"Gimmicky" optics?

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UTG is pretty much the only company I've seen doing colors beyond red and green. Realistically, I'm guessing it's not that expensive to add the other colors and it gives them something to tout since general optics quality isn't what they're known for although I've heard if you get a good one they can be good for what they are.

All things being equal, with a quality optic I'd love the color options just because you never know what will stand out the best. But, all things are not equal.
 
People see colors in different spectrum Some folks like a green fiber optic, some yellow, red etc. . UtG makes very good optics especially for the money. I own about 5 of them. Very Rugged, good glass. There have been many discussions over the years on this and comparing them to more expensive optics. They are not a gimmick. They work for many different shooters. Great in low light. If you do not want the multi colors of course you can get just the red and green. Or no colors.
 
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I could be wrong but it doesn't sound like there's actually 36 different colors. Sounds like there's a few different colors and probably different brightness settings that allow for 36 total combinations. Like maybe there's red, green, blue, and yellow, with 9 brightness settings for each color.
 
Gordon said:
UGH ! Get a Bushnell at that price, or others that have some optical goodness and not cheesy gimmicks. :(
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Have you actually used the scope mentioned above? Or any UGH. What Bushnell are you talking about? I have a Bushnell at that price, and I have UGH scopes. I have a feeling you really do not know much about UGH scopes.
 
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I have alot of respect for Bushnell, Weaver, and Many other scope makers that give consumers quality optics for bargain prices. All the Barsa and Utg optical devices I have seen, and that has been alot, have pretty dismal optics and loaded with gimmicks . I have found a little hint that let's me not waste time or money on them from afar. If I see a sci-fi looking slash cut over the objective lens, I know it is a toy pretty much. But hey what ever blows your skirt up .In that $190 price range there is some good glass out there :)
 
Gordon said:
I have alot of respect for Bushnell, Weaver, and Many other scope makers that give consumers quality optics for bargain prices. All the Barsa and Utg optical devices I have seen, and that has been alot, have pretty dismal optics and loaded with gimmicks . I have found a little hint that let's me not waste time or money on them from afar. If I see a sci-fi looking slash cut over the objective lens, I know it is a toy pretty much. But hey what ever blows your skirt up .In that $190 price range there is some good glass out there :)
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I think all depends what you're putting it on and what your expectations are. I had a $30 Hammers red dot on my Marlin 795, which is now on my father-in-law's 10/22. He just wanted something to help out over irons as neither of our vision is as good as it used to be. For what it is, which is a fun plinker, it's great and no need to spend more. I'd still be using it myself if I hadn't decided to get something magnified instead.

That being said, like you, I personally have a bottom line brand-wise that I'd put on anything besides a plinker/fun rifle. I'd say lower end brands for me would be Mueller, Athlon, maybe Konus (never tried one but heard good things) along with what you listed.

All that said, if UTG works for someone, more power to them. They clearly have a market. I just don't trust them enough, based on reputation, to use on anything for hunting, defense, etc..
 
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Quote from Gordon"I have alot of respect for Bushnell, Weaver, and Many other scope makers that give consumers quality optics for bargain prices. All the Barsa and Utg optical devices I have seen, and that has been alot, have pretty dismal optics and loaded with gimmicks . I have found a little hint that let's me not waste time or money on them from afar. If I see a sci-fi looking slash cut over the objective lens, I know it is a toy pretty much. But hey what ever blows your skirt up .In that $190 price range there is some good glass out there"


Sorry Gordon, have not seen the negative reviews that you have and have been using UTG scopes for years. I have Weaver, Bushnell, Leopold etc. and others. UTG makes a fine scopes. In fact just read a article of a Red Dot (which I own) Placed on a 44mag revolver and recommended by Smith and Wesson. What UTG have you owned? I can pick up some of these scopes right now and do comparisons. UTG will compete with all of them in the same price range. They also make some very nice scope rails etc. My Red Dots have been placed on just about everything to include 12 ga. shotguns. I first started using Leepers UTG on Nice German/English MAGNUM air rifles. Many of these rifles because of the high recoil and unique recoil were known as scope busters. Many users lost some nice scopes. The UTG came along and would do wonders. The are also the company that makes the "Bug Buster". A really nice small scope. Actually have one mounted on a Henry 22.cal. for easy on and off detachment Works great!!
Sorry Gordon, I will base my reviews on scopes or Guns I actually own or owned. I do not like to come out with a Blanket statements Like I have "SEEN", Too much of that kind of stuff on the internet as it is. No fact just words. I will not comment on a Barsa, as I have never owned one. Not Lame enough to bash something I really know nothing about. But what every blows your skirt.

