I see lots of "What scope for my ###?" threads and inevitably, they seem tainted by what the LGS has in stock or is pushing. That's OK for the gotta have it today types or need it now set, but I thought I would share some more measured advice.
Which optic:
I've tried to write on this and there are many opinions best left to a different thread. . .
Frankly, I would come up with a clear what you want list first:
- low magnification range
- high magnification minimum
- weight
- form factor - i.e. basic size
- BDC, Turn turrets or Max Point Blank Range methods
- durability factor - safe queen, range, hunting, field sniper, dropping it out of a helicopter(or flight of concrete stairs might happen)
- Optical clarity - daytime (not into sun), hunting (dawn to dusk), night use, in a dark building w/o light
Then try some at the big box store, especially if they will let you go outside or you can look into a dark corner inside. The optical difference mid day is minimal from $200 - $4000, IMHO, but you have to show yourself. Frankly, dusk is a good time to look through an optic out side. Unlike what your eye doctor says, I will tell you to look into the sun. . .or more correctly 10 - 20 deg off direct. That will blurr a crap scope. . .and some high dollar ones too! Anyways, you decide. . .
Price:
So here is the challenge. Optics are pretty much:
(lens quality + mechanicals) x brand name adustment x age of design adjustment x retailer profit adjustment = price
Obviously, we want to minimize profit and brand name markup.
My methods are simple:
1) Sign up for Natchez SS mailing list. . .they have regular good sales, refurbs and demo deals sent to your email.
2) Frequent the Cameraland NY website for demo deals and generally good prices and sales on optics of all types.
3) Sample List. . . SWFA's sample list has tons of optics that have been demo'd and are being resold at reduced pricing.
4) Check MidwayUSA.com. . . .They often have pretty low optics pricing, a coupon code (like $20 off $200) and free shipping.
5) Small retailers - I have had good luck with like a Brunoshooterssupply, etc. They are reputable.
Methods I generally fail with:
1) eBay - Too much risk of FakeoOptic making your Leupold and selling it there, even bouncing it out of a US warehouse making it seem like it is coming from the USA.
2) Buying used - Some good deals can be had, but a 5 yr old $500 optic could be worth $450 or $100. The state of the art in lens grind, glass and coatings changes fast. How will you know? Also, usually the lifetime warranty is gone.
3) Used or not Suggest Retailer on Trijicon or EOTech - These brands are really cracking down on this. That means you could buy a NIB from a non-approved retailer and have the reticle go bad(happens) and be stuck buying a new optic for a mfgr defect.
4) eBay NIB - Tends to sell for full value and warranty coverage is unclear.
Rings, Bases and Scope Covers:
-Save some money for these. . .Rings and bases define zero repeat-ability. When you drop your 10+lb rifle with 3+lb optic, you better have good rings and bases unless you plan to sight it in again beforee you shoot the Elk you are looking at!
- Frankly AR's pretty much require an AR style 1 pc mount. . .I like ADM, but there are cheaper and more expensive. If you are spending $100 on a BUIS, spend the extra for a repeatable return to zero mount. Never put a ring on a handguard. . .Asy yourself, how did I align that to the top rail?? Oh yea, SWAG method! It will bend/mark your scope likely.
- Scope caps - You need to keep your optics clear in the field and you don't want to be spitting on them and wiping with a likely dirty cloth. You just paid $100's for the coating you are now grinding on! Optics are cleaned with IPA and a soft/clean qTip and light pressure, or clean air.
-
So, this is definitely incomplete advice based on my limited experience. What is your experience/advise?
Which optic:
I've tried to write on this and there are many opinions best left to a different thread. . .
Frankly, I would come up with a clear what you want list first:
- low magnification range
- high magnification minimum
- weight
- form factor - i.e. basic size
- BDC, Turn turrets or Max Point Blank Range methods
- durability factor - safe queen, range, hunting, field sniper, dropping it out of a helicopter(or flight of concrete stairs might happen)
- Optical clarity - daytime (not into sun), hunting (dawn to dusk), night use, in a dark building w/o light
Then try some at the big box store, especially if they will let you go outside or you can look into a dark corner inside. The optical difference mid day is minimal from $200 - $4000, IMHO, but you have to show yourself. Frankly, dusk is a good time to look through an optic out side. Unlike what your eye doctor says, I will tell you to look into the sun. . .or more correctly 10 - 20 deg off direct. That will blurr a crap scope. . .and some high dollar ones too! Anyways, you decide. . .
Price:
So here is the challenge. Optics are pretty much:
(lens quality + mechanicals) x brand name adustment x age of design adjustment x retailer profit adjustment = price
Obviously, we want to minimize profit and brand name markup.
My methods are simple:
1) Sign up for Natchez SS mailing list. . .they have regular good sales, refurbs and demo deals sent to your email.
2) Frequent the Cameraland NY website for demo deals and generally good prices and sales on optics of all types.
3) Sample List. . . SWFA's sample list has tons of optics that have been demo'd and are being resold at reduced pricing.
4) Check MidwayUSA.com. . . .They often have pretty low optics pricing, a coupon code (like $20 off $200) and free shipping.
5) Small retailers - I have had good luck with like a Brunoshooterssupply, etc. They are reputable.
Methods I generally fail with:
1) eBay - Too much risk of FakeoOptic making your Leupold and selling it there, even bouncing it out of a US warehouse making it seem like it is coming from the USA.
2) Buying used - Some good deals can be had, but a 5 yr old $500 optic could be worth $450 or $100. The state of the art in lens grind, glass and coatings changes fast. How will you know? Also, usually the lifetime warranty is gone.
3) Used or not Suggest Retailer on Trijicon or EOTech - These brands are really cracking down on this. That means you could buy a NIB from a non-approved retailer and have the reticle go bad(happens) and be stuck buying a new optic for a mfgr defect.
4) eBay NIB - Tends to sell for full value and warranty coverage is unclear.
Rings, Bases and Scope Covers:
-Save some money for these. . .Rings and bases define zero repeat-ability. When you drop your 10+lb rifle with 3+lb optic, you better have good rings and bases unless you plan to sight it in again beforee you shoot the Elk you are looking at!
- Frankly AR's pretty much require an AR style 1 pc mount. . .I like ADM, but there are cheaper and more expensive. If you are spending $100 on a BUIS, spend the extra for a repeatable return to zero mount. Never put a ring on a handguard. . .Asy yourself, how did I align that to the top rail?? Oh yea, SWAG method! It will bend/mark your scope likely.
- Scope caps - You need to keep your optics clear in the field and you don't want to be spitting on them and wiping with a likely dirty cloth. You just paid $100's for the coating you are now grinding on! Optics are cleaned with IPA and a soft/clean qTip and light pressure, or clean air.
-
So, this is definitely incomplete advice based on my limited experience. What is your experience/advise?