$500 scopes, best glass quality

[giggitygiggity]

I like my Leupold Mark AR Mod 1 4-12x40.

 

[CApighunter]

For what it's worth, I just picked up a vx3i and it has to be one of the best I've ever looked through.

 

[HKGuns]

The Leupy will have the best glass in that line up pretty easily.

 

[agtman]

The Leupy will have the best glass in that line up pretty easily.

Agree. Leupys are quality optics at their respective price-points.

Avoid junk scopes - which means strongly resist the urge to go cheap.

Word.

 

[Walkalong]

I am considering a few options, including the Nikon Monarch3 4-16x, Leupold VX-3 3-12x (currently on clearance since the VX-3i came out), or Vortex Viper HS 4-16x.

The Leupy will have the best glass in that line up pretty easily.

I would have to agree of those three I would go with the Leupold.

 

[paulo]

Nikon. Nuf said.

 

[Grumulkin]

I've got at least three VX-3's. Clarity and light transmission is outstanding. Checked it side by against a Swarovski and it was at least as clear, actually very slightly better which really surprised me.

Never looked thru a Vortex

I also had a Swarovski after having read about its fantastic light gathering ability. Well, compared to my Leupold Mark 4 scopes, it was bigger and it's low light ability was inferior to my Leupolds. I think my Leupolds are even a titch better than my Nightforce scopes in low light.

My favorite scope in the Leupold line for rifles is the 3.5-10 Mark 4 with the M3 turrets. They're good for much longer range than most people will be shooting and you can get custom made balistic turrets if you don't like the ones that come with it.

As far as glass quality goes, I think a bit too much is made of it for most people. Most don't shoot as much at night as I have. More important qualities are the ability to hold zero and to have precise tracking.

 

[ThePenguinKnight]

I went with the Vortex HST 4-16x44 with the MOA reticle.

It is heavier than my current Buckmaster scope (20.8oz vs 14oz), but I am switching from. Burris PEPR mount (8.5oz) to an Aero Precision Ultralight (3.1oz), so the weight of the total packages should come out very close to the same. No sacrifice of the deer hunting scope, but gives me room to grow if I decide to go further into long range shooting.

It's supposed to be delivered Monday, and the new mount is due later in the week. Hopefully I'll be able to make time at the range with it soon.