Author Topic: leapers scopes any good? (Read 1731 times)

andrewtheelder38 · « **on:** February 27, 2006, 01:35:33 PM »

I am going to rescope my .280 handi rifle and the budget is very very tight, am thinking of either a bsa catseye 3.5-10 x 50 or one of the large leapers scopes are the leapers any good (I mean i know they are not leupold but anyone had good luck with them?)

knight0334 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2006, 01:48:12 PM »

I've been in the scope market too lately..

BSA's are deemed junk by every person I've spoke to or read their reply online. Mueller makes a better scope for nearly the same price.

I settled for a Bushnell Banner 6-18x44 that my uncle offered for a deal I couldn't refuse.. ...if his offer hadn't appeared, I would have purchased the Mueller..

I personally would stay away from BSA, even their better Cats Eye lineup.

Mannlicher · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2006, 02:47:54 PM »

Leapers are junk. Same applies to BSA, BEC, ATN, and most of the other stuff sold in Cheaper than Dirt or Sportsmans Guide.

Simmons is about the bottom of the list for relatively decent scopes. Bushnell is not much better, nor are the 'new' Weavers or Redfields.

For moderate priced optics, Leupold is good. Nikon is good. Pentax is good Burris is good.

Pay more, and the quality gets better.

lostsniper308 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 27, 2006, 04:37:10 PM »

i just asked the same Q and was directed to a Tasco 6-24x42 with mil-dot. Ya natchezz has Simmons 44MAG 3-10x44 with mil-dot for like $60
Natchez 3-10X44 WA MAT TGT MILDOT

or my Tasco's little brother 2.5-10x40 with mil-dot as well
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=253051
I'll likely get one of these next for my .17hmr

but of course the Bushnell Banner is there but only the 6-24 has mil-dot not the 6-18.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=156666 (6-24x42model)

ya Nikon Leupold and burris are nice but cost double if not triple these in these types of scopes(target style)

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2006, 04:49:01 PM »

I have three .280 Handi's. Two have scopes. One has a Simmons 44 Mag, the other a Bushnell Banner. Each is among the best shooting and most accurate Handi's I own. I've been very satisfied with both scopes.

However, I have more Banners than any other scope. Never had one go bad.

EVOC ONE

Plinkomatic · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2006, 07:36:50 PM »

I have the Tasco MilDot Target scope on a Survivor .308.
OK in broad light, not so good in intermediate light.
Mushy, unreliable, unsure clicks.
Not a purchase I'm thrilled with.
Seems to hold zero decently. Not great, but it was $70.
I'm gonna save up and get the SuperSniper 16x.

Brett · « **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2006, 01:43:59 AM »

I've had good luck with two upper end Simmons scopes.

MSP Ret · « **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2006, 03:22:28 AM »

I also have been very happy and satisfied with my Simmons 6.5-20x50 WTC....<><.... :grin:

RackWrangler · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2006, 03:42:07 AM »

Quote

"Bushnell is not much better"

Don't be too quick to judge. I did a lot of research before I bought a scope for my 7mm mag. I was trying to stay under the $300 mark, so I looked at the Leupold VX-III, Burris Signature Fullfield II , and the Bushnell Elite 3200. After much reading online, and talking to friends and acquaintances, I decided on the Bushnell Elite 3200. I found a 3-10x40 for $170. I have put almost 200 rounds through that rifle since then and have not regretted it. Light transmission is great, and best of all, my POI as not changed at all. :-D That is more than I can say for the Leupold VX-I 39x40 that I bought new with my rifle. That piece of crap would move about 1.5 MOA after every shot!!! :evil: I tried everything to solve the problem; new rings, remounted the base, and finally I sent it back to Leupold. They sent me a new one, but it was even worse. That thing moved almost 2.25 MOA!!! :evil: I sent it back also, and when I got the new one returned to me, I put it up on e-bay. :twisted:

Leupold used to be the best, but I think theyve relaxed too much, and other brands have surpassed them in quality for the price. And there is no way I would ever spend over $500 on a scope. No scope is worth that much, unless your life depends on that first shot (and even then I would trust either of my cheap scopes over an unproven Swarovski or Zeiss)

I will concede that there are junk Bushnell scopes out there, but like any company they have a high end product, and I would recommend the Elite series to anyone.

BTW, I use a straight 4x Bushnell on my (wifes) 308 Survivor, and that it my favorite gun.

Check out the test that Field & Stream ran on the -$300 scopes. The impact test tells it all.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/gearingup/article/0,13199,1089907,00.html

If you feel like reading more, there is some interesting insight here.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/scoping_out.htm

Hope this clears up some stuff,
RackWrangler

lostsniper308 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2006, 11:14:18 AM »

http://www.gunblast.com/Tasco_Mildot.htm
heres a review of the Tasco 6-24x42

darat100 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2006, 02:56:28 PM »

I guess I live in a different world, but in no way are Loepold scopes CHEAP. Everyone has a different budget I guess.

