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Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: xwizard50 on December 25, 2017, 06:12:24 PM


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Title: Need a scope
Post by: xwizard50 on December 25, 2017, 06:12:24 PM
Got a browning xbolt hells canyon LR 7mm for a gift. Now need to get a scope for it. Between Vortex HST 6x25 or leupold vx3i 6.5 x 20. Price wise about the same. Never had neither brand so any opinions will be helpful.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Wingin it on December 25, 2017, 06:46:52 PM
You are going to get people on here that love Vortex and people that hate it. Everyone seems to be good with Leupold. That being said, I have both and don't think you can go wrong either way. Go check them out and buy what you like best
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on December 25, 2017, 07:04:00 PM
You are going to get people on here that love Vortex and people that hate it. Everyone seems to be good with Leupold. That being said, I have both and don't think you can go wrong either way. Go check them out and buy what you like best

Best thing you can do, a side by side comparison.  Things about one that some may like others will hate, so look them over, make your decision based on what you see and get what you like.

Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Buzz2401 on December 25, 2017, 07:26:45 PM
Easy answer.  Leupold is made in USA,  Vortex is made in China. 
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: hunting4sanity on December 25, 2017, 07:29:54 PM
I have both brands and feel that both are solid scopes and companies. My  :twocents:, stay with the Viper and VX3 lines or higher in both companies. I don't know if you're a turret twister or not, but get a hands-on look at both and twist the turrets etc., and then enjoy whichever you choose.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: frankhunter on December 26, 2017, 10:15:47 PM
I have Vortex Viper HS 6-24x50mm scope. Sent it back to Votex for repair. The scope does not hold zero in-between the last three trips to the field and range. Recently I have ordered a new scope by ATN https://www.atncorp.com/smart-hd-weapon-sight (https://www.atncorp.com/smart-hd-weapon-sight). Works fine for me!
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: jrebel on December 26, 2017, 10:33:16 PM
Vortex wouldn't be in my top 5 scopes to own.   For that kind of money you should be comparing Leupold to nightforce to zeis, etc.  Vortex IMO isnt in the same league as the scopes mentioned above......and yes I have owned two vortex.  Sold them both. 
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: White Pass Outfitters on December 27, 2017, 07:06:18 AM
Leupold scopes can take a beaten and still stay true. 
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: trophyhunt on December 27, 2017, 07:09:41 AM
leupold or nightforce.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Miles on December 27, 2017, 07:13:54 AM
Leupold scopes can take a beaten and still stay true. 

Yes and no.  I had one fail after a year and that thing had never even been bumped.  It looked brand new, but failed internally.  It was replaced by Leupold.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: xwizard50 on December 29, 2017, 05:55:10 PM
Thanks for information. Right now I'm thinking leupold VX 3i 6.5-20x50 cds. Again thanks for the feed back.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Mtnwalker on December 29, 2017, 06:55:12 PM
Leupold scopes can take a beaten and still stay true.

I fell hard right on top of my Vx3 this year TWICE on the last day of deer season. Full on legs out from under me and wham scope first onto rocks. I was absolutely amazed when I went to the range the next weekend and she was still dead on as could be.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: JWBINX on December 30, 2017, 07:02:53 AM
The best warranty is one you don't have to use!!! This is a easy choice LEUPOLD!!!
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: zwickeyman on January 02, 2018, 10:41:52 AM
I'll be putting a Leupold VX31 4.5-14x50 on my Hells Canyon 300 win mag. I liked it better than the Vortex. I also fell twice this year, once hitting my scope first on VX2 and zero didn't moved, pretty impressed
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: jkthomps on January 02, 2018, 11:26:46 AM
Thanks for information. Right now I'm thinking leupold VX 3i 6.5-20x50 cds. Again thanks for the feed back.

That’s what I would do. I looked at the Hells Canyon in 7mm or 300wm and couldn’t find a left handed one. I went with the new tikka in 300wm left handed and put a leupold vx3i 4.5 x 14 x 40 cds with the 1 inch tube. Absolutely love this scope and setup. I have a couple of vortex scopes and I feel the leupold is clearer and more crisp. I have a vortex 6x24x50 on a 300 rum and I will be switching this scope out for a leupold. Vortex is good, but Leupold is better.

Best part is Leupold made the CDS so easy to use. Once you get your load developed and the custom dial ordered, you are set.


