Leupold Scopes

[flyinstroke]

I don't really want to drop a ton of money on a scope for an 11 year old. That being said I would like to at least have good clear glass and a nice warranty. Right now his 6.5 has a Primary Arms 4-14 FFP. While it is not a bad scope he just has a hard time with the eye relief. I have no problems using the scope but I have other plans for it.

[Johnny44]

I got an American made t.urd... Want to buy it over anything? Make you a great deal

I'm a FREE MARKET believer,MAKE BETTER PRODUCT. or cheaper product, and sell it cheaper. Or otherwise figure out how to interest me. I'm going to buy quality I need first, what I get the most for my $$$ from second, what I like 3rd. If all those equal, I'll look if American made. Nothing bad about it, but it's marketing and nothing more.

Don't HATE the Scopes just don't think they are what they once were. I'd take them over a lot of brands, but it isn't a GIVEN like it once was

I know this wasn’t directed toward me but I’d like to propose a question...

Could any company really stay in business since 1907 based on “marketing”, the product and customer service has to be well founded, don’t you think?

[Johnny44]

I don't really want to drop a ton of money on a scope for an 11 year old. That being said I would like to at least have good clear glass and a nice warranty. Right now his 6.5 has a Primary Arms 4-14 FFP. While it is not a bad scope he just has a hard time with the eye relief. I have no problems using the scope but I have other plans for it.

Sir, one thing I’ve noticed on this forum is a multitude of elitist. I retired at 39 years old, I’ve owned LandRovers, Swarovski, Sauer, Hill Country rifles, expensive whiskey, and Gaston Glock clothing.

I’ve rubbed elbows with all the cognoscenti, aficionado, and supremacist. I’ll take “a better class of losers” each time now.

A Ruger 77Stainless, Leupold Freedom, Walmart Ammo, American truck, and Jim Beam Bonded Whiskey is as good as it needs to be and better than much of the more expensive.

I do get a good chuckle from this subject.

[flyinstroke]

Sir, one thing I’ve noticed on this forum is a multitude of elitist. I retired at 39 years old, I’ve owned LandRovers, Swarovski, Sauer, Hill Country rifles, expensive whiskey, and Gaston Glock clothing.

I’ll take “a better class of losers” each time now.

Right there with you. I just want to move that scope to my AR. I am 95% sold on the Freedom for him. I guess its time to take him to the gun shop and let him look through the 40MM and 50MM and see which he likes better.

[catslayer]

I still like Leupolds, but what other brands and recommendations would you have in the same price range as a Freedom? I am open to options.

Well, I'll throw some others out in that same range that I like better. But as far as scope specific what is it going on? What you using it for? Magnification Preference? Going to dial at all? or is this going on a 22 plinker?

Answer those and probably get a more specific answer, but just going on the freedom line up vs other stuff here would be what I would pick over the Leopold. Assuming you dont want a 1-4... so really looking at 3-9ish range, reticle is going to be pretty limited at that price point but lets see...

At $350 you have SWFA SS 2.5-10 plain jane reticle... but variable power

https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-2-5-10x32-ultralight-rifle-scope.html

You have the fixed SWFA 10x, 12x and 16x... with a GOOD floating dot reticle that has been discontinued in some of their other lines(tempted to buy one right now cause that dange reticle is no longer available). Get matching Turrets and reticle(either mil/mil, or moa/moa) both work just pick one
$300.00 for those https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-12x42-tacti...pe-105770.html

I REALLY like SWFA for the money, REALY solid glass, repeatable adjustment trusted and based out of Texas. No zero stop but you can buy a cheap shim kit and fix that.

Ok honestly these next are the most interesting option to me... Athalon have heard GREAT things about them, that said, I haven't shot them or got to play with them much. Warranty is AWESOME. No questions asked lifetime. Not just manufacturers defects. Everything up to you purposefully hitting it with a hammer repeatedly... COVERED. I think this company is where vortex was about 8 years ago.

