Buying optics, what a pain.

[brutus51]

With the purchase of my first ,223 I decided to get a new spotting scope to see those itty-bitty holes in the target. Bought one on sale at Bass Pro which seemed adequate until I got it to the range.
Since Bass Pro had such a crummy selection I returned it to Cabelas after researching the subject on the internet. They had a much better selection and I looked over all the different models. Settled on a Vortex Diamondback even though it was more than I had budgeted. Yesterday I was back at Cabelas stocking up on fishing stuff with my buddies. We stopped back at the optics department to look over some binoculars when it struck me how futile shopping for optics can be.
Can't understand why all the optics are way back in the corner of the store with the firearms where all you can see is the inside of the store. Seems to me they should put them by a window so you can peer outside at a distance and really get a feel for what your buying. Think I'm going back and ask the guy to haul them all over to a window, just to mess with them.

 

[Matthew Clark]

I agree with you and that's why I won't buy optics from any of those places.
Looking out a window on a sunny day will give you some idea of how it will perform in a perfect setting but still doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about giving up my hard earned cash for optics that I can't really test in a real world setting.
If you're lucky enough to have a bunch of shooting buddies, try a buddy's out first at the range before you buy. He may not own the exact model you're after but I bet you can get close.
When the lot of us get together to shoot we also have the usual discussions on the latest and greatest much like here on THR.
I don't think I've seen a duplicate one of any scope out there. It is a mind blowing plethra of optics, calibers, stocks, barrels and trigger groups. There is just so much to choose from on every aspect of firearms. Everyone has something different, new and alluring.
If you can, take your time and try to find the one you want already in service and be better advised before you buy. Good luck and be safe.
Happy shooting!

 

[LoonWulf]

Yeah, buying optics is a pain at times. A couple places here will let you go look around outside, but even that's not the same as using them for real.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Ok I agree that buying optics in general can be futile given normal store layouts.

However, my range spotting scope is one of those old OD green rubberized Nikons with a fixed 20x power and 80mm objective. Bought used at a gun show for $100. I would not want it for hunting but it works great for the range.

 

[brutus51]

To put it in perspective, case in point, the model I was looking at was the Vortex 12 X 50 Diamond back for $259.
The next model up was the Viper for $549. For the life of me I couldn't tell the difference inside the store so why would I invest $300 bucks more?
I'm sure the Viper is the much better pair but how do I justify it based on this experience?

 

[Matthew Clark]

Bought used at a gun show for $100. I would not want it for hunting but it works great for the range.

He hit the nail on the head there!

Buying at gun shows and garage sales is a fantastic way to buy a bargain.
I have found several gems that the seller just didn't know what they had at garage sales. Gun show guys you might have to dicker with a bit but either way you'll at least get to step outside and get a better feel of it.
Happy shooting!

 

[Walkalong]

Vortex 12 X 50 Diamond back for $259.
The next model up was the Viper for $549. For the life of me I couldn't tell the difference inside the store so why would I invest $300 bucks more?
I'm sure the Viper is the much better pair but how do I justify it based on this experience?

In great conditions it is hard to tell the difference. If you can find a spot in the store that is dark/shaded, look into it.

 

[brutus51]

Well thanks for the tip but at my age the only thing I look for in low light conditions is the bathroom.

 

[Walkalong]

lol, ok, but looking into a dark spot can show the difference between OK glass and good glass.

 

[Varminterror]

I love big box hunting stores for handling scopes:

1) If you really want to, most will walk you outside with them if you ask.

But more importantly to me:

2) Inevitably, across the store, there will be a rack of fishing poles. Look at a rack of fishing poles through good glass beside bad glass some day and you’ll know why.

 

[LoonWulf]

I love big box hunting stores for handling scopes:

1) If you really want to, most will walk you outside with them if you ask.

But more importantly to me:

2) Inevitably, across the store, there will be a rack of fishing poles. Look at a rack of fishing poles through good glass beside bad glass some day and you’ll know why.

That's a great recommendation! I used to read the writing on the front doors of our local sports authority as that's usually kinda back lit which seems to differentiate optics some also.

 

[Skylerbone]

Cabelas is a great place for viewing optics and here’s why: They will haul that stuff around the store, I’ve looked through warehouse doors, across the store at tags, clothing, and animal mounts of all sorts (think fur and feathers) to judge clarity. The store in Prarie du Chein has a natural bluff with trees across the highway that also allows for viewing at range.

The biggest key is to know what you’re looking for or what you shouldn’t be seeing with good glass (color fringing, curvature, etc.).

 

[BigBL87]

The last time I was at a Gander Outdoors, they had a whole display of scopes, tethered down obviously, that you could handle and look through. It was a nifty little setup.

 

[BigBL87]

So, we were driving back to Illinois from seeing family in Nebraska. Brownells' retail store happens to be in Grinnell, Iowa right along Interstate 80, so of course I had to stop by. Thought I'd share pics of the setup they have, as well as their new AR trigger setup which wasn't there the last time I stopped. I apologize for the dark pics, but each stock/AR "skeleton" has an optic mounted and is labeled for what it is, so you can view the optic while shouldering. Pretty cool. The AR trigger setup, each grip has what I guess I'd call a partial lower attached so you can reset the hammer and feel the pull of various different triggers. I wish another company with more retail locations would do it.

 

[SharpDog]

Well thanks for the tip but at my age the only thing I look for in low light conditions is the bathroom.

Do you find you need a high-power spotting scope in that circumstance

 

[sabbfan]

So, we were driving back to Illinois from seeing family in Nebraska. Brownells' retail store happens to be in Grinnell, Iowa right along Interstate 80, so of course I had to stop by. Thought I'd share pics of the setup they have, as well as their new AR trigger setup which wasn't there the last time I stopped. I apologize for the dark pics, but each stock/AR "skeleton" has an optic mounted and is labeled for what it is, so you can view the optic while shouldering. Pretty cool. The AR trigger setup, each grip has what I guess I'd call a partial lower attached so you can reset the hammer and feel the pull of various different triggers. I wish another company with more retail locations would do it.
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I was going to mention Brownells setup myself, it’s a pretty nice way to check out the optics. I consider myself lucky to only live 20 minutes from their store

 

[BigBL87]

I was going to mention Brownells setup myself, it’s a pretty nice way to check out the optics. I consider myself lucky to only live 20 minutes from their store

Count me as jealous! I live about an hour from Springfield Armory's HQ but have never actually been there. That's about the only fun gun place I'm close to.

 

[brutus51]

Do you find you need a high-power spotting scope in that circumstance

No I need it to see those .22 caliber holes at 200 yards.
On the other hand grandma might issue it to the grandkids in the hopes it improves their bathroom aim.

 

[Ks5shooter]

I went with this with the angled eyepiece,Im only buying one in my lifetime. Worth every penny.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1210887-REG/leupold_170760_sx_1_ventana_2_20_60x80.html