One trick I use when I’m shopping for scopes is to send my wife off somewhere in the store and then make sure she notices me checking her out through the scope. She’ll feel special enough for a bit and will ignore that I went $500 over budget.
In 1967 I bought my first big game rifle for my 21st birthday from Clark Brothers in Warrenton, Virginia. I was going to graduate from the University of Virginia and the world was my oyster, so I wanted a rifle to hunt everything and everywhere. They sold me a Remington 700 BDL in .30-06 with a 2x-7x Leupold Vari-X II using a Redfield Jr. mount. What fantastic advice for a novice big game hunter with only years of Jack O'Connor articles for experience. I still have that scope today on a 1978 Ruger in .30-06 and I have taken 30 elk and I don't recall how many deer with it. I thought I wanted a Redfield scope at the time, but they convinced that that Leupold was as good and cost $5 less, which was actually serious cash for a college student in those days. There are lots of good scopes out today, but I have stayed with Leupold for the past 54 years on my big game rifles and have never been sorry.
Who doesn't have a high regard and great appreciation for honest, common sense person with a pleasant approach? Yet is as hardy and tough as they come. Add years of hands on working experience and you have Ron Spomer. Got to love this guy. We need more like him.
I've had a Bushnell Banner on a .30-06 since 1998. I shoot, at least, 3 animals a year and sometimes as many as 6 and I shoot about 100 rounds a year through that rifle to get ready for hunting season. I have had zero issues with that scope moving around. A long time ago (1981), I went to school for TV, Stereo, and VCR repair and I was told by my instructor that when it came to quality of equipment, price didn't matter, "you didn't have to buy the most expensive Hi-Fi if your ear couldn't tell the difference between that and a JVC Hi-Fi set unless you just want to show off". Same with TVs today. If you can't see the difference between HD and 4K, why spend the extra money? Same with firearms and scopes IMHO. If I can shoot sub-MOA with a Mossberg 100ATR and a Bushnell "Dawn to Dusk" scope, what is a $6,000.00 rifle and a $4,000.00 scope gonna do better? Will it drag the animal out of the woods and load the it on the truck? Because that's what it'd have to do for me to spend that much on it.
Its not only about budget. What i noticed here in hunting over Europe is that old money guys tends to act very practical and dont care about most expensive and most modern. I cant speak about NA but in Europe, ppl act the less money they have they spend on expensive equipment that does not make any difference.
@@charlessexton1719the Leupold Freedom series are way past their price point plus their lifetime warranty and customer service (I’ve never had to use it😊) is said to be fantastic…Vortex warranty and customer service is also great (I’ve had to use it over the years…but they totally and quickly took care of my issues)…I recommend both 👍👍👍
@@bisleyblackhawk1288the freedom series is junk lol. Sounds like some heavy bias there, optically they are very similar to the vortex Crossfire line but cost 3x as much
I have several Leupold VX-III scopes, a VX2 rimfire, an FXII, a couple of Zeiss & a Schmidt & Bender PMII. All have been 100% reliable, capable of "shooting the box" & have good to superb optical properties. I'd far rather "buy once, cry once" than maybe save a few hundred £ & have a scope let me down at a critical moment.
I just bought a Steiner m7xi, it's not quite a Schmift and Bender PMll but I will say the tracking is superb and the optical quality is fantastic. That said I agree with the buy once cry once way of thinking
I have a Leupold VX-freedom 3-9x40 on a 6.5 creedmoor, that the turret springs were bad from the get-go…. But I didn’t know it, because I didn’t know you could do tests like the one Ron had mentioned. I’d put about 200 rounds through the rifle and groups were a mess. Sent it back to Leupold for $12 insured by USPS via their instruction. Said if they couldn’t fix it or I wasn’t happy they’d send a brand new one of equal value. They rebuilt the whole inside, and the thing works like a champ. Customer service was great. Bought a Leupold 4-14x44 with CDS this year for a 30-06 and have had no problems.
Hunting and collecting guns for about 60 years now and the only name on my guns is Leupold! When I buy a used gun with a scope on it I donate to someone who wants a free scope because I have missed some of the biggest game in my life by not having a Leupold scope on my gun!
Hi from Australia Ron. I subscribed to your channel 4 months ago. Sir you give such practical no nonsense information without all the BS, ie straight to the point. Thanks for speaking my language and a credit to you for sharing your wealth of information.
After spending a good amount of 💰 on scopes; as well as trading back and forth. “Eye Relief” is a big feature many scopes don’t offer; unless you pay for it. Consumers get caught up on glass quality; when the feature that comes with already great glass quality is the need for “long eye relief”. I have to say I bought a Leupold last year over a similar Vortex model (since I already had a similar vortex model to the leupold model) for another 300 win mag rifle. The “eye relief” was HUGE. I found out what I was paying for in the Leupold. I’m sold on Leupold; a life long purchase and actual featured qualities. (Plus it’s much lighter that my Vortex brands). Great video! Keep em coming!
@@JS-uy8wc absolutely, for the money. I bought a Leupold VX-5. Expensive yes. But the eye relief on my weatherby mountain light rifle kicking 180 grain bullets makes it so I didn’t have to crowd the scope. Scope bite was a problem for my vortex. Plus the glass is excellent, adjustments superb, and Leupold backs it 100% for life. I’m actually budgeting to put one on my other 300 win mag Winchester model 70 because I liked it so much. I highly recommend that scope and brand. Plus, the scope I much lighter than other brands with the similar features. Eye relief was noticeable immediately.
Leupold for the win! If you buy Vortex you will be using that lifetime warranty a lot and also at the expense of that once in a lifetime animal you missed out on!
The Bushnell Banner that came with my .22-250 is clear and really great for is price tag honestly. I get 1/2" groups @100 yds out of that rifle with one of the cheapest optics, nothing wrong with that!
I've been using a Redfield 2x7x32 scope on my 30-06 for 50 years. It's never failed me. It was top of the line in its day. Now I see scopes selling for more than the rifles they're mounted on.
All good info Ron, For hunting my experiences have shown: 1) in the selection process only consider the worst possible day of hunting it has to perform on. Nothing like being in the bush a week and when that moment arrives condensation has rendered your optic unusable… 2) the KISS principle applies. In many cases extra abilities either add weight, complexity or potential failure points and all add cost. 3) on variables the low number is more important. Low magnification with a wide field of view is vital, if you need more due to range you likely have time to dial it up. Run out of dial, get closer…beats a narrow field of view due to a higher minimum magnification. 4) the cost of quality is negligible given the value of reliability. if it has a gold ring (Leupold) you’ll likely die of old age before it fails to perform, and in the unlikely event it does their service is tops. I’m enjoying your videos, thanks.
Hard to go wrong with a Leupold. In more than 40 years of shooting and hunting I have never seen one fail and they have done everything I have asked them to. Nikon was also good but they no longer make scopes. I keep a Nikon 4x on hand to test rifles and loads. Unless you get over 200 yards 4x is all you need for hunting. Even on my variables I rarely take them off 4x. Optics like scopes are things many make more difficult than they need to be.
I inherited my late fathers Remington Model 721 (30/06) made in 1949 with a swift scope (4x32) he had on in 1979-80. I cdecided to use it for an elk hunt in an arera he always wanted to go elk hunting in. I had never fired the rifle I worked up a load for a 180 grain Nosler Partition that shot a .509 group off the bench at 100 yds and a group of less than 2 inches (if I remember correctly) at 300 yards. I did not get an elk But it was a great trip anyway.
One point left out, make sure reticle and dials are the same measure, ie both MOA or both Mil. Many come with a few reticle choices so look into the purpose of each one and choose one that suits you best. As a general rule I'd recommend moa/mil over BDC style reticles. If you can, buy on sale, you can get some great deals. I had my scope 6 months before I found the rifle for it. Don't break the bank but get the best quality you can afford 👌. Ps. If it's a short range/woods gun go for a lower magnification, lighter scope. No need to be able to see the moon of you're shooting 100 yards.
Mounted a fourteen dollar Bushnell scope on my Remington 700 in 222 cal. back in early 1980s.That scope is still on that rifle today and never has been touch. Always been careful and respectfully especially with my firearms. H.Riener
Redfield revolution 3x9x50 accu-range retical $220..on my 1992 Ruger m77rs 270 winchester...they are made in USA by Leupold on the same one as the mark 4..with Leupold glass... excellent scope...super clarity..contrast.. brightness and positive turret clicks...never lost zero
Quality is never overvalued. I have a simple 2.5 power lightweight Leupold on an AR that replaced an Athlon variable scope of similar cost (not to complain about Athlon-they have all tracked great and had accurate ranging focus, so I use them on rimfire rifles). The Leupold’s clarity makes it easier to see targets at two hundred yards (brown cardboard against dirt and clay) than with the Athlon at twice the power or more.
