Here’s some of the info I’ve gathered so far, and some questions. I did the comparison because I'm seriously considering buying a scope. So I'd appreciate any comments, especially if you noticed an obvious error or important details that are lacking. Are there advantage or disadvantages I failed to bring to light, or hidden costs not listed? Hopefully this will also help some of you that are "setting on the fence" and have not made a decision, which is basically my position. As of now I’ll likely wait a few months to get feedback on Leatherwood durability/reliability before making a final decision.
Wayne
Current Malcolm-type BPCR scope suppliers: MVA, RHO, Parsons, Leatherwood, Dixie Gun Works
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RHO:
http://www.lautard.com/RHO/, 604-323-0541
▪ ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: 4.5”
▪ Three lengths available. Power varies (4X to 6X) depending on scope length.
▪ Scope is rigidly mounted and is not allowed to slide under recoil. What is long-term effect of heavy recoil? Scope damage, dovetail damage?
▪ Mounts in front and rear using dovetails, which must be cut if not available.
▪ Mounts must be drifted out of the dovetail to use on another rifle.
▪ Is scope hermetically sealed or uses O-rings and silicon grease?
▪ Plain fine-wire crosshair reticle (No option for different reticles)
▪ Brass eyepiece
▪ $850 (3 months turnaround if not in stock). Only available direct from R.H.O. Instruments. No retailer/FFL discount
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Parsons:
http://www.parsonsscopeservice.com/, 513-867-0820
Comments: Parsons says that MVA essentially copied their scope and mount system.
▪ 6X power, ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: 2” (which works fine due to the fact that scope slides under recoil)
▪ Scopes are not hermetically sealed but do use O-rings and silicon grease to eliminate moisture problems.
▪ Can use screw-on or dovetail blocks. Lyman/Unertl type screw-on blocks require drilling and tapping the barrel. Parsons does not supply the blocks, but refers buyer to Steve Earl Products (781-585-3929).
▪ Adjustable objective for parallax adjustment.
▪ Front and rear mounts are very high quality and allow the scope to slide under recoil. Scope has a battery stop to reset back to shooting position. The front mount is designed to work with a Pope-style rib, which is on the bottom of the front portion of the scope and insures the scope does not rotate as it moves fore and aft.
▪ Can be easily moved to another rifle that has correct mounting blocks.
▪ Reticle is fine-wire crosshair (custom 7-dot reticle, similar to MVA’s Mil-Dot Reticle, is available for an additional $100)
▪ Six tube lengths (24”, 26”, 28”, 30”, 32”, 34”)
▪ $900 (currently turnaround is 3 months). Only available direct from Parsons Scope Service. No retailer/FFL discount.
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MVA:
http://www.montanavintagearms.com/scopes.html, 406-388-4027
Comments: Great phone customer service concerning sales and answering technical questions.
▪ 6X power, ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: 2” (which works fine due to the fact that scope slides under recoil)
▪ Scopes are not hermetically sealed but do use O-rings and silicon grease to eliminate moisture problems. MVA admitted that if the scopes get extremely wet for an extended amount of time, as in a heavy rain, it’s possible for some moisture to work its way inside.
▪ Choice of screw-on or dovetail blocks. Lyman/Unertl type screw-on blocks require drilling and tapping the barrel.
▪ Adjustable objective for parallax adjustment.
▪ Front and rear mounts are very high quality and allow the scope to slide under recoil. Scope has a battery stop to reset back to shooting position. The front mount is designed to work with a Pope-style rib, which is on the bottom of the front portion of the scope and insures the scope does not rotate as it moves fore and aft.
▪ Can be easily moved to another rifle that has correct mounting blocks.
▪ Several reticle styles, which are acid etched on a glass plate, are available at no additional charge.
▪ Five scope lengths and choice of silhouette or schuetzen mounts.
▪ $925 to $985 depending on length (current turnaround is 4-6 wks). Only available direct from MVA. No retailer/FFL discount.
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Leatherwood:
http://www.leatherwoodoptics.com/homex-m.html, 310-257-8142
Comments: Image is reported to be very clear and sharp, better than MVA or Parsons. Most likely the preferred scope for hunting, especially in wet conditions. I wonder how the optics & seals will hold up under competitive shooting conditions? Could possibly attach a Pope-style rib and use with MVA mounts for competition. Leatherwood is considering offering the scope separately for someone that already has or prefers Parson’s or MVA mounts. Will they add a Pope-style rib? Also don’t know if the Leatherwood mounts are approved for NRA sanctioned matches.
▪ 6X power, ¾” blued steel tube
▪ Eye relief: approx. 4.5”
▪ Scopes are waterproof – hermetically sealed and nitrogen filled. No chance of moisture getting inside.
▪ Plain fine-wire crosshair reticle (No option for different reticles)
▪ Scope is rigidly mounted and is not allowed to slide under recoil. What about the Sliding Mount Accessory (SLDMT). See catalog pages.
▪ Standard front and rear mounts requires a dovetail, but with heavy duty base adapter the rear mount is secured with screws requiring drilling and tapping the barrel.
▪ Set up for a 30” barrel on single-shot rifles. Four extension tubes (3”, 5”, 7” & 9”) are available for longer barrels. Note, Leatherwood also has a 3X power 17” scope with simple mounts for $299 retail.
▪ Front and rear mounts are not as high quality as Parson’s, MVA’s or RHO.
▪ Brass eyepiece and crosshair ring.
▪ Scope is $419 retail with standard mounts, $439 with additional heavy-duty base adapter and recoil ring (locking clamp). Additional $249 for upgraded rear mount with fine windage and elevation adjustments (cannot change out for standard mount). Extension tubes are $12 to $17. Available from Buffalo Arms 208-263-6953, Dixie Gun Works 713-885-0700, Cimarron Firearms 830-997-9090, Numrich Gun Parts 845-679-2417, and from Davide Pedersoli in Europe. Wholesale or reduced pricing possible from some sources if have a FFL license.
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Dixie Gun Works:
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/, 713-885-0700
Comments: As noted above Dixie also sells the Leatherwood scope (EP0050) and attachments. Heavy Duty Scope Base Adapter (EP0027) and Scope Locking Clamp (EP0028), also known as the Recoil Ring, are sold separately; as are the 3”, 5”, 7” & 9” extension tubes and a few other accessories for the scope. Dixie also sells the following much cheaper scopes.
▪ 4X Power
▪ Eye relief: 3”
▪ ¾” brass tube
▪ 15mm brass eyepiece
▪ Two scope lengths, 18.5” (EP0006), 32.5” (EP0008)
▪ Very simple brass mounts
▪ $235, $260
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So, as always seems to be the case, there is a tradeoff. Do you save $200 to $300 and go with the Leatherwood & upgraded mount; and with crossed fingers, hope the scope stands up to the repeated recoils of competitive shooting? If RHO’s rigidly mounted scope can withstand the recoil, maybe the Leatherwood can also.
By the way, I just had a long conversation with Steve Earl (Steve Earl Products). He can provide just about any type or configuration of scope blocks necessary for your rifle and scope mounts. And his prices are very reasonable. As of now, regardless of the scope, I'd go with drilled and tapped holes for the blocks. Discussing the cons of dovetail mount options with Steve just reinforces my decision to stay away from them.
