As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of testing countless riflescopes over the years. In my experience, finding a quality optic that doesn’t break the bank can be quite a challenge. That’s why I was intrigued when I first came across the Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Riflescope. Simmons has been in the optics game since 1983, building a reputation for manufacturing solid products at affordable prices. But does this particular scope live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into the features, performance, and value proposition of the Simmons 8-Point to see if it might be the right choice for your hunting or shooting needs.
First Impressions and Build Quality
When you first lay hands on the Simmons 8-Point, you’ll immediately notice its substantial feel. Weighing in at 13.2 ounces and measuring approximately 13.8 inches in length, this scope has a presence that instills confidence. The matte black finish not only looks sleek but also helps reduce glare in the field. The scope tube has a one-inch diameter, which is standard for this class of optic and ensures compatibility with a wide range of mounting options.
Speaking of mounting, it’s worth noting that the Simmons 8-Point doesn’t come with rings included. You’ll need to purchase a set of high-quality 1-inch rings separately, and due to the large 50mm objective lens, high rings are a must to ensure proper clearance. While this adds a bit to the overall cost, it does allow you to choose rings that best suit your particular rifle and shooting style.
The construction of the Simmons 8-Point is impressively rugged, especially considering its budget-friendly price point. The scope features a durable aluminum housing that’s built to withstand the rigors of field use. It’s waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, thanks to O-ring seals and nitrogen purging. This level of weather resistance is crucial for a hunting scope that’s bound to see its fair share of challenging conditions.
Optical Performance: Seeing is Believing
Now, let’s get to the heart of what makes or breaks a riflescope – its optical performance. The Simmons 8-Point features fully-coated optics, which help to maximize light transmission and reduce glare. While it may not have the multi-coated or fully multi-coated lenses found on more expensive scopes, the optical quality is surprisingly good for the price range.
The 3-9x magnification range offers versatility for a wide range of hunting and shooting scenarios. At 3x, you get a generous field of view of 31.4 feet at 100 yards, perfect for scanning your surroundings and acquiring targets quickly. Zoom in to 9x, and the field of view narrows to 10.5 feet at 100 yards, providing ample magnification for precise shot placement on medium to large game at extended ranges.
One of the standout features of this scope is its massive 50mm objective lens. This large front element allows for exceptional light gathering capabilities, which is particularly beneficial in low-light conditions. During dawn and dusk hunts, when game is often most active, the Simmons 8-Point really shines. I’ve been able to clearly discern details in shadowy areas that would be challenging to make out with smaller objective lenses. For hunters who like to maximize their time in the field during those crucial early morning and late evening hours, this extra light transmission can make all the difference.
The Truplex reticle employed in the Simmons 8-Point is a straightforward and effective design. It’s essentially a standard duplex crosshair without any complex ballistic compensation markings. While some shooters may prefer more advanced reticles, I find that this simple, uncluttered sight picture works well for most hunting applications. The thicker outer sections of the crosshair help draw your eye to the center quickly, while the fine center section allows for precise aiming.
It’s worth noting that the reticle is not illuminated, which is one area where the budget-friendly nature of this scope becomes apparent. An illuminated reticle would certainly enhance its usefulness in very low light conditions, but given the price point, it’s an understandable omission.
Adjustments and Tracking: Dialing It In
The Simmons 8-Point features SureGrip rubber surfaces on its adjustment turrets, making them easy to manipulate even with gloves on – a thoughtful touch for cold weather hunts. The windage and elevation adjustments offer 1/4 MOA clicks, which is standard for this class of scope. The clicks are audible and tactile, allowing for confident adjustments without having to take your eye off the target.
One of the more impressive features of this scope is its TrueZero adjustment system. This lock-in-place design helps maintain your zero even under heavy recoil or rough handling in the field. In my testing, I’ve found that the scope holds zero reliably, even after sending quite a few rounds downrange. This level of consistency is crucial for ethical hunting and accurate shooting, and it’s a feature you don’t always see on scopes in this price range.
