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Top 5 best & worst rifle scopes
I'm looking to replace one of my rifle scopes and was wondering what everyones top 5 best and top 5 worst rifle scope brands are.
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depending on your budget--i would consider a Leupold--very good scope and not real pricey--
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5 worst ?
Bad luck is one thing, but 5 ? Is this an IQ test !?!? |
bsa deer hunter rifle scopes keep things interesting...but when ya get bored with all that, get a burris.
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5 best
Schmitt and Bender Zeiss Kahles Leupold Mark4 (best buy for the money) Swarovski Z6 (overpriced) 5 worst Tasco (the worst, anything produced by mead) Simmons Pine Ridge BSA Burris Low End Bushnells, (not the Bausch and Lomb Elites) |
Budget is the determining question. If you can swing it, a Zeiss Diavari 3x12x56 is going to be hard to beat. The best medium price scope,IMHO, is the Bushnell 4200 Elite. The $100 specials are usually the bottom of the barrel.
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Tops in my book are: Swaro Z6, S & B Summit (new model), Zeiss Diavari, U.S. Optics, Premier Heritage Tactical models, and Nightforce NXS. Bottom models include BSA, Barska, ATN, Tasco and any Wally World bubble pack special.
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dollar for dollar I would say Leupold VX-II, I have them on almost all my shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders
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The best are easy to determine, but only if there are cost limits. Swarovski, Leupold, Zeiss, and several others come to mind.
The ones that I would not buy are: Simmons BSA Burris Tasco any lower priced Bushnell |
Originally Posted by bigcountry
(Post 3538600)
5 best
Schmitt and Bender Zeiss Kahles Leupold Mark4 (best buy for the money) Swarovski Z6 (overpriced) 5 worst Tasco (the worst, anything produced by mead) Simmons Pine Ridge BSA Burris Low End Bushnells, (not the Bausch and Lomb Elites) I've had several issues with the Leupold I have as well as 2 other friends I know that have Leupolds whom have also had problems with theirs. Once you send it in they are good about taking care of it but none of them seem to hold up. None of us have had issues with Simmons nor Burris scopes. I've not had issues with Tasco's either but I know some do. No way I'd say they are the worst scopes and especially not Burris. |
Originally Posted by hometheaterman
(Post 3538948)
I've had several issues with the Leupold I have as well as 2 other friends I know that have Leupolds whom have also had problems with theirs.
I have used dozens of these scopes over the years without a failure of any kind. I also have friends that have Leupolds and none of them have ever had any problems of any sort. I think the better Leupolds start with the VX II line, with the lower models (like the one you had) not being considered very good for the money. |
You get what you pay for. There is a box in our attic that has 14 unserviceable scopes in it. There are a couple of old Weavers that just got worn out after 30-40 years. There are a couple of cheap Bushnell and a couple BSA scopes. One is a Simmons that was used on a muzzleloader for a few years. Another Simmons died after about one year: It worked great until one day it went haywire and i missed a hog at 40 yards. Had a Nikon ProStaff on another muzzleloader for about four years but it also went bad. No more cheap scopes for this guy.
i like fixed power scopes. Beginning a few years ago my cheap scopes were gradually replaced with Zeiss 4X and 6X scopes as well as Leupold FX II 4X and FX III 6X scopes. |
Originally Posted by hometheaterman
(Post 3538948)
I disagree with this. I love my Burris and it's by far my favorite scope I've had. Leupolds included although I've never had a Mark 4. I've also never had any issues with Simmons scopes although not usually as clear as Burris.
I've had several issues with the Leupold I have as well as 2 other friends I know that have Leupolds whom have also had problems with theirs. Once you send it in they are good about taking care of it but none of them seem to hold up. None of us have had issues with Simmons nor Burris scopes. I've not had issues with Tasco's either but I know some do. No way I'd say they are the worst scopes and especially not Burris. I mean no offense, but it sounds like your experience with all is little limited. I have had well over 15-20 loops. Like I said, no offense. |
i dont get why so many people hate burris. they arent on par with leupold but they are still ok for the money.
top 5 kahles schmidt bender ziess march swarovski if they were still made steiner would be on this list to bottom 5 pine ridge tasco leapers ncstar konus |
I use Burris (signature select level - just as a FYI, there are two higher quality levels) on all my bolts !
