Scope shopping driving me bonkers

[MHWASH]

Sounds like I'm in the minority, but i had to send a Leupold VX3 back for warranty. The erector (?) on the elevation stopped working. Not very handy when it's supposed to be a dialing scope. Of course had I sighted it in and just assumed It dialed correctly without actually practicing dialing, I'm sure it would have lasted 30yrs.

OP, I'm in the same boat as you. You may also want to check out the Trijicon scopes. Also for a little less money, you might consider the SVH line of Nightforce scopes.

[Sakko300wsm]

Another vote for Nightforce for your Ridgeline. I’ve got NXS and Nx8 on my Ridgelines. Have had vortex and will never buy one again after having higher end glass . Have had Zeiss with no problem and have a couple Leapold VX5’s with no problem at all. But definitely Nightforce is the most solid of all and best glass for sure. Never had to use their warranty but people I’ve talked to that did - had zero problem. Vortex warranty might be good, but be prepared to use it often. Put a NF on your Ridgeline and convert it to mag feed and you will be set

[Karl Blanchard]

Sounds like I'm in the minority, but i had to send a Leupold VX3 back for warranty. The erector (?) on the elevation stopped working. Not very handy when it's supposed to be a dialing scope. Of course had I sighted it in and just assumed It dialed correctly without actually practicing dialing, I'm sure it would have lasted 30yrs.

OP, I'm in the same boat as you. You may also want to check out the Trijicon scopes. Also for a little less money, you might consider the SVH line of Nightforce scopes.

you're not alone. I've used multiple vx6 and vx5's and all failed simple tracking tests. Some it was a small failure that a guy may not notice sub 500 yards but all failed to some degree. It's not a new issue either. For such an attractive package for a long range scope they have certainly dropped the ball on rectifying their erector system.

[BR549]

"Leupold. Complete junk, don’t hold zero and will probably break in a padded gun case"

Said no Leupold user ever.
You don't stay in business for over 115 years by making "complete junk" that comes with an unconditional life time warranty.  It's also one of the few manufactures that makes their product in the USA in Beaverton Oregon.  While the west side of the State of Oregon may be way left, it's still better than sending money to China.

On the rare occurrence of having a Leupold scope problem, they go over backwards and then some to make it right, especially to LEO and Military.  If your Leupold branded scope is junk, run the serial numbers.  Odds are it was a counterfeit out of China. They sell tons of Leupold marked scopes off of EBay and other internet sources.

[Karl Blanchard]

Most of my post was sarcasm. Just frustrating with all the negative review out there.  I have a bunch of Leupold riflescopes and have had zero issues with them.  Have sent back a few binoculars which they replaced no questions asked

I think some of you didn't read his follow up comment.



Also it appears he is looking for a dialable optic so the testimonies of their 30 year old gold rings and non dialing scopes isn't really pertinent 

[Sakko300wsm]

Most of my post was sarcasm. Just frustrating with all the negative review out there.  I have a bunch of Leupold riflescopes and have had zero issues with them.  Have sent back a few binoculars which they replaced no questions asked

I think some of you didn't read his follow up comment.



Also it appears he is looking for a dialable optic so the testimonies of their 30 year old gold rings and non dialing scopes isn't really pertinent 

[Igor]

Most of my post was sarcasm. Just frustrating with all the negative review out there.  I have a bunch of Leupold riflescopes and have had zero issues with them.  Have sent back a few binoculars which they replaced no questions asked

I think some of you didn't read his follow up comment.



Also it appears he is looking for a dialable optic so the testimonies of their 30 year old gold rings and non dialing scopes isn't really pertinent 

I would say that the testimonies with regard to Leupold warranties is very pertinent.  I have owned many Leupold scopes over the last 40 years, and have had to send 3 in for warranty work.  In all 3 cases the scopes were fixed or replaced, all at no cost to me. 