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https://www.gunsumerreports.com/review_utg_1x30_tactical_dot_sight.php
 
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"seen" means handled them and looked thru them. I did buy some UTG mounts and forends for ARs and bipods ect as they looked mechanically solid, yes I had issues with too small and improperly finished fasteners which gave way or could not be installed. . Just answer me, since you seem so enthused tho : what is the purpose of all the bottom end leapers and UTG and others constant use of the 1950 buck rogerish slant cut sunshade on their optics ? I really would like to know, seriously. I mean could they not spend a little more on optical quality than the visual gimmicks ? I am not talking red dots, just scopes like the OP in this thread. You know Tasco scopes used to be a great bargain scope in the day , as Bushnells continue and the others you named. But they didn't try to sell gimmicks , just optical quality for money spent . I really don't care who puts what on their guns, totally not my business, unless they ask questions then I try to give them my experiences about how long gimmick rheostats lasted, battery conections failed, weak screws stripped and misalignment of components internal and external or the overall hokeyness of a product whose price ate up funds which could have been towards a more satisfying product.
 
I think the day is coming (may already be here) when optics will have software programs installed. While it could offer many advantages, that might be the next gimmick. It would certainly shorten the lifespan of a product when the software is no longer supported...like the cameras and other useless electronic gadgets sitting in a drawer.
 
I feel utg makes a fairly robust scope, with adequate glass for the cost. The little bugbuster is one of my favorites for smaller air rifles.
The light is probably an rgb diode, and driver, so while gimmicky, at least fairly reliable tech.
I think it might actually be kinda cool for specific situation, or folks that are r/g color blind.

Not spending 190 bucks on it tho.
 
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Gordon said:
"seen" means handled them and looked thru them. I did buy some UTG mounts and forends for ARs and bipods ect as they looked mechanically solid, yes I had issues with too small and improperly finished fasteners which gave way or could not be installed. . Just answer me, since you seem so enthused tho : what is the purpose of all the bottom end leapers and UTG and others constant use of the 1950 buck rogerish slant cut sunshade on their optics ? I really would like to know, seriously. I mean could they not spend a little more on optical quality than the visual gimmicks ? I am not talking red dots, just scopes like the OP in this thread. You know Tasco scopes used to be a great bargain scope in the day , as Bushnells continue and the others you named. But they didn't try to sell gimmicks , just optical quality for money spent . I really don't care who puts what on their guns, totally not my business, unless they ask questions then I try to give them my experiences about how long gimmick rheostats lasted, battery conections failed, weak screws stripped and misalignment of components internal and external or the overall hokeyness of a product whose price ate up funds which could have been towards a more satisfying product.
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Sorry again, With about 5 of the UTG scopes, never had any failed battery connections, rheorstates still working fine, some of these over 10 years old. never had any weak screws. Never any misalignment of components internal etc. In fact all of them still working great And these scopes have had some serious abuse. In fact, that is one thing these scopes are Noted for. "Ruggedness". I did many years ago have one failed for some reason I cannot remember, but the company replaced it fast and the new one they sent I still have. I also love the" Clearridge", have a nice Bushnell Pro staff EFR, have a Hawk, MTC Mamba, and others.

The UtG is in the same class. One thing for sure, You and I are not looking at the same scope. I have too much experience with them to go along with what you are saying, know too many guys over the years that do a lot of shooting that would really disagree. By the way the Red/Green illumination of Some of the scopes, work great in low light conditions. They will adjust the intensity of the light of the cross hairs. easy to adjust the brightness.
You had I will just have to agree to disagree. For sure, will not be getting rid of any of my UTG scopes.

