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Need a scope for a pistol caliber carbine

19K views 15 replies 12 participants last post by  Skull13 
#1 ·
I have a new pistol caliber carbine (.40 - Hi-Point 4095TS) that I plan to use for close in shooting - probably 50 yards or less. I need optics for it. Here is a background to explain my thoughts - please make suggestions based on these:

I already have the 9mm version of the same carbine (995TS), and on that one, I installed a BSA red dot scope (no magnification, tube type). Although it's "ok", the dot is a 5 MOA size, and I find it covers the center of a 50 yard target almost completely. Not exactly what I wanted, although if it were put on a silhouette, it might work just fine. I haven't tried that yet.

So I was considering something with either a 3 MOA dot (might still be too big), or crosshairs. Also considering getting a holographic type red dot sight, vice the tube type for the .40 carbine. I've read mixed reviews on several of those. I also haven't ruled out a low power conventional scope.

BSA's holographic sites had plenty of bad reviews on many sites. No offense if you have one of these, but I've read so many reports of the glass falling out of them, whether true or not, I'm just avoiding them. That sucks too, as I really liked the looks of that one, and the price was right.

Bushnell had a really nice looking "tactical" version that got plenty of good reviews, but also had several complaints of "crooked reticles". I'm tempted... but don't want to get a crooked reticle scope, as that would drive me nuts. If it were conventional, I could adjust it, but the built in base won't allow that.

A conventional scope might be my best bet... but what to get? I don't want something big. I'd prefer something small on that rail. Anything available in an adjustable 1-4 power in about a 32 objective? I'm partial to Nikon, but I don't see anything like that in their lineup.

Lastly - not looking to put optics on this carbine that cost 10 times the price of the weapon. It's a $300 "fun" rifle, so I'm looking to put something on it with a max price of about $150. I know there are several here that would put a $3000 scope on a $600 rifle, but that's just not me. Please don't judge me based on that. I just know the limits of this carbine, so I'm looking for something to "complement" those limits. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
All the best,
Glenn
 
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#2 ·
There are a number of "red dot" sights that have variable types of sights in them. Used to have a Tasco Pro Point that had several different types to choose from and it was a very good sight. If not enamored with BSA's, might look at some of the other mfg'rs.
 
#9 ·
There are a number of "red dot" sights that have variable types of sights in them. Used to have a Tasco Pro Point that had several different types to choose from and it was a very good sight. If not enamored with BSA's, might look at some of the other mfg'rs.

+1 on the Pro-point!

Mine's an older one, but works just fine on my Ruger PC4 [40cal.]
 
#3 ·
kdub,
Thanks. It's not that I'm not "enamored" with BSA - I just want something different for my other carbine. I read something about Bushnells red dots that had the variable reticles inside (3MOA, 5MOA, crosshair, etc...), and on several reviews the people commented that the POI changed if they changed reticles after initially sighting in with a different one. Did you witness that with your Tasco Pro Point, or did the POI stay the same no matter which one you picked?

All the best,
Glenn
 
#15 ·
kdub,
Thanks. It's not that I'm not "enamored" with BSA - Glenn
BSA, not. Only have experience with one, that was enough for me.

Of the low power scopes I've mounted for myself and friends, the Weaver 1X-3X is a very nice scope. One of the guys I hunt with every year has one on his 870, and it has survived quite a few seasons now. He's a fan of 3" 1 1/4oz Federal's (and pain), and the scope has sustaind a pile of those. It cost's about $150 from a couple on line sources.

I recently picked up a 1X-4XLeupold NWTF scope in "Earth" color finish. I was going to put it on my 77/.44, but the color was a bit off on the stainless finish, but it matched my refinished Express 870 slug gun real nice. The Leupold was $199 from Able Ammo.

Pistol caliber rifles are a lot of fun to shoot, and even a 1X setting can get most of the accuracy from the round. I like the ease of target acquisition more than a big image.
 
#4 ·
After spending several frustrating months trying to get good groups out of a 30 Herrett (10" Contender barrel) using an old Aimpoint scope, I got rid of it and installed a cheap Bushnell 2-6X LER scope. Groups shrank considerably and I didn't have to worry about a battery dying during a cold day in the stand. I haven't spent any more time messing around with the red dot scopes. I would consider one for a shotgun, perhaps, but I'm terrible with them, anyway. :)
 
#5 ·
The Tasco Pro Point 5 (I believe that's the model) with the several different sight styles was used with only one of the styles consistently. Found the crosshair was useable, so always left it at that.

Broom - might take a look at the Burris reflex sight that comes with the shotgun stock mount. I have one of the Burris reflex's on my Ruger MkII 6" bbl'd Government Model .22 pistol and it works like a charm.
 
#6 ·
Scope for Hi-Point .40

Hello Cajuntec,

I lived in Cajun country in Slidell, LA for 16 years then moved 18 miles over the Honey Island Swamp and across the Pearl River to Picayune, MS. Had it not been for hurricane Katrina, I would still be living in Slidell.

Here's a scope option for your Hi-point. I installed the pictured NcStar 2-7x32E scout scope with an illuminated reticule on a Marlin Spikehorn and really like it. There is a red ring in the photo of the reticle but you won't see that with your head positioned properly.

Target acquisition is faster than anything else that I have tried except for a 1X 35mm red dot. The only thing that I don't like about the NcStar is the 2X magnification. I would prefer 1.25-4 or a 1.5-5.

I bought the scope four years ago for $59.95 + S&H and at that time were few options for illuminated scout scopes. The eye relief on pistol scopes and most other scout scopes was too long but the NcStar at 8" was just right for the Marlin.
 

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#7 ·
Thanks for the responses everyone.

I think I'm going to try finding a 1-4 power scope for this one. I want something with no magnification for up close, but also want to be able to extend my range with it to, so now I'm leaning towards the regular scope in a lower variable power.

I'm still tempted by the holographic type sights... but since they have no magnification at all, I think I'm going to skip it and just go the low powered scope route.

All the best,
Glenn
 
#11 ·
If it were mine, Id get a good 2x shotgun scope. They are short so its looks right on the rifle. There are also some good shotgun 1 to 4 power scopes out there. The shotgun scopes are set for a 50 or 75 yard parallax.
not a bad suggestion in my book either. also with the type of shooting you're doing a fixed power scope (3x) with generous non-critical eye releif will probably do more for you than any high power scope will. at 50 yrds most of us can shoot good groups with open sites, a 2x -4x fixed power optic will make that chore a breeze.
 
#12 ·
Since you've decided on a low powered variable scope, I'd recommend two. The already mentioned 1-3x20 Weaver V3 is a great value and simply a much better scope than $150 normally buys a person. The VXI 1-4x20 Shotgun is also a very good scope and comes with heavy duplex reticle and 75yd parallax setting.
Good Luck
 
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