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Leupold
#8476995
12/16/21 12:38 AM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,129
Biscuit
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Is Leupold still considered the top of line for optics ? I haven’t purchased a scope over $1000 ever , but I’m about to. I like a couple they have but I’m not educated in the optic market
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8476999
12/16/21 12:43 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,758
cbump
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Everyone here is going to say no because everyone here is long range and dials shots. For me though, yes. I don’t want a scope that looks like a base ball bat, or looks tactical, or has anything more than a duplex. I like Leupold and Swarovski for “high end”. High end for me is $500-$1000.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477000
12/16/21 12:43 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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Top of the line, not as far as I am concerned.
I do not own a single Leupold, or Swarovski rifle scope.
Do have a Swaro spotter though. I told a Rep they make some of the finest observation optics in the world. But they suck at rifle scopes.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477005
12/16/21 12:53 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,758
cbump
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Re: Leupold
[Re: cbump]
#8477021
12/16/21 01:09 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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Thousands of options of optics and irons work fine at 100 yards.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477025
12/16/21 01:17 AM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,200
Theringworm
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You need to define what “Top of Line” means to you, what factors matter most to you in your consideration of being “top of the line” and does your wish for a “top of the line” scope have a budget you are wanting stay inside of. Also, what’s the intended purpose? Simple point and shoot inside of 200-300 yds or are you wanting to practice longer shots. Lots of variables to consider to get to you to your end goal. But if glass is the only thing to consider….. then no they do not have “alpha” glass as it’s often referred to. Regardless of whether you are shooting long range or not….. they still are not considered a top of the line optic.
Last edited by Theringworm; 12/16/21 01:41 AM.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477056
12/16/21 01:45 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,161
wp75169
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For a hunting scope the VX-5 series is hard to beat. I would say top of the line for sure.
Everyone seems to want to twist turrets these days and I do so myself. Unfortunately many of us lose sight of the fact that maybe only 10% of scope owners care anything at all about that.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477062
12/16/21 01:52 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
THF Trophy Hunter
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I'm in the minority that thinks they are slightly more reliable and durable than Vortex. Thankfully, their warranty is similar.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477066
12/16/21 01:57 AM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,954
huntwest
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I really like the Leupold Vx5 HD and 6 HD scopes. They are very good hinting scopes and CDL turrets work well on animals. I have dialed mine to 700 yards on a couple of pigs and killed them. Some the long range paper and steel shooters like mil or moa style scopes and there are better precision scopes for this. But the Leupold CDL system makes shooting long range pretty simple on larger targets like deer and pigs.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477068
12/16/21 02:02 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,780
txtrophy85
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I have a leupold VX-6 on my .300 and it’s a pretty damn nice scope. Also a fan of the Z6 Swarovski scopes as well.
I’m a hunter not a shooter so I’m looking for low light clarity and rugged dependability. Long range turrets and ultra precision dialing and adjustment is of no use to me.
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477072
12/16/21 02:07 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
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Maybe they ironed out their CDS system but the original design was unreliable. I bought several. I gave Leupold a hard pass after that. I have some of their older designs with capped turrets. They work once they are sighted in but they aren't always easy to sight it.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: txtrophy85]
#8477075
12/16/21 02:08 AM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,471
4Weight
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I have a leupold VX-6 on my .300 and it’s a pretty damn nice scope. Also a fan of the Z6 Swarovski scopes as well.
I’m a hunter not a shooter so I’m looking for low light clarity and rugged dependability. Long range turrets and ultra precision dialing and adjustment is of no use to me.
Exactly. Well put. That being said I would buy the lower end Zeiss glass over Leupold. I have the old conquest line on 3 of my hunting rifles
Last edited by 4Weight; 12/16/21 02:09 AM.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477076
12/16/21 02:09 AM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,200
Theringworm
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Top of the line “non long-range/tactical” (I.e, exposed turrets if that’s how you classify them) scopes would mainly be based on glass quality and in my opinion would be the likes of:
Top Tier: Tanget Theta - Long Range Hunter Schmidt and Bender - several models March Swarovski Zeiss
2nd tier: Meopta - Meostar R2 Nightforce -SHV Steiner - Predator Leupold Vortex (maybe)
3 rd Tier: Etc etc
If you are wanting long range/exposed turrets you can add in several not mentioned into the top tier and middle tier. Just my opinion obviously.
Last edited by Theringworm; 12/16/21 02:11 AM.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477081
12/16/21 02:14 AM
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,236
Erny
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Most of my rifles are topped with VX 3 leupold rifle scopes with CDS (Custom dial system). I have been nothing but pleased with them. Don’t own Swarovski rifle scope but have two pairs of binos. If the scopes are half as good as their Binos they must be amazing.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: huntwest]
#8477105
12/16/21 02:25 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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I really like the Leupold Vx5 HD and 6 HD scopes. They are very good hinting scopes and CDL turrets work well on animals. I have dialed mine to 700 yards on a couple of pigs and killed them. Some the long range paper and steel shooters like mil or moa style scopes and there are better precision scopes for this. But the Leupold CDL system makes shooting long range pretty simple on larger targets like deer and pigs. I despise the CDS system. Leupold acknowledges gravity, but not wind. Gravity is half the battle, or actually less of the battle. A duplex reticle and effectively, a 1/4 MOA turret breeds a false sense of security. People with more money than education think the CDS system instantly makes them a 600+ yard effective hitter. It just ain't so. Add in mass production ammo, false reported muzzle velocities, and more than one lot number and you have a recipe for clean misses and/or gut shots without animal recovery.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Leupold
[Re: txtrophy85]
#8477113
12/16/21 02:28 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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I have a leupold VX-6 on my .300 and it’s a pretty damn nice scope. Also a fan of the Z6 Swarovski scopes as well.