One of the biggest bangs for your buck, if anyone says otherwise, IMO they don't know "what" they are talking about. Unless, you need to spend $2,000 to play. In which case, loupy's don't even rate. For those independent thinkers; http://www.chuckhawks.com/overview_burris_optics.htm |
Originally Posted by Big Uncle
(Post 3539004)
Having read some of your many posts about your poor opinion of Leupold based on your experiences with the cheap Leupold model, it appears your quest is based on a small amount of experience with the broad line of these scopes.
I have used dozens of these scopes over the years without a failure of any kind. I also have friends that have Leupolds and none of them have ever had any problems of any sort. I think the better Leupolds start with the VX II line, with the lower models (like the one you had) not being considered very good for the money. I moreso am saying I don't agree with Burris being one of the worst. In fact I'd rather have one than more Leupolds. There are others like Zeiss or Swarovski I'd much rather have than a Leupold if I was going to start stepping up and and spend a ton of money like you would with one of the high end Leupolds. I also don't think Simmons is one of the worst either. I don't think it's great by any means but don't think it's one of the worst either. I think Leupolds are probably fine as long as you get a higher end one. I just don't think I'd get one when there are those others in that price range. I also don't think they should charge $250 for a scope that sucks either. I'm not sure I want to deal with a company that does that. |
Originally Posted by Sheridan
(Post 3539497)
I use Burris (signature select level - just as a FYI, there are two higher quality levels) on all my bolts !
One of the biggest bangs for your buck, if anyone says otherwise, IMO they don't know "what" they are talking about. Unless, you need to spend $2,000 to play. In which case, loupy's don't even rate. |
Originally Posted by Sheridan
(Post 3539497)
One of the biggest bangs for your buck, if anyone says otherwise, IMO they don't know "what" they are talking about.
------------------------------------- In which case, loupy's don't even rate. I have seen Simmons and the cheaper Bushnell scopes fog up internally in tough conditions. What is a loupy? |
Originally Posted by Sheridan
(Post 3539497)
I use Burris (signature select level - just as a FYI, there are two higher quality levels) on all my bolts !
One of the biggest bangs for your buck, if anyone says otherwise, IMO they don't know "what" they are talking about. Unless, you need to spend $2,000 to play. In which case, loupy's don't even rate. For those independent thinkers; http://www.chuckhawks.com/overview_burris_optics.htm Ok, lets separate the field here. Sure, the once a week rifle hunter, will be serviced fine with philp glass on a burris. No doubt. That the same hunter would do the same with a 200 dollar bushnell elite 3200 or even better served. Why does burris feel the need for a posi-lok? With correct errector design, anybody in optics knows its not needed. And who is the manufacture so stupid to put a posilok on a target scope? I know. How much errector movement can you get from from your signature (target turret) scope compared to a simular target turrent mounted loopy? I know the difference on comparitive 6.5-X loops and signature. I have had the both. How far can you move the recticle on a signature before you start getting nonlinear results? I know on both leupolds and burris. Lastly, I guarantee you, a person with a burris signature can't complete a optics box test and end up back to where they started. But I know for a fact I can on a M4. Or even a Vari-X 6.5-20 target. |
Big Country,
Maybe you're right ! I am a once a week hunter. Maybe if a hunted every day (I assume that means for a living) I would buy Zeiss or Swarovski as a PH. In the meantime, I have put hundreds of rounds through all my bolt action rifles (including a 7MM Rem Mag & a .338 Win Mag.) all wear the same Burris Signature Select 4X-16X 44mm and I have never needed to re-zero, other then switching back and forth from 75 gr V-max to 90 gr scirocco with my .243 (just lucky I guess). Lastly, I have compared all the major brands "in my price range" and my scope is; clearer, brighter, crisper and I like the ballistic plex reticle better then any other out there and it illuminates. No telling: I just read a post from someone who said they would never spend another penny at Cabela's, and I swear by them...................???? |
Originally Posted by Big Uncle
(Post 3539890)
What is a loupy?
I really like the VX-II and VX-III models. Many buddies and family with Leupolds that have never failed either. Other than that I would recommend the Zeiss mid to upper end scopes. The original poster needs to at least tell us what his budget is so that people posting opinions is in the ballpark. |
Originally Posted by pnut
(Post 3542936)
The original poster needs to at least tell us what his budget is so that people posting opinions is in the ballpark.
It would be interesting to see what people recommend for different price categories and at what $$ point they think you get a substantial upgrade in scope quality and reliability. |
Best:
Nightforce ziess swor's loopy's and I would add Nikon they have always been great for me Worst: trashco/tasco BSA simmons no experience with any others |
there are more deer killed with the scopes that are on the worst 5 lists every year then with all the high priced scopes you guys have listed. bottom line is buy what ever you can afford and works for you. another stupid thread. i know guys that can kill a deer at 400yds with a 50 dollar scope,but i know way more that have 400.00 scopes that are lucky to kill one at 50yds.
