Rifle Scopes How to evaluate used scopes?

[Inspector Gadget]

Lotso bandwidth spent on discussing pros and cons of various scope manufacturers. How about some advice for those of us who have narrowed our choices, and are at the gunshow looking for a good deal on a used unit. How can we tell if we're looking at someone else's problem? What do we look for as signs of defects? What tests can we put the unit through? What are the tell-tale signs of a unit that might look good on the outside, but has performance, er um, functional issues?

 

[dbsinh2o]

Re: How to evaluate used scopes?

I would only buy a used scope from a manufacturer that has a solid reputation for taking care of warranty issues. If it doesn't perform, you're only out some time.

 

[Tactical_Tom]

Re: How to evaluate used scopes?

I think if you buy a used scope buy one with a transferable lifetime warranty. That way you know it will always work and have value when you want to sell it.

 

[GreggNY]

Re: How to evaluate used scopes?

I know a lot of people on this site don't rate Leupold as high as other manufacturers performance/value wise but I've had to use their repair service and was blown away. I bought a used 6.5-20 EFR (not off this site), and it arrived completely trashed. The dot of the target dot reticle was floating off of the reticle, the elevation adjustment was gritty and wouldn't turn well, the screws to take the turret off were stripped, etc, etc. This was not the scope in the pics that the seller sent, and of course he disappeared after the sale. I sent the scope to Leupold for an overhaul thinking i'd probably pay a couple hundred bucks for repairs, and then hope I really liked the scope so I could forget about this mess. I sent it in with a note about exactly what was wrong with it and how i bought it used. I contacted them after about a week+ to check up on things and to try to get an estimate before any work was done in case it wasn't worth the cost. They informed me that the repairs were done and the scope was on it's way back to me already. I paid NOTHING except the money to ship it to them. It came back with the work order saying a new lens/reticle was installed as well as new windage and elevation adjustments. The scope was cleaned up, looked and performed like new. This goes a long way in my book toward feeling comfortable buying from them again.

**I know this didn't answer the direct question, but just backing up what the other guys said about buying from a reputable company that will take care of the customer.

 

[Inspector Gadget]

Re: How to evaluate used scopes?

Some good stuff there. Thanks. That's the kind of info I'm looking for.

 

[samnev]

Re: How to evaluate used scopes?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical_Tom</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think if you buy a used scope buy one with a transferable lifetime warranty. That way you know it will always work and have value when you want to sell it. </div></div>

Very sound advise, That's what I would do if I were buying a used scope.

 

[RTH1800]

Re: How to evaluate used scopes?

I have been fortunate enough to have used many fine scopes. Like many, I have my preferences. I can say that S&B and U.S. Optics stand behind their scopes, without question. I think most know that though.
I like NF as well, but have never needed to return a scope, and that says something as well.
JMO.
BTW, I do not think there is any test you can do to a scope hand held, other than look through both ends, and see that the adjustments and focus and illumination work. Also, you can ask the history of the scope, all will give a good history, but some will not ring true. Others will.

RTH

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: How to evaluate used scopes?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: g2004</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know a lot of people on this site don't rate Leupold as high as other manufacturers performance/value wise but I've had to use their repair service and was blown away. I bought a used 6.5-20 EFR (not off this site), and it arrived completely trashed. The dot of the target dot reticle was floating off of the reticle, the elevation adjustment was gritty and wouldn't turn well, the screws to take the turret off were stripped, etc, etc. This was not the scope in the pics that the seller sent, and of course he disappeared after the sale. I sent the scope to Leupold for an overhaul thinking i'd probably pay a couple hundred bucks for repairs, and then hope I really liked the scope so I could forget about this mess. I sent it in with a note about exactly what was wrong with it and how i bought it used. I contacted them after about a week+ to check up on things and to try to get an estimate before any work was done in case it wasn't worth the cost. They informed me that the repairs were done and the scope was on it's way back to me already. I paid NOTHING except the money to ship it to them. It came back with the work order saying a new lens/reticle was installed as well as new windage and elevation adjustments. The scope was cleaned up, looked and performed like new. This goes a long way in my book toward feeling comfortable buying from them again.

**I know this didn't answer the direct question, but just backing up what the other guys said about buying from a reputable company that will take care of the customer. </div></div>

Nice story, glad you came out OK. Can I ask when this happened?