Leapers Scope advice? Leapers UTG 1″ BugBuster® 3-12X32 Scope (SCP-M312AOWQ)

[sipl]

Hi everyone.

I just wanted to ask for advice, and guidance, and any feedback on a potential first optics/scope. The model is this one: Leapers UTG 1″ BugBuster 3-12X32 Scope, Side AO, Mil-dot, QD Rings. It's the one from this HAM review: HAM Checks Out The New Leapers UTG 3-12X32 Bugbuster Scope.
I think this is the right Leapers product page: UTG® Bug Buster® 3-12X32 Compact Scope | Picatinny Rings | SCP-M312AOWQ | Leapers, Inc.

It's been in a mental "list" of mine, as a scope to be on the lookout for - particularly for airgun use. From memory, it' benefits: Price/Value, size (small-ish), paralax or focus down to 3 yards(!), fog/rain/elements and "shock" proof - ie: I thinks it's suitable for springers even - which I don't have - but it's nice to have that, and other benefits I maybe can't remember. It comes with scope rings, too.

What do you guys think of this scope? What is available on the market (and available to Canada, btw) that rivals or exceeds this scope, that is even remotely in the same price range (~$300-320 CAD)? What else is even available that is this compact? And/or offers similar use? I had been pondering an "LVPO" (1x4, or 1x6, I think) as an option, for quite a while, too.

As for use case, I want something that is capable at closer ranges - like at least 5 yards (3 or 4 even better), and out further as well. Something capable for small critters, eg: rodents, etc. So far, it'd be going on something like a Snowpeak PP750, or a Snowpeak/Air Venturi AP900 / Mercury / Alpha. But who knows, could go on a .22lr, or slightly bigger caliber center fire at some point - if that's also reasonable.

Thanks for any help.

 

[sipl]

Oh, I also forgot to mention that I forget any of my "research" on FFP vs SFP, and which is the most suitable or recommended not just overall/generally, but also for specific use cases (eg: hunting vs target shooting/match shooting). But I *think* SFP is where the... crosshairs/mil dots or other "ranging" markings "scale" as you zoom - which is highly beneficial for certain applications (or for newbs?) like hunting maybe - for easy repeatable hold-over or hold-under, etc.?

Edit:
I could've sworn that this scope (the one in my first post) was the one that was often quite highly recommended. But maybe it's this one UTG® Bug Buster® 3-9X32 Compact Scope | SCP-M392AOLWQ | Leapers, Inc.. UTG® Bug Buster® 3-9X32 Compact Scope. SKU SCP-M392AOLWQ. This one also has illuminated reticle. Dimensions (length) are the same though, 8.1".

 

[Playingdead]

Always hard to choose a new scope if you have never looked through it. Bug busters are fine scopes and would be a good choice. They are clear, but I did not like the reticle.

I would tell you to check out Vector optics in the price range you are looking. I recently got the Veyron and it is good.

Break Barrel Air Rifle | Veyron 3-12x44 MPVO SFP Compact Rifle Scope

35%OFF! 3-12x44 best mpvo sfp rifle scope with 30mm tube, 17.5mil travel & 1/10mil clicks for precise dialing, 10yd side focus for close accuracy, IPX4, 750G.

vector2007.com

or

Field Target | Veyron 4-16x44IR MPVO FFP Break Barrel Air Rifle Scope

30% OFF! Compact break barrel air mpvo rifle scope, precise 0.1mil center dot reticle for precise field target, 22mil travel, 1/10mil clicks, side focus 10yds.

vector2007.com

I would encourage you to look at Athlon for your first optic or a similar brand. Having a good optic really lets understand what you need from a optic. The other part is mounting it on the rifle. Watch lots of videos as this can make or break how you like it,

For a little more you could get something like this, not sure what the price is in CAD.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082972C5G?ref=clp_hp_h_sad&th=1

There is also the new Arken, but might be out of your price range, but I am will to bet it is impressive.

