Opinions on Leupold Scopes

gyvel · July 6, 2014, 01:57 PM

OK, guys, in your experiences are some Leupold scopes better than others.

By that, I mean are there any turkeys hiding in the bushes?

603Country · July 6, 2014, 02:06 PM

I'm a Leupold scope fan, though I have some Burris, Bushnell, and Vortex. Most of my scopes are '3's' as in VariX-III and VX3, and I've had only great luck with them. I have one VX2 on a 223 and it's very nice also, though I do now know that I prefer the VX3. I have no experience with VX1's or the Rifleman scope lines.

I just sent two of my older scopes off to Leupold for new reticles. Turnaround time was short and they refreshed some of the scope innards. They have been great to work with.

HiBC · July 6, 2014, 03:13 PM

Pretty much same as 603.

I have only used the level 3 scopes,and have been very happy.One of my favorites is an FX 3 6x by 42 mm.

Ditto on customer service.

I have tried a number of over $200 scopes of other brands,tying to get off cheap.Most have ended up being given away,or laying on a shelf,replaced with a Leupold.

Not saying there are no other good scopes,of course there are,but if I buy an upper line Leupold,I know I'm done.

wogpotter · July 6, 2014, 03:15 PM

Just watch out for the Chinese counterfeits!

Peter M. Eick · July 6, 2014, 04:56 PM

Same as above.

I buy all VXIII and was given a VXII. Never had a problem, like the quality and they have never had an issue. Great investments.

gyvel · July 6, 2014, 05:44 PM

I just got a nice rifle in .270, which is a new caliber to me. A couple posters have suggested using the Leupold 4X fixed power scope that I already have, but that seems to listed as being for .22 rifles, and I'm a bit concerned that it wouldn't take the recoil of the .270. I was thinking more along the lines of a 3-9.

gyvel · July 6, 2014, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Just watch out for the Chinese counterfeits!

You mean the "Leupoids?"

jmr40 · July 6, 2014, 07:15 PM

Probably the best hunting scope for the money. They tend to be the lightest made. Have great eye relief for fast shots and are tougher than woodpecker lips. You will find some scopes with equal or maybe even better glass in the same price range, but all things considered are my go to choice.

jmr40 · July 6, 2014, 07:28 PM

Quote:

I just got a nice rifle in .270, which is a new caliber to me. A couple posters have suggested using the Leupold 4X fixed power scope that I already have, but that seems to listed as being for .22 rifles, and I'm a bit concerned that it wouldn't take the recoil of the .270. I was thinking more along the lines of a 3-9.

Years ago fixed power scopes were know to be more rugged and dependable than early variables. Not really the case today although some still trust fixed power scopes more. They may be more rugged in some cheaper brands, but you won't have a problem with a Leupold variable.

I'm not a fan of the fixed power scopes. I find 4X to be too much magnification 90% of the time. I usually use variables in the 1-4X, 2-7X or 3-9X range with more in the 2-7X class. I almost always use the lowest power setting. If I need more magnification, I go straight to the highest setting and never use anything in between.

Either will have no issues with recoil from a 270.

trigger643 · July 6, 2014, 08:22 PM

I've had a number of Leupolds over the years. They are good scopes at a reasonable price point.

gyvel · July 7, 2014, 05:19 AM

Quote:

I'm not a fan of the fixed power scopes. I find 4X to be too much magnification 90% of the time. I usually use variables in the 1-4X, 2-7X or 3-9X range with more in the 2-7X class. I almost always use the lowest power setting. If I need more magnification, I go straight to the highest setting and never use anything in between.

You may be on to something with a 1-4. For literally decades I have resisted the use of a scope, but my eyes are now too bad for any type of open sights. However, a 1 power optical device just might be the ticket. Thanks for that suggestion.

Unlicensed Dremel · July 7, 2014, 09:36 AM

Turkeys? No.

Good to great: There are many MANY lines and variables, but yes of course.

Value? Depends. Always a decent to good value because you know what you're getting, but not the best value in many circumstances, depending on specific product niche/requirements you have. However, on "big boomers" that often kill scopes, then *great* value, due to warranty. Any bottlenecked rifle round that starts with a ".3xx" or larger number, or any rifle round with a ".4xx" or larger, ideally needs a Loopy or Vortex, with the best warranties going, if not going super-premium, that is.

Quote:

You may be on to something with a 1-4. For literally decades I have resisted the use of a scope, but my eyes are now too bad for any type of open sights. However, a 1 power optical device just might be the ticket. Thanks for that suggestion.

