Post by: treefarmer on December 10, 2022, 03:29:53 PM
Nightforce. Heavy and bulletproof but hard to see thru and poor warranty
Zeiss. Good glass but horrible customer service and poor warranty from angry Germans
Huskama. Heavy and poor glass
Swarovski. Best glass but will bend or break with the slightest bump
Leupold. Complete junk, don’t hold zero and will probably break in a padded gun case
Vortex. Also complete junk
There’s also a couple other brands people like I’ve never heard of. Trackoptics, us optics, Trijion.
I’m ok spending 2 grand on a quality scope but can’t seem to find one that fits the bill of being somewhat lightweight, durable and good glass in low light Leaning towards the Nightforce NX8 but open to suggestions from people with actual experience
Rant over thanks
Post by: MountainWalk on December 10, 2022, 03:34:16 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on December 10, 2022, 03:38:46 PM
"Vortex. Also complete junk"
I've had Leupolds on a few rifles for 25+ years with no problems.
Post by: Duckslayer89 on December 10, 2022, 03:44:58 PM
Post by: Wolfdog2314 on December 10, 2022, 03:48:21 PM
I came from using vortex and having to use their warranty a couple times. I will likely never switch from Nightforce. The Nightforce warranty is one you won’t have to use.
Post by: MADMAX on December 10, 2022, 03:49:48 PM
I’ll take any of the junk Leupold scopes you have taking up space
Post by: treefarmer on December 10, 2022, 03:54:30 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on December 10, 2022, 03:58:08 PM
Post by: pickardjw on December 10, 2022, 04:00:47 PM
My Zeiss v4 has been great though.
Post by: Duckslayer89 on December 10, 2022, 04:06:30 PM
Post by: JWBINX on December 10, 2022, 04:16:17 PM
Most likely at the top of the list for quality and durability.
Post by: b23 on December 10, 2022, 04:45:54 PM
I've never had a NF NXS I didn't like. I have more NF NXS, both 3.5-15's and 5.5-22's, then anything else. I have a NX8 2.5-20x50 on my CA 6.5 PRC and I like it as well but that particular scope has a less forgiving eye box and is more specific to head position but after shooting that gun a little it quickly becomes a nonissue and I have a NF ATACR 5-25x56 on my 224 Terminator.
For the money I think it's hard to beat the NXS series. Are the NX8 scopes a little lighter and maybe a little better optically then the NXS, yes. Is it enough that you can sit behind both, or even the ATACR, and say oh yeah there's a big difference in all three, optically speaking, I don't think so or at least I haven't been able to see any significant difference in them. Do any of my NF have the most awesomest amazing optics of any scope I've looked through, no not particularly, but their optics are still very, very good and most importantly, I've never had a single issue with any of mine and I personally don't know anyone who has with theirs either.
I'm building a new 7mm for my daughter and it will either have a NF NXS 5.5-22 or NF NX8 4-32 on it.
Post by: Bob33 on December 10, 2022, 04:52:00 PM
Post by: Skillet on December 10, 2022, 04:53:02 PM
Have 5 Leupold items and never used their warranty.
I've used quite a few Leupold scopes on a variety of rifles and can't recall ever having an issue with one of them. One of the scopes I still use is from the 1970s.
Well, I was kind of involved with a Leupold warranty situation. My grandpa bought an M8 4x fixed power to mount on his brand-new M70 Featherweight rifle in 1957.
A mere 30 years later, he dropped it down a shale scree and it broke the seal, fogging the scope. He obviously sent it back for repair, and they replaced it with a brand-new version of the same 4x scope - at no charge. That was 35 years ago, and it's still going strong. But, I suspect if I damaged it through my own negligence, I'd have to send it back AGAIN, and they'd replace it for free, AGAIN. Ugh, what a hassle.
The nerve of that company.
Post by: Bareback on December 10, 2022, 05:08:52 PM
Post by: Caseknife on December 10, 2022, 05:50:23 PM
Post by: jjhunter on December 10, 2022, 05:53:56 PM
Post by: pickardjw on December 10, 2022, 06:30:51 PM
Wish I'd read more of the threads over there on the Zeiss scopes before I bought mine, specifically Form's posts. Probably would have gone a different route :dunno: but it did hold zero during high buck this year. Been tromping around with a bunch since, should probably check zero on it. Wish I didn't have to though.
This subforum (https://rokslide.com/forums/forums/rifle-scope-field-evaluations.133/) contains the reports on all the scopes the guy has tested. His test method is also detailed there. Never seen anything this detailed or thorough on tracking and durability elsewhere.
It's a rabbit hole but one worth going down if you want to be confident that your zero will not shift from the range to the field. Any scope I buy in the future will probably have to have passed his tests.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 10, 2022, 06:41:34 PM
I have Leupold Vx6 4-24 & 7x42, Mark V 7-35, ZCO 4-20, Nightforce 2.5x10, Nightforce NX8 4-32.
