Choosing a scope
 

What is the SINGLE most important feature that makes you choose one scope over another?

I personally look at the amount of eye relief that I will need for a particular gun. I never want to get hit by a scope. I have had friends that have got hit by the scope and it did not look like fun. It is hard to choose just one, because you should look at as many factors as you can when choosing the right scope.

Like Jon said, hard to pick out just one over riding factor, because most will look for 3 or 4 demands. Overall, I did select clarity, but I look for more than that in a good scope, Waidmannsheil, Dom.

I generally start with the magnification then go from there.

That`s a tough question, it would depend on the application, even then, there is no one thing that determines what scope i buy. And jack, you even forgot a very important feature to me, and that is what reticule it has, a mil-dot, or duplex etc.

My first and foremost concern is what caliber rifle the scope is to be mounted on. I don't think a .224 or .243 centerfire that's earmarked for range use requires a top of the line, high dollar scope. However a high power rifle that's primarily intended for game use merits a top of the line reliable scope, one that can handle at least a moderate level of recoil. I don't feel the major difference is between scope makes as it is between models. A top of the line Tasco is a
better scope than a Mag.4 model. A Bushnell Elite 4200 is far better than a Bushnell Sportview. You onlt get what you pay for. I wasted a lot of dollars over the years learning that truism. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

I buy the most scope I can for the money I have available. If it's $300 I get the best $300 scope I can find. After I know the price range I'm looking at I compare all the other features you mention above.

I can bend a little,on every one of those catagories except Eye Relief. I've been bitten by a scope on several occasions,and will not ever have to worry about one of My own scopes ever doing the same thing.
Frank

Which Leupold VariX III has the right magnification for this rifles application. ;)

Scopes
 

Leupold scopes are on all my rifles and only one time did I have to send one back for service.The service from Leupold was great.They not only fixed the scope,but also changed the windage and elevation adjustments to the latest configuration and had the scope back to me in nine days from the time I sent it in.All at no charge.This scope had been on my rifle for fifteen years.I'm sure there are other scopes just as good but Leupold is what I will buy and recomend. MC

A couple of variables come into play for me. First is the caliber of the gun, then eye relief. I'll give up some eye relief on a smaller caliber gun. Another important factor is light gathering capability. From there it will be Nikon or Leupold. I love the eye relief on the VX-III on my .300 Win Mag. However, the Nikon Monarch gives a clear picture. Either way, I don't think you could go wrong w/ either.

Later,


Steve.

Difficult to pick only one of the several features that will make or break a scope choice for me.I find that sticking with Zeiss Conquests and Leupold Vari X lll's I get the best of the above listed features and never regret my decision whether hunting at failing light or target shooting at midday.If one of my scopes acts up for ANY reason I want to know I can depend on the company that made it,and I can with these two companies.

woods

I agree 100%

Luepold>What mag I need>what type of finish it has.


:)

Most of my scopes have been Redfields. Today, I wasn't sure which brand to go with for under $600, so I contacted several friends and they recommended Leupold. After emailing Jon at the Optic Zone, I narrowed down my decision to go with Leupold's Vari-X III. Jon and Tammi helped me choose the model that best suited my needs. I was very pleased with their service, great prices and my overall experience in buying from them. I would recommend them to anyone needing any type of optics. Good hunting, grayghost