I second that. I have a Predator on my AR. Super simple reticle with the ACSS horse shoe, chevron and a simple post with marks for holdover out to 600 yards. A couple circles for range finding. I really don't need the traditional reticle lines, especially the vertical one. My dad's BAR has a Weaver scope that only has three posts, two horizontal and one vertical. They don't quite meet in the center. So, it is not precise enough for target shooting, but it is awesome for big game. Points very naturally. Between the two of us, we have killed dozens of deer with it.
My scope preferences are Leupold, Redfield (gone), Nikon, Bushnell... in that order. I am liking the 2-7 power scopes more lately, even 1-4 is ok too for some applications. Several of my scopes are 3-9x40mm. I rarely use 9X. My shooting distances are almost all 75 yards or less. Once in a while I will possibly have a shot 100-200 yards.
Outstanding presentation! I have spent most of my adult like (I’ll be 70 next year) working either in gun stores or in the sales field for many of the companies in the hunting/firearms business. Among the optics companies were Burris (when Don was still alive), Redfield, Weaver, Steiner, and Zeiss. Your information should be viewed by everyone BEFORE purchasing any scope. You have covered much more than the basics, you have provided supremely valuable information (including looking through the scope as it is getting dark, not at high noon)! In any case, my sincere compliments on a job well done. I have also subscribed to your channel.
I have a 3-9x40 Leupold, and a 3.5x10-50 Vortex Diamondback. The eye relief of the basic Leupold absolutely dominates the vortex. I won’t say cortex are bad at all, but mine came on a rifle that I only paid $300 for total. I’ll only spend money on a Leupold though.
You should’ve used “thingies” and “doohickies.” I love you man.😄 A couple years ago my local Sportsman’s was selling the discontinued Leupold 2-10x42mm Long Range with HD lenses for $399 regularly $799. These thingies were small, light and exceptionally clear, so I picked up 2 and I’m still happy for my fortune.
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Ron, which would you choose between Z5 and VX5HD . Based on optical quality alone? I’ve got a Z5 and looked through a buddies VX5 and I swear the Z5 is leaps and bounds ahead
@@andypanda4927 I have a VX3i 4.5-14 and I’m selling it, doesn’t come close to Swarovski quality. Can’t speak on the older models but apparently they were way better
@@Marcusb338 The older Leupold's were very clear. I bought a 12X 42 with an adjustable AO in 1976 and put it on my 22 250. It's still very clear all the ways to the edges.
One thing in your 'check the movement without shooting' segment: remember that if the right arrow is for point of aim, then the reticle may be moving the opposite direction when you dial right. That is why on "one shot zero" you move the reticle to the bullet hole, or center of a group, you've shot while keeping the gun still at original point of aim. If you use the "click" method, you would dial the scope the number clicks up/down and right/left from the hole to aiming point. I generally use the click method because I shoot off a single point rest and the gun is hand held otherwise. So if bullets are hitting 2 inches left and 3 inches low, I would dial the number of clicks up and right to bring the bullet path and sight picture together. All of your points are excellent as usual.
My brother has a $2000 nightforce and I have a $4000 zero comp. The nightforce is amazing in every way, but the crazy amount of detail you can resolve with super premium glass is outstanding.
Great comparisons. Without trashing any brands or manufacturing locations, you've given us more info than all the manufacturers ads on the web. Thanks!
My backyard is a cornfield. Every day a few minutes before sunset when the light starts to go, deer will cross the field for about a 10 minute slow crossing, usually 7-10 of them. The best look I've ever gotten at them was thru a Leupold.
This is a great lesson for all folks owning scopes or just ready to by one. Mounting the scope is highly important, too. Rings and torque on the screws. Great video!
I’ve been using Schmitt and bender fixed power scopes 6x42 and 8x56 30 mm tubes and meopta variable scopes mine are 3-10-44 25 mm tubes both brilliant scopes , but I’ve had a Burris 3-9-40 eliminated dot ff2 it’s about 15 yrs old and it still works as good as when I bought it new , I think there’s too many bells on some of these scopes today the only thing is useful is a eliminated dot or crosshairs makes it easy to pick up on especially in low light and the dark , many thanks Ron 👍
Are you serious!!! I totally disagree!!! I would love to have a pet with my guns. I think he would be a nice addition (when he isn’t blocking my view). Honestly I think a family of guppies would be absolutely perfect!!! Now who makes a water tight scope???
@@danielcurtis1434 priceless bloody priceless. Just my luck i will buy a scope with a gold fish as advertised and discover i purchased a tiger shark instead.
My (now discontinued) Bushnell Elite LRTS 4.5 - 18 x 44 has an illuminated G3 small "Xmas tree" reticle and thus I don't need to dial except to sight it in. The quality is Very high for the under $1,000. price I paid. But also look a SIG Sierra 6 scopes. WOW, the tech! This scope sits on my 6.5 PRC Browning X-Bolt Pro in Talley rings for longer range hunting here in Nevada.
Dont forget the mounts and rings. I put everything I have into Talley one piece mounts. One less connection point to loosen up. Every screw gets blue loctite and gets torqued with fat wrench. As far as scopes, I've found entry level leupolds and Burris do well holding zero. Might not be the best, but I've never had one wander.
funnily enough i have had the exact opposite experience to you. ive had two leupolds and a burris all of which crapped out on my 30-06. I dont mean didn't hold zero i mean the internal lenses on the scope misaligned themselves and went blurry
Dr Ed you are right on have been using Leupold for 58 years and nothing better for the price and if you have to go cheap go Burris.I am speaking after owning over 500 scopes over the years. Even though Leupold has the best warranty, the one you don’t have to us is the best not like the other major scope company in the US I know!
Thanks for important tips and information regarding optics. Just as shooters/hunters are loyal to a particular cartridge and rifle, optics are also included. I know it’s true for myself. It’s great there are a wide range of quality optics available as price comes into play for most. Continue to eagerly await your videos. Thanks again!
What are you doing with it, and where are you doing it also matters. Weight is a big factor for me. Durability, weight, clarity, mechanics in that order. I hunt where 300 yards is on the top end of distances and a rare shot. Mostly though, shots are under 75 yards. Leupold VX3HD 1.5 x 5 Is what I settled on for my last purchase. Great picture, lightweight, great FOV, and generous eye box. Love it
Years ago I bought a cheap BSA scope. Since then, I’ve bought two NightForce, two Swarovski and one Smith & Spender. I only regret buying BSA scope. The last scope was a Swarovski DS and I just love it. My opinion is that you should buy a good high quality sight and not buy a cheap one.
Another piece of glass that is over looked is a good set of binoculars. For years I have used modest priced binos and thought that there wasn’t any reason to spend the extra money. As I’ve aged and my eyes have gotten worse I finally invested in a better set of glass. Just got a Leica Ultravid HD and could not be happier. My eyes don’t get as tired,everything is much clearer at distance and first light.
the last scope I purchased was for my CZ 457 22lr. They had 2 that fit my requirements at the shop and I spent quite a bit of time looking through them. I ended up with a 3-9 x40 as the clarity was a marked improvement over the 4-12X40. Two different brands but the lower magnification scope had superior optics as least in my opinion
Great information. Last week we were sighting in 3 scoped rifles I have 2 brands of scopes. I agree with your comments on scope adjustments. I have a great scope from 30 years ago that moves EXACTLY 1/4 INCH per click @ 100 yards. I have another brand that clams to move 1/4"/100 but it has never been able to accomplished that. It's nice, it's accurate but not a target scope. Another great video, glad I found the channel.
Luckily, I've never had a scope go out but I know that Leupold has a good service department. I wanted a different reticle on a Leupold scope a few years ago and they swapped it out and had it back to me in less than 2wks! Perfect workmanship and done quickly, can't beat that!
When I bought my CDS Leupold I put in all the info for my custom dial, caliber, grain, brand, etc. I had accidentally put “165gr Federal,” within a day of submitting the info a reply called me to verify information and asked if I meant “165 mgr Federal Fusion” in the orange box. Blew my mind how quick they were on it and the effort to actually get the correct information and not just put whatever the customer wrote down.
A few years ago I went to trade a rifle to a dealer at a gun show. It had a Bushnell scope. He wouldn't consider giving me anything extra for it. He told me that the only scopes that he pays extra for on trade are Nikon and Leupold. Since then they have been the only scopes I have purchased.
Great info as always, your videos are an "acid test" on checking my knowledge! I can't say I know something without the abililty to teach it with confidence, and you remind me that there is always more to learn and know.
I discover new things each time I post a video and read these comments. We're all in this together and can/should learn from one another. I'm always thankful to viewers who provide more info or correct any of my mistakes.
Great information. I have my Pop's old KMart Marlin glenfield, along with the original scope, it was probably a blue light special buy. The best thin crosshair i know of, dead accurate
A wise man once said “ only a rich man can afford to buy cheap glass” and he was right. In 40 years of shooting I’ve found that all the cheap glass I’ve bought never lasted long. It was moved on quickly. You can have a cheap scope with goodish glass OR with reasonable mechanicals BUT not both. The cheapest scope I had that did have both was a Leupold VX3 4.5-14 x 50 with varmint Bdc ret. Great scope for hunting. Nothing cheaper was any good. My best scopes include a S&B PMII and Nightforce NSX plus a Bushnell elite tactical DMR. All 100% reliable and with great glass.
