It has been a long hard struggle....

[Savage Hunter]

I am money shot on a scope purchase for this year.
Along with the rifle, Lana got an expensive crossbow ($1500) and we're heading to Africa this summer....... when we return, she has knee surgery and I have shoulder/wrist surgery.
Plus, my ATV was stolen and I will have to replace that. May have to remortgage my house. lol.
(anybody feel sorry for me enough to start a "go-fund-me" account?)

I am leaning toward putting the VX-3L on it for now. It has the "half-moon" cut out of the bottom and it's sitting on my 300 with low mounts.
I am wanting to make my 300 an even longer range rifle so will likely change it to the VX-6.
I am planning to only plains game hunt with this 375 this summer, so there possibly will be some longer shots.
I also plan to take it to Alaska or BC within a few years. So I desire the stronger power.
I hope to Cape Buffalo hunt in about 3 or so years. Maybe swap out scopes then.

So, I am limited to those 3 unless someone wants to buy my still "box sealed" VX-6 3-18x50 with firedot................ which I already desire to put on the 300wsm.

 

[rookhawk]

@Savage Hunter you should sell that scope and fund what you need. It's a good scope and should Almost fund your new scope.

 

[8x68]

Your options priced:


Worlds worst illuminated scope in my opinion, the Leica 1.5-5x24 illuminated. About $400

Used s&B 1-4 on eBay $700

Used swaro z6 non illuminated on eBay: $1300

Wholesale new in box z6i 1-6x24 illuminated (I have two spares from a big buy I did) $1850

New retail exos 1-8 or swaro 1-8 $2800

I've owned a lot of scopes at a lot of price points. I can't speak worse of any scope than the leupold 1-5...compare to almost any other scope at that price....junk-o-la

The only challenge I have found with Ebay is the prices seem to be inflated. You also have to be careful of Chinese knock offs too!

 

[rookhawk]

The only challenge I have found with Ebay is the prices seem to be inflated. You also have to be careful of Chinese knock offs too!

By the way, I made a typo. The Leupold 1-5 is the worst, not Leica!

Zeiss are the fakes on eBay, hence I don't buy Zeiss.

 

[8x68]

By the way, I made a typo. The Leupold 1-5 is the worst, not Leica!

Zeiss are the fakes on eBay, hence I don't buy Zeiss.

Chinese Leup knock offs are quite common as well.

 

[Ray B]

Are the Chinese copies anywhere near the quality/design/performance of the actual Leupold, Zeiss or others? Or are they the equivalent of a Mexican Rolex?

 

[Jimbob]

At best they are dressed up Nikko Stirling, at worst they're dressed up NCStar.

 

[petrusg]

Give your wife a big kiss and head out to the shooting range!

 

[rookhawk]

At best they are dressed up Nikko Stirling, at worst they're dressed up NCStar.

Exactly. Many look like they are made using shared parts from BSA china.

Utter filth!

 

[Jimbob]

Yup, massive false economy. I'd rather buy a good scope used than a Chinese one new. Leupold M8 is where it's at for cheap but good, one will grace my 9.3x57 if the (original) Weaver K4 isn't up to scratch.

 

[rookhawk]

@Jimbob dont discount vintage S&B scopes on eBay. They are priced in that $300-600 range and are the best deal going!

 

[Jimbob]

Completely agree, same with the other German brands but unfortunately most of the ones that pop up here are 26mm tubes but I have 1" rings in Weaver bases and they don't do 26mm.
If a Swaro/Zeiss/S&B came up with a 1" I'd be all over it.

 

[rookhawk]

Completely agree, same with the other German brands but unfortunately most of the ones that pop up here are 26mm tubes but I have 1" rings in Weaver bases and they don't do 26mm.
If a Swaro/Zeiss/S&B came up with a 1" I'd be all over it.

Lucky you! Zeiss conquest, made in America 1" tubes. 3-9x40 New is around $300

 

[cpr0312]

Lucky man! Keep the rifle and the wife!

+1 on that!

 

[Savage Hunter]

Will certainly keep the wife. But I should remind you guys that I bought her a crossbow that was about the same price and this upcoming safari is my gift to her that she asked for.

 

[Jimbob]

Lucky you! Zeiss conquest, made in America 1" tubes. 3-9x40 New is around $300

Not here they aren't! The Zeiss Terra is down at £3-400 but they aren't anywhere near Conquest levels.

 

[Savage Hunter]

Will certainly keep the wife. But I should remind you guys that I bought her a crossbow that was about the same price and this upcoming safari is my gift to her that she asked for.

I did this from my phone and put laughing smiley faces all over it, but they didn't show up.

I'm a very lucky guy. I know. I was trying to make it sound like I am only taking her back to Africa out of the goodness of my heart and extreme sacrifice on my part. lol.

 

[Rob404]

Just thought I'd throw this out there, Mueller 2x7 fire dot I have two Muellers and like their glass and build quality and their price won't break the bank,if not my chice would be door #3

 

[8x68]

Are the Chinese copies anywhere near the quality/design/performance of the actual Leupold, Zeiss or others? Or are they the equivalent of a Mexican Rolex?

Lets put it this way they look nice. When mounted they could rattle and when you shoot the crosshairs might "spin", or one of the crosshairs might fall down. These are reports from those who have bought them. It's like anything else...you get what you pay for. A new 3.5-10x40 leup VX3i for $250 on ebay might raise a few red flags!

 

[Ray B]

Lets put it this way they look nice. When mounted they could rattle and when you shoot the crosshairs might "spin", or one of the crosshairs might fall down. These are reports from those who have bought them. It's like anything else...you get what you pay for. A new 3.5-10x40 leup VX3i for $250 on ebay might raise a few red flags!

Ah!!, Just like that Rolex the guy wanted to sell me for $50. When the price of something is "too good to be true" I have found that it is.