Advice on a scope
12-13-2008, 04:00 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location:
Posts: 16
Advice on a scope
I know very little about optics and am hoping for some advice. I have a Marlin .35 cal side ejecting lever action rifle that I use for deer hunting. I'm wanting to put a scope on it and was wanting to keep the cost below $250 if possible. Itreestand and still huntwith this rifle and probably won't be looking to make shots greater than 150yds.
Any advice on which scope I should choose?
Any advice on which scope I should choose?
12-13-2008, 04:57 PM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,519
RE: Advice on a scope
I have a Burris Fullfield II in 3x9x40mm on my 30-06 and really like it. I had a Leupold VX-I before that in the same size and had nothing but constant problems and it didn't like to hold zero if you bumped it or anything either. I switched to the Burris and realized how much clearer it is too.
12-14-2008, 07:01 AM
#4
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SW Virginia
Posts: 353
RE: Advice on a scope
hometheatreman,
You seem to take every opportunity to badmouth leupold scopes. I believe that you have had problems with one, but I am sure that given the opportunity, Leupold will do whatever it takes to make it right. You need to get over it, because it makes your opinions on every other topic seem suspect to those who have real experience with leupold. For every dissatisfied leupold customer, there are probably at least 98 who have had trouble free service. A return rate of more than 2% would be death in today's competetive environment.
Let me tell you of my experiences with Leupold scopes (we also have Zeiss and Bushnell on various rifles). Currently, we have 2-VX-I, 4-Vari-x-II, and 2 Vari-X III on various rifles. Not one has given a singleproblem. Since you had a VX-I, let me tell you about one of our VX-I's, a 3x9x40. This scope is on my farm beater gun, a Howa .243, and seldom sees the inside of the house. It lives either in the garage, pickup, oron my ATV. At this time of year, every day for more than 3 months, I run a 2 mile long trapline on my property. The law requires a 24 hour check, so I am out at dawn every day. That rifle with VX-I rides in the open rack on my 4-wheeler, and has for more than 4 years. It sees freezing temps, rain, sleet , snow, mud and plenty of vibration. It has never changed zero, or given any other problem.
Every company has occasional problems, even Zeiss and Swaro. The best companies knock them selves out to provide quality customer service when necessary.
You seem to take every opportunity to badmouth leupold scopes. I believe that you have had problems with one, but I am sure that given the opportunity, Leupold will do whatever it takes to make it right. You need to get over it, because it makes your opinions on every other topic seem suspect to those who have real experience with leupold. For every dissatisfied leupold customer, there are probably at least 98 who have had trouble free service. A return rate of more than 2% would be death in today's competetive environment.
Let me tell you of my experiences with Leupold scopes (we also have Zeiss and Bushnell on various rifles). Currently, we have 2-VX-I, 4-Vari-x-II, and 2 Vari-X III on various rifles. Not one has given a singleproblem. Since you had a VX-I, let me tell you about one of our VX-I's, a 3x9x40. This scope is on my farm beater gun, a Howa .243, and seldom sees the inside of the house. It lives either in the garage, pickup, oron my ATV. At this time of year, every day for more than 3 months, I run a 2 mile long trapline on my property. The law requires a 24 hour check, so I am out at dawn every day. That rifle with VX-I rides in the open rack on my 4-wheeler, and has for more than 4 years. It sees freezing temps, rain, sleet , snow, mud and plenty of vibration. It has never changed zero, or given any other problem.
Every company has occasional problems, even Zeiss and Swaro. The best companies knock them selves out to provide quality customer service when necessary.
12-14-2008, 08:15 AM
#6
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Adirondacks
Posts: 1,305
RE: Advice on a scope
The .35 is a close range cal so it really doesn't need much power.I'd stick with something in the 1-4/1-5 range.I;m another Leupold fan but I don't think they offer low power scopes for under 250.Have a look at what Bushnell offers.