Go for it. Within days, you'll be bumping it to the three most useful stops along the scale that there are: 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5x, for most uses. The Leupold VX-1, 1-4x20 is a great scope @ around $210-$220. Small, light, durable, long eye relief, and good glass. It's one of my favorites and a top value. If you can, get a Nikon Omega/TurkeyPro/Slugmaster in the 1.65-5x36mm version from Natchez Shooters Supply before this discontinued scope dries up - you'll be in high cotton.

bamaranger · July 9, 2014, 01:11 AM

I'm a big fan. I'd have to stop and count the number of Leupolds I'm running, maybe 8-10. Never had one back for service due to failure. And my rifles get shot a bit, club matches, long 100 day+ deer season, etc. All mine are "2's". and all but one were bought or swapped for used. About half or more are fixed power numbers.

Regards rimfires, Leupold does make a family of scopes intended for .22's. They are typically marked, "Rimfire, or RF, or Rimfire Special" something like that. They are also rather small, easily spotted next to a full size scope.

I wouldn't want a rimfire scope on a .270 for a couple of reasons, but resistance to recoil wouldn't be one of them. But I do believe that a full size fixed 4x, intended for centerfire, is still a useful item. Me, I wouldn't run out and buy a variable if I had a Leupold fixed 4x, full size, if I was hunting east of the MS for deer, hogs, or B-bear, unless....... I was in a setting where I did a lot of hunting/shooting over open areas; right of ways, ag fields, or low cutover. A bit more "X" power there might help. I'm a fan of fixed 6x BTW for that very reason.

But.... I made my longest shot to date on a whitetail on a gas line R.O.W. with a fixed 4x and a .308. Seeing and holding on the deer was no problem, but figuring out my hold, over distance and down a severe grade, was. More X power would not have helped, I needed more brain power.

FrankenMauser · July 9, 2014, 01:27 AM

I've had all kinds of optics... Bausch and Lomb, Tasco, Burris, Bushnell, Redfield (multiple eras), Weavers, Leupolds, Simmons, and on down the line. And I've had some time working with Nikons and a bit with Zeiss, as well.

Right now, there are 2 Tasco scopes (both on rimfires), a Burris reflex sight, and a Redfield Revenge (Filipino) in my safe. Everything else is Leupold, or Redfield Revolution (built by Leupold); with the Leupolds ranging from the old Vari-X line, to the current VX-3.

If I care, the rifle gets a Leupold. If the rifle is a thumper, it gets a Leupold.
If it's just, "That'll do..." then I might go a little cheaper.

They give me everything I need, with no complaints. And if there's ever a problem, it's covered.

Doyle · July 9, 2014, 07:32 AM

I've got several Leupolds and love all of them. The only Leupold I'd tell anyone to avoid is the Rifleman series. They just aren't worth the money. You are paying $200 there for a $50 scope and a $150 lifetime warranty. Spend $100 more and move up to the VX series.

JimDandy · July 9, 2014, 11:14 PM

There are two scope brands right now I'd buy. Leupold is one, and I agree don't get the "worst" of the best, and don't get the best of the best. Get the middle.

The other brand I'd get is Vortex. They're making some great glass, and take a fair chunk of Leupold's market share.

gyvel · July 10, 2014, 02:00 AM

This is all great info, guys! Keep it coming. The scope will go on a .270 CZ 550fs.

bamaranger · July 10, 2014, 02:33 AM

I've got a friend, who suffered a house fire a few years back (second pal that went through that misery). Pal #2 is a member of this forum. A very avid and knowledgeable shooter. I've heard from mutual acquaintances helping him out salvaging his guns and gear afterwards, that the Leupold scopes in his possession that came through the fire were a train wreck cosmetically, but still usable. All other scopes were trashed.

Lots of possible variable reasons for that, but still, Leupolds are one tough scope.

skoro · July 10, 2014, 08:48 AM

I have two Leupolds and although they haven't been subjected to hard usage, I like the clarity of the optics and the smooth mechanics. I understand they have very good customer service but I've never needed to use it.

ammo.crafter · July 10, 2014, 09:14 AM

I am still using an ancient Leupold 7 1/2 fixed power scope on an ancient Remington #600 in .222. This scope remains crystal clear today as it was almost 40 years ago.

Captains1911 · July 10, 2014, 11:12 AM

I just noticed Leupold is running a rebate program, $50 all VX-2 line scopes during the month of August. Just thought I'd share.

Clark · July 28, 2014, 11:55 PM

I was really into guns at age 3. I failed to wear my cap guns in my holsters one day when I was 5, but I was still into it.
I hunted every day with a BB gun when I was 10 and every day with a pellet gun when I was 12.
I was as fast with a 12 ga when I was 14 as kids are today with video games.