Great tips Ron, but I would suggest people don't test optics too far above their budget as it may be disappointing when they settle for what is affordable. I have Swarovski Binoculars which are so great at capturing light and giving amazing clarity and contrast that when I put them down I feel like I need to turn them off. Hard to believe it is just great optics doing all that work. I don't yet have a scope or a rifle for that matter, but when I do I will likely be shelling out for a Swaro scope, and would hold off until I could afford / justify the purchase.
Meopta …….. exceptional contrast, resolution, low light gathering, mechanical repeatability, durability. Best scope quality at a moderate price point. Don’t skimp on a scope, if you can’t acquire, identify, and accurately hit your target….. then there’s no point. In many ways it’s more important than the rifle.
Yep the Meopta R2 2,5-15x56 is as good as the Swaro Z6i and Zeiss V6 for bad Light Conditions and cost 300 less than the Zeiss and 700 less than the Swaro / for the price of the Swaro you can get a Zeiss HT wich i think is the best when it comes to really bad Light Conditions But the Meopta is a great Value for the Money no doubt
I have a couple of Meopta Meopro scopes. I bought them because Savid Petzal recommended them but unfortunately haven’t used them enough to say how good they are. I like the fact that the use European glass and are assembled in the USA.
Meopta is one of the biggest and most modern Optic Manufacturer in Europe / the R1 was good but the R2 is way better the R2 is a real Premium Optic for a good Pricepoint
The R1 hunting series Meopta scopes are decent midprice pick. The Optika6 series are mechanically great but i wasnt happy about the optical quality. I own a Steiner Ranger 3-12x56 that i am happy with but i want to upgrade to a Zeiss Victory HT 3-12x56 eventually. Unbelivable quality, best hunting scope you can buy today in my opinion.
@@lobster8009 jep the R1 Was decent the R2 series is way better and the newer have paralaxe adjustment (way better optical and the Illumination is also much better / it is like if you look trough a Zeiss V4 and then trough a HT) but youve said it the Zeiss HT is simply the best it is less expensive than the v8 but better
I thought that I'll never find another good quality channel like Paul Harrel. But by mere mistake I ended here. You sir are pure gold. Greetings from Argentina. (sorry for the bad english)
I started with low cost variable power scopes and all of them had issues with holding zero. I have since moved to fixed power 6x42 scopes. I have both Leupold FXIII and Schmidt Bender Hungarian 6x42 mounted on 270's, and both scopes are rock solid, having held zero for over 4 years now. I do prefer the A7 reticle in the Scmidt Bender. All you need to know is your bullet ballistics and have a range finder. With that, you can shoot with confidence out to 500 yards. If I was shooting very long distance, I would spend the extra money on a first focal plane variable power scope so no ballistics adjustments are needed when zooming in on target.
I dont make a lot of money. But ive alqays been a big fan of Simmons scopes. My favorite 1 is the Simmons 3-9×40 long range mildot. O have paired up with my Ruger American in 308 win. Been a great scope and holds zero withiut any issues no matter how many shot i take. Great video. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the next 1.
@Bill32H-it3sv every shot I take with any firearm I own is within 100 yards. So an affordable optic thay has good clarity for me is perfect. That's why I use Simmons scopes on .out of my rifles.
2 names that matter, Burris, Leopold. Awesome scopes, can't go wrong. My favorite are the discontinued signature series light collector scopes by Burris, have 5 of them.
Great vid by Ron. Your comment is interesting to me as I've had many scopes over the years, mostly European but three USA scopes - a Leupold VX1 in 3-9x40 and a Burris Fullfield 11 in 3-9x40. To me, these are worlds apart. The Leupold is an old design with the ocular bell turned in its entirety then secured with a locking ring for diopter adjustment. I found the eye relief on that scope to be tiny and hated it. Sold it after a few weeks. In contrast, the Burris turns the entire ocular for magnification and has a more modern, independent diopter adjustment. It's also built like a tank and the light transmission is second to none. That's a scope I will never part with. The third was a Zeiss Conquest, again 3-9 x 40. Fantastic. Sold it to buy a Kahles Helia, but in truth, there was nothing between them.
Got in my copy of P.O. Ackley's book Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders after you mentioned it in one of your last videos. I'm excited to start on it. I spent an hour last night looking through his load data in the back
Good information as always Ron. Things i look for in a scope is the same as you taught us but think you forgot 2 important things. 1. Eye relief, if your planing to put that scope on a heavy recoil rifle like a lite 300 magnum, be shure that you have plenty of eye relief. Some scopes are good at the lower zooms but tend to be more narrow at top zooms. Beware of that blue eye 2. Weight. Some new scopes are heavy! If your planning to use your rifle on the mountains and do a lot of hiking, I'm looking for a lighter scope, Leupolds are always lite for example. But if your most shooting from stands or from pods it doesn't matter that much. A lighter rifle with a heavy scope can be top heavy and hard to shoot with in my opinion.
I have a Marlin bolt action 243 win with a Sight mark 1-4x24 AR -223. It is not the most expensive set up but it has served me well for deer hunting and coyotes out to 250 yards.
Kind'a have to agree about all so much emphasis on the amount of light coming through. As long as the light is decent, clarity & contrast carry the most weight in my choosing the scope. Save your money and find a good one, there are plenty to choose from.
I think the bushnell banner u mention were still baush and laumb made in Japan Way back when cause the only banners I came across where junk made in China all kinds if issues But the good old weaver K6 never failed me for cheap. Just a beautiful strait 6 duplex nothing more needed for hunting up to 300 yards. Great info still yet to check tracking on a target scope I better get on that thank you sir you are an asset to all shooters 👍👍👍
Thanks Ron for this very very good review on scope characteristics....I like watching all your videos and hearing your exhaustive comments. One thing to add to this, is probably the rubber seals and gas filling inside of scopes in order not to get foggy inside thus preventing blur vision. I am sure you would speak about it....- Michel from Canada
Talk about scopes is one thing.. How to shoot with a scope is another thing when the target is moving, Second your scope rings,third what mounts you intend to mount.I seen so many city people out here can't hit the broad side of a barn!
Think the most I ever paid for a scope was around $600 bucks. Some of the most effective ones I have mounted on my rifles average about $300. Several good manufacturers have always delivered for me when outfitting my rifles. It's like anything else though. You can always pay more, but you won't always get better.
As always Ron, another great informative video. If I may chime in, you have to be happy with what you can afford, for me in 1974 it was a 2.5 power Weaver with a post, it was on my H&R Topper 158 30-30.. 1979 I bought my first Model 70 used, it had a 3X9 Armsport, I replaced it with a Leupold VX-1 3X9X40 and that scope is still on the gun today!! Buy what you can afford and be happy. Also Mounts play a big role, I'm a RedField man, Rings and base. I've always said, you can spend more, but you won't get better than a Leupold.. Just my opinion..
A one piece tub and etched radical are high on my list. I tend to use lower powered scopes 2 x 7 as I like a wide field of view for shooting a moving target. My rule on price is to be willing to spend as much as the price of the rifle if necessary to cover all requirements possible. I also re-use scopes that are keepers before shopping for a new one when possible...
Ron thanks for the great information on scopes I,learned my lesson years ago when I missed a deer with the cheap scope I had on it also think of the money you save on ammo because it won’t get off track as often once you set it in
I was 2:18 into the video before I realized the building behind you in the trees wasn't a small pond. Hilarious. Yeah, me great deer hunter. Nothing gets by me lol. Good review Ron. Being a deer and hog hunter inside 150yds here in the Piney Woods of east Texas, just about any scope in the $150 - $250 price range is plenty good. Each shooter is different.
Can't tell you how many hogs I've shot at 600 to 1000 yards here in the Piney Woods of East Texas lol I had 750 acres leased that bordered a 17k acre WMA that's loaded with pigs. I used to get truck loads of spoiled feed from my local feed mill. We'd make piles at different places out in the surrounding pastures and sit in the back yard and cook out and glass for pigs out to 1500 yards or so lol I have a Bushnell Forge 3-24x56 and on a well lit night, you don't even need a light.
I’ve had Bushnell , Sightron , Nikon, Burris , Redfield , Zeiss, Leupold … and a K-Mart All Pro that actually wasn’t too shabby that sat atop my very first Marlin .30-30 rifle when I was just a kid . Now , I hear that Redfield scopes are manufactured in the same plant as Leupold , using the same glass and internal components ( perhaps minus the additional multi layer coatings that they give the leupolds ) and same housing with slightly different cosmetics and features with Redfield badging , making it a bargain scope at a lesser cost than a Leupold . I’ve come to the conclusion years ago that the Leupolds are the best value for the money . Meopta is a European scope manufacturer that makes quality glass , and a lot of people don’t know that many big name rifle scope manufacturers buy their glass from Meopta and use it on their scopes . Bushnell uses Bausch & Lomb quality glass . Nikon and Burris are very reasonably priced offering excellent quality as well . Everyone has a budget, and these days , good quality scopes are all very competitive, the higher price doesn’t always give the better product that’s for sure .
