I have always been a Luepold man, but I have one 3*9 vortex viper and like it and I do have one weaver classic extreme(paid 259 for it 3 years ago) and I like it. I have never owned a nikon. I was just wondering if any of these 3 scopes are better or just as good as a luepold vx3 or am I better saving my money on a Luepold VX3.

http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/vortex.pl?page=vortexviper6-20x44

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?con...92012NikonPromo

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?con...=02092012Weaver

I ordered that Vortex this morning. I have never shot one of thier scopes but I did a TON of research on it last night before I decided to buy it and most people seem to put the quality of the glass on the same level as the VXIII. This is the first "off brand" scope I have ever bought (I am a bit of a brand snob when it comes to optics) but for $279 is sure seems like you cant go wrong from the reviews I see.

I have never been impressed with Nikon glass at all. I still own Nikon but dont really care too much for them.

I have never shot that Weaver but I did have a Weaver V16 and it has the honor of being one of only 2 scope failures I have ever had.

All very nice, don't think you can make a wrong decision although i have never owned a weaver but here good things

I own 2 of the Viper 6.5-20 and they are fantastic. Track well, quality is great, and class is clear. I could see 6mm bullet holes at 275. Also, the warranty is fantastic. I would have got a third for my 260, but got a good deal on a PST.

Sure you hear things about Weaver failures more than Ziess or Swartzenwhatever, same with Ford compared to BMW. Lot more on the road. I grew up in Odessa, attended the nations first long range bench rest shoot in Midland around 57, and I was always partial to Weavers because they were made in ElPaso Texas, and still am a fan. But what the heck, I'm only 65 and my eyes are getting tired. Once the varmint gets over 300 yards away I have to start depending on my ears to help me get on target.

I agree ruger, just wish the vortex went to 4 power. Anybody else care to input on these 3 scopes?

Here is my vote

http://swfa.com/Burris-45-14x42-Fullfield-II-Rifle-Scope-P7933.aspx

You get what you pay for....if you want a good scope, get one...why buy something you are going to replace or upgrade later?

I know all the hype about Vortex and they are doing a great marketing campaign right now but seriously...you think your getting zeiss, nightforce and swaro's quality at those prices?

I am not convinced, but in the end you buy what you can afford or budget for the year. Once you buy your good glass you're done for rest of your life cause it will last a lifetime...not to mention hold its value if you get on hard times and have to sell it.

I have seen the vortex and looked thru them, meh....

Just my 2 cents....

sorry got sidetracked on glass issue,

go with the leupolds forget the vortex..

Well since I own Leo's, Swaros, Ziess, Nikons, and a few others I will be able to give an honest field report on the Vortex when it arrives. If its junk I will tell you its junk. If I think its on par with the Swaro I will tell you its on par with the Swaro. I only ordered the Vortex because there are several people here whos opinion I trust when it comes to glass and they say they have quality glass far beyond thier price point. We will see.

So you've seen a vortex and looked through it, that's it? I sat in a BMW once a saw one driving down 121, does that mean I think they are a POS? Do you own one, have you used one? I own a NF, multiple vortexs and HAD leupolds, if I thought by REAL WORLD experience that leupold were better than I wouldn't have sold them all. Now vortex may not be hand over fist better, even equal, maybe. But the warranty is better, the features are better and the price is better and that's proven.

I ordered one too, because of the reviews I've seen on here and elsewhere. Honestly, 95% or better of what I come across is positive.

I've had burris, leo, nikon, ect.... vortex (pst) is the best scope I've owned.

JCB, will wait for the report....just looking and field use are two different issue I know...at one time I thought I liked Leica binos, (that I paid an arm and leg for).but after a week,of using them...just didn't fit me...glass was fine.

Ordered 2of the 2X7 today

My only gripe about Vortex is the eye relief. As long as it's not for a heavy kicker, they're real nice scopes.

Recoil is not a factor for the 2 I just ordered. One for a Remington 788 in 44mag the other for a Ruger 77-357

Well I own Swaro, ziess and vortex..

Neither the swaro av or conquest are $400 better then the viper.

Vortex has by far the best warrenty in the business and are a US company with over 20 year of being in business.

I will say I am disappointed in their new lines price points. Think they are a.little high on scopes... But their bino hd's are awesome

vortex

That PST 6-24x50 looks nice. I like the quality of the nikon monarch's. I find them clearer than leupold's. I guess clear to one person is not so clear to another.

If the glass on the Weaver is same as in their Tactical models, that's a decent scope and my pick from those three. If not, I would probably pick the Monarch.

Here's one that would be your best option though in the price range:
http://www.cameralandny.com/optics/minox.pl?page=66020

bought one of the Minox last year and overall good scope and the warranty is as good as it gets.

I am very tempted to get the Z5 3x15x42. But I did read some reviews where they initially had some production issues -- the fast focus eye piece was loose and moved around taking the reticle with it. Also read that the eye relief is closer to 6 inches than 4 and another mentioned that he had some problems mounting it because of the short tube. Any problems for you guys?

Believe the man that said " you get what you pay for"...I did a
study on some of my own scopes years ago..between Zeiss, Leupold,
and Buris...the Zeiss worked best in low light, but the Buriss and Leupold were about the same...at 930PM on a field in Tarpley
watching deer jump the fence at 200 yds..no moon..I recently mounted a Zeiss and a Mark 4 Leupold...I was very impressed with
the Leupold..it has positive returnable clicks and great optics,
and it was very comparable to the Zeiss..But each of these tubes
were $1000 or a little more...I shot a Mark 3 on a 338 for years
and never had one problem..Don't think Nikon or Vortex are in the
same stadium..but are more affordable...Don

The Minox I have is the one you mentioned and have had none of the issues you mentioned, but it is a scope for a short Action IMO which is ok with me. The only problem I have with it is in the optics, while clear, crisp and bright they are a little distorted around the edge.