I have a tasco mildot 6x24-42 that I love on my .223.

I have never had a $300 scope, can't afford them. Maybe that is why I like my tasco, but I think it is great. No problems holding zero even bouncing around behind the seat.

You will get lots of answers I am sure, but don't be afraid of inexpensive.

lostsniper308 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2006, 03:11:52 PM »

well theres another happy customer for a Tasco. I read review off midway and there are ppl who are happy with it on magnum rifles. Mitchell is the one who got me to buy one cause he uses them on mags and standards alike.

nea243 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2006, 08:19:20 PM »

for less than $100.00 you can't beat the tasco, i have 2 2.5-10x42mm 1 is on a 30-06 and 1 on a 30-30, i also have a 6-24x42mm on my 17hmr i have had no trouble out of them. :grin:

nea 243

andrewtheelder38 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 02, 2006, 11:55:08 AM »

Holy Cow, I mean optica opinions, Batman!!!....cannot thank you guys enough for all of the replies....The bushnell elite 3200 and 4200 scopes seem to be the absolute best dollar for dollar value available right now, but I buy handi rifles because they are fun and cheap, and with two kids in college and one still at home, I need cheap....many keep referring to the simmons whitetail classics.....midway has them on sale right now so I think I will give one a try for 100-bucks.....thanks....

quickdtoo · « **Reply #14 on:** March 02, 2006, 12:13:03 PM »

Midway has had the WTC18 on sale for 2 or 3 yrs now, probably more, they will run out from time to time, but it's been there 90% of the time, great scope if you can get past the delicate krinkle finish and rather coarse reticle.

Tim

myarmor · « **Reply #15 on:** March 02, 2006, 01:28:18 PM »

I know, strange huh for a discontinued scope? :?

No matter, keep'em coming and availiable :agree: .

lostsniper308 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 02, 2006, 05:14:18 PM »

Quote from: andrewtheelder38

Holy Cow, I mean optica opinions, Batman!!!....cannot thank you guys enough for all of the replies....The bushnell elite 3200 and 4200 scopes seem to be the absolute best dollar for dollar value available right now, but I buy handi rifles because they are fun and cheap, and with two kids in college and one still at home, I need cheap....many keep referring to the simmons whitetail classics.....midway has them on sale right now so I think I will give one a try for 100-bucks.....thanks....

frankly if tasco isn't your bid, i'd got Nikon Buckmaster series.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 03, 2006, 01:28:14 AM »

To answer the original question..I wouldn't waste any money on a Leapers..to me they aren't worth it.

Second..I own more Leupolds than any other brands..I've tried the Simmons..Weavers,Bushnells,Nickons,Trasco's,Redfields,and I've done my own comparison with them..both on and off the field..my conclusion..dollar for dollar I can't do much better than a VX-1 Leupold..with my eyes..they remain the brightest and clearest scopes available..they have the best eye relief of any scopes on the market(not just published figures)..and they have the best return policy going for them.My next choice is the Burris Fullfields 2's..they cost a few dollars less for the 3-9 models than the Leupolds..but they work great too...and you can usually get a nice little pair of binoculars with them..They don't have the non-criticle eye relief the Leupolds have..but they aren't too bad..I've had the new VX-3's Leupolds..and took one back and traded it for 2-VX-1's..and haven't ever had 1 problem with the scopes..I own all of the VX-1's..the 2-7...the 3x9...and the 4-12...all of them are great scopes...

Rack..

Quote

No scope is worth that much, unless your life depends on that first shot (and even then I would trust either of my cheap scopes over an unproven Swarovski or Zeiss)

I've used both Swarvo's and Ziess..I would trust them any day of the week over any Bushnell ever produced..is any scope worth $500..I think so..but..then I would trust a Leupold in the same way over them too...or a Kahles..or a Schmitt & Bender..or even a Meopta...

The better the optics..the more it will cost..

Mac

oneshotonekill · « **Reply #18 on:** March 03, 2006, 04:32:43 AM »

I've owned 2 leapers products in my life and neither one made it 5 rounds. The first was a 3-9x rubber armored scope I put on a Howa in 30-06. After the second shot the gun was all over the paper. The scope had something let loose inside and had to be returned to the factory. The second was a tactical series red dot I put on a 500 S&W handi rifle. On the fourth shot the lens caps flew off the scope and landed 10 feet behind me. After that the scope would not adjust properly. I will not buy another leapers product based on my experience with my first 2.