I follow what the experts use. There is a guy who reports on what competitors use in competition shooting. In recent years, Vortex and Night Force are heavily favored. I have both. I also did a lot of research independently.
@@klesmer I've probably had them for eight years now. I'm retired now. Back in the day I worked lots of overtime. No way I can afford to buy them now. Leopold makes quality products but no way they compare to Swarovski. Happy hunting.
@@robertmattern2078 I am in the same boat sortof. I am retired and a widower so things are tight. Fortunately I stocked up on Nikon and Leupold when I was still working so I am in good shape in that respect. Maybe I will treat myself and buy a Zeiss or Swarovski while I am still able to shoot.
It is funny in Usa. Many people have 10 rifle but they dont have money to have a decent scope with those .If you have put 1000 $ to good rifle .You should put the same money for a good scope also. If you want to get best off it .Scope 300$ is always made poorly in China .And your rifles potential is lost completely .
Swarovski make very clear scopes but for your money go with the VX6 Leupold the draw more light and they also have a lifetime warranty which Swarovski doesn’t! There is a reason the US military snipers us Leupold!
In my experience, the best budget scope ($400-1000) will be a Vortex offering. Fantastic guys that love their customers and shooting sports and support them big time with an unbeatable warranty. They are also one of your best offerings in the mid tier range from $1000-2300. The Viper and Razor lines are fantastic. Night Force is another solid brand in that price range. I haven’t ventured to buy scopes more than that personally, but I’ve been really impressed by the offerings I’ve handled from Zeiss, Swarovski, and Schmidt and Bender. I’d avoid Sig for anything other than their higher end LPVOs. Leupold has also been good to me in the past, but I prefer Vortex and the Vortex reticles. There are tons of good options out there though depending on application.
I have went through a lot of binoculars as a part time guide fishing ( looking for feeding birds ) looking for fish busting topwater..I bought vortex binoculars and have never had one problem with them..bought vortex rifle scopes for that reason
Has nobody else ever noticed how spongey the vortex turrets are?! Personally, for a mid tier scope, leupold is better than vortex in every aspect and typically, equivalent scopes between vortex and leupold, leupold will be a better scope for maybe only $100 more. Don't get me wrong, I have a couple vortex scopes, a pair of their binos, and actually really like their range finders, but I wouldn't trust their scopes on my hunting rifles or my SHTF rifles
@@chadillac95 I disagree. I like the Vortex Viper line MUCH more than the Leupold VX-3HD line. While I do like the CDS lock more than the vortex shim locks, the glass is so much better in my vortex it isn’t even funny. I’ve run just about everything, and I keep coming back to them for my hunting setups. Leica makes great stuff and so does Zeiss, Nightforce, Swarovski, and a slew of others, but I keep finding myself comfortable with the Razor and Viper HST/PST for my hunting distances (500yds max shot.)
Love the warning to not look directly at the sun with a scope. I honestly believe there are people out there driving vehicles on our roads that needed that warning. Scary.
I have always had a general rule of thumb, that I will start out looking at $150-$200 scopes. Then I figure what the average length of my shot might be. If 90% of my shots will be around 150yards or less, I'll spend around the $200 range. If I am going out west and want a new scope, then if I think I might shoot 300-400 yards, then I start looking at $300-$400 scopes. So it basically spend $1 for every yard I think I might be shooting. After 40+ years of hunting, this formula has worked out well for me.
For years and years I've shot Leupold VX-II about the best quality I could afford. Recently I acquired a VX-III and I was really surprised with the higher optical quality when shooting the II and III side by side.
love my trijicons 2.5 x 10 x 56mm from close range on brush gun to used them out to 500 yards , sig tango 1x6 are great on ar's . everyday woods gun less cost nikon 2.5x 10 x 50mm all those 15 20 30 power adjustable turrets and or battery power scopes $5000.00 plus gave those up years ago lol. if you can't get within shooting range 500 yards or so,, "just let it go" wait for a closer day lol
Great video with useful info. Thanks for sharing! Your authenticity is my favorite part of the presentation. You actually seem to care, and your passion for sharing shows.
I personally won't walk into the field without a Leupold scope. I have Leupold scopes that have been made in 1974 to current. All perform flawlessly. My optics are for hunting, so I don't desire high magnification. I have 2x20mm, 2.5x20mm, 4x28mm, 2-7x28mm, 2-7X33mm, 3-9x40mm, 3-9x42mm and 3.5-10x40mm scopes across my Leupold scopes. Yes I'm a Leupold fan boy for good reason. I've used Leupold's full lifetime warranty a few times and the experience has been stellar.
We have a plethora of quality budget rifle’s available today (that well exceed their price point even what was offered a dozen years ago…Ruger American and Savage Axis are just two, as well as others) as well some pretty good budget scopes…technology has proceeded quickly over the last couple of years and TH-cam videos especially from Cyclops Joe can be trusted IMHO 👍👍👍…thank you Ron for your content 😊😊😊
I was shopping for a scope and the seller guided me from the cheapest and heaviest Meopta to Kite to Kahles to Zeiss to Leica and when I was looking into the Swarovski my wife stopped by and adviced me to buy the scope I really wanted and not the one I want to buy in a few years so I bought the Swarovski and this autumn I shot a moose at 275 yards. I’m sure I would have shot the moose with the Meopta scope as well but I do like the clarity in the Swarovski.
One trick I use when I’m shopping for scopes is to send my wife off somewhere in the store and then make sure she notices me checking her out through the scope. She’ll feel special enough for a bit and will ignore that I went $500 over budget.
I tried that one time but all I could see was a goldfish
Huh. Funny. All I saw was the middle finger.
Excellent i would apply too
I can't send mine off she wants one too
👍👍👍👍👍🤣🤣🤣
In 1967 I bought my first big game rifle for my 21st birthday from Clark Brothers in Warrenton, Virginia. I was going to graduate from the University of Virginia and the world was my oyster, so I wanted a rifle to hunt everything and everywhere. They sold me a Remington 700 BDL in .30-06 with a 2x-7x Leupold Vari-X II using a Redfield Jr. mount. What fantastic advice for a novice big game hunter with only years of Jack O'Connor articles for experience. I still have that scope today on a 1978 Ruger in .30-06 and I have taken 30 elk and I don't recall how many deer with it. I thought I wanted a Redfield scope at the time, but they convinced that that Leupold was as good and cost $5 less, which was actually serious cash for a college student in those days. There are lots of good scopes out today, but I have stayed with Leupold for the past 54 years on my big game rifles and have never been sorry.
Clark Brothers is still in business, great gunstore
60 years o some of my guns and still going strong! Only name in scopes I use on hundreds of rifles I have owned through collecting and hunting
Who doesn't have a high regard and great appreciation for honest, common sense person with a pleasant approach? Yet is as hardy and tough as they come. Add years of hands on working experience and you have Ron Spomer. Got to love this guy. We need more like him.
Thanks for those kind words of support, Minifarm.
I've had a Bushnell Banner on a .30-06 since 1998. I shoot, at least, 3 animals a year and sometimes as many as 6 and I shoot about 100 rounds a year through that rifle to get ready for hunting season. I have had zero issues with that scope moving around.
A long time ago (1981), I went to school for TV, Stereo, and VCR repair and I was told by my instructor that when it came to quality of equipment, price didn't matter, "you didn't have to buy the most expensive Hi-Fi if your ear couldn't tell the difference between that and a JVC Hi-Fi set unless you just want to show off". Same with TVs today. If you can't see the difference between HD and 4K, why spend the extra money? Same with firearms and scopes IMHO. If I can shoot sub-MOA with a Mossberg 100ATR and a Bushnell "Dawn to Dusk" scope, what is a $6,000.00 rifle and a $4,000.00 scope gonna do better? Will it drag the animal out of the woods and load the it on the truck? Because that's what it'd have to do for me to spend that much on it.
Some Ppl make $10,000 in a week Some in a month Guess it depends what your budget is
Its not only about budget. What i noticed here in hunting over Europe is that old money guys tends to act very practical and dont care about most expensive and most modern. I cant speak about NA but in Europe, ppl act the less money they have they spend on expensive equipment that does not make any difference.
I agree
@@charlessexton1719the Leupold Freedom series are way past their price point plus their lifetime warranty and customer service (I’ve never had to use it😊) is said to be fantastic…Vortex warranty and customer service is also great (I’ve had to use it over the years…but they totally and quickly took care of my issues)…I recommend both 👍👍👍
@@bisleyblackhawk1288the freedom series is junk lol. Sounds like some heavy bias there, optically they are very similar to the vortex Crossfire line but cost 3x as much
I have several Leupold VX-III scopes, a VX2 rimfire, an FXII, a couple of Zeiss & a Schmidt & Bender PMII.