Just get the NX8.
Its not the lightest but light (28oz)
Its not as sharp as ZCO but way lighter and as sharp as Leupolds.
Its more durable than most.
IMO its the best choice for a light durable quality scope.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 10, 2022, 06:45:55 PM
I have easily more than a dozen Leupold scopes and have never had a single issue with any of them. Do I turn the dials like a kid with his Etch-A-Sketch, no, but seriously who does with a hunting rifle? Sight it in and go hunting. If you have to dial for a shot, unless you get on a lot of shots a year, probably only doing it maybe half a dozen times a year. I don't understand the mentality that makes someone buy a lightweight rifle and put a scope on it that weighs half what the rifle does. Kind of defeats the purpose of buying lightweight in the first place. Go look at scopes and see what you like, not what unknown keyboard warriors think what you like. :twocents:I'd argue that if a guy is shooting distances that require dialing, they should be twisting those turrets often at the rifle range often before season :twocents:
Post by: teanawayslayer on December 10, 2022, 07:30:48 PM
Post by: lewy on December 10, 2022, 09:24:46 PM
Post by: Alchase on December 10, 2022, 09:28:29 PM
I found as my eyes have aged, the Firedots really shine.
And they are very fast on target.
Post by: fowl smacker on December 10, 2022, 11:27:34 PM
Post by: ASHQUACK on December 11, 2022, 07:50:19 AM
Post by: jrebel on December 11, 2022, 07:58:28 AM
Buy a nightforce nx8 and don’t look back. Sub 30oz and are tougher than most scopes on the market. Super reliable and good glass. What more could a guy want.
My zeis v4 has proven to be a nice scope as well. Only owned it for a year but no complaints.
Leupold has a great warranty and are also nice scopes.
Post by: steeleywhopper on December 11, 2022, 08:12:47 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 11, 2022, 08:23:24 AM
Post by: Tenkara on December 11, 2022, 09:36:19 AM
Post by: b23 on December 11, 2022, 09:51:24 AM
I’m not a Vortex guy but the PST Gen 2 5-25 for $650 looks like the best budget option - on europtic ?
I have a few Vortex scopes, Razor HD LH (Japan made) on light recoiling small cal guns, a HS-T (Philippines made) on my shorty 6CM, a HS (Philippines made) that's still in the box, and a couple months ago I bought a PST Gen2 1-6x24 (Philippines made) to put on a shorty AR. Even though I have a few I'm not a huge Vortex fan but I can't afford to outfit everything with a NF. I'd never use any scope, regardless of make, that was manufactured in China. The Japan made or Japan optics scopes are generally all pretty good and their Philippines made scopes are relatively decent.
If the PST Gen2 1-6 I recently got is any indication of what their PST Gen2 5-25 is like, optically speaking, I'd agree with Magnum_Willys and $650 sounds like a bargain because I've actually been pretty impressed with the glass quality on my Gen2 PST. As for their durability and how well they dial up/down and return to as well as hold zero, I don't know and even though 650 bucks is certainly nothing to sneeze at, I wouldn't put any kind of budget scope on something I plan to dial for.
IMO, if the OP plans to shoot this rifle at any amount of distance then I'd invest in a NF NXS or NX8 and dial away with confidence that not only will your come ups be accurate but they'll be consistent every time and they will always return to your original zero. If the OP only has intentions to hold over shoot using the reticle, I'm not sure a NF is needed, but, if you do get a NF and you want to start shooting with much more precision and consistency, than you can with hold over shooting, you'll be thankful you made the investment in getting that NF.
Post by: MHWASH on December 11, 2022, 10:53:22 AM
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.
Post by: Sakko300wsm on December 11, 2022, 11:09:00 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 11, 2022, 12:05:07 PM
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.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.
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.
Post by: BR549 on December 11, 2022, 03:57:45 PM
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.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 11, 2022, 04:32:45 PM
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 askedI 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 :twocents:
Post by: Sakko300wsm on December 11, 2022, 04:40:00 PM
:yeah: :yeah: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 askedI 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 :twocents:
Post by: Igor on December 11, 2022, 04:47:36 PM
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 askedI 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 :twocents:
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.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 11, 2022, 04:54:47 PM
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…..
Post by: pickardjw on December 11, 2022, 04:59:50 PM
Leupold scope losing zero from simply riding around in a truck > https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/2x-leupold-mark-5-field-evaluations.278289/
Post by: elkrack on December 11, 2022, 05:05:01 PM
Post by: Igor on December 11, 2022, 05:13:54 PM
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.
Post by: pickardjw on December 11, 2022, 05:22:39 PM
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/swfa-ss-6x42mm-mq-field-evaluation.278498/
http://swfa-ss.com/products/warranty-4-life
Post by: Igor on December 11, 2022, 05:31:03 PM
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.