I’m a hunter not a shooter so I’m looking for low light clarity and rugged dependability. Long range turrets and ultra precision dialing and adjustment is of no use to me.
Don't you have to shoot the animals in the vitals to kill them cleanly? Do the VX-6 and Swaro have reticles that afford at least decent holds? Since you're not interested in precision.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477123
12/16/21 02:44 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,758
cbump
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We get It fireman. You don’t like them.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477146
12/16/21 02:59 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,900
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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Always interesting to me that people put such a high emphasis on the optics part of the equation of a rifle scope. It is not the most important quality of a dependable rifle scope by a long shot, as any VX3 type glass will get you past legal shooting light. A rifle scopes main reason for existence is to steer bullets, reliably, to the desired POA/POI every single time. That's what it is for. I also expect it to hold zero unless I move it. Many of the reliable "dialers" have these attributes, which is why I've started using them more. That being said, I do have a VX3 and VX6 that have been solid.
Love Swaro binos, have no use for their riflescopes.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477148
12/16/21 03:00 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279
onlysmith&wesson
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The Leupold VX5-HD is my all time favorite hunting scope. It is one of three I have with the CDS set up. I've killed a few hundred animals with it and about 1/3 of them have been dialed using the CDS. I gave Leupold good data for the dial and have had consistent performance from the Hornady ammo I buy. This is over about a five year period of different lots. I do test my stuff from time to time, just as any ethical hunter does to verify zero. It has worked very well for me and holds zero under some hard hunting. I have never had a failure from a Leupold scope and currently have a VX6 and VX3 HD also. For the $, I think you'd be pleased. That said, I have a Burris Signature HD on a set up that was about $600.00 that's pretty solid itself.
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Jgraider]
#8477149
12/16/21 03:01 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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Always interesting to me that people put such a high emphasis on the optics part of the equation of a rifle scope. It is not the most important quality of a dependable rifle scope by a long shot, as any VX3 type glass will get you past legal shooting light. A rifle scopes main reason for existence is to steer bullets, reliably, to the desired POA/POI every single time. That's what it is for. I also expect it to hold zero unless I move it. Many of the reliable "dialers" have these attributes, which is why I've started using them more. That being said, I do have a VX3 and VX6 that have been solid.
Love Swaro binos, have no use for their riflescopes. Yup
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477171
12/16/21 03:18 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
TEXASLEFTY
THF Whiskey Sommelier
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I’m with txtrophy85, VX-3,5 or 6 next would be a Swarovski Z6i.....
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: J.G.]
#8477172
12/16/21 03:18 AM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,168
scottfromdallas
THF Trophy Hunter
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Always interesting to me that people put such a high emphasis on the optics part of the equation of a rifle scope. It is not the most important quality of a dependable rifle scope by a long shot, as any VX3 type glass will get you past legal shooting light. A rifle scopes main reason for existence is to steer bullets, reliably, to the desired POA/POI every single time. That's what it is for. I also expect it to hold zero unless I move it. Many of the reliable "dialers" have these attributes, which is why I've started using them more. That being said, I do have a VX3 and VX6 that have been solid.
Love Swaro binos, have no use for their riflescopes. Yup Yup Yup
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Re: Leupold
[Re: TEXASLEFTY]
#8477178
12/16/21 03:26 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
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I’m with txtrophy85, VX-3,5 or 6 next would be a Swarovski Z6i..... Imma set your stock on fire, and pound your barreled action into a machete tomorrow.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Jgraider]
#8477187
12/16/21 03:35 AM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 6,279
onlysmith&wesson
THF Trophy Hunter
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Always interesting to me that people put such a high emphasis on the optics part of the equation of a rifle scope. It is not the most important quality of a dependable rifle scope by a long shot, as any VX3 type glass will get you past legal shooting light. A rifle scopes main reason for existence is to steer bullets, reliably, to the desired POA/POI every single time. That's what it is for. I also expect it to hold zero unless I move it. Many of the reliable "dialers" have these attributes, which is why I've started using them more. That being said, I do have a VX3 and VX6 that have been solid.
Love Swaro binos, have no use for their riflescopes. I've had no problem dialing my VX5HD, and never had a problem with it holding zero. I agree, for me it's important for it to hold zero and be able to dial it, but for $1500.00 I'd expect it to have good optical characteristics as well, and to me it does. Biscuit is asking about scopes > than $1000.00. My Burris that I mentioned is great, but I don't dial it and it isn't as good as my Leupold optically during the first, or last five minutes of light. But, for less than 1/2 the $, it is way more than 1/2 the scope.
An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
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Re: Leupold
[Re: Biscuit]
#8477208
12/16/21 04:04 AM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,129
Biscuit
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Good info as always, I’m surprised Steiner isn’t respected more. I really like the Burris XTR-II
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