Will this work? - Optics for a a Stevens 200 .223

[MrOldLude]

The purpose of the firearm will be for target shooting from 100-400 yards. This is more of a cheaper build, as upgrading or acquiring a more precise AR would cost me 2-3 times the cash.

http://images.wholesalehunter.com/prodpics/savpicm200.jpg

Scope:
http://media.midwayusa.com/ProductImages/Large/690887.jpg
Simmons Master Series ProSport Rifle Scope 4-12x 40mm

Base:
Right now, I was considering this 2-piece mount by Burris -
http://media.midwayusa.com/ProductImages/Medium/665735.jpg
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=665735

However, I have heard some people mentioning this EGW base.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=113796

#1 - will it fit?
#2 - Will it affect loading/case ejection?

Rings:
I need some help on the rings. I called Simmons' tech-support line, and they recommended medium-height rings. "Medium tends to be a good catch-all." Agree or disagree? Thank you.

[laportecharlie]

You didn't say what you are going to have to pay for that Simmons scope. Cameraland (a sponsor here) has a few Vortex scopes on sale that are a smoking deal! You might want to check them out. I don't think Vortex scopes can be beat for the money. I now own six of them and a pair of their great Razor binos.
Medium rings will work fine with a 40mm scope.
Charlie

[MrOldLude]

I'll check on the listing. The Simmons goes for $80, and there's a promotion going on for a 25% rebate. http://www.simmonsoptics.com/global/promotions.cfm

So, technically $60 for a decently rated tube.

Also, thanks for the reply. Any insight on the EGW base?

[glockeyed]

i would plan for rings, the last set of simmons rings i had were absolute junk.

[tiny68]

The burris bases are good bases. I have 2 sets. I would recommend the Burris Signature Zee rings. I don't think you can beat them. Opticsplanet. com is a good place to buy the rings and bases and have free shipping over $30 I think. I have owned 3 Simmons scopes. I have been disappointed and have gotten rid of all 3. Poor optical clarity. Poor tracking. The reticle came lose in one. On the Whitehunter 3-9x I had on my dad's 22-250, it would move 12" on the point of aim when you zoom in from 3x to 9x. Will it (the Simmons) get you started.... yes. In my opinion you are better off spending $150-250 on a much better quality optic. Look at the Vortex on closeout mentioned before. Also look at Natchez Shooter Supply. They have alot of re-furbished scopes at great prices. Everytime I upgrade my optics I swear I will never go back to lower quality. I hunted for years in the 80s with a cheap Bushnell Banner scope. It took a lot of whitetails and coyotes, but the clairity was very poor. I still have that scope on my son's 22 and can't believe I shot that for so long. Do what you have to do to allow yourself to start shooting. Get good rings and bases to start and then upgrade the optics latter if you have too. Luck, Tim

[godale]

the posts are right. i do tend to differ on the scopes i know what they are saying but hey not everybody has 200.00 to spend on optics. if you are on a budget just go with good rings and bases. you the can then top it with your simmons or a busnell banner. i think a banner scope is good for the money. you can always upgrade later with the scope. the only thing i would not do is a bsa.

[powderburn]

Never been a simmons fan, too much negative read on them. I have a 4x which is fair but I much prefer my Tasco silver antler if that tells you anything. I just put a pentax pioneer on my 223 and really like it and you can find them on the internet pretty reasonably. If you are really on a budget then I would probably consider a pentax gameseeker fixed 6x from camerland at $49 from the demo list. They are not bad looking scopes and I would probably feel better than with the simmons but that's just my $.02. You can call camera land and talk to them about them or the simmons and get their feedback.

[tunered]

I believe for your intended use a 6x24 or 8x32 would better suit the distance you intend to shoot, Good luck on your choice. ed