Leopold or Nikon?

[PNW_Hunter]

I really like the monarch 3's combined with the spot on ballistics program they use. Both have excellent customer service from what I've seen so far. Leupolds are a tad bit nicer IMO but I think nikon may be better bang for the buck 

[pope]

Sportco has a coupon deal ($175) on the Nikon Buckmaster 3-9 x 40mm.

[Eli346]

 If it's any help on your decision Nikon makes the glass for Leupold from what I've been told.

[Maligator]

If it's any help on your decision Nikon makes the glass for Leupold from what I've been told.

So, following that piece of information the glass argument is really a moot point since the glass would be the same 

IMO these types of threads rarely provide much assistance to the OP because it ends up being an opinion which is not usually based on TDP (technical data package ) analysis. What I mean to say is that if you aren't reading the specs of each scope specifically and their tolerances then it's just one man's data point or experience.

I say: look through the ones that catch your eye in different lighting scenarios, outside if possible and then make your choice based on what fits your budget and which one looks best to you.

I have not owned a Nikon but suspect it is quality made based on others opinions. I do own Leupold's and like them. I also own some Bushnell scopes and have no problem with them but they are not on my primary hunting rigs...just my personal opinion. Good luck in your pursuit.

[coachcw]

I'd say that the vx2 and the Nikon monarchs are on the same level and the vx3 is a step up . vx3's are a very nice scope that in the 500-600 range are hard to beat .

[BsB]

I've got a leuy MK4 LR/T 3.5-10x40 on a .308 and a Nikon Prostaff BDC 3-9x40 on my 5.56 AR. I have more viewing time through the leuy and have been happy with it. I haven't zeroed in my Nikon yet, I've been too busy.

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[buckfvr]

I've got a leuy MK4 LR/T 3.5-10x40 on a .308 and a Nikon Prostaff BDC 3-9x40 on my 5.56 AR. I have more viewing time through the leuy and have been happy with it. I haven't zeroed in my Nikon yet, I've been too busy.

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Not a fair comparison...........that said, they both have Nikon glass, I put a new Nikon Pro Staff on a buddies rifle last week and noticed the made in Phillipines label............

[BsB]

Not a fair comparison...........that said, they both have Nikon glass, I put a new Nikon Pro Staff on a buddies rifle last week and noticed the made in Phillipines label............

yeah it is like apples and potatoes...

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

[thinkingman]

If it's any help on your decision Nikon makes the glass for Leupold from what I've been told.

So, following that piece of information the glass argument is really a moot point since the glass would be the same 

IMO these types of threads rarely provide much assistance to the OP because it ends up being an opinion which is not usually based on TDP (technical data package ) analysis. What I mean to say is that if you aren't reading the specs of each scope specifically and their tolerances then it's just one man's data point or experience.

I say: look through the ones that catch your eye in different lighting scenarios, outside if possible and then make your choice based on what fits your budget and which one looks best to you.

I have not owned a Nikon but suspect it is quality made based on others opinions. I do own Leupold's and like them. I also own some Bushnell scopes and have no problem with them but they are not on my primary hunting rigs...just my personal opinion. Good luck in your pursuit.

Each manufacturer specs the glass coatings and construction.
LOW (Light Optics Works)grinds lenses for many manufacturers.  Then the coatings are applied, and many are proprietary.

Here is an (outdated) scope rating scale put together by people that have a fair amount of optics experience.....(Caution: Leupold fans will not be happy) http://www.opticstalk.com/topic16515.html

[lover_of_all_racks]

Grandpa has had Leupold's since i can remember. Only sent one back (was an ANCIENT scope that fogged) Still accurate. They didnt make that one anymore obviosuly. it was ANCIENT.Instead of fixing, they sent him a vxiii for his warranty..

My older cousin vxiii and me vxii both have leupolds. Cant say enough good things about leupold. I have their binocs and rangefinder as well. simply flawless. BUT the reason i like them is because of my grandpas experience with them and my 10 years experience with them. Havent owned anything different for my hunting rifles so my say isnt all that fair.

My younger cousin has a redfield. (made by leupold) wowzas!! i shoulda got that 1/3 of the price and its awesome, but he only has one season on it so only time will tell for redfield.

second cousins and some uncles have nikon. and they dont seem to argue when leupold comes up and it seems like they are always getting new nikons cuz the other one wasnt good enough or they didnt like it.... which puts up a red flag. Ive had mine on my gun for 10 years.. my grandpa had the one for 20 something years and now 5 or so years on the new one..

Personal experience has shown me that you put a leupold on your gun and it will stay there for decades..
what i have seen from my family is they put a nikon on and they arent satisfied or something happens and they are constantly changing their nikons scopes. Not to mention my friends that switch over to leupold stick with leupold.

I might be bias with leopold and ignorant with Nikon but hey.. its my $0.25 and i hope it helps whoever is in the debate.