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Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: CAMPMEAT on January 02, 2018, 12:53:20 PM
Easy answer.  Leupold is made in USA,  Vortex is made in China.


Apple computer is made in China. Apple iPhone is made in China.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: tlbradford on January 02, 2018, 01:16:00 PM
I have used a Leupy VX3 4.5-14 for the last 12 years on my .204.  I can't imagine ever dialing a hunting rifle past 14 power, but then again, I would never consider the long-range shots that are popular these days.  I forgot to say that I love Leupold.  All my rifles carry Leupold scopes and I have never had a single issue with any of them.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 02, 2018, 03:13:34 PM
Really like my 7-42 leupy wide view for load development.    Plenty wide at 100 yards and can spot tines and target holes out past 600-1000......

Yea crazy Ino but until you’ve tried it.....
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Tiger1358 on January 02, 2018, 03:31:10 PM
Easy answer.  Leupold is made in USA,  Vortex is made in China.

Leupold is not totally made in US, the glass is imported from Asia. But Leupold is definitely a little more reliable than Vortex.

@xwizard50 Have you looked at any Japanese scopes at that price range or any "entry level" German glass like Steiner?

Any specific reason you want to go with 6.5x ? Might not be the best idea if you decide to hunt with that gun in thick woods.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: 724wd on January 03, 2018, 03:05:35 PM
Easy answer.  Leupold is made in USA,  Vortex is made in China.


Apple computer is made in China. Apple iPhone is made in China.

so?  :dunno: we're talkin' scopes, not phones.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: xwizard50 on January 05, 2018, 12:43:05 PM
Tiger1358, most all of my shoots are 400+ yards so I'm wanting scope in the higher end such as 20 to 24 magnification. I would like the lower end less then 6.5 but not much luck finding them. Not even sure where to start with Japanese or German models.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 05, 2018, 11:36:39 PM
Save up for leupold 4-24 VX6hd or non hd if you can find one.   You will be happy.
$1500/$1100 unfortunately. 
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: 3boys on January 05, 2018, 11:55:24 PM
Easy answer.  Leupold is made in USA,  Vortex is made in China.


Apple computer is made in China. Apple iPhone is made in China.
7
My 1 year old I  phone 7 has been very problematic. My 20 year old VX3 has never had a issue.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Buckhunter28 on January 06, 2018, 07:00:41 PM
Every piece of Vortex glass I have is Japanese made(Viper models), not Chinese. The diamondbacks and lower end models are Chinese made, but even then, I have looked through them and know guys using them that have never had a problem. I love every product I have from Vortex, including both my Viper rifle scopes. One is the HS-T in 4-16x44, the otehr the PS-T in 4-16x50, both hold a clear, crisp image even at 16 power, never had any problems! :tup:
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: CAMPMEAT on January 06, 2018, 09:09:05 PM
Easy answer.  Leupold is made in USA,  Vortex is made in China.


Apple computer is made in China. Apple iPhone is made in China.

so?  :dunno: we're talkin' scopes, not phones.


What I mean is, Apple makes some of the very best phones/computers in the world and they're made in China.  :tup:
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on January 07, 2018, 11:27:46 PM
US, Japan, or Philippines for a cheapo  :tup:
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 08, 2018, 05:44:49 AM
 :bdid:
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: dmoua on January 08, 2018, 03:02:42 PM
I have owned my 4-16 HST for 4 years without an issue. I also own other various Vortex optics from diamondbacks to Razors with no complaints. Never understood how people have so much issues with theirs.

I now have a NF NXS but am keeping the Hst for future rifles.

Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: boneaddict on January 08, 2018, 04:06:21 PM
Google Leopold    What do you get? 

Google Vortex what do you get? 


Think of how many leopold scopes are in existence and how many vortex there are. 
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: W_Ellison2011 on January 08, 2018, 04:45:33 PM
I have a vortex viper HS LR 4-16 on my 300 wby mag.. tracks all the way out for mile long shots and comes right back down to my 200 yard zero with ease. Have never had an issue with it. My friend has the same scope with 0 issues and just bought a razor HD Gen II and loves it. The leupold I gave him for a short range rifle... vxI 3-9x40 gave out on him not even half way through the hunting season. I love both leupold and Vortex but for now on my money will go to Vortex. The glass is every bit as good as leupolds, the price is either the same or cheaper, and neither myself or any of my friends have had one fail. Also, leupold just assembles in the US while a lot of their scope parts are made out of country. That's for the guy claiming that they are 100% in the US.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Buckhunter28 on January 08, 2018, 09:21:03 PM
I have owned my 4-16 HST for 4 years without an issue. I also own other various Vortex optics from diamondbacks to Razors with no complaints. Never understood how people have so much issues with theirs.