All have been 100% reliable, capable of "shooting the box" & have good to superb optical properties.
I'd far rather "buy once, cry once" than maybe save a few hundred £ & have a scope let me down at a critical moment.
I just bought a Steiner m7xi, it's not quite a Schmift and Bender PMll but I will say the tracking is superb and the optical quality is fantastic. That said I agree with the buy once cry once way of thinking
I have owned a couple of Leupold VX-III and they are very nice, no issues whatsoever.
Ron is always entertaining to watch and I always learn something from him. He's a TH-cam gem fora lot of us.
I have a Leupold VX-freedom 3-9x40 on a 6.5 creedmoor, that the turret springs were bad from the get-go…. But I didn’t know it, because I didn’t know you could do tests like the one Ron had mentioned. I’d put about 200 rounds through the rifle and groups were a mess. Sent it back to Leupold for $12 insured by USPS via their instruction. Said if they couldn’t fix it or I wasn’t happy they’d send a brand new one of equal value. They rebuilt the whole inside, and the thing works like a champ. Customer service was great. Bought a Leupold 4-14x44 with CDS this year for a 30-06 and have had no problems.
Hunting and collecting guns for about 60 years now and the only name on my guns is Leupold! When I buy a used gun with a scope on it I donate to someone who wants a free scope because I have missed some of the biggest game in my life by not having a Leupold scope on my gun!
Scopes are one of those tools that once you find your flavor, its hard to change. Been using Burris for over 30 years now and couldnt be happier.
I'm the same way with vortex
Hi from Australia Ron. I subscribed to your channel 4 months ago. Sir you give such practical no nonsense information without all the BS, ie straight to the point. Thanks for speaking my language and a credit to you for sharing your wealth of information.
Many thanks, Rayzar!
After spending a good amount of 💰 on scopes; as well as trading back and forth. “Eye Relief” is a big feature many scopes don’t offer; unless you pay for it. Consumers get caught up on glass quality; when the feature that comes with already great glass quality is the need for “long eye relief”. I have to say I bought a Leupold last year over a similar Vortex model (since I already had a similar vortex model to the leupold model) for another 300 win mag rifle. The “eye relief” was HUGE. I found out what I was paying for in the Leupold. I’m sold on Leupold; a life long purchase and actual featured qualities. (Plus it’s much lighter that my Vortex brands). Great video! Keep em coming!
I too am looking for a scope for a 300 WBM. Do you mind sharing which specific model you selected?
@@JS-uy8wc absolutely, for the money. I bought a Leupold VX-5. Expensive yes. But the eye relief on my weatherby mountain light rifle kicking 180 grain bullets makes it so I didn’t have to crowd the scope. Scope bite was a problem for my vortex. Plus the glass is excellent, adjustments superb, and Leupold backs it 100% for life. I’m actually budgeting to put one on my other 300 win mag Winchester model 70 because I liked it so much. I highly recommend that scope and brand. Plus, the scope I much lighter than other brands with the similar features. Eye relief was noticeable immediately.
@@HikeHuntHaul Thank you for sharing.
@@JS-uy8wc Glad I could help. 😃👍🏻 Be safe and enjoy.
Leupold for the win! If you buy Vortex you will be using that lifetime warranty a lot and also at the expense of that once in a lifetime animal you missed out on!
Wow! I’ve never heard half that much about scopes! Thanks Ron!
The Bushnell Banner that came with my .22-250 is clear and really great for is price tag honestly. I get 1/2" groups @100 yds out of that rifle with one of the cheapest optics, nothing wrong with that!
I've been using a Redfield 2x7x32 scope on my 30-06 for 50 years. It's never failed me. It was top of the line in its day. Now I see scopes selling for more than the rifles they're mounted on.
Old USA made Weavers are still good and you can find them on eBay.
i can vouch for that...i've had a Redfield Wideview Accutrac 3x9 on my Weatherby Mark v 7mm both built in 1971...never wandered off zero ever
That seems like really small eye relief with low power?
All good info Ron,
For hunting my experiences have shown:
1) in the selection process only consider the worst possible day of hunting it has to perform on.
Nothing like being in the bush a week and when that moment arrives condensation has rendered your optic unusable…
2) the KISS principle applies.
In many cases extra abilities either add weight, complexity or potential failure points and all add cost.
3) on variables the low number is more important.
Low magnification with a wide field of view is vital, if you need more due to range you likely have time to dial it up. Run out of dial, get closer…beats a narrow field of view due to a higher minimum magnification.
4) the cost of quality is negligible given the value of reliability.
if it has a gold ring (Leupold) you’ll likely die of old age before it fails to perform, and in the unlikely event it does their service is tops.
I’m enjoying your videos, thanks.
I have a leupold, vortex, and nikon. Never had any problem with them 👍
Hard to go wrong with a Leupold. In more than 40 years of shooting and hunting I have never seen one fail and they have done everything I have asked them to. Nikon was also good but they no longer make scopes. I keep a Nikon 4x on hand to test rifles and loads. Unless you get over 200 yards 4x is all you need for hunting. Even on my variables I rarely take them off 4x.
Optics like scopes are things many make more difficult than they need to be.
Nikon is vortex now so not all is lost.
I've seen top of the line leupolds fail
I inherited my late fathers Remington Model 721 (30/06) made in 1949 with a swift scope (4x32) he had on in 1979-80. I cdecided to use it for an elk hunt in an arera he always wanted to go elk hunting in. I had never fired the rifle I worked up a load for a 180 grain Nosler Partition that shot a .509 group off the bench at 100 yds and a group of less than 2 inches (if I remember correctly) at 300 yards. I did not get an elk But it was a great trip anyway.
One point left out, make sure reticle and dials are the same measure, ie both MOA or both Mil. Many come with a few reticle choices so look into the purpose of each one and choose one that suits you best. As a general rule I'd recommend moa/mil over BDC style reticles.
If you can, buy on sale, you can get some great deals. I had my scope 6 months before I found the rifle for it. Don't break the bank but get the best quality you can afford 👌.
Ps. If it's a short range/woods gun go for a lower magnification, lighter scope. No need to be able to see the moon of you're shooting 100 yards.
Mounted a fourteen dollar Bushnell scope on my Remington 700 in 222 cal. back in early 1980s.That scope is still on that rifle today and never has been touch. Always been careful and respectfully especially with my firearms. H.Riener
Redfield revolution 3x9x50 accu-range retical $220..on my 1992 Ruger m77rs 270 winchester...they are made in USA by Leupold on the same one as the mark 4..with Leupold glass... excellent scope...super clarity..contrast.. brightness and positive turret clicks...never lost zero
Quality is never overvalued. I have a simple 2.5 power lightweight Leupold on an AR that replaced an Athlon variable scope of similar cost (not to complain about Athlon-they have all tracked great and had accurate ranging focus, so I use them on rimfire rifles). The Leupold’s clarity makes it easier to see targets at two hundred yards (brown cardboard against dirt and clay) than with the Athlon at twice the power or more.
Way Too Much Emphasis is on scopes to see MARS WITH !!!
I'm a big fan of the Leopold 1.5-4 lpvo for a similar reason very clear with amazing eye relief compared to my vortex and Bushnell scopes
I've been a big fan of the primary arms glx. Especially the 4-16x50. The features, tracking and optical quality are unmatched at it's price point.
I have a Primary Arms that has really impressed me as well.
I second that. I have a Predator on my AR. Super simple reticle with the ACSS horse shoe, chevron and a simple post with marks for holdover out to 600 yards. A couple circles for range finding. I really don't need the traditional reticle lines, especially the vertical one. My dad's BAR has a Weaver scope that only has three posts, two horizontal and one vertical. They don't quite meet in the center. So, it is not precise enough for target shooting, but it is awesome for big game. Points very naturally. Between the two of us, we have killed dozens of deer with it.
My scope preferences are Leupold, Redfield (gone), Nikon, Bushnell... in that order. I am liking the 2-7 power scopes more lately, even 1-4 is ok too for some applications. Several of my scopes are 3-9x40mm. I rarely use 9X. My shooting distances are almost all 75 yards or less. Once in a while I will possibly have a shot 100-200 yards.
Outstanding presentation! I have spent most of my adult like (I’ll be 70 next year) working either in gun stores or in the sales field for many of the companies in the hunting/firearms business. Among the optics companies were Burris (when Don was still alive), Redfield, Weaver, Steiner, and Zeiss. Your information should be viewed by everyone BEFORE purchasing any scope. You have covered much more than the basics, you have provided supremely valuable information (including looking through the scope as it is getting dark, not at high noon)! In any case, my sincere compliments on a job well done. I have also subscribed to your channel.
Thanks Raymond. And happy birthday.
I really like this channel. A lot of good info on it.
I have a 3-9x40 Leupold, and a 3.5x10-50 Vortex Diamondback. The eye relief of the basic Leupold absolutely dominates the vortex. I won’t say cortex are bad at all, but mine came on a rifle that I only paid $300 for total. I’ll only spend money on a Leupold though.
