leupold first. I like a scope, but I do have a really short 6.5x55 that belongs to my son that was passed down from his grandad. It has a weaver K4 on it with flip-mount weaver rings. I do not know how they perform in the field, such as weather they are dependable as far as accuracy is concerned. There is always the see thru mounts. I guess if you feel comfortable with open sights it depends then on the terrain your hunting. I have only owned one 94 and if I remember correctly the scope was mounted on the side, and this allowed you to see the open sights also.

Lng Rng · 02-08-2008, 02:57 PM

The reason I said Leupold is because you said in the neighborhood of 200 dollars, I beleive? For that money, I thought the Leupold would be your best bet.

samuel · 02-08-2008, 03:38 PM

A variable power scope will "NOT" shift "POI" by changing power no matter how much BS someone spreads about it.The advantage of a scope such as 1.5X4.5 or 3X9 is that you can turn them down and get a wider field of view and more light gathering ability or turn them up and see further.Most varible power scopes are paralax free until you pass 10X.from there you need a paralax acjustment.The big difference is you pay more for a variable but you get more. sam.

GlockMeister · 02-08-2008, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lng Rng

The reason I said Leupold is because you said in the neighborhood of 200 dollars, I beleive? For that money, I thought the Leupold would be your best bet.

No that was a different thread. I saw that same one and looked to see what was suggested there. Then I also figured I might 1) want to get something that was sold with them back when and 2) wanted to see what suggestions I'd get based on the rifle and the caliber.

Quote:

Originally Posted by samuel

A variable power scope will "NOT" shift "POI" by changing power no matter how much BS someone spreads about it.The advantage of a scope such as 1.5X4.5 or 3X9 is that you can turn them down and get a wider field of view and more light gathering ability or turn them up and see further.Most varible power scopes are paralax free until you pass 10X.from there you need a paralax acjustment.The big difference is you pay more for a variable but you get more. sam.

I think it was more that they were saying with a variable, some tend to fumble around with the variable side of it rather then get familiar with one magnification and become good at it. That was what I got from it and it made sense.

Rather then picking a magnification, or getting a fixed power scope and becoming really good with it, in that magnification and use it for many different distances, some tend to always mess with the magnification instead of focusing on the shot. If I'm wrong in what they meant, I'm sure they'll correct me. I don't think anyone was intentionally trying to feed anyone BS. lol

And as for what info you gave, Thank you, that was something I didn't think about either, the fact that with a variable I'll be able to widen the field of view.

I've only ever used a red dot. So the whole scope of this style I'm wanting for the 30-30. is all very new to me. On another note, I did get my son a Gamo that came with a scope and I only got a couple weeks use with it so I'm still kind of lost. It is not the greatest of scopes. It is only 4X32, fixed power. So again, still new to me and still learning. Any and all input and or views are helpful..

Thanks sam.

G-Meister

jmp8927 · 02-08-2008, 04:55 PM

Right now you don't know what power you like most, so getting a fixed power probably isn't your best bet. Instead I would say buy a variable and set it to a power you feel most comfortable with and leave it if you don't want to adjust it. No one is going to make you switch powers in the field and miss a shot. Just buy a variable and fit it to your eye. Who knows. Maybe a couple years down the road you'll want a different power and if you have a fixed power, you'll have to spend that much more to buy another.

GlockMeister · 02-08-2008, 05:01 PM

Very true jmp. You and others have made some good points. After seeing what suggestions there were, not sure of brand yet, this will depend not on how much I want to spend, but on how much I'll have to spend, but I'm considering a 3-9X40mm scope for it?
Sound good to anyone else, your thoughts?

G-Meister

samuel · 02-08-2008, 05:16 PM

I have hunted over hill,over dale,and places in between with a 3X9X40 and when in the service I was had a scout/sniper rating altho I was force recon.My rifle was a match grade 03-a3 with a Redfield 3X9X40.I have a lot of love and faith in a 3X9X scope.There are aplications where a lesser power may serve better.There are applications where you just cant get too much power.But in the optic world I have seen few times a 3X9 didnt handle the situation pretty darn good. sam.

win39 · 02-08-2008, 06:22 PM

If you have a rifle range or somewhere everyone in you area shoots you might just want to go and ask to look down range and see what you think. Everyone here has really good feedback, what you have is everyone personal preference. I have killed a lot of different game with variable power scopes and a lot of deer with fixed power but that's my preference. Good luck

GlockMeister · 02-29-2008, 12:09 PM

Just wanted to touch base. I'm part way there. Bought a set of scope rings specifically made for the 94AE of eBay. Came in this past Monday, the 25th. As for the scope, as mentioned, I'm definately going with a 3-9X40mm. From looking around the brands in that configuration, it looks like I'm going with a Luepold Rifleman scope in the 3-9X40mm, this one here. Let me know if I've made a bad choice. Although I don't think so.
Leupold || Rifleman 3-9x40mm . Found it at Midway for $199.99.

