Entry level scopes for the scoped silhouette game

For the new shooter it can be a bit daunting when you look at the additional cost of a scope.  Scopes are like about anything else marketed in the mega market called the United States of America.  It's all about price point and leveraging brand image to maximize profits.  As a result, things are pretty murky when you try to figure out what is quality and what is not quality in today's market. One of the top brands has come under fire for quality issues.  Sure, their lifetime warranty will ultimately result in a satisfied customer but what a hassle.  Other top name brands have been gobbled up by holding companies and who knows if a Weaver is similar to the Weaver of yesteryear.  There is no clear decision even for the experienced shooter.  Ok, Nightforce is still a quality scope but who wants to spend $1,200.  Besides, they are too heavy for this game.

With all this marketing pressure the consumer is the victim.  My read today, seek out the old stuff.  The Japanese went after the German optics manufacturers where have historically the best lens grinders.  Early Tasco, Weaver and even Bushnell optics made in Japan are decent.  Taiwan and Chinese scopes are inexpensive but often disappoint.

Early Tasco World Class scopes are great.  But the name is also used on Chinese mfg scope.  Early Weaver scopes are an option.  Early Sightron scopes are too but they have developed quite a brand name and even their early scopes are selling for more than their original list.  The Bushnell 4000 and now 4200 Elite are excellent scopes.  Yes, I am beating around the bush.  So here are a few to look at.

Weaver KT-15 is a fixed 15 power scope.
Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x40.  Excellent optics and mechanics.
Sightron SII 6-24x42 pre expensive "Big Sky" series.
Tasco World Class and other Japanese mfg scopes.

What do all the numbers mean?

In general, anything before the X stand for power of magnification.  6-24x means it is a variable power scope and the range of magnification goes from 6 to 24.  The number following that is the size of the "objective" or the the "light gathering" lens.  The larger the lens, the brighter the image you see.  I would try to be 40mm when you get into higher magnification. 50mm is too much.  I would not go below 32mm.  Some scopes just say 15x or 12x or 24x.  This means they are a "fixed power" scope.  In the silhouette game, it is all about repeatability and the less moving parts the better.  Many serious shooters will shoot a fixed power scope.

I am not well versed in the lower power 3-9x scopes.  But the rule of where they were made I believe still holds true.   I have a Bushnell Pronghorn 3-9x made in Taiwan on the purple youth gun and I am always amazed how it is both clear and repeatable every time I pull it out.  It just plain works.  It was given to me. I am sure they are under $100 used.  I guess that is a one thumbs up for Taiwan.