What Say You?

[SwedeSteve]

"The basics of hunting scope use have not changed much over the last several decades. There are more choices than ever before, and that's a good thing. The wise consumer does a reasonable amount of homework, and knows what he wants out of a scope before the purchase. Those still susceptible to what the guy behind the counter has to say (usually based primarily on profit margin and store stock levels), the ink that sticks to ad copy, or blind nameplate loyalty pay a nice premium for their belief. The better choices ten years ago are not automatically the best choices today, and the most reasonably priced product is not necessarily the best long-term investment." ANY COMMENTS?

[alaskamonte]

Source?

IMO the European glass still surpasses American and so we compromise because most won't/can't pay the money for best quality glass.

[SwedeSteve]

Which glass is better? How do we know? By cost/nametag? I don't know, but if I had the money, I'd buy top of the line German. Why?

[turner]

I have a fairly large collection of big game rifles that I spent the last 5 yrs changing over from inexpensive, bargain scopes to a much better grade. Zeiss, Leupold, Nikon, Burris, Bushnell, Pentax, Weaver and others have all been purchased in this timeframe. I did a good bit of research prior to most every selection. It's my opinion that the quality of scopes is higher today than ever before. If one reads reviews and does some research there should be no problem coming up with quality glass at a decent price; American made or otherwise. Some of the best deals in scopes are ones made overseas, such as in the Phillipines. Some of the very best are made in Europe, Germany and Austria specifically. And, some world class scopes are made right here in the U.S. of A.! I agree that info or experience with a certain brand several yrs ago might be truly misleading today and a buyer should read all he/she can about the types of scopes that fill their need(s). Midway has reviews (both good and bad) from customers on most all brands and models that have been around for a while. There are independent vendors/sites that have used and tested enough scopes to form an opinion and have made lists rating all major brands. I, personally, am not interested in NEW brands and names, unless it is stated who actually produces them. I'm also a fan of scopes not overly large; I simply see no need in big game hunting for 42, 44 ,50mm, or bigger objective lenses. Simply my opinion. Most all my scopes fit into 3 or 4 types: 1-4, 4x, 2-7, 3-9 depending on rifle use and caliber. I have definate opinions on scope value and quality and think many new shooters/hunters should take the time to look, read, and use, if at all possible.

[lefty o]

scopes have made immense improvements in the last couple of decades. for myself, i really dont care what the guy behind the counter says, 99.9% of the time i am more knwledgeable that they are. also, cheap scopes are out, ive had absolutely crap luck with cheap scopes. some of the best scopes in the world are made right here in the U.S.. the best german made scopes are over a grand, as are the best American made scopes. leupold used to be the gold standard in scopes, today they are decent, but no longer compete with most other brands scopes in the same price bracket.

[Wingwiper]

I was always told that Germany made the best Polished Glass and if you want clarity over long range, you want good polished glass. I was also told that most scope manufacturers use a pressed arcylic and not apolish glass.

I am not a person who uses scopes, so I just thought I would drop this info or rather here say down and read the responses so I too can get educated, my eyes are getting old and tired and wil have to bite the bullit and buy my first scope.

[lefty o]

even most cheap scopes dont have plastic lenses.

[turner]

Two things I think I learned buying a lot of scopes over the last few years: 1. A quality scope is MUCH better than the El Cheapos and 2. You can buy a quality scope, with careful shopping for 2-$300., sometimes even less if you happen upon a close-out or killer sale. The high end European and American glass is nice, but simply not affordable by all, and not necessarily better on all counts either.

[lefty o]

i agree, the hi end scopes are not affordable by all. i think with good shopping,2-400 will buy a quality scope.

[billy]

+1

[Ron AKA]

I think the scope market is highly compressed in actual quality and functionality, but expanded to an extreme amount on price. Leopold once had a a great name for quality which could be actually seen. Now it is more name than function, as they have many competitors which are just as good or better for considerably less $$. Once cheap scopes such as the basic (and very good) Weaver K series, now seem to get a name for quality which greatly exceeds their current functionality.

Overall the cheap scopes have gotten much better due to improved technology, and off shore manufacturing has kept costs in check. Other scopes have not improved that much and costs have skyrocketed.

The one bit of advice I can give is to shop carefully.

Ron

[billy]

Ron,
i cant agree with you more.
i was in the market for a scope recently and gave a Leupold a day in court.
i spent about 10 minutes outside looking at different distances ,in shadows etc.
i didn't see $700 worth of scope there.
i went with a Mueller for $230 that was just as clear with the same features except i couldn't pick what reticle i wanted.

p.s. before i get jumped on by the BUY AMERICAN AND ONLY AMERICAN crowd.
they are assembled in the U.S. just like Leupold.
they have a lifetime warranty also but you need the receipt.

it is up to the buyer to decide if that reticle is worth $470

p.s. that mueller has held up for 700+ .308win. rnds. so far.

[Ron AKA]

Originally Posted by billy

i went with a Mueller for $230 that was just as clear with the same features except i couldn't get the reticle I wanted.

The rimfirecentral guys claim if you order direct from Mueller in the US the owner will put a custom reticle in for you. Not sure what the choices are.

Ron

[billy]

i ended up with a 1/8 MOA target dot very fine cross hair.

[LarryO1970]

lol... that signature line is priceless Billy...

[billy]

thank you larry....

i was kinda proud of it myself.

she looks level headed but you just cant tell.....