Rifle Scopes why differences in scope costs...?

[SilentStalkr]

Ok, I was not quite sure where to put this exactly and I know that this forum gets the most traffic so I figured this might be a good spot, if not please move.

So, I went to the local sporting goods store over the weekend and checked out some scopes because as some of you may know I am getting a Leupold over US optics and some others basically because I can get a huge discount. Anyways if you look at most, if not all, of the Leupold scopes they all look pretty much identical. So, I started to wonder what the price differences were due to. I plan on getting a Leupold 6.5-20X50 Mk IV M5 scope which is anywhere from $1650-$2100 depending on where you look. Anyways I compared this to their less expensive scopes in the store and some of them for $300-$400 seem to be almost the exact same scope as one costing 5-6x's that. So, why the huge price difference. I was allowed to take them outside and handle them and as far as I can tell there is not a huge difference, if any in the glass, at least not at that time of day. The turrets seemed the exact same to me on the expensive models vs. the cheaper ones, etc. Overall, they seemed almost identical other than size, magnification, etc. so I cannot figure out why there is such a huge difference in cost. Can someone explain?

 

[hk dave]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

There will be a difference in glass quality when viewed at distance and harsher situations. Edge of edge sharpness will also be different. The amount of color variation, contrast, resolution, purple edge bleeding, sharpness will be different.

The expensive one is supposed to be more robust, being able to take more abuse from higher recoil rounds.

The expensive one should have good or perfect tracking. I'm pretty a certain a $300 Leupold won't track very well... or at least won't track very well for long.

The adage "You get what you pay for" is real when it comes to rifle scopes.

BTW if you're playing in the $2K range, you really should be looking at Nightforce. Give Jay at Sport Optics a call.

 

[SilentStalkr]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

^^^Nightforce is not an option for me because it does not have a front focal plane reticle....

 

[fdkay]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

Nightforce F1 is FFP 3-15x.

Many low end scopes look great in the daylight. Indeed, many have good resolution. Low light tells the tale of glass and coating quality.

Many lower end scope are not fully multi-coated (both sides of glass), most are multi-coated (glass surface exposed to air).

There are also differences in internal construction.
Lower end scopes will have nylon gears, high end will have metal.

 

[hk dave]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

http://nightforceoptics.com/3-5-15-x-50-f1-nxs/

FFP Nightforce ^^^

But that might be too pricy.

Take a close look at Vortex Razor 5-20. I believe Scott at Liberty Optics is the guy to ask about that one.

 

[ORD]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SilentStalkr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">^^^Nightforce is not an option for me because it does not have a front focal plane reticle.... </div></div>

Uh...NF makes the F1 NXS which is most certainly a FFP optic and is, in every aspect, a vastly superior optic to any of the Mk4 offerings in terms of accuracy/precision of adjustments, repeatability, durability, glass quality, reticle options, internal adjustment range for both elevation and windage (roughly 40MOA more elevation), etc., etc.


ETA: Damn...hk dave beat me to it...stupid smartphone!!

 

[hk dave]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

LOL fdkay beat both of us to it. hah

 

[ORD]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">LOL fdkay beat both of us to it. hah </div></div>

Ooops. That's what I get for not reading back through the post quickly (or thoroughly) enough!

 

[SilentStalkr]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

Ok, so Nightforce may make a FFP scope, but I am not able to get a discount on any of their optics. I have tried to get one for testing and evaluation for my discounted rate but so far they have not responded. I have also read that they are a little lacking in the service department if memory serves me correctly. I could be wrong though. I really love Nightforce's products but they don't seem to be willing to work with me. I can get the Leupold for under $1000 through my work which is significantly cheaper than the Nightforce. Do you guys think the Nightforce is worth $700-$800 more then the Leupold?

 

[invst4u]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

To make it short..... Yes and I have owned many of both....

 

[invst4u]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

Nightforce comes in mil/mil and MOA/MOA. If you shoot Leupold they were only MOA on the turrets and mil or TMR reticles.... It was a pain having to use both at longer distances.

 

[SilentStalkr]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

I am pretty sure the recent Leupold offerings come in mil-mil if you want them that way. They finally got up to date on that issue or so I have read. Either way I guess I will try it out for 3 months since I have it and will go from there. I am kind of digging the illuminated option of the Nightforce as well so I might have swung back that way...hmmmm...

 

[hk dave]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

If it comes in Mil/Mil and can be had at under $1K... I'd certainly buy one. If I didn't like it, I'd sell it at a profit and get a Nightforce.

Under $1K though... i dont see how you can go wrong... especially if that's for the Horus.

Matter of fact... if it is for the Horus and you don't like it, I'll take it off your hands for whatever you pay for it.

 

[jolofree]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

If you can buy a new Leupold 6.5-20X50 Mk IV M5 for under 1K that would be the deal, I too would take one

 

[George63]

Re: why differences in scope costs...?

one of the biggest reasons for the wild fluctuations/declining return of price vs features is sales volume vs development cost

basic scopes have low development cost using old technology that is spread over a high # of units sold

state of the art/high end scopes have considerably higher development costs that are spread over much fewer units sold

not much difference than cars, electronics, etc