Optics question

[enichols]

Hello all,
I managed to break the Swift 6-18x50mm I had on my Savage 10FP (please, don't ask), and now I am in search of a new scope. I thought about getting another Swift, but I looked into some other scopes as well and I have decided I want something different. I have narrowed my choices down to the following scopes:

-Redfield Golden Five Star 3-9x50mm
I got to handle a Redfield the other day and it seemed like quite a nice scope. My friend has had one on his .30-06 for 20 years and it's held up great. However, I really haven't heard much about these scopes otherwise and I would like more input/feedback before I decide to get one.

-Weaver V10 2-10x50mm
I like Weavers a lot. I like their clarity and they have a reputation as reliable and rugged scopes.

-Burris Fullfield II 3-9x50mm
Sort of like the Redfield, all I have to go on with these scopes is what I've heard. They have a great reputation, but I want more input on them before I get one. I heard that the entire ocular bell moves when you adjust the magnification- is this true? If so, is this a potentially bad thing or is it just a design quirk?

Thanks in advance for any feedback you can give me.
-Nic

 

[dakotasin]

first- don't replace the swift w/ another. i am in the process of wringing one out, and the resolution on it is very disappointing.

of the three you mention, i'd go w/ the weaver... but, for the same money as the burris (not sure what the weaver or redfield go for these days - incidentally, i'm not convinced redfield is all that great either), look into a leupold vx-2.

 

[Coot]

I recall hearing that Redfield may have been bought out by another company (Simmons?) a couple of years back, so it's possible that the new scopes aren't the same quality as the old.

You can't go wrong with a Leupold VXII or a Burris Fullfield (the latter being about $90.00 cheaper).

I think among those two, the Burris may have the edge in clarity, but nobody can touch Leupold's customer service (as far as I can tell, even if you run over the scope with your truck they'll replace it).

Here's a couple of sites with very good prices for you to browse.
Good luck!

http://www.natchezss.com/optics.html
http://www.swfa.com/riflescopes/index.html

 

[WalkerTexasRanger]

You should be able to find a Leupold over at eBay for about the price of the others.. The IIs are even great scopes, 4x12-40 is excellent for the $$..

 

[Fatelvis]

I agree that Luepold is the way to go. Ive had nothing but luck with them over the last 20 years or so.

 

[redneck2]

FWIW...

I have both Burris and Leupold, as well as B&L's. Over a dozen total.

Burris scopes are actually slightly better made. Leupold uses nylon internal parts. Burris uses brass internals. The B&L's are tough to beat for the money.

I'd get whatever one was the best deal. Unless you damage one thru accident or neglect, I don't think you'll wear out or use up any of them.

I have no experience with the new Weavers. I personally wouldn't take a Swift for free. I've made the mistake of buying cheap scopes in the past (Tasco, Simmons). All three have failed somehow.

The exception is Bushnell. Never had one fail and they're low price, but the glass is not the same quality as the better brands. Optics are one area that you generally get what you pay for.

I went coyote hunting with a friend that had an older Weatherby with a Weatherby scope. He thought it was pretty good until he looked thru my B&L 4x16 on my 22-250.

 

[CB900F]

Nic;

I have two of the Weaver V-series scopes. A V-9 that has been on several different guns since I bought it in '95, and a V-16 that I got in '97 I think.

Both of them are good seviceable glass for the money. The V-9 recently shot a sub .5 group on a rare windless morning & backed it up with a .75 group a week later in the wind. Five shots, magazine fed, 100 yards.

The V-16 FCH A/O has been on my Volquartsen 10/22 since new. This combination is capable of truly outstanding accuracy. I use it primarily to shoot Montana gophers, in other words, a field gun.

I've never had a problem with either scope. The V-16 is, of course having a larger objective, clearer & brighter. It is also larger & costlier.

I am currently considering getting a Weaver Grand Slam scope & would myself like to hear from users of them. Thanks

900F

 

[frank c]

WEAVER

Buy a weaver Grand slam and never look back.I have (2) weaver Grand slams.Great scope for the money.Good luck on your choice.