I wanted a nice small light scope on my Henry. I have a nice set of Skinner Sights, but wanted something that was easy to carry, and could detach quickly. The Bug-buster fit the bill.I had thought about the Clearidge which weighs 11 ounces but decided to go with the Bug Buster. This little scope has great clarity for every thing over what I need the Skinner Sights. Many a Squirrel has fallen with this combo.

66pzOBF.png

Here is a prized Diana 460 magnum 22.cal Air Rifle. It is a Brute to shoot. High recoil. These rifles are ball busters to scoops. Mine is custome tuned by "MZ" one of the best tuners known fitted with a JM "Macarri" Spring. This is the original Leepers/UtG that I first placed on the gun and still sits on it with thousands of ammo down range. And it works perfect. I put the UTG on it, because I knew the scope could handle this recoil.
This rifle has been shot for about 10 years with the same exact scope. This is quite a statement.

znucZ26.jpg

True strength
 
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I have heard internet reports the little bug buster actually works OK. But any way go for it ! Just not into this kind of stuff . Reminds me of 21st century Chinese Bushnell Phantoms
 
Some UTG stuff is pretty good. Their US-made pro series hand guards are nice, their all steel flip-up sights are a great value, nothing wrong with many of their other accessories. Their optics, however, are what they are; fine for range toys, really not up to snuff for any kind of serious use, be it duty, self-defense or hunting.

If you're after truly decent glass at rock bottom price (high value), Nikon, Weaver and Vortex are where you need to look.
 
MachIVshooter said:
Some UTG stuff is pretty good. Their US-made pro series hand guards are nice, their all steel flip-up sights are a great value, nothing wrong with many of their other accessories. Their optics, however, are what they are; fine for range toys, really not up to snuff for any kind of serious use, be it duty, self-defense or hunting.

If you're after truly decent glass at rock bottom price (high value), Nikon, Weaver and Vortex are where you need to look.
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I guess it would depend on what Vortex, you are talking about, I do not have a Nikon, have had plenty of Weavers, nice scopes but no better than the UTG. I do like the Nikon EFR but my Clearidge is my choice over that scope. The Bushnell scopes in the Price of the UTG just do not cut it. No where near the quality The problem with UTG is the fact that the Chinese have cloned many and so many folks are getting those.
"The Bug Buster feature a parallax free setting, means from a distance of 3 yard to infinity. This is made possible by their wide angle first objective lenses. Making these products ideal for both short and long range hunting applications as I have come to discover for myself." (Sniper rifles)
The Vortex, is going to cost quite a bit more money than the equivalent UTG Leepers, and the amount of trade off is just not worth it and then many shooters feel it is just a matter of opinion as to which one is better as far as the glass is concerned.
Do not agree with you at all that they are range toys and more than the Vortex, etc. In fact for ruggedness and heavy duty use especially with high use, I will choose the UTG.Have hunted with them for years. And as the post above said, actually recommended by Smith and Wesson Performance center 44 Magnum Revolver.You may have a preference or bias toward what glass is better, but you will never convince me that for sheer ruggedness, any of the scopes you mention are superior to the Utg. They are built tough.
I also owned a Anthon Argos BTR which ran about $400 but sold it and Picked up a UTG and like it just as well. The Anthon ARGOS has a illuminated reticle as well.

As I mentioned, my favorite are the Clearidge. But then again, I paid almost double.



If you are choosing scopes, there are many choices and options. UTG is a very strong competitor and maybe save a little money as well.


Here is a nice article about the UTG from Sniper rifles.

https://sniperrifles.net/leapers-utg-rifle-scopes-experiences/
 
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Jeb Stuart said:
The Vortex, is going to cost quite a bit more money than the equivalent UTG Leepers, and the amount of trade off is just not worth it and then many shooters feel it is just a matter of opinion as to which one is better as far as the glass is concerned.
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I never said the high value options from the mentioned makers would be the same price.

