| Posted: Mon May 15th, 2006 03:49 AM |
|
1st Post |
Gunrunner
Super Moderator

| Joined: | Thu Feb 3rd, 2005 |
| Location: | Burkina Faso |
| Posts: | 1472 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I shoot factory ammo | | My favorite chambering is:: | Whatever I'm shooting that day |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Thought I'd see if there's a preference for any certain brands of rifle scopes.
I left out the high end gear like Leica and Swarovski and put in the more affordable brands.
Leupold for me.......
____________________ "Get off your computer and go load some ammo"
Welcome to California. Press 2 for English.
|
| Posted: Mon May 15th, 2006 04:01 AM |
|
2nd Post |
Texasdoc
Banned

| Joined: | Tue Apr 5th, 2005 |
| Location: | LaGrange, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 1416 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | No | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I shoot factory ammo | | My favorite chambering is:: | the rifle I paid for with all the money I ... |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Burris is clear and has a great rep so its a bit cheaper to buy then a Loupold is
Doc
____________________ Guard your wallet when I`m around.I steal from everyone I can and lie at every word I speak..I am the ultimate scumbag lying piece of crap.
|
| Posted: Mon May 15th, 2006 05:34 AM |
|
3rd Post |
WildBill
Board Founder

| Joined: | Thu Aug 4th, 2005 |
| Location: | Grand Rapids, Minnesota USA |
| Posts: | 3015 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | No | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I shoot factory ammo | | My favorite chambering is:: | 308 ... |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I know Simmons are cheap, but my Simmon is brighter and clearer the my Leupold. Don't know witch models they are off hand. It could just be a bad Leupold. Both are handgun scopes, I needed more eye relief on my crossbow until I baught a red dot scope.
Bill
____________________ "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
Member http://www.baitshopboyz.com/forum/default.asp
Member http://z6.invisionfree.com/Th
|
| Posted: Mon May 15th, 2006 01:12 PM |
|
4th Post |
greysmoke
Super Moderator

| Joined: | Tue Mar 15th, 2005 |
| Location: | Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
| Posts: | 489 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Id have to go with Leupold, if were talking all-round use.
all the best
____________________ Grey Smoke
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."
-Winston Churchill
|
| Posted: Mon May 15th, 2006 06:28 PM |
|
5th Post |
bea175
Board Founder

| Joined: | Sun Feb 13th, 2005 |
| Location: | Kingsport & Graysontown, VA, Tennessee USA |
| Posts: | 2164 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | 270 Win ... |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Leupold is the one that i have the most of, but you left off the poll, my favorite , Zeiss. I also own Pentax Lightseekers and B&L Elite and Burris FF2 and a couple of Weaver Pistol scopes. I won't put a cheap scope on my rifles. 
____________________
 
|
| Posted: Sun Jul 2nd, 2006 03:10 PM |
|
6th Post |
Blackhat
HB Life Member
| Joined: | Mon Jan 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | New Braunfels, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 207 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I use to buy nothing but Leopold Vari X scopes until I tried a Burris Fullfield for $200 new. I have to say the Burris is clearer and brighter at dusk/dawn and I like the Euro style eye focus. I Don't know how well it will hold up? Time will tell that. I now own two Burris scopes with plans to buy more. I think I am going to try the Signature series next. The only other scopes I am interested in is the Zeiss Conquest series. They are extremely clear! I have a bud who swears by Swarovski. I compared his Swarovski to my Burris one late evening. I was not impressed, though it might have been the way it was focused. I do not have any use for the large objective lens - 50mm and up, like his was. They make you raise your head up off the stock to align with the scope. This is the first step for disaster.
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 4th, 2006 08:43 AM |
|
7th Post |
greysmoke
Super Moderator

| Joined: | Tue Mar 15th, 2005 |
| Location: | Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
| Posts: | 489 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Gents
I see ne mention of Shmidt und Bender?
Its got some following in SA, and i must say, the ones ive used wer good optics and rugged as well.
Do any of you use the brand?
all the best
____________________ Grey Smoke
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."
-Winston Churchill
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 4th, 2006 12:59 PM |
|
8th Post |
Blackhat
HB Life Member
| Joined: | Mon Jan 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | New Braunfels, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 207 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Greysmoke, my gunsmith at one time sold Schmidt & Bender. They are deffinantly high quality scopes for a high price. I personally do not know anyone who uses one. How much do they cost in SA?
|
| Posted: Wed Jul 5th, 2006 11:14 AM |
|
9th Post |
greysmoke
Super Moderator

