Bought a new Weaver Grand Slam...

[Olympus]

I just bought a new Weaver Grand Slam 6-20x40 with the fine crosshair/dot reticle. I went with the Weaver because I've been trying forever to find a scope manufacturer that still offers a dot reticle for a reasonably affordable price. The scope is going on a .25-06. I ordered from SWFA and it was $380 and you get a free canvas range bag ($125 value).

Now I was looking around and saw the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 with the dot reticle being offered for 37% because it has been discontinued. It's priced at $250. All of the reviews I have seen rank the Vortex Viper higher than the Weaver Grand Slam. Should I change my order from the Weaver and go with the Viper? That's $130 less for a scope that is generally ranked higher than the Weaver. And I could really care less about the range bag that comes with the Weaver. What should I do?

 

[hometheaterman]

Yes, I'd get the Vortex over the Weaver. In addition to getting a better scope for less money, you also get a great warranty that will replace the scope no questions asked if you ever have a problem, even if you broke it.

 

[Olympus]

Thanks for the heads up. I was kind of thinking the same thing and $130 difference is pretty considerable. Especially when you're trading up! I think I will give them a call right now.

 

[Flintknapper]

If you can save $130.00 then thats certainly worth considering, but don't be fooled by the idea that the Vortex is somehow a better quality scope than the Weaver.

The Viper has glass made by L.O.W. of Japan (a very good optics company), and the scope is then assembled in the Philippines. Its a good scope though.

The Weaver Grand Slam is made entirely by LOW who also makes optics for certain Nightforce scopes.

LOW makes very good camera grade optics for a number of scope manufacturers. (Light Optical Works).

Vortex' no fault warranty is an advantage however.

Do a little research on where each manufacturer's scopes components are actually made (not assembled) and I think you'll be surprised.

 

[atblis]

I mentioned this in another thread; the Weavers have decent glass, but where they are particularly good for the money are the mechanics. I am not sure that the Phillipine made line of scopes are as good as the fully L.O.W. made scopes in that regard.

Everything I've ever had from L.O.W. has been good.

 

[Olympus]

Well I ended up changing my order and went with the Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 with the target dot reticle. It shipped out today, so I'll give it a little review once it comes in. I don't own any other Weaver's so I can't really compare it to them, but I have several Burris Fulfields and Nikon Buckmasters.