OUTRIDER 2-12x42 SFP Hunting Rifle Scope with FDR/DLR Reticles

The OUTRIDER 2-12x42 SFP hunting rifle scope delivers versatile magnification, Japanese HD glass, and 90%+ light transmission for changing terrain and distances. Featuring FDR or DLR reticles, a wide 58.83 ft field of view, and lightweight field-ready design for confident hunts.

www.arkenopticsusa.com

 

[sipl]

Always hard to choose a new scope if you have never looked through it. Bug busters are fine scopes and would be a good choice. They are clear, but I did not like the reticle.

I would tell you to check out Vector optics in the price range you are looking. I recently got the Veyron and it is good.

Break Barrel Air Rifle | Veyron 3-12x44 MPVO SFP Compact Rifle Scope

35%OFF! 3-12x44 best mpvo sfp rifle scope with 30mm tube, 17.5mil travel & 1/10mil clicks for precise dialing, 10yd side focus for close accuracy, IPX4, 750G.

vector2007.com

or

Field Target | Veyron 4-16x44IR MPVO FFP Break Barrel Air Rifle Scope

30% OFF! Compact break barrel air mpvo rifle scope, precise 0.1mil center dot reticle for precise field target, 22mil travel, 1/10mil clicks, side focus 10yds.

vector2007.com

I would encourage you to look at Athlon for your first optic or a similar brand. Having a good optic really lets understand what you need from a optic. The other part is mounting it on the rifle. Watch lots of videos as this can make or break how you like it,

For a little more you could get something like this, not sure what the price is in CAD.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082972C5G?ref=clp_hp_h_sad&th=1

There is also the new Arken, but might be out of your price range, but I am will to bet it is impressive.

OUTRIDER 2-12x42 SFP Hunting Rifle Scope with FDR/DLR Reticles

The OUTRIDER 2-12x42 SFP hunting rifle scope delivers versatile magnification, Japanese HD glass, and 90%+ light transmission for changing terrain and distances. Featuring FDR or DLR reticles, a wide 58.83 ft field of view, and lightweight field-ready design for confident hunts.

www.arkenopticsusa.com

I will take a look at your suggestions now. I do remember looking at some Arken scopes now - I mean I think I was looking at some of their LPVOs at very least (along with some other brands). But there are so many brands and options, and like you say - hard to know without actually seeing/using it. There's nowhere local for me to do that. I would rather spend more on something that will at least be guaranteed quality, than spend less and be disappointed or have something not as capable.

A top priority for me in this scope is "close range". So options that can focus down to 3 yards or 4 yards, maybe 10 feet, and that have low/base mags of 3x or less are what I want.
I want something compact, too. As small as it can be (the BB compact models are 8.1", with 32mm objective. If 40mm obj. makes "quality" or performance a whole lot better, I'd be ok with that maybe. But that's making things a bit "bigger", size wise.
I have a DNT Zulus V2 3-12. That's the only scope I have right now.

Thank you.

 

[Playingdead]

I find that under 10 yards I don't really notice focus and I would be on min power. If you shoot field target and your range has targets that close I see the point. The bugbuster series is best in class for that. I also like they come with QD mounts.

When I am hunting pest I am never really that close and if so it is fast to target. If you shoot mostly close range then a good LPVO is great! I have a Vortex Viper and it is incredible out to 100 on a AR. My son has a Archangle and it is great as well. a 1x low power with a wide field of view is great for hunting.

Archangel 1-6x24 First Focal Plane LPVO Series

The Monstrum Archangel Series is the latest iteration of our FFP LPVO product line. It comes equipped with many of the same high performance features including: Monstrum's proprietary LPVO optics assembly with true 1x sight picture, generous eye relief, and ultra-forgiving eye box - with...

monstrumtactical.com

Just trying to give options.