Post by: jrebel on December 11, 2022, 05:39:26 PM
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. :chuckle: :tup: :tup:
Post by: pickardjw on December 11, 2022, 05:39:53 PM
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.
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 11, 2022, 05:45:25 PM
Ford, Chevy, Dodge......
My experiences.
Vortex... personal no issues. 5 years going strong on kids 6.5 creedmore.
Leupold... professionally no issues. Mark IV for years functioned flawless zero to 2k yds.
( Word on the street was Sig stole a bunch of Leupold engineer's couple years ago, not sure if it's affecting quality currently)
Nightforce... professionally no issues. Beat and abused for year's out to a mile.
Ziess.. personally no issues. Currently my go to on a 6.5 PRC. Zero issues Idaho to Alaska.
Best glass.....
NF and Ziess.
Best positive detents...
Leupold and NF.
Best eye relief.....
Ziess.
Best IR
Ziess.
:twocents:
Post by: treefarmer on December 11, 2022, 06:30:09 PM
That said I’m going with the nx8 2.5x20 with a Moar recticle
Post by: MHWASH on December 11, 2022, 07:09:37 PM
"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.
Same thing can be said for Vortex. I've sent both in for warranty work. Vortex is much easier to deal with than Leupold. If i was to buy a scope because of their customer service, it would be Vortex over and over. Leupold's customer service has a chip on their shoulder, they're very arrogant.
Post by: b23 on December 11, 2022, 07:38:33 PM
That said I’m going with the nx8 2.5x20 with a Moar recticle
It's a great optic, I have that scope on my CA Ridgeline, but buyer beware, as I mentioned in an earlier post, they have a tighter eye box that can be head position sensitive. Also, because they're a shorter tubed scope, they're a little more limited on how far you can slide them back.
Post by: jrebel on December 11, 2022, 07:43:16 PM
That said I’m going with the nx8 2.5x20 with a Moar recticle
It's a great optic, I have that scope on my CA Ridgeline, but buyer beware, as I mentioned in an earlier post, they have a tighter eye box that can be head position sensitive. Also, because they're a shorter tubed scope, they're a little more limited on how far you can slide them back.
Yes, that’s why the 4-32 is so much better. Longer tube for more mounting options and way better magnification. With that said the 2-20 if a super nice scope and will do you well.
Post by: Alchase on December 11, 2022, 07:54:35 PM
Post by: treefarmer on December 11, 2022, 08:05:46 PM
Post by: jrebel on December 11, 2022, 08:26:35 PM
I don’t know how to reply to a specific message but do you think you would go up to 32 power while hunting? I have a 24 power Burris in a 22-250 and it seems like when I crank it up it picks up a lot of heat waves, even in colder weather at least that’s what I remember the last time I shot it 20 years ago. ( I actually might list it in the classified as I more or less forgot I had it) The 4x32 isn’t that much more and I do like the idea of a little longer scope. Thanks
I shoot mine dialed to 32 all the time…..it is amazing. Mine sits on a 338 lapua and it has only killed one bear. 340 yards and my son had it dialed to 32 power. Put that 260 grain hammer hunter on a dime and flattened a 400+ lbs bear dead in its tracks. Just because you have it doesn’t mean you need to use it.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 11, 2022, 11:11:49 PM
Both same weight. Are you ever setting it at less than 4 power? If not why get the 2.5-20? The 32 is way better for target/load development. You don’t need more than 20 for hunting only. Again if dropping to the 2.5-20 saved weight I woukd be all over it - but it weighs exactly as much as the 4-32.
Post by: Windwalker on December 26, 2022, 11:41:48 PM
All have faults and good attributes. Depends on the use.
If its for hunting, (IMHO) training & repetitions trump most choices if using a major brand.
Some majors have clear glass & crap for reticles. Choose the reticle then chase down the scope.
Generally speaking, 400 yards is a good limit for most skill levels (and bullet performance) which diminishes the need for high power. 200 yards is probably the average shot that could be done easily with iron sights. Which really sucks- justifying 4K for the cool toys is part of the fun.
Long range target shooting is a whole different ball game. Here is one source that may be helpful and give food for thought.
https://precisionrifleblog.com/category/optics/rifle-scopes/
Post by: jasnt on December 27, 2022, 05:53:00 AM
How often will you be shooting at 2xor 4x?
Seems a no brainer to me
Post by: cutter on December 27, 2022, 07:13:58 AM
Post by: Taco280AI on December 27, 2022, 07:23:20 AM
Whenever I'm looking to buy a variable scope for hunting, I always remember what the late Bill Jordan wrote about them when they started to become as popular as fixed powers, " A variable scope is only as useful as its lowest setting". After over 50 years of hunting and making a lot of meat in many different types of country I've found his advice to be as sound now as it was back in the 70's.
The late Bill Jordan? Realtree guy?
Post by: Onewhohikes on December 27, 2022, 07:28:42 AM