| Joined: | Tue Mar 15th, 2005 |
| Location: | Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
| Posts: | 489 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Hey Blackhat
id say its slightly cheaper these days than Swarovsi's and Zeiss(aka bloody expensive!!!) but the price climb was recent. In the past we used to pay about the same for a Leupold than a Shmidt und Bender.....
a lot of the older gents that still hunt swear by them, and i must say i like them as well.....
All the best
____________________ Grey Smoke
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."
-Winston Churchill
|
Timberghozt
Board Founder

| Joined: | Fri Feb 11th, 2005 |
| Location: | Texas USA |
| Posts: | 6434 |
| Photo: | [Download] | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | 300 Winchester Magnum ... |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
My favorite is Leupold hands down.I have, Millett,Nikon,and Redfield scopes also but they are not Leupolds.They are good scopes but a Leupold is worth every penny.Thats just my opinion but I can not stand a scope that will lose zero, fog up when I meed it the most in crappy weather or can`t see out of it 30 minutes before dark at the best hunting times.I have never owned a Leupold that has let me down even on heavy recoiling rifles and downright being rough on them in poor weather and prolonged periods of hunting with them...
____________________ "He who fights with monsters might take care, lest he thereby become a monster; For if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - F.Nietzche
|
Poacher
Board Founder

| Joined: | Sun Aug 14th, 2005 |
| Location: | Kansas USA |
| Posts: | 914 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | everything. |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I gotta go with Burris on my side of the fence. I use their Fullfield Ballistic plexs and have had nothing but prais for em. The other one I use is Springfield. I got a good deal on it so I picked it up. The old Bushnells are good but damn hard to find around here nowdays. The Bushnells from the 70's are sought after here pretty hard.
Take care Be safe Poacher.
____________________ I carry my gun because that's the safest place for it.
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 10th, 2006 10:51 AM |
|
12th Post |
greysmoke
Super Moderator

| Joined: | Tue Mar 15th, 2005 |
| Location: | Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
| Posts: | 489 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Hey gents
Poacher, regarding Bushnell, are they all good or are there some models you should steer clear of?
Im asking this cause i baught a Bushnell Banner in 4x32 almost 10years ago, it was dirt cheap comparing other scopes, it did ok, but had some problems with zero shifting. Granted, the rifle had some hick-ups as well that i sorted, but in the process took the Bushnell off and put on a Lynx 3-9x42. Never had problems with the rig everr again.
Should i take the Bushnell out of its box, dust it off and give it a try again on one of my other rifles?
all the best
____________________ Grey Smoke
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."
-Winston Churchill
|
| Posted: Mon Jul 10th, 2006 04:16 PM |
|
13th Post |
billt
Guest
| Joined: | |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I have the most Leupolds but there are some really good scopes to come on the scene lately. I've heard nothing but good about the new Bushnell 3200 and 4200 Elite Series. I also like Burris as well. One scope I have that I really like is an older made in USA Redfield 6-18X. I've got it mounted on my Remington 700 Heavy Barreled Varmint Model in .25-06. It is a very clear, bright scope. I can't say however how the newer foreign Redfields are. Bill T.
This is the Redfield 6-18X
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 11th, 2006 03:58 AM |
|
14th Post |
Poacher
Board Founder

| Joined: | Sun Aug 14th, 2005 |
| Location: | Kansas USA |
| Posts: | 914 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | I load everything! | | My favorite chambering is:: | everything. |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Grey
Most of the Bushnells that I've heard about are the old 70's models that seem to hold together. I personally wouldn't know a 70's model from a 90's so I just pretty much steer clear of em. The only one that I can say I've had great luck with is the Banner .22. I've got it on an old lever action and it drills holes where I want em.
My uncle has a Bushnell on a 30-06 and a 270 that have been there as long as I can remember. Those scopes have been battered and rode in a truck more miles than I have, but , they still drop what he aims at.
Sorry I couldn't answer your question better I just don't have the answer for ya. I think you are going to have to get ahold of some ole shooters that have put many more rounds down range than I have.
Take care Be safe Poacher.
____________________ I carry my gun because that's the safest place for it.
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 11th, 2006 07:25 AM |
|
15th Post |
greysmoke
Super Moderator

| Joined: | Tue Mar 15th, 2005 |
| Location: | Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
| Posts: | 489 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Hey poach
Thanks for the info,
Its no major problem, as i got the 3-9x42 on my working rifle at the moment, so the bushnell is just a extra.
One thing i forgot to mention about the shmidts...in the days of Apartheid and sanctions we got imports to South Africa , Also marked Shmidt und Bender, but made in Hungary....price was less than the german made ones, but some say quality was slightly less than the german made ones, although still good.
____________________ Grey Smoke
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."
-Winston Churchill
|
Yellowstone
HB Pro Staff

| Joined: | Fri Jun 30th, 2006 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 41 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
I like the Leupold because there reliable and some what inexpensive.

