Buying a used scope - good idea or not?

Hawk · 02-10-2007, 10:56 PM

What has been your experience buying used scopes, either off Craig's List, or out of the paper, or other sources? Is it better to just spring for the extra $150 and buy new?

lentz · 02-10-2007, 11:01 PM

I would just make sure that the one your thinking about has a lifetime warranty that carries over from owner to owner.

baltz526 · 02-11-2007, 06:37 AM

depends on brand and model. leupold vxiii for $150 below new price, i have bought.

Snakebite · 02-11-2007, 07:11 AM

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used leupold. I have a friend who bought a used pair of Leupold binos knowing they were damaged. Sent them in for repair, and they replaced them with a BETTER pair for FREE! Now that's customer service.

Don Becker · 02-11-2007, 07:30 AM

I bought a used Simmons scope on ebay. I got the scope I wanted (discontinued and scarce model), 'paid a little more than I wanted to pay but 'didn't want that particular scope to get away. The seller had an excellent track record/reputation and the scope turned-out to be exactly as described, perfect condition. Don

billc_sbio · 02-11-2007, 07:51 AM

I've had good luck buying a few off of eBay.

When they say they're "like new" and there are closeup photos of them, they usually are.

Remember MOST hunting Scopes spend most of their lives inside a gun safe or on a rifle rack.

The ones I've bought were Varmint magnification scopes and besides the faintest of ring marks, appeared to be virtually new. They functioned perfectly and were a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than similar new ones.

goforchrome · 02-11-2007, 08:36 AM

I agree that you should look at items that have lifetime warranties.
I have had good luck.

Hawk · 02-11-2007, 09:49 AM

Great suggestions guys! Thank you!

Who, besides Leupold, offers excellent warranties on their scopes? Nikon?

GSD · 02-11-2007, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawk

Great suggestions guys! Thank you!

Who, besides Leupold, offers excellent warranties on their scopes? Nikon?

Burris is another good one:
Their "Forever Warranty":
All rifle and handgun scopes, Signature Binoculars, Signature Spotting scopes, and all rings and bases carry the Burris-exclusive Forever Warranty. If any of these products is ever found to have defects in materials or workmanship, Burris will, at our option, repair or replace it at no charge, even if you are not the original owner.

Hawk · 02-12-2007, 11:31 AM

I was comparing warranties on the three main manufacturers. Looks like they're all about the same. Does anyone have any experience with Nikon's warranty work to see if they are as customer friendly as Leupold?

Nikon: "If any Nikon riflescope is found to have defects in workmanship or materials, we will, at our option, repair or replace it at no charge, even if you are not the original owner. No time limit applies and no warranty card is required."

Burris: "If any of these products is ever found to have defects in materials or workmanship, Burris will, at our option, repair or replace it at no charge, even if you are not the original owner."

Leupold: "If any Leupold Golden Ring product is found to have defects in materials or workmanship, we will, at our option, repair or replace it. FREE. Even if you are not the original owner. No warranty card is needed. No time limit applies."

billc_sbio · 02-12-2007, 12:18 PM

Of the three manufacturers you've put up there, I believe Leupold probably sits on top.

From what I've personally seen happen is I knew a fellow who bought a scope from another. It was a model that seemed to have a chronic edge acuity problem with ALL scopes (that I'd ever seen) of that particular version.

He took it in to Leupold with the idea that maybe he could get them to upgrade it to a newer model. They wouldn't go for that.

But, what they did do is to totally refurbish his scope for free and it came back looking brand NEW. On top of that they'd corrected this chronic problem on his...the ONLY one of those scopes I've ever seen that didn't exhibit it.

I've read of some Nikon customers who've been less than happy with Nikon rifle scope warranty repair.

I have no idea on Burris repair. I have a few Burris pistol scopes, but they've never needed any repairs.

goforchrome · 02-12-2007, 01:40 PM

I acquired a Burris in a trade and after I got it home, I noticed a hair or thread inside the optics.
The scope was perfectly clear and functional, it just bothered me.
I called Burris, told them the situation, they mailed a UPS shipping ticket to cover the shipping, cleaned it and shipped it back, and it took less than 3 weeks from start to finish.
I couldn't ask for more than that.
And they were very pleasant thru the whole deal.

Northwest Pest · 02-12-2007, 02:41 PM

I go with the rule my dad gave me. Buy scopes new unless you know the history.

Hunt'nFish · 02-12-2007, 04:20 PM

Remember almost all scopes made today have lifetime warrenties......
LIMITED Lifetime.....it's not until you have a problem and need it fixed that you learn about the "limited" part. Limited to original owner, limted to normal use, limited to registered purchasers only.
Limited to this, limited to that....

I have bought numerous Leupolds used. Some were fine a couple were not. Why?
Leupold's NO B.S. Warrenty. No limitations, is it broke? Yes, Ok then we'll take care of it.
I have had numerous OTHER scopes and most of them finally failed, did anyone Fix them? NO.
Are all my Leupolds still up and running? YES, did they Fix them? YOU BET!

I'll trust a used Leupold over a NEW cheap scope. I feel the same way about Burris, however I have chosen to stick to Local Scopes.
Hunt'nFish

ICHTHYDEMON · 02-12-2007, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunt'nFish

I'll trust a used Leupold over a NEW cheap scope.

Yep,used quality goods over new garbage is a no-brainer.