I just bought a contender in 7-30 waters on gunnroker and needing a scope I need to stay under 200 thanks for any help. And if this is in the wrong forum I apologize

What"s your budget?

Do you mean you don't want to spend more than $200, or do you mean you'll keep your shots under 200 yards?

Sorry I need to stay under $200 just didn't know what quality is in that price range. Also do I need to have a 2x fixed power or something like a 2x7 just unsure as I have never owned a handgun with a scope

If you wanted to pay about $290, you could get a Nikon Force XR 2.5-8x variable scope. It's a tough scope that held up well even on my 460 S&W. The fixed 2x power model goes for $200, I think, and it's not half bad either. I was just never keen on a fixed 2x power at 50 yards or further, but that's no fault of the scope.

Shop around. A Weaver 2.5-8x pistol scope might be had for right around $200.

It is my favorite pistol scope at the moment.

Ok thanks I'll check it out. What base and rings do yall have on your contenders?

I have a rifle scope on my Waters, but if looking for a pistol scope the Weaver Classic and the Bushnell Trophy can be had for under 2 Bens and will serve well.

Warne or EGW for the base and 3-4 Leupold Rifleman Rings.

I just put a cheap rifle scope on a encore 308. I prefer it over any pistol scope I've owned yet. I pull back to about 3/4 field of view which has me about a foot from the scope. Its also a lot easier to find the view than pistol scopes. I done this to be able to shoot while saving for a pistol scope. I'm leaving the rifle scope,I like it much better.

^^^ I might try that before I spend the money I have a couple of scopes laying around anyways

Ditto! If there is one area that I can recomend a money savings advantage without a performance disadvantage, it is scope rings. Save your money, either vertical split or standard, Leupies get the job done.

I would say Bushnell Trophy 2x - 6x. Weaver style base. 2 or 3 Weaver quad lock rings. If you can afford a bit more the Bushnell 3200 2x - 6x scope. If shooting from a rest the rifle scope with arms extended may work fine for you as a starting point.

Thanks for the advice I am going to take a look at the bushnell trophy

Not too long ago, Natchez had the Bushnell Elite on sale for, I think, $189. You might want to check it out; it's a much better scope than the trophy.

^ ok I'll look into it thanks

One more question. High medium or low scope rings?

High rings. For one they make it easier to get your thumb on the hammer. There are other advantages as well.

ok thanks

Originally Posted By: eastex
Thanks for the advice I am going to take a look at the bushnell trophy


Not too long ago, Natchez had the Bushnell Elite on sale for, I think, $189. You might want to check it out; it's a much better scope than the trophy.
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I agree that the Elite 3200 is the better scope. Its what I use. I like medium rings but high rings are fine also.

I'm not a poster--just an interested reader, but would like for you to comment more on other advantages of high rings over medium rings. I'm outfitting an SSK .260 Encore 15" barrel with TSOB base and have used medium rings on all my others. Just interested--can never learn enough about the great sport of handgunning. Thanks!

OK, I'm going to say it even though I'll bet there are many out there that hope nobody brings it up. I have Simmons pistol scopes on all my scoped handguns, the 2X6 on all my Contenders(including my .22 barrel) and a 2X on my .357 mag wheel gun. I have only had one problem with any of them and Simmons sent me a new one almost before I could explain the problem to them. They will easily hold up to your 7-30 Waters. They have performed flawlessly on my 357 Max and 30-30 AI.

I was reading through the posts and finally got to Abner's recommendation. Simmons is a great deal. I use the 2-6 x 32 on a 15" 7-08. Flawless so far. It helped me get a real nice 7 point this past year. Very nice scope for just over $100. Look for sales and you can find them a little under a $100.

It was recommended to me and I figured I could always upgrade later. Well...later hasn't come yet. No need to upgrade at all.

Obviously, the main advantage of higher rings is access to the hammer.

But, I also find it more comfortable to shoot with higher rings. Especially from the bench, you don't have to scrunch down as much to get a good view through the scope.

If you subscribe to the point blank zero method as I do, a higher line of sight relative to boreline will extend the distance of your PBZ as well as your actual zero. How much depends on the chambering and the parameters of your PBZ for each chambering, as well as sight height.

Also, with higher rings on my Contender I can get my fingertips between the scope tube and the action which makes for a nice carry handle.

With rifles the goal is to get the scope as low as possible for a good cheek weld, but with pistols this isn't a concern and I'm not just talking about high or x-high rings, I even use see-through rings and Ken Light IHMSA mounts.

Good stuff...thanks for the reply.

A problem with high rings is finding holsters. I guess if you don't hunt with your Contender that doesn't matter...



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I have the high rings now mounted on an Encore 300 AAC Blackout, so it will be more for plinking and an occasional Illinois hunt and a holster will not be a concern. Went with Weaver medium rings on the .260. Great point, though.

I currently use a sling. But, the Pistol Packaging bandito rig I had previously had a cutout area for the scope so ring height had no bearing. I also had the T/C shoulder holster and had no problem with high rings in that either.