Midas 2.5-15, THAT IS A COOL MAG RANGE! reticle is ok... better than most duplex in my opinion but reticle is all about prefference. I like floating dot. Of the Athalon offerings, i think this would be the one at that price(ish) range I would try. If you could I would lean Midas line over Talos

https://swfa.com/athlon-2-5-15x50-midas-btr-tactical-30mm-riflescope.html

I'll post this one cause it does have a Christmas tree reticle... again, not sure what you want this for. But its the only Christmas tree I have seen for this price point https://swfa.com/athlon-4-14x44-talo...iflescope.html

MAX MAGNIFICATION! 8-34x56 and its first focal plane and illuminated... Its a lot of STUFF for the price, IDK never played with one but its intersting. https://swfa.com/athlon-4-14x44-talo...iflescope.html

Next brand would be Vortex... I am a fan, not a fanboy but a fan, I've had 2. Good scopes. Had 2-7 diamondback I woulda sold you if I hadn't given it to a buddy...

3x9 scope AND MOUNT $219 https://swfa.com/vortex-3-9x40-diamo...e-scope-2.html

Vortex's diamondback and crossfire lines fit in this ballpark... I've killed a lot of pigs with that 2-7 diamondback, that said, I upgraded to the 1-8 strike eagle. If I could do it again, I would probably do the 2.5-10 strike eagle... I've never been in a situation where I was like dang, i wish I didn't have the option to zoom in MORE. Solid warranty with Vortex, good glass.


Nikon... I know pple are like WHAT? NIKON... i'm always pleasantly surprised with the clarity of the glass... and they have some solid SOLID options in the price range. heck the 3x9 p223 scope is less than $150 right now... I HATE the reticle but man... it is what it is...

Other things I noticed, Meopta and Minox both have limited basic options in the price range... Don't know about glass source on this end of their stuff but at higher points you hear about those names...

So if I was summarizing brands I'd look at over Leopold...
SWFA SS
Athalon (Prob route I would go)
Vortex
Nikon (depending on what I was using gun for)
Leopold... Like I said, not bad scopes, but behind the times

[Johnny44]

How is the Freedom “behind the times”?

Any scope a man truely trust never leaves the rifle and gets “given to a buddy”

Nikon is solid enough but keep your reciept, I’ve had trouble with warranty.

Being a “gun nut” is an affliction, many full circles because usually what they were searching for was right under their noses. Its the thrill of the hunt for the “greatest” thing more than possessing the greatest thing.

F150 & a 30-06 (Kid Rock)

[catslayer]

Sir, one thing I’ve noticed on this forum is a multitude of elitist. I retired at 39 years old, I’ve owned LandRovers, Swarovski, Sauer, Hill Country rifles, expensive whiskey, and Gaston Glock clothing.

I’ve rubbed elbows with all the cognoscenti, aficionado, and supremacist. I’ll take “a better class of losers” each time now.

A Ruger 77Stainless, Leupold Freedom, Walmart Ammo, American truck, and Jim Beam Bonded Whiskey is as good as it needs to be and better than much of the more expensive.

I do get a good chuckle from this subject.

not gona lie... you had terrible taste in the expensive stuff...

You are also being an elitest yourself, trying to separate and say you are better than others because you no longer spend that kind of money.

guy asked for ppls thoughts, they were given. Your attempt to belittle people is not appriciated or wanted. Either contribute or move along please

[flyinstroke]

Well, I'll throw some others out in that same range that I like better. But as far as scope specific what is it going on? What you using it for? Magnification Preference? Going to dial at all? or is this going on a 22 plinker?

Answer those and probably get a more specific answer, but just going on the freedom line up vs other stuff here would be what I would pick over the Leopold. Assuming you dont want a 1-4... so really looking at 3-9ish range, reticle is going to be pretty limited at that price point but lets see...

At $350 you have SWFA SS 2.5-10 plain jane reticle... but variable power

https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-2-5-10x32-ultralight-rifle-scope.html

You have the fixed SWFA 10x, 12x and 16x... with a GOOD floating dot reticle that has been discontinued in some of their other lines(tempted to buy one right now cause that dange reticle is no longer available). Get matching Turrets and reticle(either mil/mil, or moa/moa) both work just pick one
$300.00 for those https://swfa.com/swfa-ss-12x42-tacti...pe-105770.html

I REALLY like SWFA for the money, REALY solid glass, repeatable adjustment trusted and based out of Texas. No zero stop but you can buy a cheap shim kit and fix that.

