Should I upgrade my scope or bino's first?

[180ls1]

It's worth noting the main problems are centered around the scopes that dial.

My dad and I ran the BDC versions for years and never had issues. That would likely serve you well in the interim, especially if you're only shooting out to 400.

 

[Rich M]

I shoot MPBR anyway. 350, maybe 400 yards holding on hair or back line. Nothing fancy.

I like to see in the dark w my scope. If the scope gives out before my vision, it isnt a low light scope.

 

[codyjrutkowski]

If your binoculars are doing the job i might lean towards the rifle scope. If a pair of binoculars fail the hunt is not necessarily over, but if a scope fails you might as well go home.

 

[bikerj86]

I'm a new hunter and bought a vortex venom 3-15 scope & vortex diamondback 15x56 binos (yes the marketing got me, and I was unaware that nearly every optic company has the lifetime warranty). Now that I'm a little more learnt I'm looking to start upgrading my system. As of now I only have the money to upgrade one of these before the fall hunting system. If I upgrade the scope it will likely be a Maven 1.2 or Nightforce SHV F2. If I upgrade binos I'd probably go with one of the Sig Zulu's.

Argument for Binos: I spend most of my hunting days glassing from ridges trying to spot game. I have abnormally good eyes and have been able to spot game in what seem to be very difficult conditions, but there still might be game that I'm missing. That said my eyes do get tired after glassing for awhile. Since I spend majority of my time glassing I feel like I'd have a better experience and more shot opportunities by upgrading to the stabilized binos. Also, the scope works well enough that I can shoot a dinner plate group at 600 yards (this was with 15mph wind & PMC Bronze ammo). Also, shooting is such a microscopic portion of the time spent while hunting, whereas I spend hours and hours glassing.

Argument for the Scope: So far I've had pretty good success spotting game so it could be argued that I don't really need new binos. On the other hand I'm not confident that my scope would withstand a good side impact if I took a fall, based on the drop tests. I prefer to climb steep terrain to get away from the crowds, and run the risk of slipping and taking a pretty good fall. Not withstanding a good side impact, the scope works well enough that I'd be confident shooting game out to 400 yds (my current ethical range, conditions depending). I'd sure hate to have everything lined up then miss the shot because the scope failed.

What would you do?

Id personally upgrade my optic over my binoculars. Id rather be able to verify my target with my rifle since that is my primary focus for the shot.

 

[MTlan66]

In many ways I’m in the same boat- Vortex Diamondback rifle scope, Viper 8x42 binos, Razor spotting scope. Would love to upgrade all of the above!
I didn’t see where you are from, or what type of hunting you do, which would come into play in your decision. I didn’t own binoculars for the first number of years that I hunted in the south. Now that I live and hunt in the west, I find that unthinkable!
I tend to agree with those who recommend replacing your binoculars first, entirely on account of them being 15x. Get a good pair of 8’s or 10’s, and I think you’ll find them far more useful, regardless of quality.
I fully subscribe to the drop testing, and will base all future scope purchases on that. I will say, my Vortex has never lost zero. I’ve only used it for a few years, but it has ridden countless miles in a utv, moved 2000 miles across the country in a box truck in the winter, been hiked many miles through the mountains, survived one very hard fall directly on the scope on a rock that left a substantial ding in the tube. I do not dial- it has a BDC reticle. I really don’t like the scope for a number of reasons, but it has never let me down.
My .02…

 

[Trail&ErrorAK]

So If you are looking to do one or the other - I'd recommend binos. But here is another thought.

You could upgrade both.
I was shooting out to 700 yards with a Leupol VX3i 4.5-14 and took my ram at 300 yards with it.

I wanted to get something nicer but it has been great. I also had some $600 Binos that were a huge upgrade from the diamondbacks.

My $.02 - upgrade both. I often sell old gear or items that I'm not as interested in. You could probably sell your current scope and binos and come up with a couple hundred bucks to get close to upgrading both.

However if you are set on buying once - crying once this year I'd go Bino's then Scope since you haven't had issues with your scope. But get something proven, like Leupold and others, that don't just have warranty but are notorious for not needing to use that warranty.