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Originally Posted by srwshooter
(Post 3545820)
there are more deer killed with the scopes that are on the worst 5 lists every year then with all the high priced scopes you guys have listed. bottom line is buy what ever you can afford and works for you. another stupid thread. i know guys that can kill a deer at 400yds with a 50 dollar scope,but i know way more that have 400.00 scopes that are lucky to kill one at 50yds.
The poster didn't ask if he could kill with a 50 dollar scope. |
ok, that i've had my best luck
best burris swift bushnell nikon simmons worst tasco leapers bsa weaver loopy,out of them all i've seen more friends buy loopy scope and not like them then any other brand. i've seen 3 different 3x9's that didn't have enough power at 100 yds on 9x to see bullet holes in a white target. over priced over rated . |
removed by RD
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First Burris is the best scope out there that you don't have to spend an arm and a leg for (zeiss, swarovski, schmitt and bender....) leupolds are alson good scopes don't get me wrong but I'd take a burris over a leupold. Also ya'll hate on burris but say all these good things about redfields fyi the guy who started burris was the guy who made redfields. and redfield is also back in the scope business just to let ya'll know
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Originally Posted by Huntin' for Food
(Post 3546753)
and redfield is also back in the scope business just to let ya'll know
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best
US Optics Zeiss Kahles Leupold Nightforce worst BSA (been screwed again) Barska Tasco Bushnell Leatherwood |
Originally Posted by Ron Duval
(Post 3546622)
Funny guy. Many Navy guys have a good sense of humor. This is a joke, right?
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Originally Posted by falcon
(Post 3539170)
i like fixed power scopes. Beginning a few years ago my cheap scopes were gradually replaced with Zeiss 4X and 6X scopes as well as Leupold FX II 4X and FX III 6X scopes.
I'm a little surprized nobody has mentioned IOR / Valdada scopes. I have 6 x 42mm. Love it. http://usaoptics.net/iorvaldata8x56.html |
Originally Posted by bigcountry
(Post 3540011)
Interesting. Ok, for the 400-500 dollars you pay for a burris signature, you could get a Leupold.
Ok, lets separate the field here. Sure, the once a week rifle hunter, will be serviced fine with philp glass on a burris. No doubt. That the same hunter would do the same with a 200 dollar bushnell elite 3200 or even better served. Why does burris feel the need for a posi-lok? With correct errector design, anybody in optics knows its not needed. And who is the manufacture so stupid to put a posilok on a target scope? I know. How much errector movement can you get from from your signature (target turret) scope compared to a simular target turrent mounted loopy? I know the difference on comparitive 6.5-X loops and signature. I have had the both. How far can you move the recticle on a signature before you start getting nonlinear results? I know on both leupolds and burris. Lastly, I guarantee you, a person with a burris signature can't complete a optics box test and end up back to where they started. But I know for a fact I can on a M4. Or even a Vari-X 6.5-20 target. wouldnt own a leupold again.had a vx1 and it was like looking into a bucket of mop water.wont spend anymore on their fancy models either.im planning on a vortex diamondback or a nikon buckmaster.and i do hunt more than a few times a year and its not a fancy pampered trip.do you hunt?maybe YOU can afford the fancy stuff,but putting down scopes because of a name or price isnt fair.and frankly i think your opinion sucks come on down to our budget then compare,infact come on to oregon and hunt on my budget,aint no fancy lodges or gun bearers,ya gotta do it yourself |
I like my vx3 put it on 5 different rifles and it shows but it works like new,my zeiss is in the box sold the 300 win it sat on have not replaced it yet,I have 3 nikons in use right now and like them a lot,my 6-18 has been on 4 rifles and has fired thosands of rounds works great 3-9 is on my black diamond black powder and works great in the bush in low light,the 3-12 monark is on a 270 700 that works in all conditions and for a 300 yard coyote its sweet. Had a few bsa ,got a sweet 17 in a box right know they a lot of fun to play with but the glass sucks for hunting,never had much luck with any bushnell there arector system is not for me tasco and simone are the same never had much luck with them.
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I've never had trouble with bushnell. Had many the 2 I got now work great ones a older sportview on my 22 and a banner on my 50 cal bp and haven't had no problem in 3 years. I can't afford no 5 or 600 dollar scope reall 200 is tops and I hate puttin that in one. I love my older redfield tracker 3x9 that's on my 270. But my top 5 are nikon burris leupold redfield and vortex. The only bad ones I've used are simmons and tasco never again.