MidwayUSA - Leupold Rifleman Scope 3-9x 40mm Wide Duplex Reticle Matte

Thanks again in advance for any and all input and help.

Dutch · 03-09-2008, 10:11 PM

I'd go with the leopold 4x. You just can't beat the quality with a stick. It'll last as long as the 94. That should be just about forever.

spurrit · 03-12-2008, 11:33 PM

Optics on a levergun are an abomination.

And, yes, the '94 in .30-30 is good for 150 yards, but that's about the limit. The question is, how far away can you reliably hit a soup can? I mean EVERY shot, from ANY position? That's your limit, right there.

As for the scope, a fixed 4X or 6X is plenty for pretty much any hunter. Having more magnification will just encourage you to take longer shots.

turner · 03-15-2008, 08:38 PM

Hereis the best scope/dollar you could find for that lever. I just bought 3 of these and installed one already on my model 88 in .308. EXCELLENT value!!

Nikon 1.5-4.5x20 Monarch UCC Shotgun Scope

This price reflects a savings of about $120. over what most everyone else is selling it at (Go ahead and check). It's a discontinued model, but an awesome scope.

GlockMeister · 03-15-2008, 08:41 PM

Not a bad looking scope nor brand. But, I've decided, for the time being anyhow, to not scope it. Thanks for passing the info along though.

02-06-2008, 11:45 PM	#1
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,365	Winchester Model 94AE in 30-30.Thoughts on a scope for it? Posting this looking for thoughts on what scope would best be suited on/for a Winchester model 94AE in 30-30. Use would be for mainly hunting. Also, out of mere curiosity, what was normally on them or what normally came with them if they came from Winchester with the scope in the box or bought as a combo? Brand/ magnification/objective lens size/diameter? I'm sure someone knows what was commonly used. I'm talking of the ones that were manufactured in the '70,'80s and '90s? Thank you very much in advance. G-Meister __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6! Last edited by GlockMeister; 02-07-2008 at 08:44 PM.

02-07-2008, 05:02 AM	#4
win39 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 201	I have to agree with Lng Rng. I will probably get in trouble for saying this but I will anyway. I is my belief that a 30/30 is a brush gun and really not a long range gun, so you really don't need the magnification. I am not saying the 30/30 will not reach out because any caliber will in certain circumstances. But realistically your shot maybe 150 yrs depending on your terrain. I have several Leupolds in high power and the only scope I use is a Weaver K6. I use this scope because I don't have to worry about having it adjusted wrong in a hurry up situation, and it was my first scope and I have harvested all my bucks using it. (A Luck Thing) I have shot deer up to five hundred down to 30 yards using this scope. Now for target shooting (no). Just My Opinion __________________ Benny

02-07-2008, 08:24 AM	#6
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,435	I agree with 4 power fixed 4 power is just about perfect for your gun. A variable power scope (despite a mountain of gun writer's stories) can have the point of impact wander as you move from one power to another. Also, a 4 power has a good field of view for deer sized game at ranges up to 100 yards which is a very good maximum hunting distance for your gun and cartridge. Another thing I like about a fixed power scope is the ability to practice and get good with it at various ranges. I find some people spend a lot more time screwing the power up and down than getting quality practice time. I the field their first instinct is to set the power rather than concentrate on the shot at hand which may or may not be available as time moves forward. Overall, I stick with fixed power scopes. This is a forum so you will get a number of replies as to scopes staying on the point of impact through wide ranges of power adjustments. They have their posts and you have mine.

02-08-2008, 02:21 PM	#8
win39 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 201	I would look into the Leupold first. I like a scope, but I do have a really short 6.5x55 that belongs to my son that was passed down from his grandad. It has a weaver K4 on it with flip-mount weaver rings. I do not know how they perform in the field, such as weather they are dependable as far as accuracy is concerned. There is always the see thru mounts. I guess if you feel comfortable with open sights it depends then on the terrain your hunting. I have only owned one 94 and if I remember correctly the scope was mounted on the side, and this allowed you to see the open sights also. __________________ Benny Last edited by win39; 02-08-2008 at 02:24 PM.