The diamondback is a terrible scope for that reason. It was my first scope and it sucked.
You should’ve used “thingies” and “doohickies.” I love you man.😄
A couple years ago my local Sportsman’s was selling the discontinued Leupold 2-10x42mm Long Range with HD lenses for $399 regularly $799. These thingies were small, light and exceptionally clear, so I picked up 2 and I’m still happy for my fortune.
I'll try to remember technical terms like thingamajigees next time!
@@RonSpomerOutdoors Ron, which would you choose between Z5 and VX5HD . Based on optical quality alone? I’ve got a Z5 and looked through a buddies VX5 and I swear the Z5 is leaps and bounds ahead
Saw a Leupold 3X9 50mm (think it was 50mm, anyway) for $320. Beautiful clarity and wanted to grab, but . . . Leupold still have a good rep?
@@andypanda4927 I have a VX3i 4.5-14 and I’m selling it, doesn’t come close to Swarovski quality. Can’t speak on the older models but apparently they were way better
@@Marcusb338 The older Leupold's were very clear. I bought a 12X 42 with an adjustable AO in 1976 and put it on my 22 250. It's still very clear all the ways to the edges.
One thing in your 'check the movement without shooting' segment: remember that if the right arrow is for point of aim, then the reticle may be moving the opposite direction when you dial right. That is why on "one shot zero" you move the reticle to the bullet hole, or center of a group, you've shot while keeping the gun still at original point of aim. If you use the "click" method, you would dial the scope the number clicks up/down and right/left from the hole to aiming point. I generally use the click method because I shoot off a single point rest and the gun is hand held otherwise. So if bullets are hitting 2 inches left and 3 inches low, I would dial the number of clicks up and right to bring the bullet path and sight picture together.
All of your points are excellent as usual.
My brother has a $2000 nightforce and I have a $4000 zero comp. The nightforce is amazing in every way, but the crazy amount of detail you can resolve with super premium glass is outstanding.
Great comparisons. Without trashing any brands or manufacturing locations, you've given us more info than all the manufacturers ads on the web. Thanks!
My backyard is a cornfield. Every day a few minutes before sunset when the light starts to go, deer will cross the field for about a 10 minute slow crossing, usually 7-10 of them. The best look I've ever gotten at them was thru a Leupold.
This is a great lesson for all folks owning scopes or just ready to by one. Mounting the scope is highly important, too. Rings and torque on the screws. Great video!
Thanks Lance.
I absolutely love all of my Vortex scopes !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also my Bushnell scopes too.
Very informative, I think many people buy more magnification than they need giving up quality in the bargain for the same price.
I’ve been using Schmitt and bender fixed power scopes 6x42 and 8x56 30 mm tubes and meopta variable scopes mine are 3-10-44 25 mm tubes both brilliant scopes , but I’ve had a Burris 3-9-40 eliminated dot ff2 it’s about 15 yrs old and it still works as good as when I bought it new , I think there’s too many bells on some of these scopes today the only thing is useful is a eliminated dot or crosshairs makes it easy to pick up on especially in low light and the dark , many thanks Ron 👍
I love moderate magnification fixed power optics, simple and effective. I have an 80's Japanese Nikon 4x40 fixed power, its very nice
excellent advice Ron. After very careful consideration, I too think the goldfish is an unnecessary extra.
Are you serious!!! I totally disagree!!! I would love to have a pet with my guns. I think he would be a nice addition (when he isn’t blocking my view).
Honestly I think a family of guppies would be absolutely perfect!!! Now who makes a water tight scope???
@@danielcurtis1434 priceless bloody priceless. Just my luck i will buy a scope with a gold fish as advertised and discover i purchased a tiger shark instead.
Yeah but if you train the goldfish properly he can sight in ur elevation and windage for you
Cost Extra?
Ron, love your channel, awesome job on erasing the cobwebs associated with scope purchase, thanks so much
You are most welcomed, Tomas
My (now discontinued) Bushnell Elite LRTS 4.5 - 18 x 44 has an illuminated G3 small "Xmas tree" reticle and thus I don't need to dial except to sight it in. The quality is Very high for the under $1,000. price I paid. But also look a SIG Sierra 6 scopes. WOW, the tech! This scope sits on my 6.5 PRC Browning X-Bolt Pro in Talley rings for longer range hunting here in Nevada.
Dont forget the mounts and rings. I put everything I have into Talley one piece mounts. One less connection point to loosen up. Every screw gets blue loctite and gets torqued with fat wrench.
As far as scopes, I've found entry level leupolds and Burris do well holding zero. Might not be the best, but I've never had one wander.
funnily enough i have had the exact opposite experience to you. ive had two leupolds and a burris all of which crapped out on my 30-06. I dont mean didn't hold zero i mean the internal lenses on the scope misaligned themselves and went blurry
Dr Ed you are right on have been using Leupold for 58 years and nothing better for the price and if you have to go cheap go Burris.I am speaking after owning over 500 scopes over the years. Even though Leupold has the best warranty, the one you don’t have to us is the best not like the other major scope company in the US I know!
Thanks for important tips and information regarding optics. Just as shooters/hunters are loyal to a particular cartridge and rifle, optics are also included. I know it’s true for myself. It’s great there are a wide range of quality optics available as price comes into play for most. Continue to eagerly await your videos. Thanks again!
What are you doing with it, and where are you doing it also matters. Weight is a big factor for me. Durability, weight, clarity, mechanics in that order. I hunt where 300 yards is on the top end of distances and a rare shot. Mostly though, shots are under 75 yards. Leupold VX3HD 1.5 x 5 Is what I settled on for my last purchase. Great picture, lightweight, great FOV, and generous eye box. Love it
Years ago I bought a cheap BSA scope. Since then, I’ve bought two NightForce, two Swarovski and one Smith & Spender. I only regret buying BSA scope. The last scope was a Swarovski DS and I just love it. My opinion is that you should buy a good high quality sight and not buy a cheap one.
BSA scopes are junk and their warranty is a joke
When I looked at the time you had, I was amazed that you packe all this information into it. Great Job.
Another piece of glass that is over looked is a good set of binoculars. For years I have used modest priced binos and thought that there wasn’t any reason to spend the extra money. As I’ve aged and my eyes have gotten worse I finally invested in a better set of glass. Just got a Leica Ultravid HD and could not be happier. My eyes don’t get as tired,everything is much clearer at distance and first light.
the last scope I purchased was for my CZ 457 22lr. They had 2 that fit my requirements at the shop and I spent quite a bit of time looking through them. I ended up with a 3-9 x40 as the clarity was a marked improvement over the 4-12X40. Two different brands but the lower magnification scope had superior optics as least in my opinion
Man I love my 457! Wonder gun
Great information. Last week we were sighting in 3 scoped rifles I have 2 brands of scopes. I agree with your comments on scope adjustments. I have a great scope from 30 years ago that moves EXACTLY 1/4 INCH per click @ 100 yards. I have another brand that clams to move 1/4"/100 but it has never been able to accomplished that. It's nice, it's accurate but not a target scope.
Another great video, glad I found the channel.
Luckily, I've never had a scope go out but I know that Leupold has a good service department.
I wanted a different reticle on a Leupold scope a few years ago and they swapped it out and had it back to me in less than 2wks! Perfect workmanship and done quickly, can't beat that!
Thanks for the info, Paul.
When I bought my CDS Leupold I put in all the info for my custom dial, caliber, grain, brand, etc. I had accidentally put “165gr Federal,” within a day of submitting the info a reply called me to verify information and asked if I meant “165 mgr Federal Fusion” in the orange box. Blew my mind how quick they were on it and the effort to actually get the correct information and not just put whatever the customer wrote down.
A few years ago I went to trade a rifle to a dealer at a gun show. It had a Bushnell scope. He wouldn't consider giving me anything extra for it. He told me that the only scopes that he pays extra for on trade are Nikon and Leupold. Since then they have been the only scopes I have purchased.
Nice to see a TRACT scope in there. I really like mine - great glass, great mechanicals and the owners do a nice job supporting the product.
agreed, the only scopes I buy now.
Great info as always, your videos are an "acid test" on checking my knowledge! I can't say I know something without the abililty to teach it with confidence, and you remind me that there is always more to learn and know.
I discover new things each time I post a video and read these comments. We're all in this together and can/should learn from one another. I'm always thankful to viewers who provide more info or correct any of my mistakes.
Great information. I have my Pop's old KMart Marlin glenfield, along with the original scope, it was probably a blue light special buy. The best thin crosshair i know of, dead accurate
Like your vids Ron. You get straight to the point, no time wasted. Lots of info.
A wise man once said “ only a rich man can afford to buy cheap glass” and he was right. In 40 years of shooting I’ve found that all the cheap glass I’ve bought never lasted long. It was moved on quickly. You can have a cheap scope with goodish glass OR with reasonable mechanicals BUT not both. The cheapest scope I had that did have both was a Leupold VX3 4.5-14 x 50 with varmint Bdc ret. Great scope for hunting. Nothing cheaper was any good. My best scopes include a S&B PMII and Nightforce NSX plus a Bushnell elite tactical DMR. All 100% reliable and with great glass.
