Yank optics

[Brithunter]

I might add, all these scopes are "older" models. The 4x40 was purchased new, by me, in 1982.

Ahhh that is the RUB ...................................... I have older Nikko Sterling's, in fact I must have about 7 of them, Japanese manufacture and all good except the electronics on the Electro Dot 4x40 which are known to be weak. I hope to get that one fixed so the Dot works. Sadly the new production is not a patch on the older Japanese production. It would seem according to soem on hear a few good ones do slip through but so do a lot that should never have left the factory. Very sad but it seems the way of the world of business....................................... rip them off now never mind if we are still going in ten years.

 

[MountainStalker2]

American (assembled) made optics particularly leupold have strenghts in the market, the vx-2 and vx3 are good quality lightweight variables for woods, varmit and stalking rifles (those that are carried long distances and on light wt rifles). In particluar the 2-7x, 2.5-8x and 3.5-10x are grand scopes. the fixed power 4x and 6x 42 also have strong followings. the lifetime guarantee that is transferable and free repair service is great if you are buying second hand and want good gear. Night force NXS are arguably some of the best tac scopes for very long range shooting but are heavy. The mk4 series have a strong rep in the mil tac area. Redfield now owned by Leupold are putting out scopes that are getting a good rep. Optic quality is not quite as good as my zeis, kahles or swaros in 1 inch tubes but pretty close and not a real compromise at all. Zeiss conquest and swaro z3 and possibly the Z5 series are now assembled in the US.

 

[GGG]

I have owned many scopes over the years and currently own several different ones including:-Nightforce, S&B, Zeiss, Kahles, Leupold, B&L. I'm constantly amazed by what I can only describe as brand snobbery. I constantly hear that German scopes are the only ones worth their salt, and I beg to differ. Each has its own merits including weight, size, reticle, warranty, amount of adjustment, image, low light performance and lets not forget price.
When I started shooting, I was advised that whatever money you have should be spent 60% on glass, 40% on rifle and although as a rule of thumb, I wouldn't disagree, you can pick up some fantastic value second hand glass at a decent prices. In fact my favourite overall scope is a B&L Elite 4200 6-24x42, but it isn't as bright as some, has less adjustment than all of them, has a standard reticle, is well out of warranty and is probably a little too long, but and it's a big but, cost £50 from a well known auction site and was considered so unfashionable that I was the only bidder.
Handsome is as handsome does.

 

[BWH]

I have used many of the european brands and some of the US brands and as someone said above, the difference is 5 -max 10 mins at the start and end of the day. If that is important to you then you have to pay a large premium for the best glass. However there is more to a scope than just good glass and repeatability of adjustments is also important amongst other factors and some US brand such as nighforce and leupold are good tough scopes. It can be especially frustrating to spend a large amount of money on top german optics to then find that the target turret or illumination breaks. Fine, you can get it fixed under warranty but it is annoying!

 

[Muir]

Leupold are tough scopes, as are old Weavers: which are a darned clear piece of glass if you can get an old one. I dropped my FN 6,5 off of my Toyota and I'm sure the Leupold scope took a harsh jarring. It fell about 4 ft. A quick three shots on paper showed that is was hitting exactly was it was before the fall, and it's still dead on two range sessions later. I have an ancient and crystal clear Weaver K-4 on my 7x57. Over the span of 30 years I have not touched the scope adjustment. (Nor have I varied the load, tho) It shoots the same, season after season and gets knocked around in between.

I have been trying to get S&B to have a look at the lenses on my 6x42. They have a lot of micro scratches on them as it is a very old and hard-used scope. They won't answer my e-mails or letters. I went to the S&B booth at the S.H.O.T. Show last month in Las Vegas and a very pretty woman took my name and number but I never heard from them. Conversely, I needed a 33mm screw-in scope cap for my 2-7X centerfire scope and Leupold mailed me one, gratis, within three days of my call. I'm ok with Leupold. ~Muir

 

[Brithunter]

Well I got an answer to my Query with the Meopta importers. They say even though the scope is under 10 years old so should be covered they claim someone has tampered with the parallax setting so it's void. So have to phone them and speak to them as it looks like they want silly money to service it and correct this issue.