I've used a bug buster, and if you don't mind it's drawbacks, namely mediocre clarity and very heavy crosshairs, and trust it to hold zero and not fog, fine. I'd rather pony up for a Nikon Buckmaster/Prostaff, Weaver V series or Vortex Crossfire.

I have played with plenty of cheap scopes, have a good reason for considering ~$200 the bottom dollar for a serious use magnified optic.
 
Yeah, I'll stay out of the general optics quality discussion, but you can put me down on the side of quality mattering.

For RDSs at least, there's stuff going on inside the optic that is highly tuned to the frequency of the light the LED (or laser) emits. Changing color causes the dot/reticle sharpness to not be as good as it could be, or maybe other stuff (parallax?) I don't get as I am not actually an optical designer.

This is a common result of featuritis. More features does not equal better, and often is a straight line to an overall worse product.
 
shoobe01 said:
Yeah, I'll stay out of the general optics quality discussion, but you can put me down on the side of quality mattering.

For RDSs at least, there's stuff going on inside the optic that is highly tuned to the frequency of the light the LED (or laser) emits. Changing color causes the dot/reticle sharpness to not be as good as it could be, or maybe other stuff (parallax?) I don't get as I am not actually an optical designer.

This is a common result of featuritis. More features does not equal better, and often is a straight line to an overall worse product.
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And as far as the quote "I've used a bug buster, and if you don't mind it's drawbacks, namely mediocre clarity and very heavy crosshairs, and trust it to hold zero and not fog, fine. I'd rather pony up for a Nikon Buckmaster/Prostaff, Weaver V series or Vortex Crossfire."

Sorry, I do trust the UTG, especially since used heavily in the Dismal Swamp where I have hunted for years. Clarity is excellent, and holding zero has never been a problem even with some as old as a decade. Yes they have thicker croshairs, but that can actually be a benefit. When in the swamp I am NOT shooting 100 yards to a target.When going into the swamp, I make sure to go with the Bug Buster. Why the place is about as harsh a environment as you will see. Muddy, fog, wetness, etc. The Bug will hold up every time. Solid as a Rock.As I mentioned,

NOTE*** I own a Nikon Prostaff. Nice scope but will not be going into the swamp. Clarity is great for longer range rimfire shooting which I do a lot, not as good at close range, Much better at close range with the Bug buster. Great for focusing deep in thick cover. I love it. .

Lol, yep, all those gimmicky Manufactuers that make illuminated optics, Like Bushnell,Vortex,CVlife, Trijicon, Primary Arms Leopold, UTG, Nikon and on and on. Gee, I hate actually being able to see the reticle in low light. I just like to point and shoot the with a scoop.

Hey, look at this Gimmicky scope, man only a fool would buy from a Company that sells such gimmicks. 11 Iluminations. Must be some dumb down company that can't sell a thing without a "Featuritis" gimmick.

Oh, and by the way I do trust the

qU4Tpcl.jpg
 
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They may not be for everyone but i like some of my cheap scopes. I dont have a UTG but i have a sightmark red dot on my AR that good enough for my use.

Also have an NCStar on my sks that have successful used deer hunting.

Bushnell Dusk to Dawn are also on alot of my hunting rifles.
 
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Kabic said:
They may not be for everyone but i like some of my cheap scopes. I dont have a UTG but i have a sightmark red dot on my AR that good enough for my use.

Also have an NCStar on my sks that have successful used deer hunting.

Bushnell Dusk to Dawn are also on alot of my hunting rifles.
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Just don't confuse cheap with quality and cost. Nothing cheap about the quality of the UTG. Just a really great bang for the Buck. I just bought a AR15-22. came with a Bushnell, but decided to go with a UTG. And it was Not because of cost. I would pay more if it worth it. Might switch out of of my UTG scopes already mounted. But thinking of buy a new one. Haven't seen what is new in a few years. The UTG are not low cost, just lower cost than scopes in same class. And just have never seen that much of a difference to pay more. Most of the differerences have alway been just opinion or subjective. This debate has been going on for years. If you think a gun that cost more is better, that is fine. I will stick to what I have used and trusted for years.
 
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