New Scope - Brand Question

[SCHUNTER73]

I am in the process of shopping for a new scope for a 375HH. I have several Leupold scopes now, one being a VX5 with firedot on a 280ai that I really like. The firedot is great. I have also been interested in an Accupoint since their reputation for durability is very good. Another forum I belong to seems to have large contingent of folks with a tangible dislike for Leupold and regularly cite their failure rate and lack of reliability (not if, but when they fail). I have not had that experience with mine and have traveled with it by air, 4x4 and ATV without any issues. I have to admit it their thoughts have gotten in my head a bit. But, Leupold seems to have a very strong following here, particularly on DG rifles. It’s interesting to me that two hunting forums have such different opinions of the same product, although the product usage may be different. The other forum is primarily western hunting and maybe those guys are more of the long range types?

I would like to do a buffalo hunt one day, but not basing this purchase on that hunt. I can change the scope out when I make that trip if I feel so inclined. I have a tendency to “rabbit hole” myself when doing research. Not really a question per se, just through I would post what I noticed and see what this group had to say.

 

[Tex .416]

The more rounds are fired under a Leupold the worse the experience.

Easy no more Leupolds for me. BTDT and replaced all Leupolds with Nightforce - no to the SHV line, all other NF’s are solid choices.

For a LPVO, the NF NX8 1 - 8 is fantastic.

 

[MontanaPat]

I've just started using Leupold scopes in the past 5 years and have been very happy with mine, all have the FireDot illuminated reticle. Mine all have the CDS but honestly, I'm not planning at shooting anything out beyond 300 yards so I sight them in use holdover when needed and never felt the need to do the CDS dial thing.

I had a friend who had a Leupold scope on a 30-06 several years ago and we never could get the rifle sighted in and shoot consistent from one batch of ammo to the next. We tried several ammo brands with no luck and I kind of thought it was a crappy Leupold scope and swore them off after that for several years, but I love mine now, they've traveled all around the US and to Africa several times and I've never had an issue or even needed to adjust them once arriving in Africa. I used a VX3HD 1.5-5x20 on my 375HH and it worked great. I have several VX3 and VX5's

One interesting thing I just recently learned about the difference in the VX3, VX5 and VX6 lines from a Leupold rep. The VX3 means the magnification range is 3x (ie 3-9 scope range), the VX5 means a 5x range (3-15 power) and the VX6 means a 6x range (3-18 power). So what ever the lower magnification of the scope the top end will be either 3, 5 or 6 times that number. He said that is the biggest difference in the three scopes lines, of course the more the scope range the more glass elements in the scope to accommodate the power range but they all use essentially the same glass.

 

[M70375!]

I am in the process of shopping for a new scope for a 375HH. I have several Leupold scopes now, one being a VX5 with firedot on a 280ai that I really like. The firedot is great. I have also been interested in an Accupoint since their reputation for durability is very good. Another forum I belong to seems to have large contingent of folks with a tangible dislike for Leupold and regularly cite their failure rate and lack of reliability (not if, but when they fail). I have not had that experience with mine and have traveled with it by air, 4x4 and ATV without any issues. I have to admit it their thoughts have gotten in my head a bit. But, Leupold seems to have a very strong following here, particularly on DG rifles. It’s interesting to me that two hunting forums have such different opinions of the same product, although the product usage may be different. The other forum is primarily western hunting and maybe those guys are more of the long range types?

I would like to do a buffalo hunt one day, but not basing this purchase on that hunt. I can change the scope out when I make that trip if I feel so inclined. I have a tendency to “rabbit hole” myself when doing research. Not really a question per se, just through I would post what I noticed and see what this group had to say.

You might look into a Trijcon,I think they are very reliable and well constructed , but they are not light weight and for that reason, I have Leupolds (2x7, 2.5x8) on nearly all my rifles, I love how light weight they are and the glass is excellent. I am using the Leupold Patrol 1x6 illuminated reticle on my DG rifles (416 Rem) and have had no trouble with them.

