Best practices: Crossbow scopes

[JamesDuncan]

Any advice on using rifle scopes on crossbows?

A friend of mine has a big, 400fps crossbow -- TAC-15 -- with which we sometimes go shooting. It comfortably shoots 100yards. The stock 3-9 scope is barely adequate and there are top grade crossbow scopes that are too expensive (Zeiss, Leupold). I'd like to select something suitable from the much more affordable rifle scopes. For example:
1) red dot/illuminated reticle
2) range marks (I like the optimizer idea, but at $150+, it's expensive!)
3) higher power (12x or higher since it's a bench crossbow anyway)

Most rifle scopes have range marks tailored for specific ammo: 5.56 55g, etc.

What scope would do well while costing <$100?

Thanks and happy NY!

[WVUBeta1904]

Don't know that we have a resident crossbow expert, however, assuming you can mount a rifle scope built for a firearm onto a crossbow, I would estimate it would prove it's desired effect.

Scopes can be found from dirt cheap to, as you know, exorbitantly expensive. It's the same as anything else in the firearm world...you get what you pay for. That being said, $150 isn't that expensive when you're speaking of rifle scopes. The cheap stuff usually won't hold a zero worth a damn, which a lot of people find out the hard way when they want to save a few bucks or take a shortcut.

The question is - What is accuracy 'worth' to you? To most, it's paramount on a short-list of what matters when referring to firearms, aside from the specified tool actually functioning as intended. Point is, if you can't hit what you're aiming at, you're SOL.

I understand that we're talking about a crossbow, but if you can't afford to drop the cash on a decent scope, or you don't need to be shooting a crossbow bolt 100+ yards consistently, then it's a moot point. Don't waste your cash on a 'cheap' scope, you'll kick yourself.

[JamesDuncan]

Hi - appreciate the advice and agree with it for the most part. However, is retaining zero largely caused by the vibration of rifle? The crossbow is whisper quiet and has zero vibrations or kick, so in such an easy environment, wouldn't a lower $ scope seem reasonable? Welcome your further thoughts!

[WVUBeta1904]

Hi - appreciate the advice and agree with it for the most part. However, is retaining zero largely caused by the vibration of rifle? The crossbow is whisper quiet and has zero vibrations or kick, so in such an easy environment, wouldn't a lower $ scope seem reasonable? Welcome your further thoughts!

Recoil has a direct impact, yes. If the crossbow has no reactive impact when fired, then you would estimate something along the lines of an airsoft scope would work adequately. However, your original post stated that the 3-9 scope was not performing to your standards, meaning that you'll have to go with something more powerful, meaning you'll have to drop more $$. So, yes and no, a lower cost scope would be more reasonable, but will you find one to meet your desired results?



Mike