<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Poodleshooter:
I'm sure this topic has been beat to death, but then, haven't they all? Anyway, I've always shot using Tasco/Bushnell/Simmons scopes-mostly Simmons Whitetail Classics and 44Mags. I've only looked through a very few of the higer end scopes (Leupold,Burris,Bausch & Lomb,Nikon,Swarovski,etc.)
My question is for those who have used the low AND high end scopes a great deal. Was the price difference between say a Simmons Aetec (around $180) and a Leupold Vari-X III (say $280-350) worth it to you? What do you get for 2-3x more money?
Thanks for your opinions guys.[/quote]
Well first off, the difference between $180.00 and $350 is only slightly less than twice as much...not 3X as much. Having said that, I can say yes it is worth the difference to me. Reasons are:
* $180.00 isn't going to break me, I'm not one to waste money but it isn't that much. If you keep the scope for 20 years, that's about $9.00 a year.
* The optics are better. Do you really need that better optics...well sometimes yes and sometimes no. However, I appreciate excellence in my equipment. I have pride of ownership. To me my firearms are more than a "Tool". Some are pieces of art. You may have a different value system. I also tend to keep my firearms in top shape (appearance and working order). My adult son would prefer to hunt with a firearm that he could toss in the back of the truck with indifference.
* Warranty is different. Leupold for example warrants the scope for life no matter who owns it.
* Resale. If you keep that same Leupold for the same twenty years and your whole family and all of your friends vote for politicians who support the second ammendment to the constitution, given inflation, you will probably be able to sell the scope for what you paid for it in 2000. How much will it have cost you then?
* Reliability. My moto is, buy something you are proud of and meets your needs. Then use it but take care of it. When your chance to go far off on that Big hunt for that trophy, your equipment will be ready to go with you.
Course if the baby needs milk and you can't buy both you have to set priorities that work for you. I've been there too.