Good video Ron, one of the best points you made was to evaluate the scope in low light conditions, this is where a good quality scope shines !!
Absolutely
Great tips Ron, but I would suggest people don't test optics too far above their budget as it may be disappointing when they settle for what is affordable.
I have Swarovski Binoculars which are so great at capturing light and giving amazing clarity and contrast that when I put them down I feel like I need to turn them off. Hard to believe it is just great optics doing all that work.
I don't yet have a scope or a rifle for that matter, but when I do I will likely be shelling out for a Swaro scope, and would hold off until I could afford / justify the purchase.
Meopta …….. exceptional contrast, resolution, low light gathering, mechanical repeatability, durability. Best scope quality at a moderate price point.
Don’t skimp on a scope, if you can’t acquire, identify, and accurately hit your target….. then there’s no point. In many ways it’s more important than the rifle.
Yep the Meopta R2 2,5-15x56 is as good as the Swaro Z6i and Zeiss V6 for bad Light Conditions and cost 300 less than the Zeiss and 700 less than the Swaro / for the price of the Swaro you can get a Zeiss HT wich i think is the best when it comes to really bad Light Conditions
But the Meopta is a great Value for the Money no doubt
I have a couple of Meopta Meopro scopes. I bought them because Savid Petzal recommended them but unfortunately haven’t used them enough to say how good they are. I like the fact that the use European glass and are assembled in the USA.
Meopta is one of the biggest and most modern Optic Manufacturer in Europe / the R1 was good but the R2 is way better the R2 is a real Premium Optic for a good Pricepoint
The R1 hunting series Meopta scopes are decent midprice pick. The Optika6 series are mechanically great but i wasnt happy about the optical quality. I own a Steiner Ranger 3-12x56 that i am happy with but i want to upgrade to a Zeiss Victory HT 3-12x56 eventually. Unbelivable quality, best hunting scope you can buy today in my opinion.
@@lobster8009 jep the R1 Was decent the R2 series is way better and the newer have paralaxe adjustment (way better optical and the Illumination is also much better / it is like if you look trough a Zeiss V4 and then trough a HT) but youve said it the Zeiss HT is simply the best it is less expensive than the v8 but better
I thought that I'll never find another good quality channel like Paul Harrel. But by mere mistake I ended here. You sir are pure gold. Greetings from Argentina. (sorry for the bad english)
Thanks Leandro. Your English looks nearly perfect -- and a heck of a lot better than my Spanish.
Well, I just learned more about optics than I have learned in the past 50 years. Thank you.
I've had Great luck with the Leupold and Burris scopes. Both are AMERICAN Made. Thanks Ron.
@brycen575 Burris are now made in the Phillipines..
I started with low cost variable power scopes and all of them had issues with holding zero. I have since moved to fixed power 6x42 scopes. I have both Leupold FXIII and Schmidt Bender Hungarian 6x42 mounted on 270's, and both scopes are rock solid, having held zero for over 4 years now. I do prefer the A7 reticle in the Scmidt Bender. All you need to know is your bullet ballistics and have a range finder. With that, you can shoot with confidence out to 500 yards. If I was shooting very long distance, I would spend the extra money on a first focal plane variable power scope so no ballistics adjustments are needed when zooming in on target.
I dont make a lot of money. But ive alqays been a big fan of Simmons scopes. My favorite 1 is the Simmons 3-9×40 long range mildot. O have paired up with my Ruger American in 308 win. Been a great scope and holds zero withiut any issues no matter how many shot i take. Great video. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the next 1.
@Bill32H-it3sv every shot I take with any firearm I own is within 100 yards. So an affordable optic thay has good clarity for me is perfect. That's why I use Simmons scopes on .out of my rifles.
Have bushell 6500 elite 2.5x16x50 scope... a little bit heavy but tough to beat all around. Covers almost every situation one could imagine.
2 names that matter, Burris, Leopold. Awesome scopes, can't go wrong. My favorite are the discontinued signature series light collector scopes by Burris, have 5 of them.
Great vid by Ron.
Your comment is interesting to me as I've had many scopes over the years, mostly European but three USA scopes - a Leupold VX1 in 3-9x40 and a Burris Fullfield 11 in 3-9x40. To me, these are worlds apart. The Leupold is an old design with the ocular bell turned in its entirety then secured with a locking ring for diopter adjustment. I found the eye relief on that scope to be tiny and hated it. Sold it after a few weeks. In contrast, the Burris turns the entire ocular for magnification and has a more modern, independent diopter adjustment. It's also built like a tank and the light transmission is second to none. That's a scope I will never part with. The third was a Zeiss Conquest, again 3-9 x 40. Fantastic. Sold it to buy a Kahles Helia, but in truth, there was nothing between them.
I got a Bushnell 4200 elite for my 260 in 2003, it is simply outstanding. I ordered a sor
I pushed the wrong button, cause I’m old. What l was saying is l got a SWAROVSKI Z 3 for my 308, It is the best scope I’ve ever had .
Got in my copy of P.O. Ackley's book Handbook for Shooters and Reloaders after you mentioned it in one of your last videos. I'm excited to start on it. I spent an hour last night looking through his load data in the back
Good information as always Ron.
Things i look for in a scope is the same as you taught us but think you forgot 2 important things.
1. Eye relief, if your planing to put that scope on a heavy recoil rifle like a lite 300 magnum, be shure that you have plenty of eye relief. Some scopes are good at the lower zooms but tend to be more narrow at top zooms. Beware of that blue eye
2. Weight. Some new scopes are heavy! If your planning to use your rifle on the mountains and do a lot of hiking, I'm looking for a lighter scope, Leupolds are always lite for example. But if your most shooting from stands or from pods it doesn't matter that much. A lighter rifle with a heavy scope can be top heavy and hard to shoot with in my opinion.
Did I not address eye relief in this? I thought I had. At any rate, planning to do another specifically on it.
I've used Nikon scopes for years. Great bang for the buck. Next step up from there is Leupold.
too bad they stopped making scopes.... Their Monarchs were pretty damn good
@@av8rbri473 And the ProStaff
@@av8rbri473 I have the Nikon BLACK X1000 Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 6-24x 50mm Side Focus Illuminated X-MOA Reticle Matte , love it
I have a Marlin bolt action 243 win with a Sight mark 1-4x24 AR -223. It is not the most expensive set up but it has served me well for deer hunting and coyotes out to 250 yards.
Kind'a have to agree about all so much emphasis on the amount of light coming through. As long as the light is decent, clarity & contrast carry the most weight in my choosing the scope. Save your money and find a good one, there are plenty to choose from.
Another excellent made video Mr. Ron with great insight and educational.
I think the bushnell banner u mention were still baush and laumb made in Japan Way back when cause the only banners I came across where junk made in China all kinds if issues But the good old weaver K6 never failed me for cheap. Just a beautiful strait 6 duplex nothing more needed for hunting up to 300 yards. Great info still yet to check tracking on a target scope I better get on that thank you sir you are an asset to all shooters 👍👍👍
Thanks Ron for this very very good review on scope characteristics....I like watching all your videos and hearing your exhaustive comments. One thing to add to this, is probably the rubber seals and gas filling inside of scopes in order not to get foggy inside thus preventing blur vision. I am sure you would speak about it....- Michel from Canada
Talk about scopes is one thing.. How to shoot with a scope is another thing when the target is moving, Second your scope rings,third what mounts you intend to mount.I seen so many city people out here can't hit the broad side of a barn!
I always say owning a gun is like owning a car, doesn't mean you can drive!
Think the most I ever paid for a scope was around $600 bucks. Some of the most effective ones I have mounted on my rifles average about $300. Several good manufacturers have always delivered for me when outfitting my rifles. It's like anything else though. You can always pay more, but you won't always get better.
As always Ron, another great informative video. If I may chime in, you have to be happy with what you can afford, for me in 1974 it was a 2.5 power Weaver with a post, it was on my H&R Topper 158 30-30.. 1979 I bought my first Model 70 used, it had a 3X9 Armsport, I replaced it with a Leupold VX-1 3X9X40 and that scope is still on the gun today!! Buy what you can afford and be happy. Also Mounts play a big role, I'm a RedField man, Rings and base. I've always said, you can spend more, but you won't get better than a Leupold.. Just my opinion..
I have owned all the high end scope and you are absolutely right on with the Leupold scope! And by the way Leupold owns Redfield scopes now
@@edwardabrams4972 Thank for the info on the Redfield Scopes. I've had a couple in my life. Alway's going to be a Leupold man..
A one piece tub and etched radical are high on my list. I tend to use lower powered scopes 2 x 7 as I like a wide field of view for shooting a moving target. My rule on price is to be willing to spend as much as the price of the rifle if necessary to cover all requirements possible. I also re-use scopes that are keepers before shopping for a new one when possible...