____________________ "If I'm not back in 5 minutes, Just wait longer."
|
The_Mountaineer
Board Founder

| Joined: | Fri Feb 4th, 2005 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 715 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | Yes | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | rifle | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
There are a lot of good scopes out there in my opinion. But of the one's I've tried and own, Leupold wins hands down.
I'd rate my favorites as such:
1. Leupold VX II & better
2. Burris Fullfield/Weaver Grand Slam/Sightron SII & above
3. Nikon Buckmaster/Bushnell Elite series & above
Scopes I avoid like the plague are Tasco (Trashco, though the older models weren't bad, before they switched countries for production, Japan-China or China-Japan, I can't remember). I absolutely detest BSA (Bull Shit Aiming device). I wouldn't put it on a BB gun. I've also had terrible luck with Simmons stuff, although the Aetech seems to hold promise but all others are junk IMO.
I'd like to try Cabela's Alaskan Guide series (though they seem a bit pricey). I also would like to try Zeiss, Kahles and Swarovski, though I honestly think they are a bit overpriced - good quality scopes but overpriced.
____________________ Montani Semper Liber - Mountaineers are always free
|
shootingman
member

| Joined: | Sun Nov 19th, 2006 |
| Location: | Aberdare, United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 2 |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Shmidt & Bender Hungary or Germany,are EXACTLY the same in both spec. & quality,the only difference is the retail price, this is due to labour costs as the Hungarian workforce are only paid 20% of the Germans. No other difference what so ever.
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 29th, 2007 03:52 AM |
|
19th Post |
LilMag
Guest
| Joined: | |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | |
| Photo: | | | Are you a handloader?: | | | Favorite type of cartridge to load?: | | | My favorite chambering is:: | |
| Status: |
Offline
|
back to top
|
Gunnrunner, sometime ago around 1957 or perhaps a little before then, I looked through my first rifle scope. It was a 4 power Roy "WEAVER" scope. They were dependable and worked well.
Then in the late 1960's along came the renound "REDFIELD" brand with the {widefield} lense view. This company set a tradition of quality and top notch rifle scope for the money spent. I still have a couple of those rifle scopes downstairs.
Well, REDFIELD fell on hardtimes and quality suffered a bunch! I then went to Leupold (American Company) and have been putting Leupolds on my rifle's every since. Now that is until recently, when I found there was a $100 dollar difference between Leupold's rifle scope and the Bushnell 3200 model. I bought the Bushnell and it seems to be a very good scope for the money spent. I also like that Nikon rifle scope, it beat out the Leupold in a test early this year.
Now for all you first timers looking for a quality scope for a hunting rifle, I just want to say in all honesty, that one does not have to float a loan or put another mortage on your home to by a quality rifle scope that will do you just fine, hunting big game in the wild. There are several very good "working man's" rifle scopes to choose at your local gunstore or order from the catalog. My choices are Leupold, Nikon and Bushnell in that order. 
Last edited on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 03:57 AM by
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 29th, 2007 06:28 PM |
|
20th Post |
wolfkill
Master Ballistician and Handloader

back to top
|
And another reason I voted for Leupold and their low end models is with the lifetime warranty (some guy I know dropped his out of a tree and they fixed it no questions asked ) if you want to upgrade the model you can send it into the customer service department and they will gladly change out the reticle for a different type or install click adjustments etcetera.
You can basically get a whole new (different) scope for around $75.00 depending on what you had done.
At age 53 my eyes are needing more and more help. A new heavy crosshair is an option to help me finish out my hunting life before I leave for the that big safari in the afterlife.
I agree the other glass makers have just as good as glass anymore but for those of you with a Leupold check out the reticle options. And they will inspect for worn parts and purge the nitrogen when they do it obviously.
http://www.leupold.com/hunting-and-shooting/resources/faq/#questionFour
https://secure.leupold.com/customshop/custom_shop.php You may have to register with Leupold to view the custom shop but heres where you can view the reticle choices/changes you can make.
Here's a view through a Schmidt and Bender 8x56mm with heavy cross hair. Plywood is at 75 yards. Bait and ravens around 65 yards. I silhouette coyote /fox at night out of the cabin window. Haaaa...there's something about blasting old yellow tooth at 3 a.m on a moonless, cloudy night in the pitch black.

The digital camera did not focus on the outer edge of the scope but it is my best scope and the edges are cystal clear.
Last edited on Mon Oct 29th, 2007 07:14 PM by wolfkill
____________________ Notice to womenfolk visiting my cabin...the following comments will be ignored:
"There's mice living in my mattress."
"The outhouse is full."
"I smell something dead under the cabin."
http://buckmountainchateau.com
|
| Current time is 10:00 AM | Page: 1 2 3 |
|