I now have a NF NXS but am keeping the Hst for future rifles.

Exactly what I've also been curious about, never understood people having issues with theirs, seeing as I own 5 different Vortex products, including 2 pairs of binos, a spotting scope, and 2 rifle scopes, my dad also uses a Vortex rifle scope. I don't know if I've been very lucky, or others on here have been very unlucky, but there is one thing I'm certain about: a lot of people use and enjoy Vortex, including many folks I know who could purchase any other brand of optics they please, but choose Vortex. I guess love em or hate em, they're here to stay!
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: JWBINX on January 09, 2018, 05:27:04 PM
Everybody has an opinion!!
Leupold has been at the top for about 50 years and been around for about 110 years, they employ nearly 700 people in Beaverton not
counting sales force. They do purchase glass of offshore, however everything is machined in the US and  assembled in the US, except binos and rangefinders which are designed here. The militarys and law enforcment optics are close to 90% Leupold, not Vortex or Huskemaw nor Nightforce.
Most high end optics should be trouble free these day! No one has the volume out in the field like Leupold. People buy Taurus over Glocks
Thats the opinion thing again, however some know the difference.
 :tup:
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Buckhunter28 on January 09, 2018, 05:40:21 PM
Everybody has an opinion!!
Leupold has been at the top for about 50 years and been around for about 110 years, they employ nearly 700 people in Beaverton not
counting sales force. They do purchase glass of offshore, however everything is machined in the US and  assembled in the US, except binos and rangefinders which are designed here. The militarys and law enforcment optics are close to 90% Leupold, not Vortex or Huskemaw nor Nightforce.
Most high end optics should be trouble free these day! No one has the volume out in the field like Leupold. People buy Taurus over Glocks
Thats the opinion thing again, however some know the difference.
 :tup:

Well said!  :tup: I wasn't trying to bash on anyone for their optics preference or be a put down, I just wanted to stand behind a company who has exceeded my expectations and provided me with excellent products  :tup: But you couldn't have said it better, we all have our own opinions!
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: W_Ellison2011 on January 11, 2018, 03:09:57 PM
Just an FYI. Not trying to be a dick but the military uses leupold on the m24 for the army but goes to USoptics and Schmidt and bender for the marines. There is another brand being used and there is a contract with another manufacturer for optics for the US military. Don't get me wrong leupolds are great. I loved mine but it did break. My vortex has not broken. Also a LOT of PRS shooters are using Schmidt and bender, USOptics, and vortex. Very few are using leupolds anymore. Would I personally buy a leupold? Absolutely, if the price was right and the scope fit what I needed. For the time being though you can get a Vortex for cheaper with glass just as good. That's my opinion. As for the OP. He needs to go and check out all of the variations of the manufacturers scopes that he likes and that are in his budget and make his personal choice just like the rest of us have. On that note, Hope everybody is enjoying their glass!
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: CAMPMEAT on January 11, 2018, 06:42:03 PM
My Truglo is pretty darn good for a $59.95 scope....... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: jrebel on January 11, 2018, 06:54:05 PM
Anyone given bushnells engage series a serious look??  Their elite seriers was pretty nice and the engage is supose to blow the elite out of the water.  I would be curious to know if that is the case.  They sure are proud of them based on price alone. 
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Jason on January 11, 2018, 06:54:19 PM
Just an FYI. Not trying to be a dick but the military uses leupold on the m24 for the army but goes to USoptics and Schmidt and bender for the marines. There is another brand being used and there is a contract with another manufacturer for optics for the US military. Don't get me wrong leupolds are great. I loved mine but it did break. My vortex has not broken. Also a LOT of PRS shooters are using Schmidt and bender, USOptics, and vortex. Very few are using leupolds anymore. Would I personally buy a leupold? Absolutely, if the price was right and the scope fit what I needed. For the time being though you can get a Vortex for cheaper with glass just as good. That's my opinion. As for the OP. He needs to go and check out all of the variations of the manufacturers scopes that he likes and that are in his budget and make his personal choice just like the rest of us have. On that note, Hope everybody is enjoying their glass!
I thought Steiner was also used a lot by the Marines.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Jason on January 11, 2018, 06:56:31 PM
Anyone given bushnells engage series a serious look??  Their elite seriers was pretty nice and the engage is supose to blow the elite out of the water.  I would be curious to know if that is the case.  They sure are proud of them based on price alone.
If you buy an Engage 30mm tubed scope by the 15th you get a rebate that is good for a pair of Engage binos. $359 binos for free. Great deal.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: brokemillwright on January 11, 2018, 07:30:43 PM
to the op, I have the vortex HS LR, same as you looking at but my elevation is 1/2 moa per click where the hst is 1/4.  I also have a leupold vx3.  I wasn't to happy with customer service from leupold, scope wasn't tracking and when it came back it had an indentation where they mounted it. Sent pics and an email and they said it wasn't from them, yet it was wider than my rings and in a different spot from where I mount.   that being said I like how the vx3 doesn't have a side focus for yardage opposed to the vortex. leupold also has alot better eye relief in my opnion.  if I would have know better I would have spent the couple hundred more and got the vx6.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: W_Ellison2011 on January 15, 2018, 07:21:31 PM
Just an FYI. Not trying to be a dick but the military uses leupold on the m24 for the army but goes to USoptics and Schmidt and bender for the marines. There is another brand being used and there is a contract with another manufacturer for optics for the US military. Don't get me wrong leupolds are great. I loved mine but it did break. My vortex has not broken. Also a LOT of PRS shooters are using Schmidt and bender, USOptics, and vortex. Very few are using leupolds anymore. Would I personally buy a leupold? Absolutely, if the price was right and the scope fit what I needed. For the time being though you can get a Vortex for cheaper with glass just as good. That's my opinion. As for the OP. He needs to go and check out all of the variations of the manufacturers scopes that he likes and that are in his budget and make his personal choice just like the rest of us have. On that note, Hope everybody is enjoying their glass!
I thought Steiner was also used a lot by the Marines.
That might have been the other brand that I couldn't remember off the top of my head. Sig also makes a TON of really good high end glass that is being used by military forces, PRS shooters, and benchrest shooters.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: xwizard50 on January 28, 2018, 03:35:48 PM
Well I ended up getting a vortex hs lr 6-25x50. Thanks everyone for your input.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: W_Ellison2011 on January 29, 2018, 03:40:09 PM
Well I ended up getting a vortex hs lr 6-25x50. Thanks everyone for your input.
no problem. Enjoy it! I'm currently looking at either that exact same scope or the Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24 to put on a custom 300 win mag I am building.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: thinkingman on January 29, 2018, 10:17:19 PM
Leupold scopes can take a beaten and still stay true. 

Yes and no.  I had one fail after a year and that thing had never even been bumped.  It looked brand new, but failed internally.  It was replaced by Leupold.
Too many stories like this for me to feel confident.
I’d buy Zeiss Conquest or Nikon Monarch.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on February 10, 2018, 11:57:32 PM
:bdid:

Buying a US or Japan made scope?
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Sakko300wsm on February 11, 2018, 05:34:05 PM
Shoulda went Zeiss - end of conversation
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Goshawk on March 28, 2018, 10:02:23 PM
That scope is 100% USA made if in a Leupold.

100% China made by Vortex.

That ought to be enough right there.
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: W_Ellison2011 on March 28, 2018, 10:41:56 PM
That scope is 100% USA made if in a Leupold.

100% China made by Vortex.

That ought to be enough right there.
You are a little late to the party. Also a quick google of where both companies manufacture either parts or their scopes shows that both company have work done overseas. Both are great companies. I personally have had more issues with a leupold vxI 3-9x40 than I have with my vortex viper HS LR 4-16x50. Lucky for us both companies have great warranties and stand by their products no matter where they are made!
Title: Re: Need a scope
Post by: Matth on March 30, 2018, 08:19:12 AM
Shoulda went Zeiss - end of conversation
I have one on my 220 swift, and i don't think i agree. I am probably going to put it on my old 243, and go back to Leupold on the 220. that also is an opinion.
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