Ok honestly these next are the most interesting option to me... Athalon have heard GREAT things about them, that said, I haven't shot them or got to play with them much. Warranty is AWESOME. No questions asked lifetime. Not just manufacturers defects. Everything up to you purposefully hitting it with a hammer repeatedly... COVERED. I think this company is where vortex was about 8 years ago.

Midas 2.5-15, THAT IS A COOL MAG RANGE! reticle is ok... better than most duplex in my opinion but reticle is all about prefference. I like floating dot. Of the Athalon offerings, i think this would be the one at that price(ish) range I would try. If you could I would lean Midas line over Talos

https://swfa.com/athlon-2-5-15x50-midas-btr-tactical-30mm-riflescope.html

I'll post this one cause it does have a Christmas tree reticle... again, not sure what you want this for. But its the only Christmas tree I have seen for this price point https://swfa.com/athlon-4-14x44-talo...iflescope.html

MAX MAGNIFICATION! 8-34x56 and its first focal plane and illuminated... Its a lot of STUFF for the price, IDK never played with one but its intersting. https://swfa.com/athlon-4-14x44-talo...iflescope.html

Next brand would be Vortex... I am a fan, not a fanboy but a fan, I've had 2. Good scopes. Had 2-7 diamondback I woulda sold you if I hadn't given it to a buddy...

3x9 scope AND MOUNT $219 https://swfa.com/vortex-3-9x40-diamo...e-scope-2.html

Vortex's diamondback and crossfire lines fit in this ballpark... I've killed a lot of pigs with that 2-7 diamondback, that said, I upgraded to the 1-8 strike eagle. If I could do it again, I would probably do the 2.5-10 strike eagle... I've never been in a situation where I was like dang, i wish I didn't have the option to zoom in MORE. Solid warranty with Vortex, good glass.


Nikon... I know pple are like WHAT? NIKON... i'm always pleasantly surprised with the clarity of the glass... and they have some solid SOLID options in the price range. heck the 3x9 p223 scope is less than $150 right now... I HATE the reticle but man... it is what it is...

Other things I noticed, Meopta and Minox both have limited basic options in the price range... Don't know about glass source on this end of their stuff but at higher points you hear about those names...

So if I was summarizing brands I'd look at over Leopold...
SWFA SS
Athalon (Prob route I would go)
Vortex
Nikon (depending on what I was using gun for)
Leopold... Like I said, not bad scopes, but behind the times

Sold a vortex to a buddy of mine. Was not very impressed. It was on a 223. Replaced it with the Nikon P223. For the price point was very pleased.

It will be a hunting rifle. 150-200 yard max gun. He likes to try longer shots at the house at the shooting range, but I already have a set up for that.

I am thinking 3-9 or 4-14 as far as magnification goes. It will be going on a 6.5 Creed. I seriously thought about the Nikon P308 but, I don't know if I like him having the exposed turrets at the moment.

He wants a better or at least equal scope as his little brother. ( Leupold VXI 3-9 X 40 )

I have heard good reviews on the SWFA, I have just never handled one. I have also heard the Athlon is pretty nice.

[catslayer]

How is the Freedom “behind the times”?

Any scope a man truely trust never leaves the rifle and gets “given to a buddy”

Nikon is solid enough but keep your reciept, I’ve had trouble with warranty.

Being a “gun nut” is an affliction, many full circles because usually what they were searching for was right under their noses. Its the thrill of the hunt for the “greatest” thing more than possessing the greatest thing.

F150 & a 30-06 (Kid Rock)

... god your dense...

I wanted 1.a little more mag 2. illuminated reticle... Just cause you never sell a scope you trust means nothing. I shot the hell out of that scope and trusted it implicitly. It was my buddies birthday, I had bought a new scope. I gave it to him... sorry you don't understand birthday presents??? I gave him a scope and mount I knew shot... sorry you don't have a buddy that cool.

Sorry you had a bad experiences with Nikon. Thanks for actual input on topic

again with the trying to belittle others by saying that something they do is a waste of time... GET OVER YOURSELF. Funniest part of this is you act like I am an ELITEST Gun NUT... you are talking out your rear about someone you have 0 idea about... please move along

[Johnny44]

I can live with whatever caterwauling assessment you have of me catslayer.