I like some of the mid to upper level simmons scopes (whitetail expedition, aetec, etc) and the swifts for inexpensive options. The new simmons scopes should be much more reliable than the older style due to the redesigned erector assemblies. I have not used one yet so I can't comment on them beyond the design specs I saw.

andrewtheelder38 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 06, 2006, 02:35:38 PM »

Finally decided to go with not one, but two scopes....I got one of the simmons whitetail classics 6-20x50 for 99 bucks from midwayusa and will order a bushnell elite 3200 3-9x40.....one for the .280 handi rifle and one for a 22 hornet barrel to be ordered.....

Theshootist78 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 06, 2006, 03:02:51 PM »

I am just a little courious..... why is it that when people are looking for the cheapest scope (for what I have to assume is going to be a hunting rifle),they always look at the 10-26x50 type of scopes? These super high mag scopes really do usualy have awful optics, more moveing parts, chineese crapsmanship, (but they do look cool). .....I guess I am just wondering why no one wants a a smaller but higher quality scope anymore. I have friends who get the biggest, heaviest, requireing superhigh rings, iluminated scope they can find ( for the lowest price) and really its just for display purposes only, the performance is not always predictable...... but than again, I guess it really does look cool. I am not saying that some people do not have a need for superhigh power scopes, and that there are some with awsome light transfer(expensive ones), but when you spend 60 bucks for a GIANT scope and than expect it to work you may be disapointed. I also realize that some people may believe that a 26 power scope will improve their chances of hitting anything.

lostsniper308 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 07, 2006, 04:39:37 AM »

because people like me can't afford a high end scope. the high mag scopes generally have rangefinding reticles too. and why spend $500 when odds are a Tasco or Simmons will work fine. Certain applications require high mags but just can't afford a Leupold with out going bankrupt.

RackWrangler · « **Reply #22 on:** March 07, 2006, 06:07:47 AM »

Quote from: Theshootist78

I am just a little courious..... why is it that when people are looking for the cheapest scope (for what I have to assume is going to be a hunting rifle),they always look at the 10-26x50 type of scopes? These super high mag scopes really do usualy have awful optics, more moveing parts, chineese crapsmanship, (but they do look cool). .....I guess I am just wondering why no one wants a a smaller but higher quality scope anymore. I have friends who get the biggest, heaviest, requireing superhigh rings, iluminated scope they can find ( for the lowest price) and really its just for display purposes only, the performance is not always predictable...... but than again, I guess it really does look cool. I am not saying that some people do not have a need for superhigh power scopes, and that there are some with awsome light transfer(expensive ones), but when you spend 60 bucks for a GIANT scope and than expect it to work you may be disapointed. I also realize that some people may believe that a 26 power scope will improve their chances of hitting anything.

Cuz more bigger is more better right?

As long as you are not putting a "cheap" scope on a high recoil gun, you should be fine. It's when you start expecting a $60 10-26x50 to last more than 2 rounds on a Magnum caliber that you'll be disapointed. :roll:

I have a 1946 Mossberg 22rf that wears a $20 (used) 3-9x50 BSA. It works perfectly in that application. I shoot quarter sized groups at 50 yards with bulk ammo. I am afraid to think of what might happen if I would mount that scope on my 7mm mag and shoot some 175 grain loads. That thing would probably shake apart after 10. :-D

RackWrangler

Mac11700 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 07, 2006, 06:48:58 AM »

Quote from: lostsniper308

because people like me can't afford a high end scope. the high mag scopes generally have rangefinding reticles too. and why spend $500 when odds are a Tasco or Simmons will work fine. Certain applications require high mags but just can't afford a Leupold with out going bankrupt.

While Leupolds are expensive new..check with some of your local gun dealers that take trades..you can pick up some very good deals on used Leupolds..quite often..and with Leupolds blanket return policy..you can send it back and have it repaired or replaced..you don't have to be the original owner..something to think about ..and this is why you have to pay more for them to start out on..I would rather save my money for a higher quality scope to begin with..then waste anymore money on scopes of lessor quality..Another thing..Leupold is making their LR duplex reticles and scopes available to the VX-1 line now..and that makes it all the more worth while to invest in one of them..then,when you can afford the extra charge..ship it to them to be fitted with one..custom tuned to what your shooting ...I don't know of anyother company that will do this for you at what Leupold charges..

http://www.leupold.com/resources/custom_shop/custom_shop.htm

http://www.leupold.com/products/reticles.htm
All 3 of mine will be headed back to them this year..I might even trick one out with fancy colors and such..and some engraving..who knows..

Mac

lostsniper308 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 07, 2006, 07:22:41 AM »

one day Mac one day. I'll have Leupolds but i'm only 17 so better to have a cheap scope for a few years than let my rifles gather dust

in any case i heard many good things about Tasco's at least so i figured why not, if it can hold up to .300 or .338 magnums i think .308 and .17HMR is fine.