Seeking recommendations on a new scope

[Sakko300wsm]

I wouldn’t waste money on anything vortex - they will all fail sooner or later!
Deal with a bit more weight and go with good glass
I definitely vote for NF NX8
All my NF’s have been 100% flawless

[Crunchy]

I have a safe full of different leupold scopes and have never had a problem with any of them.  I recently picked up a Nightforce NX8 4-32.  Also a nice scope.  You need to figure out the specs you want and then do a little shopping. 

[Sakko300wsm]

I have a safe full of different leupold scopes and have never had a problem with any of them.  I recently picked up a Nightforce NX8 4-32.  Also a nice scope.  You need to figure out the specs you want and then do a little shopping.

Will say I had a couple VX5’s and had no issues

[EnglishSetter]

I have a safe full of different leupold scopes and have never had a problem with any of them.  I recently picked up a Nightforce NX8 4-32.  Also a nice scope.  You need to figure out the specs you want and then do a little shopping.

My dad had a Leupold loose it's nitrogen purge after 30+ years.  They gave him a new VX3 (this was 1990's).

[Skillet]

I have a huge complaint about Leupold's warranty.  My grandfather bought a brand-new M8  (4x fixed, 32mm objective) in 1957 to hang on his Featherweight.  In the 80's he took a good tumble, and lost the nitrogen fill seal.  Completely his fault, after almost 30 years of use. He sent it in expecting to be sent back a bill with a rebuilt scope - but they sent him a brand new scope and a "No Charge" invoice.  The nerve of that company. Still works as new to this day.

I've got several Leupolds now.  Although I don't like that they don't offer a gloss version, or fixed scope, any more, they are still my go-to for new optics.  I've had Swarovski, Zeiss, Vortex, Bushnell (the 4200 was an amazing scope for its price point), and Nikon optics - but Leupold still gets first nod.

[ctwiggs1]

I have a huge complaint about Leupold's warranty.  My grandfather bought a brand-new M8  (4x fixed, 32mm objective) in 1957 to hang on his Featherweight.  In the 80's he took a good tumble, and lost the nitrogen fill seal.  Completely his fault, after almost 30 years of use. He sent it in expecting to be sent back a bill with a rebuilt scope - but they sent him a brand new scope and a "No Charge" invoice.  The nerve of that company. Still works as new to this day.

I've got several Leupolds now.  Although I don't like that they don't offer a gloss version, or fixed scope, any more, they are still my go-to for new optics.  I've had Swarovski, Zeiss, Vortex, Bushnell (the 4200 was an amazing scope for its price point), and Nikon optics - but Leupold still gets first nod.

I love my swaro Binos but I am worried about the day where I need to get them worked on.

I just don’t have that fear with my Leupold spotter. 

[Magnum_Willys]

Hunting under 400 yards you have a lot of choices.   For shooting at 1000 yards consistantly the nightforce Nx8 4-32 is a popular choice for hunting.  The Leupold Mark 5 will work also tho odds of not holding zero are higher. 

[JWBINX]

Any Leupold VX-3,5,or 6 series will give you great optics.
All American made and great customer service and warranty.
Don't be concerned about holding zero, they are the best in the business.

[pickardjw]

Don't be concerned about holding zero

Seems like that should be the primary concern...

[EnglishSetter]

Don't be concerned about holding zero

Seems like that should be the primary concern...

IME, most deviations from "holding zero" has little to do with the scope (assuming mid-tier and above).  Mounts not so much.  A scope can only be as good as it's mounts. 

Now if you like to dial in elevation (or windage) with accuracy/repeatability, I see that as a different set of parameters.  Personally, I don't shoot long enough yardages with flat shooting cartridges to need to play that game.

[Stein]

I had 2/2 Leupold not hold zero, I had multiple Vortex not hold a zero.  Both of their warranties are solid, they replaced or repaired all of the scopes no questions and did it quickly.  In the case of Vortex, one was fine after that and another two went to lose zero again.  In all cases except one Vortex Diamondback ironically (cheapest by far), I couldn't go a year without having to rezero.  More than one lost zero between range trips.  With my SWFA, I haven't touched zero for three years of pretty heavy use. 

I have also watched sponsored celebrity hunters miss moderate distance, well supported shots by four or five feet and wonder what happened.

The problem is you can't test zero at the store and what sells is the quality of the glass and warranty.

I don't think I'm particularly hard on equipment, but that's my admittedly anecdotal evidence.

[Sneaky Squirrel]

I'm surprised to see all the issues with Leupold. I have a # of them and never had an issue with zero. But i probably don't shoot near as much as some of the folks on here.

I've only had one issue with a scope that wasn't user error and it was with a Nightforce NXS about 5 years ago. It was a lemon right out of the box. Sent it in and they were planning on replacing it but i opted for my money back. However, i did just pick up a new 300PRC and i think i'm going to give Nightforce another try.

[pickardjw]

Don't be concerned about holding zero

Seems like that should be the primary concern...

IME, most deviations from "holding zero" has little to do with the scope (assuming mid-tier and above).  Mounts not so much.  A scope can only be as good as it's mounts. 

Now if you like to dial in elevation (or windage) with accuracy/repeatability, I see that as a different set of parameters.  Personally, I don't shoot long enough yardages with flat shooting cartridges to need to play that game.

Agreed that there are several other variables that can contribute to zero loss. However, when those other variables are controlled for and a variety of brands/models are tested the same way there's pretty clear trend. Some brands/models have a higher prevalence of zero retention and others don't.