02-08-2008, 04:55 PM	#12
jmp8927 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Walterboro, SC Posts: 1,136 Images: 15	Right now you don't know what power you like most, so getting a fixed power probably isn't your best bet. Instead I would say buy a variable and set it to a power you feel most comfortable with and leave it if you don't want to adjust it. No one is going to make you switch powers in the field and miss a shot. Just buy a variable and fit it to your eye. Who knows. Maybe a couple years down the road you'll want a different power and if you have a fixed power, you'll have to spend that much more to buy another. __________________ Doing the unexpected makes the unexpected the expected and thus the expected becomes the unexpected.

02-07-2008, 12:52 AM	#2
Lng Rng Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 944	I would look into a Leupold VX-1 in a fixed 4 power. Last I saw, you can get them for under 200 dollars, and are a good, solid scope for your lever.

02-07-2008, 05:09 AM	#5
irish murphy Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Canberra,Australia Posts: 1,028 Blog Entries: 5	My mate had the same rifle you are talking about mate.He put a fixed 4 power in it and was good.If it was me i would put a variable 1.5/4x20 on top of it.

02-08-2008, 02:57 PM	#9
Lng Rng Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 944	The reason I said Leupold is because you said in the neighborhood of 200 dollars, I beleive? For that money, I thought the Leupold would be your best bet.

02-08-2008, 03:38 PM	#10
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	A variable power scope will "NOT" shift "POI" by changing power no matter how much BS someone spreads about it.The advantage of a scope such as 1.5X4.5 or 3X9 is that you can turn them down and get a wider field of view and more light gathering ability or turn them up and see further.Most varible power scopes are paralax free until you pass 10X.from there you need a paralax acjustment.The big difference is you pay more for a variable but you get more. sam.

02-08-2008, 05:01 PM	#13
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,365	Very true jmp. You and others have made some good points. After seeing what suggestions there were, not sure of brand yet, this will depend not on how much I want to spend, but on how much I'll have to spend, but I'm considering a 3-9X40mm scope for it? Sound good to anyone else, your thoughts? G-Meister __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

02-08-2008, 05:16 PM	#14
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	I have hunted over hill,over dale,and places in between with a 3X9X40 and when in the service I was had a scout/sniper rating altho I was force recon.My rifle was a match grade 03-a3 with a Redfield 3X9X40.I have a lot of love and faith in a 3X9X scope.There are aplications where a lesser power may serve better.There are applications where you just cant get too much power.But in the optic world I have seen few times a 3X9 didnt handle the situation pretty darn good. sam.

02-08-2008, 06:22 PM	#15
win39 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 201	If you have a rifle range or somewhere everyone in you area shoots you might just want to go and ask to look down range and see what you think. Everyone here has really good feedback, what you have is everyone personal preference. I have killed a lot of different game with variable power scopes and a lot of deer with fixed power but that's my preference. Good luck __________________ Benny

02-29-2008, 12:09 PM	#16
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,365	Just wanted to touch base. I'm part way there. Bought a set of scope rings specifically made for the 94AE of eBay. Came in this past Monday, the 25th. As for the scope, as mentioned, I'm definately going with a 3-9X40mm. From looking around the brands in that configuration, it looks like I'm going with a Luepold Rifleman scope in the 3-9X40mm, this one here. Let me know if I've made a bad choice. Although I don't think so. Leupold \|\| Rifleman 3-9x40mm . Found it at Midway for $199.99. MidwayUSA - Leupold Rifleman Scope 3-9x 40mm Wide Duplex Reticle Matte Thanks again in advance for any and all input and help. __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6! Last edited by GlockMeister; 02-29-2008 at 12:20 PM.

03-09-2008, 10:11 PM	#17
Dutch Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Arkansas Ozarks Posts: 34	I'd go with the leopold 4x. You just can't beat the quality with a stick. It'll last as long as the 94. That should be just about forever.

03-12-2008, 11:33 PM	#18
spurrit Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 60	Optics on a levergun are an abomination. And, yes, the '94 in .30-30 is good for 150 yards, but that's about the limit. The question is, how far away can you reliably hit a soup can? I mean EVERY shot, from ANY position? That's your limit, right there. As for the scope, a fixed 4X or 6X is plenty for pretty much any hunter. Having more magnification will just encourage you to take longer shots.

03-15-2008, 08:38 PM	#19
turner Banned Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tn Posts: 623	*Hereis the best scope/dollar you could find for that lever. I just bought 3 of these and installed one already on my model 88 in .308. EXCELLENT value!!* Nikon 1.5-4.5x20 Monarch UCC Shotgun Scope *This price reflects a savings of about $120. over what most everyone else is selling it at (Go ahead and check). It's a discontinued model, but an awesome scope.*

03-15-2008, 08:41 PM	#20
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,365	Not a bad looking scope nor brand. But, I've decided, for the time being anyhow, to not scope it. Thanks for passing the info along though. __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!