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Originally Posted by jdhogg
(Post 3647779)
wouldnt own a leupold again.had a vx1 and it was like looking into a bucket of mop water.wont spend anymore on their fancy models either.im planning on a vortex diamondback or a nikon buckmaster.and i do hunt more than a few times a year and its not a fancy pampered trip.do you hunt?maybe YOU can afford the fancy stuff,but putting down scopes because of a name or price isnt fair.and frankly i think your opinion sucks come on down to our budget then compare,infact come on to oregon and hunt on my budget,aint no fancy lodges or gun bearers,ya gotta do it yourself
I am not putting down scopes because of name or price. I specifically gave reasons. You did not. Anybody that would be dumb enough to buy a Vx1 deserves to get crap. You bought it for name. Didn't you? For the guy who sets his scope to 100-200 yards and goes out 5 days a year, anything will work, even your POS buckmasters. Even open sights. But if you want to use the target turrets of a scope, you have to count on accurate recticle adjustment. The original poster didn't ask what is the best for my budget. They didn't ask, what could I get by with in Oregon. Why do so many people take it so personally? Buy what you want. I am an optics engineer. I appreciate good optics. I appreciate good coatings. If someone was a gun engineer, wouldn't they appreciate top notch machining? |
I like my Leupold vari-x lll's.
Aside from those, it is hard to beat those Bushnell elite scopes. For the money, they are damn good. |
Anybody that would be dumb enough to buy a Vx1 deserves to get crap. You bought it for name. Didn't you? Not to mention that when you get into Leupolds upper in line, while they are better, you can still get a lot better scope for the same money from one of the other companies. I see you mention tracking and how the Leupolds pass a box test better than most other scopes, but it's funny because a lot of the guys that actually put scopes through their paces in this area don't seem to be too fond of Leupold, and often recommend staying away from them. Look over on Snipers Hide and see what the general opinion of Leupold is. Or Optics Talk. The only people that like Leupold, are the ones that haven't used something better. |
Originally Posted by hometheaterman
(Post 3686337)
Any company who sells a $210-300 scope depending on the magnification should put out a quality scope. Not the piece of **** they call the VX-I. Burris doesn't have a problem putting out a great scope in the $2-300 price range, nor does Vortex, nor does Sightron, or Bushnell with their Elite series, and the list goes on. Sorry, but while the VX-I may be one of Leupolds cheaper scope (not the cheapest) there is no excuse to put out crap in that price range. That's also the price range that most people are going to want a scope in, so that's where they really need a good product to show the customers how great of a product they put out. I mean honestly, how many guys do you know with a $500+ scope. I don't know any in person, although I've talked to a few online that claim they do. I know several guys that own $200 scopes, but that's about the limit of what most of them are willing to spend.
Not to mention that when you get into Leupolds upper in line, while they are better, you can still get a lot better scope for the same money from one of the other companies. I see you mention tracking and how the Leupolds pass a box test better than most other scopes, but it's funny because a lot of the guys that actually put scopes through their paces in this area don't seem to be too fond of Leupold, and often recommend staying away from them. Look over on Snipers Hide and see what the general opinion of Leupold is. Or Optics Talk. The only people that like Leupold, are the ones that haven't used something better. You buy one VX1 for one of your what 2 guns and now you want all to listen and follow your every advise. I mean seriously man. I can't comment on what other folks so, I can only comment on my experience. Why should I change when I have such good luck with them? When I am trying to make 500 yard shot, and I move up 5MOA, I hit 5MOA high and hit my target. Believe me, when I was younger, I had all those banners, 8pts, pine ridges, even tascos, and weavers. None of them survived. I bought my brother a 204 and told him I would set it up. He insisted he wanted that VX1 and he would pay for it. right off the bat, right in the store, I could look thru it, and some basic scope tests and knew it was garbage. Glare was aweful, resolution sucked. I told him, I would reconsider, but he said he wanted it. These are basic tests that anyone can do in the store. You just happen to leave with it without doing these tests. If any of my long range scopes do not pass the box test and return to zero, they get either sent back or most likely sold very quickly. I mean look at burris, that company is so dumb they put a posilock on a target turret signature scope. How dumb can a company be? Speaking of which, I have had a black diamond 30mm tactical and signature series, and both would not track corretly. So tell me what is your experience with target scopes? Which ones do you own? |
BC
Cut to the chase; Which $200 to $300 scopes do YOU recommend ? |
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