Who do you think makes the best rifle scope?

DeadSet · Rookie Member Joined: Jul 22, 2005 Posts: 8

I have heard about so many makes of scopes and everybody will say that there scope is the best and that th other's are not...

I am looking for a scope that is value for money without having to pay an arm and a leg for it.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

shrpshtrjoe

Howdy a fixed power or variable and for what caliber

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Leupold IMO is the best.

If you want a cheap leupold get one from a pawn shop and send it in for a checkup. The lifetime warrenty is on the scope, not with the owner so they are litterally good for life.

-DallanC

Gil Martin · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 2:47 pm Post subject: It depends

There are many scopes available and they are loyal supporters for most of them. Leupold has been mentioned and it is a high quality scope and worth what it costs. Since I had lasik eye surgery, I cannot properly focus a Leupold and sold all four of that brand that I had. Other great scopes that do work for me are from Bausch & Lomb and higher end Bushnells (Scope Chiefs, Banners and Trophy). I buy used Bausch & Lomb and Bushnell scopes for about $20 each. I did have a few problems with some used Bushnell scopes and the company replaced all of them at no charge. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

calsibley · Super Member Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 317

The general consensus is probably for Leupold as being the best most of us encounter. I don't have any as I refuse to pay the exhorbirate prices they command. Some of the European models are beyond my price range also. Most of my shooting is at the range so I'm not usually shooting any boomers that require big buck scopes. As long as the lens clarity is there I'm okay. Top of the line Bushnells usually suffice. I also like Weavers and Burris. Just one mans opinion. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Blaine · Member Joined: Feb 24, 2005 Posts: 260 Location: Maine

I don't know what is the best , but I can tell you from experience what is NOT Mad

I have been trying to work up loads for my Encore handgun barrels for 3 months and finally decided to dump my Simmons scopes and step up a little. What a difference. The Simmons's were not holding a zero under the pounding my 243 & 308 were giving them. I put the 308 under a Burris 3-12X LER and shot some cheap factory "remanufactured" ammo that had been shooting 3"-4" 5 shot groups at 50 yds. With the Burris guiding them, these duds shot a 1.5" with a "best 4" group of .75" (still 50 yds). I had always tried to buy the best scope I could afford, but after I bought the Encore system, I was a bit cash strapped, so settled on the Simmon scopes. Live and learn, I could have paid for a Burris with what I wasted on ammo components. Evil or Very Mad

Blaine

DeadSet · Rookie Member Joined: Jul 22, 2005 Posts: 8

shrpshtrjoe wrote:

Howdy a fixed power or variable and for what caliber

Hi
It will have to be a variable scope and will propably be on a .300 Win Mag.

I have heard a lot about the Leopord LPS scopes, but that I have also heard a lot about Zeiss, Swarovski and Schmidt & Bender

....

shrpshtrjoe

Howdy deadset. With the recoil of the 300 i would go with the majority an say leupold they are fine scopes. On some of the lighter recoil rifles i like the simmons 44 mag i have a 6.5 -20 on a 223 and it is a very nice scope for the money but, i have never used any thing besides a leupold or nikon on the larger rifles. Nikon makes 3-9 Pro staff that is covered by a lifetime warranty for under a 150 bucks i had one on a 7-08 with no complaints. Well hope this helps let us no what ya get Smile

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

GilMartin wrote:

There are many scopes available and they are loyal supporters for most of them. Leupold has been mentioned and it is a high quality scope and worth what it costs. Since I had lasik eye surgery, I cannot properly focus a Leupold and sold all four of that brand that I had.

Whoa.... back the throught train up a minute. You couldnt use your Leupold scopes AFTER lasik?? That is the only negative thing I've ever heard about the procedure... in fact I was planning to have it done post hunting season this fall... it alarms me slightly that you have problems. From an optics standpoint, I dont understand why that would be.

Can you elaborate a little more? Do you have problems with binoculars / spotting scopes? In trying to focus the scopes were you screwing the rear bell in or out when you ran out of travel?

-DallanC

GroovyJack · Member Joined: May 21, 2005 Posts: 621 Location: Bama

Bag of worms here , Leupold IMHO , however that said , Weaver is a well kept secret , their variables are a bit less than the Loopys . If money were not an issue , Schmidt and Bender is THE best , however I have an issue with a scope that costs three or four times the cost of a rifle .. If I were going back to Africa anytime soon I would bite the big one and get a S@B tho ..
Jack

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Curious. I owned a Weaver once... one of the worst scopes I ever owned. The thing absolutely would not hold zero.. ever. I took it back and got my money then bought a used Leupold off my dad (rifle is still wearing it 18 years later). I dont doubt they make some good scopes today but man I still remember with clarity the frustration of getting that .22-250 sighted in when ever 3rd or 4th shot it would move several inches on paper Smile

-DallanC

GroovyJack · Member Joined: May 21, 2005 Posts: 621 Location: Bama

Weavers and Loopys are all I prefer , have an old K4 Alaskan that is almost as old as me , still perfect
Jack

calsibley · Super Member Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 317

I imagine Zeiss and Swarovski are generally considered the best. Leupold is regarded as the best American made scope. My retirement checks don't promote my owning any of the three. I do like the idea of picking up a Leupold at a pawn shop since their lifetime guarantee isn't limited to the original owner. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

LittleMagnum · Member Joined: Jul 05, 2005 Posts: 105 Location: Vermont

Schmidt & Bender in my eyes. But, you are really are paying alot for that little extra. I think each of thet top MFG, make a certain scope that shines in it's class. However accross the board, if you compare the Whole line of top models fom a mfg, S&B wins. I don't own one but, have looked through a few.
I think the cheaper mid class scopes, Leupold,NIkon, Burris & B&L are a better bang for the $$$$. The old saying you have to pay alot for that little extra is very true in optic's, the best glass in the world isn't cheep too make or buy period.
Now, the scope's I recommend to people when they ask what should I get ? depends on the size,weight and money you want to spend. One example : Best $200 3x9 scope hands down is Burris fullfield II, anyone who can click and pick can find one for $200 or a little less in the US. This is just one of those great $200 scopes. I used one for five years and really like it, trust me this one been tested. But, you know the kicker of it, I ask a Swarovski rep what new 3x9 scope, should I buy if all I he had was $200 to spend ? You got it, Burris Fullfield II

yotunaman · Rookie Member Joined: Aug 10, 2005 Posts: 2

HANDS DOWN LEUPOLD WINS- THEIR WARRENTY IS OUTSTANDING- THEIR QUALITY IS GREAT FOR PRICE. MOST INPORTANT IT IS AMERICAN!!!!!!!!
YOTUNAMAN