Any thoughts on BARSKA scopes??
If there was such a thing as a 1-10 rating for quality, the Barska optics would rate a 1 thru 3.
.Zeiss, Steiner, Swarovski, Schmidt & Bender, March, Nightforce, Leica, Premier Reticle and US Optics are 8's thru 10's.
.Valdada IOR, Trijicon, Leupolds, Meopta, Vortex, some Bushnells, Redfield, Nikon, and Burris are 5s thru 8's
.Weaver, some other Bushnells, Millett, Hawke, Nikko Sterling, Simmons, Sightron, Swift and Tasco are 2s thru 5s... and a few 6s.
.Barska, Konus, BSA, NcStar, et al, are 1s thru 3s... at best.
I'm sure many would argue my, to be honest, subjective ratings (I've certainly not owned all these brands) and would move the brands up and down based on their own impressions... but this gives you a pretty decent idea of the levels of optic quality out there.
When I buy a scope, I decide what I need for the application. Then I look at my budget, then I add at least 25% to what ever my budget is (because it can be a few years between scope buys) and then I look at what's available... and almost always spend at least as much for the scope as I do for the gun.
My last scope buy was a smokin' deal on a Valdada IOR 3-18X42 FFP reticle for $1050.
C