I have a new pistol caliber carbine (.40 - Hi-Point 4095TS) that I plan to use for close in shooting - probably 50 yards or less. I need optics for it. Here is a background to explain my thoughts - please make suggestions based on these:

I already have the 9mm version of the same carbine (995TS), and on that one, I installed a BSA red dot scope (no magnification, tube type). Although it's "ok", the dot is a 5 MOA size, and I find it covers the center of a 50 yard target almost completely. Not exactly what I wanted, although if it were put on a silhouette, it might work just fine. I haven't tried that yet.

So I was considering something with either a 3 MOA dot (might still be too big), or crosshairs. Also considering getting a holographic type red dot sight, vice the tube type for the .40 carbine. I've read mixed reviews on several of those. I also haven't ruled out a low power conventional scope.

BSA's holographic sites had plenty of bad reviews on many sites. No offense if you have one of these, but I've read so many reports of the glass falling out of them, whether true or not, I'm just avoiding them. That sucks too, as I really liked the looks of that one, and the price was right.

Bushnell had a really nice looking "tactical" version that got plenty of good reviews, but also had several complaints of "crooked reticles". I'm tempted... but don't want to get a crooked reticle scope, as that would drive me nuts. If it were conventional, I could adjust it, but the built in base won't allow that.

A conventional scope might be my best bet... but what to get? I don't want something big. I'd prefer something small on that rail. Anything available in an adjustable 1-4 power in about a 32 objective? I'm partial to Nikon, but I don't see anything like that in their lineup.

Lastly - not looking to put optics on this carbine that cost 10 times the price of the weapon. It's a $300 "fun" rifle, so I'm looking to put something on it with a max price of about $150. I know there are several here that would put a $3000 scope on a $600 rifle, but that's just not me. Please don't judge me based on that. I just know the limits of this carbine, so I'm looking for something to "complement" those limits. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
All the best,
Glenn

hmmm, thats kind of a tricky one. You could go with a handgun scope I guess but I would lean towards a lightweight riflescope with a greater range of magnification. This Burris Timberline weighs only 11 oz and is 2-7 with a 26mm objective. I had a 3-9x32 timberline a while back and really found it to be a nice compact scope. Here is the one I was referring to at SWFA

http://swfa.com/Burris-2-7x26-Timberline-Rifle-Scope-P11000.aspx

Thats why I shoot a model 37 with buckshot

Thanks for the reply and suggestion bigtuna. I'll look into that one. I have a few stores by my house that I'm fairly sure sell Burris, so I'll see if they carry that model. How hard is it to put rings up forward on that one? It looks like you don't have a heck of a lot of adjustment.

All the best,
Glenn

I'm not quite sure what you shooting an Ithaca pump shotgun has to do with helping me choose a scope... but... uhhh.... ok.
All the best,
Glenn

He's loco.

Yeah, they can get a little tight up front because they are pretty compact. As long as you aren't using really thick rings it shouldn't be a problem getting it on there with proper eye relief. I had a little bit of a tough time getting mine to work bc I did have those tactical style rings. Here is the way I had mine on my AR:

Nice! Thanks for the reply.
All the best,
Glenn