I started chasing girls.
When I got old and ugly at age 40, all I owned was a 12 ga, a 22, and 30-06.
I was reading about guns on usenet rec.guns in 1991.
I started buying guns.
On that forum they talked about Leupold scopes.
It thought they were way too expensive.
I could get a used Weaver K-4 for $20.

I had an email buddy in the 1990s that a web page called "the cheap scope page"
In there was the question, "What to do with a cheap scope?"
answer #1: use it as a tent stake.
answer #2: give it to someone you don't like.

Eventually I learned to avoid; cheap scopes, cheap bullets, cheap brass, cheap powder, cheap barrels, cheap stocks, cheap bipods, cheap range finders, cheap GPSs, cheap binoculars, cheap tires, cheap shoes, cheap knives, cheap lathes, cheap drills, cheap flashlights, cheap vehicles, cheap screw drivers, .....

The #1 reason to avoid cheap stuff is not that it may be a waste of money or time. It may be a waste of opportunity or enthusiasm.

Every rifle I build, I put a Leupold on it.
Every deer I shoot, I shoot it with a Leupold.

July 6, 2014, 03:15 PM	#4
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	Just watch out for the Chinese counterfeits! __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

July 6, 2014, 04:56 PM	#5
Peter M. Eick Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 1999 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 2,991	Same as above. I buy all VXIII and was given a VXII. Never had a problem, like the quality and they have never had an issue. Great investments. __________________ 10mm and 357sig, the best things to come along since the 38 super!

July 9, 2014, 01:11 AM	#13
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	big fan I'm a big fan. I'd have to stop and count the number of Leupolds I'm running, maybe 8-10. Never had one back for service due to failure. And my rifles get shot a bit, club matches, long 100 day+ deer season, etc. All mine are "2's". and all but one were bought or swapped for used. About half or more are fixed power numbers. Regards rimfires, Leupold does make a family of scopes intended for .22's. They are typically marked, "Rimfire, or RF, or Rimfire Special" something like that. They are also rather small, easily spotted next to a full size scope. I wouldn't want a rimfire scope on a .270 for a couple of reasons, but resistance to recoil wouldn't be one of them. But I do believe that a full size fixed 4x, intended for centerfire, is still a useful item. Me, I wouldn't run out and buy a variable if I had a Leupold fixed 4x, full size, if I was hunting east of the MS for deer, hogs, or B-bear, unless....... I was in a setting where I did a lot of hunting/shooting over open areas; right of ways, ag fields, or low cutover. A bit more "X" power there might help. I'm a fan of fixed 6x BTW for that very reason. But.... I made my longest shot to date on a whitetail on a gas line R.O.W. with a fixed 4x and a .308. Seeing and holding on the deer was no problem, but figuring out my hold, over distance and down a severe grade, was. More X power would not have helped, I needed more brain power.

July 9, 2014, 01:27 AM	#14
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	I've had all kinds of optics... Bausch and Lomb, Tasco, Burris, Bushnell, Redfield (multiple eras), Weavers, Leupolds, Simmons, and on down the line. And I've had some time working with Nikons and a bit with Zeiss, as well. Right now, there are 2 Tasco scopes (both on rimfires), a Burris reflex sight, and a Redfield Revenge (Filipino) in my safe. Everything else is Leupold, or Redfield Revolution (built by Leupold); with the Leupolds ranging from the old Vari-X line, to the current VX-3. If I care, the rifle gets a Leupold. If the rifle is a thumper, it gets a Leupold. If it's just, "That'll do..." then I might go a little cheaper. They give me everything I need, with no complaints. And if there's ever a problem, it's covered. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

July 10, 2014, 02:33 AM	#18
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,308	more I've got a friend, who suffered a house fire a few years back (second pal that went through that misery). Pal #2 is a member of this forum. A very avid and knowledgeable shooter. I've heard from mutual acquaintances helping him out salvaging his guns and gear afterwards, that the Leupold scopes in his possession that came through the fire were a train wreck cosmetically, but still usable. All other scopes were trashed. Lots of possible variable reasons for that, but still, Leupolds are one tough scope.

July 6, 2014, 01:57 PM	#1
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Opinions on Leupold Scopes OK, guys, in your experiences are some Leupold scopes better than others. By that, I mean are there any turkeys hiding in the bushes?

July 6, 2014, 02:06 PM	#2
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	I'm a Leupold scope fan, though I have some Burris, Bushnell, and Vortex. Most of my scopes are '3's' as in VariX-III and VX3, and I've had only great luck with them. I have one VX2 on a 223 and it's very nice also, though I do now know that I prefer the VX3. I have no experience with VX1's or the Rifleman scope lines. I just sent two of my older scopes off to Leupold for new reticles. Turnaround time was short and they refreshed some of the scope innards. They have been great to work with.