Im sick of useless high power scopes !!! No FOV , too much magnification , poor low light preformance , WEAK INTERNALS , etc .
Ron thanks for the great information on scopes I,learned my lesson years ago when I missed a deer with the cheap scope I had on it also think of the money you save on ammo because it won’t get off track as often once you set it in
Winchester 300 mag ,model 70 stainless ,3.5 x 10 ,Leupold red field mounts ,been a great combo 👍
That calibre and scope are what I always recommend as a perfect match!
A smart man that uses a Leupold scope! Nothing better for the price you pay period!
I was 2:18 into the video before I realized the building behind you in the trees wasn't a small pond.
Hilarious. Yeah, me great deer hunter. Nothing gets by me lol. Good review Ron. Being a deer and hog hunter inside 150yds here in the Piney Woods of east Texas, just about any scope in the $150 - $250 price range is plenty good. Each shooter is different.
Can't tell you how many hogs I've shot at 600 to 1000 yards here in the Piney Woods of East Texas lol I had 750 acres leased that bordered a 17k acre WMA that's loaded with pigs. I used to get truck loads of spoiled feed from my local feed mill. We'd make piles at different places out in the surrounding pastures and sit in the back yard and cook out and glass for pigs out to 1500 yards or so lol I have a Bushnell Forge 3-24x56 and on a well lit night, you don't even need a light.
Crap! I thought it was a pond
@@chrisrosenthal1210 I bet that is a lot fun too. 🙂
@@bearlyawake3904 crazy, huh? 🙂
@@easttexan2933 😬
I’ve had Bushnell , Sightron , Nikon, Burris , Redfield , Zeiss, Leupold … and a K-Mart All Pro that actually wasn’t too shabby that sat atop my very first Marlin .30-30 rifle when I was just a kid .
Now , I hear that Redfield scopes are manufactured in the same plant as Leupold , using the same glass and internal components ( perhaps minus the additional multi layer coatings that they give the leupolds ) and same housing with slightly different cosmetics and features with Redfield badging , making it a bargain scope at a lesser cost than a Leupold .
I’ve come to the conclusion years ago that the Leupolds are the best value for the money .
Meopta is a European scope manufacturer that makes quality glass , and a lot of people don’t know that many big name rifle scope manufacturers buy their glass from Meopta and use it on their scopes .
Bushnell uses Bausch & Lomb quality glass .
Nikon and Burris are very reasonably priced offering excellent quality as well .
Everyone has a budget, and these days , good quality scopes are all very competitive, the higher price doesn’t always give the better product that’s for sure .
Very useful advice THANK YOU RON
I follow what the experts use. There is a guy who reports on what competitors use in competition shooting. In recent years, Vortex and Night Force are heavily favored. I have both. I also did a lot of research independently.
For hunting Bushnell fits my needs ! Never owned one I was disappointed in ! And always priced right ! If it ain't broke don't fix it !
Direct to consumer scope companies are really good products and the price is awesome for excellent quality.
Zeiss and Swarovski are phenomenal. I own four Swarovski Z6 rifle scopes and just love them. The optical quality is incredible.
For what they cost they had better be. Your scopes cost more than my car, times four.
@@klesmer I've probably had them for eight years now. I'm retired now. Back in the day I worked lots of overtime. No way I can afford to buy them now. Leopold makes quality products but no way they compare to Swarovski. Happy hunting.
@@robertmattern2078 I am in the same boat sortof. I am retired and a widower so things are tight. Fortunately I stocked up on Nikon and Leupold when I was still working so I am in good shape in that respect. Maybe I will treat myself and buy a Zeiss or Swarovski while I am still able to shoot.
It is funny in Usa. Many people have 10 rifle but they dont have money to have a decent scope with those .If you have put 1000 $ to good rifle .You should put the same money for a good scope also. If you want to get best off it .Scope 300$ is always made poorly in China .And your rifles potential is lost completely .
Swarovski make very clear scopes but for your money go with the VX6 Leupold the draw more light and they also have a lifetime warranty which Swarovski doesn’t! There is a reason the US military snipers us Leupold!
In my experience, the best budget scope ($400-1000) will be a Vortex offering. Fantastic guys that love their customers and shooting sports and support them big time with an unbeatable warranty.
They are also one of your best offerings in the mid tier range from $1000-2300. The Viper and Razor lines are fantastic. Night Force is another solid brand in that price range.
I haven’t ventured to buy scopes more than that personally, but I’ve been really impressed by the offerings I’ve handled from Zeiss, Swarovski, and Schmidt and Bender.
I’d avoid Sig for anything other than their higher end LPVOs.
Leupold has also been good to me in the past, but I prefer Vortex and the Vortex reticles.
There are tons of good options out there though depending on application.
I have went through a lot of binoculars as a part time guide fishing ( looking for feeding birds ) looking for fish busting topwater..I bought vortex binoculars and have never had one problem with them..bought vortex rifle scopes for that reason
Has nobody else ever noticed how spongey the vortex turrets are?! Personally, for a mid tier scope, leupold is better than vortex in every aspect and typically, equivalent scopes between vortex and leupold, leupold will be a better scope for maybe only $100 more. Don't get me wrong, I have a couple vortex scopes, a pair of their binos, and actually really like their range finders, but I wouldn't trust their scopes on my hunting rifles or my SHTF rifles
@@chadillac95 I disagree. I like the Vortex Viper line MUCH more than the Leupold VX-3HD line. While I do like the CDS lock more than the vortex shim locks, the glass is so much better in my vortex it isn’t even funny.
I’ve run just about everything, and I keep coming back to them for my hunting setups. Leica makes great stuff and so does Zeiss, Nightforce, Swarovski, and a slew of others, but I keep finding myself comfortable with the Razor and Viper HST/PST for my hunting distances (500yds max shot.)
Love my Tract, Nightforce, Bushnell Elite Tactical
Love the warning to not look directly at the sun with a scope. I honestly believe there are people out there driving vehicles on our roads that needed that warning. Scary.
Jokes on you, Ron. I always wanted a goldfish
🤣🤣
I think a goldfish/optics device combo would sell like gang busters to be honest.
@@erikbogerman2048 🤣🤣👍
I would not mind if it was solid gold, especially if it's heavier than two ounces...
I have always had a general rule of thumb, that I will start out looking at $150-$200 scopes. Then I figure what the average length of my shot might be. If 90% of my shots will be around 150yards or less, I'll spend around the $200 range. If I am going out west and want a new scope, then if I think I might shoot 300-400 yards, then I start looking at $300-$400 scopes. So it basically spend $1 for every yard I think I might be shooting. After 40+ years of hunting, this formula has worked out well for me.
For years and years I've shot Leupold VX-II about the best quality I could afford. Recently I acquired a VX-III and I was really surprised with the higher optical quality when shooting the II and III side by side.
Thanks for the info on scopes- didn't really know what to look for before watching your video
Thank you for the video and explaining about what to look for. I don't know much about scopes and I just learned a lot
love my trijicons 2.5 x 10 x 56mm from close range on brush gun to used them out to 500 yards , sig tango 1x6 are great on ar's . everyday woods gun less cost nikon 2.5x 10 x 50mm all those 15 20 30 power adjustable turrets and or battery power scopes $5000.00 plus gave those up years ago lol. if you can't get within shooting range 500 yards or so,, "just let it go" wait for a closer day lol
So much information, thank you. Much love.
Great video with useful info. Thanks for sharing! Your authenticity is my favorite part of the presentation. You actually seem to care, and your passion for sharing shows.
Thank you Ron. Very concise. I liked that you gave information; Not brand oriented
I personally won't walk into the field without a Leupold scope. I have Leupold scopes that have been made in 1974 to current. All perform flawlessly.
My optics are for hunting, so I don't desire high magnification. I have 2x20mm, 2.5x20mm, 4x28mm, 2-7x28mm, 2-7X33mm, 3-9x40mm, 3-9x42mm and 3.5-10x40mm scopes across my Leupold scopes.
Yes I'm a Leupold fan boy for good reason. I've used Leupold's full lifetime warranty a few times and the experience has been stellar.
We have a plethora of quality budget rifle’s available today (that well exceed their price point even what was offered a dozen years ago…Ruger American and Savage Axis are just two, as well as others) as well some pretty good budget scopes…technology has proceeded quickly over the last couple of years and TH-cam videos especially from Cyclops Joe can be trusted IMHO 👍👍👍…thank you Ron for your content 😊😊😊
I was shopping for a scope and the seller guided me from the cheapest and heaviest Meopta to Kite to Kahles to Zeiss to Leica and when I was looking into the Swarovski my wife stopped by and adviced me to buy the scope I really wanted and not the one I want to buy in a few years so I bought the Swarovski and this autumn I shot a moose at 275 yards. I’m sure I would have shot the moose with the Meopta scope as well but I do like the clarity in the Swarovski.
Excellent advice about scopes, thank you Ron!
My pleasure Garrett.