More Scope Questions-Leupold, Nikon, Zeiss Cnqst?

[seattlesetters]

Thanks for the replies on the other thread regarding the glass for a custom .338-06. You've helped a lot. Now I've narrowed it down to the Leupold VXII 3-9x40 or VXIII 2.5-8x36, or the Nikon Monarch 3-9x40. I have a $120.00 credit at a local sporting goods store and all they carry (that I would want) are Leupold and Nikon.

However, I may be able to swing a Zeiss Conquest in 3-9x40, if you think it is worth it.

Any more thoughts?

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

[James B]

My choice would be the Nikon. I have had no luck with Leupold and have never had a Zeiss. I have a Nikon that I like pretty well although I had a hard time getting it mounted in just the right spot. The eye relief was critical. I had a couple Leupolds that were not very clear. I sent them back and they replaced them but they were not much better. I sold them at a garage sale. The third one I had was a pretty good scope. When I sold guns at my own shop a few years back I had a couple of varmit hunters that bought Leupold scopes from me. They were not very happy with them either. There thoughts were for the money they expected better. On this board I seem to be the only one who has expierenced lots of problems with them so maybe its just me.

[oldelkhunter]

Out of the scopes you have mentioned I would pick the 2.5x8x36 first and the Zeiss second only because of its weight and dimensions although it is a brighter scope and i like its windage and elevation adjustments. I have owned a few of these 2.5x8x36 in my life and never ever had a problem with any of them and they were mounted on everything from 308's to 300 whtbys-to 338's in fact I have one that was mounted on 7 different rifles. I have owned 2 Nikon scopes one a 4x and the other a new 3x9x40 monarch(recently purchased) that was a fine clear glass(brighter than a leupold) but the finish(gloss) on the scope tube flaked off where it was attached to the rings, and no the rings weren't misaligned. Yhis has since been returned to BAssproshops and swapped for you guessed it another Leupold.

[herman]

You said they had the scopes you were interested in at the local shop.tell him you want to take them out side and look through them all to make a decission.I did this when I got my first high dollar scope,compared the Nikon monarch with the Lepold,I purchased the Nikon and 5 more of them.

http://www.hunting-pictures.com/memb...ght&encore.jpg

[seattlesetters]

Weight is the last consideration for this scope. I am sensitive to recoil and adding a little weight to the gun is actually not a bad thing. While my shoulder has seen better days, I'm not small (6'1", 215lbs) and I'm pretty strong. In fact, I'm hoping this rifle will weigh between 7-7.5 lbs without the scope, so it gets into the 8-8.5 lb range with glass. Makes the recoil easier to deal with.

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

Edited by - seattlesetters on 01/17/2003 18:25:13

[Turd Fergusen]

I would choose the Leupold,ever wonder why people always compare other scopes to Leupold? They set the industry standards in high-end quality.Plus they're made in the U.S.A. I've had one on a 7mm for 23 years & never had a problem with it. For deer it's 4" high at 100 yards,I can walk the adjustment up & down at any time & it hits where I aim. I also have a straight 12x Leupold on a 220 Swift, I honestly don't know how old this scope is because it was my uncles again no problems walking the adjustments around.

[WV Hunter]

Personally, my preference is Leupold. Nikon does make fine optics also, in fact I'm probably going to buy a Buckmaster scope for my m/l soon. I have a friend that has a few Zeiss, they are very nice, but for the additional $, I don't see much, if any advantages over the others. I don't think you could go wrong, no matter what you choose. Look at all of them, decide what you like/dislike, and how much you want to spend...and you are good to go! (LOL...I know, easier said than done <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>)

You know, its all on how your going to use the scope. I don't think your going to see much difference between the nikons and Leupolds or even ziess. But if need to shoot long range, you might need a scope with adjustable abjective. I say any will suit your purpose with a 338.

[stubblejumper]

My choice would be the ziess.For the same money as the vari x iii you get better optics and a brighter scope.

[PaJack]

Here we go again! I have always put Leupold on my guns but after looking at the Zeiss Conquest that will be the next Q-U-A-L-I-T-Y scope I buy...<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Hunt Safe!

Jack