Finding my first scope

[Frithy]

Hi all,

I think I'm just about in the market now for my first scope. (Asked for an update on my grant today after FEO visit last week and i've been told it will be looked at and processed soon but unable to give any timescales )

I've been persuading myself to look for a second hand scope to try and get myself a better value for money purchase than what i would get paying brand new prices. At the moment I do paid stalks in Northumberland and its generally woodland areas. I am a member of a target club but this is not the discipline i would prioritise my scope towards, i'll keep the paper for practice. I was thinking about a low adjustable mag, in the 3 - 9 (perhaps 12) range and trying to stick to the relatively more renowned brands.

Are there any scopes out there that people could recommend and i'll have a look into for myself. I thought the calibre was a hard choice until i started down this avenue haha.

 

[finnbear270]

For Sale: - SWAROVSKI SCOPE 1.5x6x42

Hi have for sale used Swarovski nova 1.5 x 6 x 42 30mm tube in good used condition few age related marks slight ring marks no crimps or scratches on lenses vortex cover on front new genuine rubber eyepiece on other end £350 posted regards b.b

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

 

[finnbear270]

For Sale: - Zeiss Diavari Z 2.5-10x48 MC(illuminated)

I bought this a few months ago to put on a .222 project but ended up getting a rifle already with a scope fitted. I would describe it as excellent to very good condition with 2 of the faintest marks on the side of the tube. It has the illuminated cross hair (fully functional) and the glass is...

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

 

[long_range_rob]

Any Swarovski or Schmidt and Bender. 3-12x50 is the sweet spot IMO

 

[Frithy]

I noticed in the above ad for the swaro scope that they still offer service on items up to 30 years old. Is this sort of service still the case for Zeiss and other top manufacturers?

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Jein = yes & no, it seems to depend if you are the first purchaser of the scope or not.

 

[long_range_rob]

I noticed in the above ad for the swaro scope that they still offer service on items up to 30 years old. Is this sort of service still the case for Zeiss and other top manufacturers?

Not so much. Optically I prefer S&B but Swarovski custom service is flawless

 

[HonestJohn]

Not so much. Optically I prefer S&B but Swarovski custom service is flawless

There’s the thing, Schmidt’s generally won’t need to be serviced! Too many Swaro’s are sent back imho - the swaro free service is almost worrying imho, means people only give good reviews when their scopes fail!! A
Corporate cover up lol

 

[JockStalk]

If it’s your first scope, I’d recommend looking through a few brands and see what your eyes like best. We are all different.
However, you won’t go wrong with Swaro, Leica, Schmidt Bender, Zeiss.
Buy second hand and you’ll almost certainly get most of your money back if you decide to sell later.

 

[Pedro]

Always worth a look at Macleods, they generally have a good selection of good quality used scopes as well as new stuff.

R. Macleod & Son - The Scottish Firearm & Optical Dealer

Here at R. Macleod & Son, we stock the best Firearm & optical equipment & Clothing. Visit our website to browse our wide range.

rmacleod.co.uk

 

[sh1kar]

Always worth a look at Macleods, they generally have a good selection of good quality used scopes as well as new stuff.

R. Macleod & Son - The Scottish Firearm & Optical Dealer

Here at R. Macleod & Son, we stock the best Firearm & optical equipment & Clothing. Visit our website to browse our wide range.

rmacleod.co.uk

beat me to it

 

[NoIDeer]

I'd wait and look at complete packages when you can purchase the rifle and mod as well. IMO a 3-12 x 50 is perfect for stalking, then leave it on 7-8 times (11 o'clock on my two) and wonder why you bought a variable.

 

[Frithy]

I'd wait and look at complete packages when you can purchase the rifle and mod as well. IMO a 3-12 x 50 is perfect for stalking, then leave it on 7-8 times (11 o'clock on my two) and wonder why you bought a variable.

Haha I'm yet to change the mag once whilst stalking myself. I will keep an eye out for good packages but I'm just thinking ill get more for my money with a second hand scope. I havent noticed many packaged online (not that I've really looked), is this something a lot of places offer or is it a case of building up a package at a shop and begging for a bit of discount?

 

[Len the dog]

Take a look in Bagnall & Kirkwood in the centre of Newcastle, they have an excellent range in optics and on the two occasions that I've bought scopes from them they were the best price anywhere.

 

[NoIDeer]

or is it a case of building up a package at a shop and begging for a bit of discount?

Exactly that, I bought a sako new with mounts and a second hand meopta scope as a package. I'd like to think I negotiated the discount but it might have been begging.
I would have a look at meopta too, great scopes for the money.

 

[Frithy]

Exactly that, I bought a sako new with mounts and a second hand meopta scope as a package. I'd like to think I negotiated the discount but it might have been begging.
I would have a look at meopta too, great scopes for the money.

There are some for sale on Macleods, new and second hand. I’ll have a better look at them now

 

[SimonC]

IMHO, one of the best value, good quality scopes that was ever made is the Zeiss Duralyt 3-12x50, which can still be found second hand (but in warranty) around £400-£450. (At the risk of staring a big argument though, don't be seduced into paying an addtional premium for an illumnated reticule!)

 

[willie_gunn]

(At the risk of staring a big argument though, don't be seduced into paying an addtional premium for an illumnated reticule!)

Better still, buy one on your first scope and avoid the hassle of having to subsequently upgrade.

 

[Cottis]

What is your budget and how much (ideally) of that budget would you prefer to spend?

One of the best middle ground scopes that allows low magnification at close range (think woodland shots of even 10 or 15yds at x 2.5 mag) and higher mag on open ground or when zeroing, is the Delta Titanium HD 2.5-15x50/56.

Simple reticule, very good multi brightness illumination, robust, fantastic glass for the money only just shy of the most expensive and not crazy heavy. Also focuses down to 10yds or so which is useful if you ever wanted to use a digital night vision add on. The Delta's work very well with those.

They are a very good scope for 1/3 of the money of the "best"

 

[SimonC]

Better still, buy one on your first scope and avoid the hassle of having to subsequently upgrade.

Here goes then! I've culled upwards of 1,400 deer over the last twenty years up and down the UK and in all sorts of settings. The experience has taught me that if it's too dark to see your reticule it's too dark to shoot and you risk all sorts of unnecessary and undesirable 'complications'. I have had scopes with ilumnated reticules but the only use I ever found for them was to relieve boredom when sitting in a High Seat! Nevertheless, chacun a son gout, as we Europhiles say!