12-14-2008, 08:25 AM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,519
RE: Advice on a scope
ORIGINAL: keyshunter
hometheatreman,
You seem to take every opportunity to badmouth leupold scopes. I believe that you have had problems with one, but I am sure that given the opportunity, Leupold will do whatever it takes to make it right. You need to get over it, because it makes your opinions on every other topic seem suspect to those who have real experience with leupold. For every dissatisfied leupold customer, there are probably at least 98 who have had trouble free service. A return rate of more than 2% would be death in today's competetive environment.
Let me tell you of my experiences with Leupold scopes (we also have Zeiss and Bushnell on various rifles). Currently, we have 2-VX-I, 4-Vari-x-II, and 2 Vari-X III on various rifles. Not one has given a singleproblem. Since you had a VX-I, let me tell you about one of our VX-I's, a 3x9x40. This scope is on my farm beater gun, a Howa .243, and seldom sees the inside of the house. It lives either in the garage, pickup, oron my ATV. At this time of year, every day for more than 3 months, I run a 2 mile long trapline on my property. The law requires a 24 hour check, so I am out at dawn every day. That rifle with VX-I rides in the open rack on my 4-wheeler, and has for more than 4 years. It sees freezing temps, rain, sleet , snow, mud and plenty of vibration. It has never changed zero, or given any other problem.
Every company has occasional problems, even Zeiss and Swaro. The best companies knock them selves out to provide quality customer service when necessary.
hometheatreman,
You seem to take every opportunity to badmouth leupold scopes. I believe that you have had problems with one, but I am sure that given the opportunity, Leupold will do whatever it takes to make it right. You need to get over it, because it makes your opinions on every other topic seem suspect to those who have real experience with leupold. For every dissatisfied leupold customer, there are probably at least 98 who have had trouble free service. A return rate of more than 2% would be death in today's competetive environment.
Let me tell you of my experiences with Leupold scopes (we also have Zeiss and Bushnell on various rifles). Currently, we have 2-VX-I, 4-Vari-x-II, and 2 Vari-X III on various rifles. Not one has given a singleproblem. Since you had a VX-I, let me tell you about one of our VX-I's, a 3x9x40. This scope is on my farm beater gun, a Howa .243, and seldom sees the inside of the house. It lives either in the garage, pickup, oron my ATV. At this time of year, every day for more than 3 months, I run a 2 mile long trapline on my property. The law requires a 24 hour check, so I am out at dawn every day. That rifle with VX-I rides in the open rack on my 4-wheeler, and has for more than 4 years. It sees freezing temps, rain, sleet , snow, mud and plenty of vibration. It has never changed zero, or given any other problem.
Every company has occasional problems, even Zeiss and Swaro. The best companies knock them selves out to provide quality customer service when necessary.
That's what but a bad taste in my mouth for Leupold. I thought I was the only one until I found out another one is having the exact same issues. Then the other one that hasn't had any issues hasn't had the scope long enough to see if it has any. He just got it this year.
My scope when it did work lost zero if you bumped it hard and never was as clear as the Burris. That being said I'm sure some of the Leupold scopes are great as I know a lot of people have had good experiences with them but there are also ones that I've talked to besides me that have had bad experiences.
I'm just saying the Burris was $20 cheaper, works better, and is way clearer. Why wouldn't it be the obvious choice?
Leupold's customer service is great but there is no reason I should have to keep sending it in.
12-14-2008, 09:31 AM
#9
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SW Virginia
Posts: 353
RE: Advice on a scope
I agree, you should not have to keep sending it in. I would call, and if you can not get satisfaction ask to talk to a customer service supervisor, Ask that it be replaced.
Honestly, I have beaten the snot out of that VX-1. I have no doubt that I could pull it off of my 4-wheeler right now and shoot a 1" hundred yard group-right where it's supposed to be. I have done it several times in the past.
Honestly, I have beaten the snot out of that VX-1. I have no doubt that I could pull it off of my 4-wheeler right now and shoot a 1" hundred yard group-right where it's supposed to be. I have done it several times in the past.
12-14-2008, 04:13 PM
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Rivesville, WV
Posts: 3,192
RE: Advice on a scope
I would look for a 4X scope. Or a 2.5X. Shop around. You could find a great used fixed power scope if you are not in a hurry. If you buy a Leupold or Burris you can buy a used scope with confidence. Tom.