Leupold for hunting – which one if you HAD to choose?

[gbflyer]

Leupolds sell like hotcakes on the used market. Somebody(s) really like them.

 

[jjordan355]

I currently have a new Leupold Mark 4 Hd 4.5-18x52 and have about 85 rounds on it on top of a suppressed 7 PRC and no complaints from me. This upcoming year will be my first year hunting with it. I’ve shot out to 500 on steel with it using the reticle and dialing and then returning to zero on the dial and using the reticle again. Haven’t had any issues with it so far.

 

[nobody]

Does it have to be a riflescope? Why not just use the funds to upgrade a different optic like binos or spotter and get a different riflescope with a better reputation?

 

[KenLee]

If it has to be a Leupold on that rifle, I would pick an old fixed 6x.

But I would pick a Trijicon 1-6x, 1-8x, 3-9x over any Leupold.

I just picked up a second SWFA 1-6x and now I am going to be looking for a rifle for it. I currently have one of those on my Tikka M695 in 9.3x62 and I really like it.

Came here to also say "old 6x"

 

[BAKPAKR]

I have a 2.5-8 on an 270 and a 1.5-5 on a 45-70 that have worked well. They are in the Vari/VX3/III line but I don’t recall right off hand what years. I think either one would be fine on a 9.3x62.

 

[Rjk300]

I haven’t had any issues with my two 6.5-20x50 TMR mark iv’s. Both about 12yrs old, haven’t had any zero issues and they are dialed many times a year. Usually shooting from 425 to 1k yards. I wish they had a zero stop though!

 

[Jbehredt]

I’d get the one with the best resale value then Offload it and buy a trijicon.

 

[RWH80]

Why all the hate for the Leupold scopes? Just asking to try to gain some insight.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Why all the hate for the Leupold scopes? Just asking to try to gain some insight.

We like scopes that consistently track, repeat, and retain zero.

 

[RWH80]

We like scopes that consistently track, repeat, and retain zero.

Fair enough, I am relatively inexperienced and didn't know they had that reputation. One of the reasons I joined here, to get perspective from those more knowledgeable than me.

 

[Pilsner]

Why all the hate for the Leupold scopes? Just asking to try to gain some insight.

Check out the drop test thread and summary to see what optics, not what brands but what individual optics, actually hold zero. TLR is that nearly none of them do and certainly not Leupold or Vortex.

 

[Waynorth]

Does it have to be a riflescope? Why not just use the funds to upgrade a different optic like binos or spotter and get a different riflescope with a better reputation?

That’s actually not a bad idea. The main thing I have against just selling the replacement is that every dollar ends up being worth about 70 cents after the exchange.

Just upgrading the binos would take care of that problem.

 

[Taudisio]

That’s actually not a bad idea. The main thing I have against just selling the replacement is that every dollar ends up being worth about 70 cents after the exchange.

Just upgrading the binos would take care of that problem.

No tracking (or retaining zero) issues with binos or spotting scopes!

 

[Waynorth]

Would mean I don't get the chance to prove Leupold actually works though... as so many others I really do want them to be as good as they look.

 

[nobody]

That’s actually not a bad idea. The main thing I have against just selling the replacement is that every dollar ends up being worth about 70 cents after the exchange.

Just upgrading the binos would take care of that problem.

Supposedly their range finding binos are pretty solid. For an exchange I would maybe check out something you wouldn’t pick up otherwise

 

[peaches]

Sitting on company credits from a failed repair request.



Fixed would be an option if buying used. Personally i would look at a 3x or 4x though.

I have FX 4x on my CZ. I think it's the only Leupold I have still mounted on a hunting rifle.