The eye relief on the Simmons 8-Point is specified at 3.75 inches. While this is workable for most shooting situations, it is on the shorter side. Proper eye placement becomes crucial, especially when using hard-recoiling cartridges, to avoid the dreaded “scope bite.” The quick target acquisition (QTA) eyepiece does help in getting on target faster and maintaining a good sight picture, but it may take some practice to become fully comfortable with the eye box.
The scope offers 60 MOA of total adjustment range, which should be more than enough for most hunting and target shooting applications within its intended range. The parallax is fixed at 100 yards, which is typical for scopes in this class. While adjustable parallax would be nice, it’s not a deal-breaker for a scope primarily intended for medium-range hunting.
Real-World Performance and Durability
Over the course of several hunting seasons and numerous range sessions, I’ve put the Simmons 8-Point through its paces. The scope has proven to be surprisingly durable, holding up well to the recoil of various rifles, including my .308 Winchester. It’s also survived a few accidental bumps and drops without losing zero or suffering any apparent damage.
The waterproof and fogproof construction has come in handy on more than one occasion. I’ve used this scope in light rain and misty conditions without any issues with internal fogging or water ingress. The nitrogen purging seems to do its job effectively, maintaining a clear sight picture even when transitioning between temperature extremes.
In terms of optical performance in the field, the Simmons 8-Point continues to impress given its price point. The image clarity is more than adequate for accurate shot placement on game at typical hunting distances. Edge-to-edge clarity isn’t quite on par with high-end scopes, but it’s more than serviceable for practical purposes.
The light-gathering capability of the 50mm objective lens really comes into its own during those critical low-light periods at dawn and dusk. I’ve been able to extend my effective hunting time and make ethical shots in lighting conditions that would have been challenging with smaller objective lenses.
Value Proposition: Bang for Your Buck
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the price. The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Riflescope typically retails for around $60-$70, which puts it squarely in the budget category. However, the features and performance it offers rival those of scopes costing two or three times as much.
Of course, there are trade-offs at this price point. You’re not getting the absolute premium glass or advanced reticle designs found in high-end optics. The lack of an illuminated reticle and adjustable parallax might be deal-breakers for some shooters. However, for most hunting applications and general-purpose shooting, the Simmons 8-Point more than gets the job done.
I often recommend this scope to new hunters or those on a tight budget. It allows you to get into the game with a reliable optic without breaking the bank. The money saved can go towards other essential gear, ammunition for practice, or simply more time in the field.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Riflescope isn’t perfect, but it offers tremendous value for money. The optical clarity, low-light performance, and overall durability make it a standout in the budget scope category. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first scope or an experienced hunter wanting a reliable backup, the 8-Point is well worth consideration.
When purchasing this scope, remember to factor in the cost of high-quality mounting rings. Proper mounting is crucial to get the best performance out of any optic, and it’s especially important with a scope in this price range. Take the time to mount it correctly and zero it carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a scope that can absolutely help you put meat in the freezer without putting a big dent in your wallet.
For hunters primarily pursuing medium to large game at typical hunting distances (say, out to 300 yards), the Simmons 8-Point offers more than enough performance. Its simplicity can be an asset in high-pressure hunting situations where you don’t want to be fiddling with complex reticles or turret adjustments.
That said, if you’re into long-range precision shooting or need a scope for extremely low-light conditions (such as predator hunting at night), you might want to consider investing in a more specialized optic. But for general-purpose hunting and recreational shooting, it’s hard to beat the value proposition of the Simmons 8-Point.
In conclusion, the Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm Riflescope proves that you don’t always have to spend a fortune to get a capable, reliable optic. It offers a compelling mix of features, performance, and durability at a price point that’s accessible to most shooters. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive scopes, it delivers where it counts, helping you put rounds on target consistently and ethically. If you’re in the market for an affordable, no-nonsense hunting scope that can hang with the big boys in most real-world situations, give the Simmons 8-Point 3-9x50mm a serious look. Happy hunting!