Why do old Leupold scopes go for so much?

[huntsman22]

I've NEVER seen a silver scope MATCH anything it was mounted on......

 

[KenLee]

I am a Loopy basher.

I paid $346 with tax for a Loopy 2-7x28 VX-1 Rimfire this morning that used to be $250 new.

Its 8.5 oz, 10" long. Thats why I did it lol.

7 ounces and 4.5 inch eye relief were what I recall

 

[HairyScandinavian]

You think that's something, look at the prices for the VX-L or VX3-L varieties. I have two of them I'm sitting on, one in the safe and one mounted still in use. I really need to sell the one in the safe and I just can't bring myself to offload them.

 

[Xycod]

Older thread I know, but instead of starting a new one seem or fit. Anyway I saw some older Leupold vx2/3’s and a few redfield lo-pro/illuminator scopes yesterday at a local shop and the guy wanted Zeiss v4,swaro z3, Trijicon credo, prices. Nostalgia is an expensive thing apparently, vintage seems to be the new sales line.

 

[Steve O]

I sold a 20 year old gun metal gray vxiii for 1k on ebay. Wtf?

Holy crap I hope that’s still true, I have two or 3 of those with the B&C reticle to sweeten the pot!

 

[TaperPin]

I wish everyone would stop buying all the fixed power scopes with target knobs for top dollar - the stupid things are selling on eBay for more than new prices.
lol

 

[Rich M]

The old Leupold scopes hold a zero. New ones are crap.

I have a vx-2 that hasnt needed adjustment since i bought it in 2005/2006. Tried a vx-3i and it shot 2 inches, put vx-2 back on and shoots 1 inch. Go figure.

 

[Rich M]

Older thread I know, but instead of starting a new one seem or fit. Anyway I saw some older Leupold vx2/3’s and a few redfield lo-pro/illuminator scopes yesterday at a local shop and the guy wanted Zeiss v4,swaro z3, Trijicon credo, prices. Nostalgia is an expensive thing apparently, vintage seems to be the new sales line.

I've got a Redfield Illuminator 56 mm scope and it is every bit as good in low light as many of the expensive scopes. My scope was purchased in 1990-1992 for $500. The only bugaboo it has is a small eye box at higher magnification. It is a great scope, ahead of its time when made.

There is a diminishing return with scopes - the new ones have better coatings but the old ones have better internals and sturdier materials.