Explore Optics...

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Fuzzyinline

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So i went to this gun shop, and was looking at some new optics... and i ran across Explore Optics... just curious, has anyone ever heard of, or had any experience with these? Ive looked on the website, and it says a lot of good things, but i want others opinions.. the other scope im looking at is a Nikon 4x12x5o.... which im leaning more towards, but, im curious about this explore optics... :confused:
 
eXplore appears to be an importer of cheap Chinese-built optics. Unless you have money to burn, I'd pass and stick with Nikon, a brand with a known good reputation.
 
It "says" its made in texas...
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I can make a box and put something from China in it and put a lable on the box that says made in Texas...

My point is, just because it says it's made in Texas, or USA doesn't mean it's made with good parts. Chinese parts assembled in Texas doesn't make it a true Made In USA product...
 
Nikon isn't a "true made in USA" product either.
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Nikon is a Japanese Company that exports optics to the US that are made in Japan. Nikon, like many other foreign companies, may have offices/locations in the states but they are not a US based company.
 
Nikon is a Japanese Company that exports optics to the US that are made in Japan. Nikon, like many other foreign companies, may have offices/locations in the states but they are not a US based company.
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I just returned a new Nikon Omega scope to Gander Mountain. Reason? When I opened the box and took the scope out it was embossed on the bottom of the scope "Made in the Philipines". It went right back to Gander Mountain. I guess they couldn't afford the higher priced Chinese labor rates and moved their product to the Philipines. To be fair, I'm a Bushnell fan. I've shot their scopes since Baush&Lomb started making the Elite series way back when. I recently got a Bushnell scope that said "Made in China" on the bottom. It's gone also.
 
SaltyDawg, you have got to be the FIRST person i have ever heard of saying Nikon scopes are crap... i have always heard Leupold scopes and Nikon scopes are just about the best... if people havent said theyre the best, theyve always said theyre really good... ive NEVER heard anyone say theyre crap.... dunno what kinda crack you smoking... but dang... lol, and yeah, explore optics is about the same... its made in Longview, texas... im sure with chinese parts... sounds pretty reliable and all, im loving the illumination inside the scope, but nobodys ever heard of these... theres no compliments on them, as well as no insults... sooo really, im not trying to be the guinea pig of the company...
 
Leupold and Nikon are respectable optics. But they're nowhere near the best IMO. But the best is usually only known to the LR and tactical community IMO. Your average hunter doesn't really know the name S&B, U.S. Optics, Nightforce, Premier Heritage, and now the Zeiss Hendsolt.
 
I didn't mean any offense by it. Just saying your average Joe doesn't know the name. BTW got my USO for 2240$ ;). As far as nikons being crap goes i don't think they are at all but they need to gain entry in the tactical market. I would like to see what they have to offer. I have 2 nikons they're more clear and brighter than all the leupolds in the gun cabinet to my eyes. I was rather amazed, because my father's vari X III isn't as bright as a nikon prostaff. I know that sounds atrocious but it's true at least in my sight. Dollar for dollar for a hunting scope the zeiss conquest can't be beat IMO. Much clearer and brighter than most scopes around and for less money.
 
Ever wonder why there are so many REfurbished Nikons for sale? Sort of validates my statement doesn't it? You fellows can buy all the Nikon glass you want, Prostaff to Monarch, I'll save my money and buy something that doesn't have to go back to the factory over and over again for Refurbishment. Nikon's are worthless scopes but hey they do at least have a decent but slow warranty department, must be slow from the shear volume.

Fuzzy, if you haven't hear anyone else say this very thing then you a) live in isolation, b) don't shoot much, c) haven't had their porduct fail on you, d) don't know anyone else with one. e) all of the above.
 
... its made in Longview, texas... im sure with chinese parts...
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It would be a very RARE thing for any company to import parts from China and assemble them in the U.S. The labor rate is where the savings is in Chinese made goods. I actually don't know any company importing Chinese parts and assembling them here. I know lots, and lots of companies shipping parts to China and getting them assembled there. Avg. Chinese labor rate is 59cents and hour. Know anyone who'll work for those wages in this country?
 
An unheard-of company doesn't just pop into existence overnight with a catalog of nearly 100 different products. The most logical explanation is that eXplore is an importer.
 
If you are looking at the Nikon 4-12X50 then you should take a look through the Redfield Revolution 4-12X40. I think Redfield has better optics than Nikon but many would argue the other way or say there's no difference. The big difference is that you'll be able to use medium luepold rings and a one piece luepold base with the Redfield and it'll be less expensive. I think it's at least worth looking through one at your local sporting goods store before deciding.
 
Explore optics are made in the United States and constructed in Texas. They are incredibly accurate and high quality optics, for a great price. You pay for quality, not the name. If you're thinking about buying one, don't hesitate.
 
i wouldnt knock the phillipine manufactured scopes.. pretty solid pieces from my experience. a step up from the bargain basement chinese made models.
 
Leupold and Nikon are respectable optics. But they're nowhere near the best IMO. But the best is usually only known to the LR and tactical community IMO. Your average hunter doesn't really know the name S&B, U.S. Optics, Nightforce, Premier Heritage, and now the Zeiss Hendsolt.
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Hunters sure as heck are aware of those brands.

As with most things the law of diminishing returns applies. I'm not cheap, nor am I poor and I happen to own more than a few extremely expensive Canon lenses [more than 2x the $$ you'll spend on even the most exotic rifle scope) for my Canon 1D Mark IV. So, I know and appreciate the qualities of well engineered glass and optics. In photography, it makes a WORLD of difference.

All this said, Nikon scopes aren't crap and while Leupold isn't top of the line in most models, they are more than capable of holding their own considering the price point and that you have to spend considerably more $$ to get an ever diminishing increase in optical performance that really equates to squat when you are hunting or being all tactical and stuff.

Long Range shooting may indeed be a completely different ball game when you are practicing extensively for a match where the optic may make the difference. I don't know as I don't shoot long range competitively.

Edit: OP -Depending on your budget, Redfield, Burris, Bushnell Elite, Leupold, Nikon or some of the more exotic brands would probably be better choices.
 
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Old thread haha. HK i didn't state "hunters" don't know, i stated "average hunters". Your average hunter isn't an enthusiast he just hunts. I honestly believe i could go to both of my hunting camps right now and take a pole and only a handful if any would know of NF, USO, Premier, Vortex, etc. I'm in no way saying it's a bad thing, thats just how it is, or from my experience anyhow. The statement i wrote was a bit overdone i will admit and i apologize if it was taken the wrong way. But that was almost a year ago.

As i said clearly Nikon and Leupold are fine scopes. And there is no defending leupold anymore lol they now have quite the selection of 2500$-3500$ scopes with all the new lines in SHOT this year.

I still stand by my statement on the conquest though. For 500-750$ there is no a better hunting scope IMO. The clarity of glass in the conquest is just astounding when considering the price range.
 
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