[Magnum_Willys]

I have several Leupolds that are rock solid, have made tough shots on tons of game over the last 50 years and I trust to be dead on when I use them if I haven’t abused or fallen with them.   But these are NOT used to dial with.   Turrets are a different game that Leupold is not the leader in.  Look at swarovski - they are super new to the turret game also - they have offered a turret with three primary setting for years !  Worthless over 4-500 yards.   

If you want to start dialing turrets up and down and practicing and reloading all year you want a turret designed for that.   I’ve sent VX-6 back twice for refurbishment  on the turrets.  Mark V is better.   I spend so much effort on reloading I don’t want to wonder if its the load or the scope…..

[pickardjw]

Why is everyone so happy with being able to send their products in for warranty claims at no cost? Wouldn’t you rather buy a scope you don’t have to send in? That warranty isn’t worth squat if the scope takes a hit in the middle of a hunt.

Leupold scope losing zero from simply riding around in a truck > https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2x-leupold-mark-5-field-evaluations.278289/

[elkrack]

I’m glad this thread popped up! I’m in the market for my first big priced rifle scope and this has helped a bunch

[Igor]

Why is everyone so happy with being able to send their products in for warranty claims at no cost? Wouldn’t you rather buy a scope you don’t have to send in? That warranty isn’t worth squat if the scope takes a hit in the middle of a hunt.

Leupold scope losing zero from simply riding around in a truck > https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2x-leupold-mark-5-field-evaluations.278289/

OK, I'll play.

In the early 80s I was poor, and needed a lightweight scope.  I found a used Leupold 2x7 in a gun store.  The optics were fine, but the entire tube had turned a dark purple.  I bought it and contacted Leupold.  They told me to send it in.  I did, and they replaced it with a brand new scope.......at no cost to me.

A few years later I had a Leupold 3x9, which I managed to basically destroy by falling down a rock slide.  The glass survived, but the entire tube was seriously dented.  I sent it to Leupold, and they replaced the tube ..........at no cost to me.

I recently bought a used Leupold 2.5x10 here on the forum.  The seller conveniently neglected to mention that the power-select ring was basically frozen.  I sent it to Leupold, and they fixed it.........at no cost to me.

Leupold stands behind their stuff.

[pickardjw]

If we’re talking more budget conscious scopes, SWFA has the same warranty but their scopes actually hold zero and track reliably.
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/swfa-ss-6x42mm-mq-field-evaluation.278498/
http://swfa-ss.com/products/warranty-4-life

[Igor]

If we’re talking more budget conscious scopes, SWFA has the same warranty but their scopes actually hold zero and track reliably.
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/swfa-ss-6x42mm-mq-field-evaluation.278498/
http://swfa-ss.com/products/warranty-4-life

Do you know anyone that has actually tested their warranty claims ?  Companies make all kinds of promises when it comes to warranties.....not all follow through.

Years ago I bought a rifle that had a Redfield scope on it.  The scope had issues.  When I contacted Redfield they said the scope was no longer under warranty.  I ended up throwing it away. 

[jrebel]

The OP stated money was really not an issue....pretty sure he said 2K was not out of his budget.  Lots of great....tried, trued and tested scopes out there for the 2K ish that will fit the bill just fine. 

Glass is worth every penny if you can afford it.  I put 2K dollar scopes on 1K rifles all the time.  If you want repeatable turrets.....spend the money and get a nice scope.  If you want to shoot to 300-400 yards....buy a leupold with Boone and crocket reticle and practice...no need to dial to those ranges. 

I sometimes feel folks overthink this.  You can buy really nice budget scopes.  If you want to shoot longer ranges with turrets....then you should dedicate a little more money to a nice scope.  Just my opinion. 

Oh yeah....Vortex are not nice scopes just because they have a good warranty.   

[pickardjw]

Only thing I’ve heard about their warranty is that it’s hard to exercise because they typically replace. And they haven’t been able to keep up with new sales demand in the first place. So yeah, that’s currently a negative.

Would still buy SWFA over a leupold, vortex, etc. I’d rather have a scope that’s not likely to fail than one that I don’t trust to maintain zero but can be easily warrantied.