Best Scopes for a 81 DL

[AZKAHUNA]

Just acquired a 81 DL in quite good shape. Can you give me suggestions for best mounts and resonable scopes for plinking or small varmint hunting? Much appreciated. Also, can I find a scope where I can still use the peep site?

[44magman]

I have a 3-9x33 Simmons ($50)on my 81 dl and it works good. I rarely use it at 9 power and leave it mostly around 4 - 6 which is fine for tree squirrels. If i was shooting at a prarie dog or ground squirrel farther away I'd crank it up more. My 81 did not come drilled and tapped for scope mounts so I had my local gunsmith do it. He used weaver style mount for a Winchester and they fit perfectly. I believe the diameterof the reciever is 1" so there are lots of mounts out there that will fit. The peeps that were original to the rifle were in the way of the scope and I removed them (saved them in case the scope kicks it) I could hit things well to 50 yds with the peep but after that my eyes were not up to it. Unless you use high see through mounts the scope will block the peep. Some of the red dot sights might be a good compromise but I have no experience with them