 

[Auto1191]

I have to say the Archangel 1-6x24 peaks my interest, on full mag. Nice find

 

[sipl]

I find that under 10 yards I don't really notice focus and I would be on min power. If you shoot field target and your range has targets that close I see the point. The bugbuster series is best in class for that. I also like they come with QD mounts.

When I am hunting pest I am never really that close and if so it is fast to target. If you shoot mostly close range then a good LPVO is great! I have a Vortex Viper and it is incredible out to 100 on a AR. My son has a Archangle and it is great as well. a 1x low power with a wide field of view is great for hunting.

Archangel 1-6x24 First Focal Plane LPVO Series

The Monstrum Archangel Series is the latest iteration of our FFP LPVO product line. It comes equipped with many of the same high performance features including: Monstrum's proprietary LPVO optics assembly with true 1x sight picture, generous eye relief, and ultra-forgiving eye box - with...

monstrumtactical.com

Just trying to give options.

Are you saying that even the 3x base mag of the BB would be a bit tricky to get on target at the close ranges I mentioned? If so, yea, I think I get that. You'd (I'd) want something with even lower or no mag (1x, 1.5x, or 2x), which I think would be great, too.
I also think Illuminated Reticle as an option would be great. The use would be stuff like ratting, and could be close ish range at times (close as 10 feet, occasionally). Also, rodents are "diurnal" - so low light performance is of great benefit or necessity (that's why I have a dnt zulus 3x10).

There are so many LPVOs, I don' t know where to start (again). Also, things are trickier in Canada (options and regulations for some things, if not accessible in Canada already.)

Thanks, I appreciate any options.

@Luis Leon Mentioned a West Hunter model in a "compact scopes" thread. I've usually liked his advice and contributions in the posts of his I've seen. I wonder if those are "Canadian accessible". Or some equivalent. Like, an equivalent to BugBuster with better "quality" aspects and such, maybe. Or an LPVO with similar function (and with a proper reticle for pesting application.)

 

[Solo1]

While you are shopping have a look at the athlon line as i have many of them and think they are good. My uses are different but they have a few compacts and most go down to 10 yds

 

[sipl]

10 yards is too far for the close range use of this specific application.

As I do so quick preliminary searching around (I've done this research before, several times, over years, btw), I think I'm remembering just how insanely limited Canada is for any of this stuff. I'd be surprised if a single suggestion made so far is even an option for Canada.
Also, the bug buster video reviews (at least the 3x9 variant) are saying they got it for $80-100 USD (That's about $140-150 CAD). They're 7-10 year old videos, but still, I've seen this scope at exactly one Canadian retailer, and the cost is $305 CAD.

I don't think I'll find any of these options (or I just don't know the obscure, optics store that may or may not have an online store, in Canada) for scopes. Vector, West Hunter, Discovery, Athlon, etc. Very simple to find multiple spots to buy in USA, including direct from manufacturer(?). Needle in a haystack, or not available, in Canada.
I got my DNT from shooting warehouse / shooter's warehouse, btw.

I don't remember the other 1 or 2 Canadian's names on the forum here. Somebody @ them please, haha.

 

[Playingdead]

Explore the Best Optics for Your Firearms at Shooters Haven | See the Difference!

Explore a variety of optics and sights for your firearms at Shooters Haven. Get your gear today!

shootershaven.ca

Vector Optics Veyron Series Short-Format Riflescope MARD

First Focal Plane, Ultra Short format, light weight, 4" Long Eye Relief, Turret Lock System, Fully Multi Coated, Etched Glass Reticle, SFP and FFP, Non-illum...

www.opticspice.ca

 

[Playingdead]

https://www.basspro.ca/l/scopes#sortCriteria=%40offerprice_ca%20ascending&f-subcategory=Scopes&f-tube_size=1%22

Who knew

 

[Playingdead]

One more

Monstrum Tactical

Monstrum Tactical

canadiansafetysource.ca

 

[sipl]

@Playingdead I appreciate you taking the time to help. I will look into every one of your links after supper. Thank you.
I have a list of various "gun and outdoors stuff" Canadian related bookmarks, in an old browser backup I'll have to import as well asap.