 

[CloudySkies]

I have 2 VX5s, a VX3 and several of the rimfire/VX freedom line for rifles where I'm really not shooting far.

While I agree the main difference between the lines is magnification, I'm not sure its identical glass quality, or maybe its just element number, you do notice a distinct difference in equivalent low-light capability (and overall) between the VX3 and VX5 lines because of the number of elements - its simply a much clearer picture and much sharper. From what I've seen comparing to the VX6s - there are more bells and whistles in that range, but the glass quality is fairly similar to the VX5s. Main reason I love the Leupolds is the CDS option - I have different dials for different loads, and lets me have a quick reference while hunting - while I can dope etc., its just so much more efficient for a quick shot. If you run a chronometer and know your ballistics and operating range, its pretty damn fine for most huntable ranges, and I had no issues with ranges out to 800 yards in using it for that.

While I've seen similar Leupold hate on one forum, I've also seen alot of complaints on other options that are favored there (Vortex). In my experience, I've put my scopes through a fair bit (regular in and out of trees locally, western hunting, dropping etc), and haven't had any issues (except for my scope rings coming loose on one rifle, but thats on the rings). So take that for what its worth. At the mid-range scopes, I think you are going to struggle to make a bad choice between the options.

 

[migrabill]

I own several firedots and I got to the point where I do not like the control switch. I hate the fact that you have to have that special cap to get to the battery. I do not like the fact that the memory does not remember your last intensity. I went to Zeiss. Their illuminated reticle control is far superior to Leupold. Their glass quality is far superior to Leupold. Where I have been told they come up a little short to Leupold is in their ruggedness. I just don't drop my rifles

 

[Tally-Ho HUNTING SAFARIS]

Leupold leupold leupold
I have quite a few of them
Never gone wrong with a single one of their scopes
Think we are running 8 of them now
And they honour their lifetime guarentee if it’s ever needed

 

[migrabill]

Leupold leupold leupold
I have quite a few of them
Never gone wrong with a single one of their scopes
Think we are running 8 of them now
And they honour their lifetime guarentee if it’s ever needed

I love everything about them except that dam firedot control. On a non-illuminated reticle I'm Leupold all day - but I just wish they would change the firedot application - Zeiss has nailed it.

 

[375Fox]

I’ve never had a Leupold fail. However, I also won’t use CDS and I’m not a fan of firedot. I think Leupold made a mistake switching nearly their entire production towards CDS instead of capped turrets. CDS has no business on a dangerous game rifle (or most hunting rifles). I only use capped turrets. I sight my rifles in and that’s it. I think most of the reported problems with Leupold are a result of tracking issues with the CDS turrets. While Leupold makes the VX5 2-10 non-CDS I’ll continue buying Leupold but I suspect I’ll be buying Trijicon shortly. For now this is my favorite scope.

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Duplex Scope 171386 | SHIPS FREE! - EuroOptic

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Duplex Scope 171386 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[Hedge774]

I've never had a glitch from a Leupold in the 18 years I've been using them. That said, I took a Nikon Monarch to RSA this year and was very happy with everything about it. There happens to be one for sale on this forumn right now that I would suggest. @TOBY458

 

[farmer_john]

The more rounds are fired under a Leupold the worse the experience.

Easy no more Leupolds for me. BTDT and replaced all Leupolds with Nightforce - no to the SHV line, all other NF’s are solid choices.

For a LPVO, the NF NX8 1 - 8 is fantastic.

Im in same boat. atacr series night force amd 1 nsx ive had forever

 

[samson7x]

I would (and did) choose trijicon over leupold for their current reputation. I also have a few NF scopes and tried the nx8 1-8 but the eye relief didn’t quite work out on my M70. Ended up switching it to a gas gun and went with an accupoint 1-6 on the M70.

