Gloss scopes?

[Legionnaire]

Does anyone still make gloss scopes?

I know that glass, coatings, and erector quality have all improved in recent years, but it seems like all current production scopes are matte finish. I really prefer gloss on blued steel. Does anybody make a modern equivalent of the old Leupold Vari-X II 2-7x33 in gloss today? Is my only option to look for an older scope?

 

[eastbank]

I agree, I have quite a few leupold scopes(32) and most are gloss with about 25 precent matt that are newer ones. and I like scopes with AO for my old eyes.

 

[LoonWulf]

Does anyone still make gloss scopes?

I know that glass, coatings, and erector quality have all improved in recent years, but it seems like all current production scopes are matte finish. I really prefer gloss on blued steel. Does anybody make a modern equivalent of the old Leupold Vari-X II 2-7x33 in gloss today? Is my only option to look for an older scope?

Leupold will do custom anodizing on request, tho I don't know what the cost would be.

 

[Walkalong]

Used to be many scopes were available in matte or gloss, but these days matte seems to be the in thing.

 

[Varminterror]

I don’t take that trend shift to be a cost cutting measure as it is for rifle finishes. It’s a subjective trend preference - most rifles are matte, so now scopes match them. We also don’t see as many malarkey threads on forums (anyone else remember these?) where guys would ask about gloss scopes or high polish rifles spooking game rather than matte finishes. Anyone remember the “glow in the dark” Remington stainless barrel threads? That stuff isn’t going around nearly as often as it used to.

 

[jmr40]

I can understand the desire to have a gloss scope on a classic rifle in an effort to have it period correct. It would be nice if manufacturers would at least offer the option, even if special order. From a personal perspective I like the matte look better even on rifles with polished barrels and actions, but that is personal preference.

I don't know if the highly polished metal and optics will spook game or not. But there have been times where the first time I saw another hunter was because of light reflecting off some part of his rifle or shotgun. Stainless steel, with a matte finish blends in pretty well. It ends up looking gray, and there are lots of gray objects in the woods. The only rifles I never really felt were too bright were the original Ruger SS rifles.

My Winchester blends in pretty well compared to a shiny Remington blue barrel

 

[Grumulkin]

A question. Does it REALLY matter if you have a camo stock and a matte scope? Do you have a camo flashlight so if you drop it, it will be harder to find?

Except for maybe bow hunters, I find the perceived necessity of having camo or matte everything a little funny.

Look at my Avatar. That's the way I usually hunt but then I don't usually bow hunt.

I also prefer a gloss scope if the barrel of the gun is shiny blue.

 

[Hookeye]

With the :Leupold warranty, I'd just look for a used VX2 2-7X or VX3 2.5-8X in gloss.
I HATE the look of the new higher end model eyepieces, and the turret body of the Freedom series.
Ugh.If I buy that #1 this week, will have to get a used scope.
Which doesn't bother me one bit, just sayin'.

 

[cdb1]

From a personal perspective I like the matte look better even on rifles with polished barrels and actions, but that is personal preference.

Me too.

 

[Legionnaire]

So I got an email from Midway today, offering 25% off and free shipping on refurbished Leupolds. Lo and behold they had exactly one VX2 2-7X28 Ultralight in gloss, which is now headed my way. I am happy!

 

[Mosin Bubba]

Glad to hear things worked out for OP, but I've wondered the same thing as he has myself. It seems like you simply can't find a gloss scope anywhere for under $1K.