Optics advice for a Mossberg 464 (30-30 levergun)

[JasonM]

I've got a Mossberg 464 in .30-30 sitting in jail, and I'm trying to pick up a rifle scope prior to "liberating" it. I will take this rifle (using the new Hornady LEVERevolution ammo) on a South Carolina whitetail hunt. It will be mostly blinds with 100-200yd shots. I also want to use this rifle for pig hunts here in California and possibly mule deer until I put together the money for a Tikka T3 lite in .270 or similar.

So I'm looking for something that will stay on this weapon, as opposed to moving to a bolt rifle later, and complement its form and function.

I'm considering the following:

Nikon Monarch 2-8x32 for $250, or
Leupold VX-II 2-7x28mm Ultralight for $309.

The Leupold is already over what I wanted to spend, some I'm looking for other suggestions under $300. I would love to get a used piece, but my timeframe probably precludes that.

Any sage advice out there? Whatever I get, it needs to reach out to 200 yards, and I personally don't want to do that without magnification.

[CSACANNONEER]

Personally, I would rethink optics on a lever action 30-30. I own three pre'64 '94s and have learned that the ballistics of a 30-30 make using optics (at non predetermined distances) a nightmare. For 200 yards and less, there is no reason why iron sights shouldn't be used. In fact, once you get to know your holds at different distances, you'll fiind irons are far better for these short distant hunts.

[larsgolf59]

Originally Posted by JasonM

I've got a Mossberg 464 in .30-30 sitting in jail, and I'm trying to pick up a rifle scope prior to "liberating" it. I will take this rifle (using the new Hornady LEVERevolution ammo) on a South Carolina whitetail hunt. It will be mostly blinds with 100-200yd shots. I also want to use this rifle for pig hunts here in California and possibly mule deer until I put together the money for a Tikka T3 lite in .270 or similar.

So I'm looking for something that will stay on this weapon, as opposed to moving to a bolt rifle later, and complement its form and function.

I'm considering the following:

Nikon Monarch 2-8x32 for $250, or
Leupold VX-II 2-7x28mm Ultralight for $309.

The Leupold is already over what I wanted to spend, some I'm looking for other suggestions under $300. I would love to get a used piece, but my timeframe probably precludes that.

Any sage advice out there? Whatever I get, it needs to reach out to 200 yards, and I personally don't want to do that without magnification.

After reviewing many scopes for a lever gun (I'm awaiting my Marlin 336), I came across a Redfield Revolution 2-7X33mm for $127 at bigsupplyshop.com plus shipping/insurance. Good reviews can be found for Redfield (now subdivision of Leupold) online. Now searching for low profile scope rings. As for recommendation to use the iron sights, if you've got 20/20 vision, try it out. My aging eyes need a scope!

[dominic]

Originally Posted by CSACANNONEER

Personally, I would rethink optics on a lever action 30-30. I own three pre'64 '94s and have learned that the ballistics of a 30-30 make using optics (at non predetermined distances) a nightmare. For 200 yards and less, there is no reason why iron sights shouldn't be used. In fact, once you get to know your holds at different distances, you'll fiind irons are far better for these short distant hunts.

I have to agree with CSA. Optics on a lever gun are wrong on many levels. Use the iron sights that come with it, or there are many after market iron sights and peep sights that are more appropriate for lever guns than any scope. If your vision isn't as good as it used to be and you can't see the target anymore, wear your glasses while shooting your iron sights. Scopes don't correct poor eye-sight. Scopes just magnify.