I think the Bug Buster model in question offers a somewhat "rare" or at least very specific (?) combo of abilities or specs. Essentially "small/compact scope + low(ish) base mag and useful magnification + extremely close parallax + good reticle", and specifically "being able to focus/parallax-correct at 3 yards while retaining 9× magnification." according to an old pyramid air review.
I'm also using ai to try and "assist" me in figuring things out. One model it mentioned is "Vector Optics' VictOptics C3 3-9×32 (OPSL28)", and that it sounds like a very close match to the Bug Buster (down to the 3yards to infinity paralax/focus.) VictOptics C3 3-9x32 SFP MPVO Rifle Scope (OPSL28) - Victoptics

 

[Playingdead]

I like Vector Optics and have had good luck with them. Also the BB is good as well. I have a lot of different brands and each has it good and bad.

Here is the Veyron on my Pinty Striker.

 

[sipl]

Explore the Best Optics for Your Firearms at Shooters Haven | See the Difference!

Explore a variety of optics and sights for your firearms at Shooters Haven. Get your gear today!

shootershaven.ca

Vector Optics Veyron Series Short-Format Riflescope MARD

First Focal Plane, Ultra Short format, light weight, 4" Long Eye Relief, Turret Lock System, Fully Multi Coated, Etched Glass Reticle, SFP and FFP, Non-illum...

www.opticspice.ca

While opticspice.ca lists the brand, and models, only one veyron tier is actually in stock (way bigger than i want model).
shootershaven.ca has some taurus and continental in stock. Didn't see veyron. Which is what I think the good value tier, and and 'my application' fit is...?
I don't see Vector at basspro.ca, if that's what you were saying.

Anyway, the global site for vector optics (and victoptics sub brand) has stock, ships to canada, and has a sale on. If there's something that is close in function (and somewhat close in form factor) to the leapers/utg bugbuster 3-12x32 I linked in first posts, but with better quality (glass, light, materials, etc.) and value, I'd consider it. Even if it's a little bit bigger (under 10" though, and no bigger than 44mm obj. lense - think those are reasonable size limits for a guns it'd be going on for now. Based on @Luis Leon in part.)

I'm considering the victoptics C3 model, as a cheap, small "for now" scope. Only main critique I found from reviewers/hunters is that the reticle is a bit 'thick'.

"Here is the Veyron on my Pinty Striker."

Those are nice. And the Maple Customs mags are nice, aren't they?

Here's the global vector site: VictOptics C3 3-9x32SFP. Sale on now, not sure for how long. I made note of some interesting (I think) models: scff-75, scff-22, scff-72, scff-21, scoc-43, scom-41, to name a few. Didn't fully check/compare all specs/features, but some only focus down to 10 yards at best.
They have a neat little thermal sight too (for pistol mainly, I think). Few reviews on yt, one for ratting. I'd love to try one. I looked into these things a year or two ago (Holosun makes one too, for example). Vector's looks... not great, on video (for ratting), but might be "capable". And the base mag is 0.5x (?) with digi zoom of 1x and 2x, it seems. Be nice if it had a little bit more. I duno.

Wi-Fi | Owlset HEIM ES X-Nano XPD Mini Thermal Sight (VEOT-RSS08)

Feature · Light 123g (4.34oz) Compact Body Supports Pistol & AR-15 Platform LPVO Top Mounting for Night Defense & Wargame Use · Real-Time Hot Spot Tracking Automatically Detects and Tracks the Hottest Targets During Night Search and Engagement · Clear 256×192 Thermal Imaging with 12 μm Sensor...

global.vector2007.com

Lastly, for now, there's a thread here about a discovery scope, that sounds real nice. Compact like a bugbuster IIRC.