 

[SCHUNTER73]

I’ve never had a Leupold fail. However, I also won’t use CDS and I’m not a fan of firedot. I think Leupold made a mistake switching nearly their entire production towards CDS instead of capped turrets. CDS has no business on a dangerous game rifle (or most hunting rifles). I only use capped turrets. I sight my rifles in and that’s it. I think most of the reported problems with Leupold are a result of tracking issues with the CDS turrets. While Leupold makes the VX5 2-10 non-CDS I’ll continue buying Leupold but I suspect I’ll be buying Trijicon shortly. For now this is my favorite scope.

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Duplex Scope 171386 | SHIPS FREE! - EuroOptic

Leupold VX-5HD 2-10x42mm Duplex Scope 171386 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

I’ve had my eye on that exact model for this gun. Decisions…..there’s probably not a wrong one. I don’t need to be able to dial this scope.

 

[Miletic]

I am in the process of shopping for a new scope for a 375HH. I have several Leupold scopes now, one being a VX5 with firedot on a 280ai that I really like. The firedot is great. I have also been interested in an Accupoint since their reputation for durability is very good. Another forum I belong to seems to have large contingent of folks with a tangible dislike for Leupold and regularly cite their failure rate and lack of reliability (not if, but when they fail). I have not had that experience with mine and have traveled with it by air, 4x4 and ATV without any issues. I have to admit it their thoughts have gotten in my head a bit. But, Leupold seems to have a very strong following here, particularly on DG rifles. It’s interesting to me that two hunting forums have such different opinions of the same product, although the product usage may be different. The other forum is primarily western hunting and maybe those guys are more of the long range types?

I would like to do a buffalo hunt one day, but not basing this purchase on that hunt. I can change the scope out when I make that trip if I feel so inclined. I have a tendency to “rabbit hole” myself when doing research. Not really a question per se, just through I would post what I noticed and see what this group had to say.

It all depends on how much money you want to pay. My recommendation for your rifle is one of the Zeiss sight Victory or Diavari series. These are top-notch devices that won't break or show any weakness on the field

 

[375Fox]

I’ve had my eye on that exact model for this gun. Decisions…..there’s probably not a wrong one. I don’t need to be able to dial this scope.

It’s done everything I need it to so far. I have that scope on my 2 primary rifles in 300 win and 375. I’m almost inclined to buy another for that pricing.

 

[SCHUNTER73]

It all depends on how much money you want to pay. My recommendation for your rifle is one of the Zeiss sight Victory or Diavari series. These are top-notch devices that won't break or show any weakness on the field

I have a zeiss conquest on a 7mm 08 that is maybe 15 years old and been great. It’s been great on whitetails. I’ll take a look at those other models.

 

[Razorback]

Take a look at Schmidt & Bender 1-8x24 Exos. Been my favorite DGR scope so far. Has the 1x CC mode that basically turns it into a red dot sight for up close action.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Everyone knows I am a die hard Leupold guy!
Only had 1 issue out of all mine. It was my fault tho. 458 took a hard hit on rock, but Leupold repaired at no charge. 375 HH I like the same as @375Fox Leupold VX 5 2-10 non FireDot

 

[Ray B]

I have either owned Leupolds or known the people who did for several years. This includes models that are about 80, yes 80 years old. Out of about 25 scopes i am aware of only one problem. A friend has a Vari-X III 2.5-8x made in the late 70s and on a hunt in the late 80s had an unexplained horizontal shift in the reticle of several inches. He resighted his rifle and nearly 40 years later- no problems. He still doesn't know why the reticle shifted but it was a one time event. and for the other models, including Pioneer, Mountaineer, M7, M8, Mark 4 M1, Vari-X II, Vari-X III and a new Patrol- no issues. that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy and use other makes, primarily S&B & Zeiss, but i find no fault in Leupolds.

 

[WAB]

I’ve had good luck with two different Leupold VX6i 1-6x24 scopes on heavy recoiling rifles. The Swarovski Z6i 1-6x24 EE and Z8i 1-8x24 are better scopes (I have both), but they are a LOT more money.