Cabela's Alaskan Guide Series

[flyingcircusboy]

I know there is a strong anit-Cabela's sentiment out there, but it seems to me from looking at their catalog, that this line of scopes is a good value. Has anyone bought one of them? I am assuming that Cabela's put their name on a scope built by someone else. Does anyone know who builds 'em? Any info would be appreciated. FCB

[quickdtoo]

If you give them a call at their 800 number, they'll usually give you to a specialist that can look up specs about a product. I've called them many times to get specifics on products.

[BUSTER51]

JUST BUY A BRAND NAME FROM ONE OF THE SPONSERS .CABEALS HAS NO BARGINS . IF YOU WANT A GREAT SCOPE AT A REAL CHEAP PRICE TRY A SMITH AND WESSON CLOSE OUT 3-9X42 $139.99 AT CDNN .OR TRY A WEAVER GRAND SLAM

[quickdtoo]

I know there is a strong anit-Cabela's sentiment out there, but it seems to me from looking at their catalog, that this line of scopes is a good value. Has anyone bought one of them? I am assuming that Cabela's put their name on a scope built by someone else. Does anyone know who builds 'em? Any info would be appreciated. FCB

FWIW, out of curiosity I called em, the scopes are made in japan, he couldn't say by who, though. That makes the mfr Hakko or Light Optical Works, 2 of the best in the world. And at the prices they sell for, they are probably good scopes. The tech said the 4.5-14x52 is comparable to a VXIII leo as he personally has used both.

[Zachary]

I agree with what Buster said.  When buying a Cabelas or Bass Pro product, you really don't know what you're buying.  Even if they give you a 50% discount, you still may be buying it for way more than it's worth.

With a name brand scope, however, like Leupold, Bushnell, Nikon, Zeiss, etc., you can compare the prices from all of the websites and see who is cheapest.  

Personally, I have purchase my last 3 or so scopes from Jon at the opticzone.  His prices are the lowest I have seen anywhere.  Keep in mind, however, that since you are a member of this site, Jon will really take care of you.

Also, I openly admit that I buy all of my optics from our sponsors, mostly the optic zone and SWFA.  I do this for 2 reasons.  First, their prices are among the lowest on the net, and service is second to none.

Second, these folks help pay to keep this site going.  Members don't pay anything.  Heck, we moderators don't pay anything.  It's the sponsors that help pay for this site, and I am very grateful to them because this is like a hobby for me and I love to help people with advice.  Even if you find a sponsor's prices to be a few dollars more expensive (which is hard to do because usally they are the lowest priced), then we should still buy from them so that they can continue to support this site.  

Take it from me, a moderator of this forum, I would NEVER buy a Cabela's scope...I just don't know what I'm getting into.  Plus, like I said, I love this forum because I and share my knowledge with everyone.  Think of it this way - if this site wasn't up, you wouldn't be able to get the responses you just did.  Isn't that worth something? :grin:

Give Jon a call at the optic zone and ask him his thoughts on your topic - I'm sure he would be a valuable asset! :grin:

Zachary

[big6x6]

I'd pass on the Cabelas scopes.  Hakko and L.O.W. makes scopes in all price ranges and quality levels.  I'm sure the Cabelas scopes are good scopes but think you would be better served with a Sightron, Leupold, Weaver, Bushnell, etc.  I also question them being a good value.

What scope are you considering?

[oldelkhunter]

I am sure the Cabelas scopes are quality scopes. The problem lies in models are always changing and as a result vendors are always changing and they are not exactly bargain priced in most respects. Try getting a 400 dollar Cabelas scope repaired 7 years down the road and see what happens.  Heck Cabelas may even drop their name brand optic if not making enough money at it. They offer nothing that any reputable optics mfr does not offer.

[flyingcircusboy]

I was looking at their compact series in the fixed power 6x. It has 4.2 inches of eye relief and only costs $160. It only has a 32mm objective lens which doesn't allow alot of light in but I think overall its a fairly good trade off. I am looking for a scope for my Rem. Model 700 in .300 win mag. Some of you may remember my previous post in this forum. I agree that the site sponsors do have the best prices around. I just don't have the cash flow to invest in a high quality scope right now. If this scope would last for a few seasons I think that would be worth it. What do you think?

[Zachary]

Well, you certainly have the right to buy whatever you want, but let me tell you this...

I have an Elite 3200 1.5x-4.5x-32mm on my .375H&H Mag, which obviously kicks wayyyyy more than a .300WM.  This scope has great optics, for the money that is, and has kept up with the super heavy recoil of the .375.  In fact, these scopes tested to, I think, 1,000 rounds of .375.

I think that a fixed 6x, regardless if made by Cabelas or Zeiss, is not nearly as versatile as a variable.  Take a look at the Elite 3200 series, which is in the under $200 price range.  I'm sure that you can find a 3x-9x-40mm around that price.  No, you don't need to buy a $400 scope, although it would be great for you if you could, but the Elite 3200 that I own is great, AND IT HAS RAINGUARD, AND IT COMES WITH A LIFETIME WARRANTY.

I'm not sure exactly how much money the 3200 3x-9x-40mm is, but check around.  I don't think it will be too far outside your $160 price range.

Zachary

[Zachary]

Acutally, I went to theopticzone website, and they sell the 3x-9x-40mm with Fast Focus in Matte for only $169.  I didn't realize that they were selling them that low.  I thought they were near the $200 range.  Heck, for $169, I think I may get one for my .308!

Zachary

[quickdtoo]

I don't think you will regret the Cabela's scope, I've had excellent service from their products for over 25 yrs. An option that I think you should seriously consider though, is the Leupold Compact 2-7x28. I've had one of these scopes for over 20yrs and it is a fantastic "work" scope. Even tho it has a small objective in todays market, at the low powers where most hunting is done here in Washington, it is plenty bright even in early and late light, it's just a very fine scope worth considering. SWFA has as excellent price on it, and it's not too much more than what you're considering now.
http://www.riflescopes.com/products/LEU40400/leupold_compact_2-7x28.htm

[Bullseye]

I am not a fan of Cabela's brand of anything.  My latest was a set of Guide quality boots.  Junk.  The guides that use them must not walk very far.  I have had to much junk with their name on it.  I want to know who makes a product and the details about it if I want to know them.  Who knows about their scopes, give me a catalog like Leupold, Burris, Nikon etc.  There scope prices are about the same as a Nikon Buckmaster, Leupold VXI, Bushnell 3200 and I know what I am getting when I buy one of them.  Just my opinion of course.

[flyingcircusboy]

Thank you Zachary. I have been looking at the 3200s, particularly the ones with the firefly reticle. Is this a useful feature or just a gimick? I want to hunt bear and cougar so most of my hunting will take place at dawn and dusk. Thanks again. FCB