July 6, 2014, 03:13 PM	#3
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,286	Pretty much same as 603. I have only used the level 3 scopes,and have been very happy.One of my favorites is an FX 3 6x by 42 mm. Ditto on customer service. I have tried a number of over $200 scopes of other brands,tying to get off cheap.Most have ended up being given away,or laying on a shelf,replaced with a Leupold. Not saying there are no other good scopes,of course there are,but if I buy an upper line Leupold,I know I'm done.

July 6, 2014, 05:44 PM	#6
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	I just got a nice rifle in .270, which is a new caliber to me. A couple posters have suggested using the Leupold 4X fixed power scope that I already have, but that seems to listed as being for .22 rifles, and I'm a bit concerned that it wouldn't take the recoil of the .270. I was thinking more along the lines of a 3-9.

July 6, 2014, 07:15 PM	#8
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	Probably the best hunting scope for the money. They tend to be the lightest made. Have great eye relief for fast shots and are tougher than woodpecker lips. You will find some scopes with equal or maybe even better glass in the same price range, but all things considered are my go to choice.

July 6, 2014, 08:22 PM	#10
trigger643 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2011 Posts: 322	I've had a number of Leupolds over the years. They are good scopes at a reasonable price point.

July 9, 2014, 07:32 AM	#15
Doyle Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2007 Location: Rainbow City, Alabama Posts: 7,167	I've got several Leupolds and love all of them. The only Leupold I'd tell anyone to avoid is the Rifleman series. They just aren't worth the money. You are paying $200 there for a $50 scope and a $150 lifetime warranty. Spend $100 more and move up to the VX series.

July 9, 2014, 11:14 PM	#16
JimDandy Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2012 Posts: 2,556	There are two scope brands right now I'd buy. Leupold is one, and I agree don't get the "worst" of the best, and don't get the best of the best. Get the middle. The other brand I'd get is Vortex. They're making some great glass, and take a fair chunk of Leupold's market share.

July 10, 2014, 02:00 AM	#17
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	This is all great info, guys! Keep it coming. The scope will go on a .270 CZ 550fs.

July 10, 2014, 08:48 AM	#19
skoro Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,952	Opinions on Leupold Scopes I have two Leupolds and although they haven't been subjected to hard usage, I like the clarity of the optics and the smooth mechanics. I understand they have very good customer service but I've never needed to use it.

July 10, 2014, 09:14 AM	#20
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	L scopes I am still using an ancient Leupold 7 1/2 fixed power scope on an ancient Remington #600 in .222. This scope remains crystal clear today as it was almost 40 years ago. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

July 10, 2014, 11:12 AM	#21
Captains1911 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2009 Location: West of the Blue Ridge, VA Posts: 684	I just noticed Leupold is running a rebate program, $50 all VX-2 line scopes during the month of August. Just thought I'd share.

July 28, 2014, 11:55 PM	#22
Clark Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 1999 Location: WA, the ever blue state Posts: 4,678	I was really into guns at age 3. I failed to wear my cap guns in my holsters one day when I was 5, but I was still into it. I hunted every day with a BB gun when I was 10 and every day with a pellet gun when I was 12. I was as fast with a 12 ga when I was 14 as kids are today with video games. I started chasing girls. When I got old and ugly at age 40, all I owned was a 12 ga, a 22, and 30-06. I was reading about guns on usenet rec.guns in 1991. I started buying guns. On that forum they talked about Leupold scopes. It thought they were way too expensive. I could get a used Weaver K-4 for $20. I had an email buddy in the 1990s that a web page called "the cheap scope page" In there was the question, "What to do with a cheap scope?" answer #1: use it as a tent stake. answer #2: give it to someone you don't like. Eventually I learned to avoid; cheap scopes, cheap bullets, cheap brass, cheap powder, cheap barrels, cheap stocks, cheap bipods, cheap range finders, cheap GPSs, cheap binoculars, cheap tires, cheap shoes, cheap knives, cheap lathes, cheap drills, cheap flashlights, cheap vehicles, cheap screw drivers, ..... The #1 reason to avoid cheap stuff is not that it may be a waste of money or time. It may be a waste of opportunity or enthusiasm. Every rifle I build, I put a Leupold on it. Every deer I shoot, I shoot it with a Leupold. __________________ The word 'forum" does not mean "not criticizing books." "Ad hominem fallacy" is not the same as point by point criticism of books. If you bought the book, and believe it all, it may FEEL like an ad hominem attack, but you might strive to accept other points of view may exist. Are we a nation of competing ideas, or a nation of forced conformity of thought?