Make no mistake, I don’t begrudge anyone’s choices but don’t attack me because you see yourself in the mirror. Maybe fill that “hole” you got with Jesus (since you brought God into it).

I’d say the Freedom line is about equal to a VX2 and three quarters. I even like the dirtier rougher finish.

[catslayer]

Sold a vortex to a buddy of mine. Was not very impressed. It was on a 223. Replaced it with the Nikon P223. For the price point was very pleased.

It will be a hunting rifle. 150-200 yard max gun. He likes to try longer shots at the house at the shooting range, but I already have a set up for that.

I am thinking 3-9 or 4-14 as far as magnification goes. It will be going on a 6.5 Creed. I seriously thought about the Nikon P308 but, I don't know if I like him having the exposed turrets at the moment.

He wants a better or at least equal scope as his little brother. ( Leupold VXI 3-9 X 40 )

I have heard good reviews on the SWFA, I have just never handled one. I have also heard the Athlon is pretty nice.

I don't think exposed turrets are going to be as big an issue as you might think... Make it part of the shot prep every time and he will learn. Good practice if yall ever do more dialling later, but I do understand its just another thing to worry about.. I have capped turrets on my AR cause of that

Hey I know you mentioned he was having trouble with Eye relief, but you could shoot it fine... That sounds like a scope placement or length of pull issue more than anything. Him at 11 his cheek weld should be WAY different than yours... Maybe something to play with before swapping scopes? I've actually heard solid things about primary arms as far as Budget scopes go.

[diamond10x]

Right there with you. I just want to move that scope to my AR. I am 95% sold on the Freedom for him. I guess its time to take him to the gun shop and let him look through the 40MM and 50MM and see which he likes better.

IMHO I will never buy a scope other than a 40mm objective after everything I’ve researched. In your case you don’t wanna spend anymore than you have to and a 50mm obj scope is almost always more money. There is a really good article from chuck hawks that talks about objectives and magnification on scopes.

As far as other scopes in the price range of the freedom, I think you will be very hard pressed to find another scope as solid as those. Granted it doesn’t have some things that others have in that price bracket such as illuminated reticle, adjustable turrets, adj obj, etc., but for what you’re wanting it for the freedom will go on and be stuck to that gun forever unless something happens to it and more times than not leupold will replace it and upgrade it for you no questions asked.

[flyinstroke]

I don't think exposed turrets are going to be as big an issue as you might think... Make it part of the shot prep every time and he will learn. Good practice if yall ever do more dialling later, but I do understand its just another thing to worry about.. I have capped turrets on my AR cause of that

Hey I know you mentioned he was having trouble with Eye relief, but you could shoot it fine... That sounds like a scope placement or length of pull issue more than anything. Him at 11 his cheek weld should be WAY different than yours... Maybe something to play with before swapping scopes? I've actually heard solid things about primary arms as far as Budget scopes go.

I actually like the primary arms scope. Thats why it is getting moved to another rifle. It is my favorite plinking scope behind my Nikon Black X1000. He has no problem with the cheek weld. He can't quite get the full picture through the primary arms. The gun has a Boyds At-one stock so the adjustments are easily made to fit him. As far as the turrets I would rather them be covered. He gets bored easily in the blind and we do a ton of stalking when he can't sit still. I can picture him turning the turrets just to hear the clicking noise. My younger son would be fine with it, not this one.

Current inventory of optics is as follows

PA 4-14 x 44? FFP
Nikon P223
Nikon Black X1000
Leupy VXI 3-9 X 40
Leupy VX IIC 4-12 X 40
Lieca 2.4-16 X 56
70's model Redfield that I can's read the model on any more

[trophy8]

Catslayer. You don’t like leupold but you like Nikon vortex and athlon? Seriously?
You’re gonna need some better optics to compete at those matches.

[flyinstroke]

As far as other scopes in the price range of the freedom, I think you will be very hard pressed to find another scope as solid as those. Granted it doesn’t have some things that others have in that price bracket such as illuminated reticle, adjustable turrets, adj obj, etc., but for what you’re wanting it for the freedom will go on and be stuck to that gun forever unless something happens to it and more times than not leupold will replace it and upgrade it for you no questions asked.

I think the Freedom will end up fitting the bill. For him.