Rifle Scopes Valdada 3x18x42 reliability &operation question

[ronas]

Can anyone comment on the reliability and operation of the Valdada 3x18x42 SF 35mm SF MOA/MOA Tactical Scope SFP Illuminated MP-8 Dot.It does not have the new technology that is incorporated in the 3.5x18x50 SF 35mm SF MOA/MOA Tactical Scope SFP Illuminated MP-8 Dot.

I like the somewhat smaller, lighter and more compact scope with the 42 mm objective.

 

[pinzmann]

Re: Valdada 3x18x42 reliability &operation question

I have one on my AR10 .260. Been good so far. About 500rds on this rifle. Used to have the scope on a Savage Target action 6.5 Lapua.

 

[BCP]

Re: Valdada 3x18x42 reliability &operation question

My father recently asked me this question (he really likes my FFP3-18) and he wanted a SFP version of it for his 300 magnum. I told him to go with a 5.5-22 nightforce with the larger turn turrets instead, I think it was 1700 something out the door. If you're buying new and want SFP it's the best thing out there for the price. The glass is comparable to IOR and they have a better track record when it comes to reliability.

 

[ronas]

Re: Valdada 3x18x42 reliability &operation question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The glass is comparable to IOR and they have a better track record when it comes to reliability.</div></div>

I have read that some of the IOR scopes have had issues, like; lens failure, some kind of bubbles and I think I read something about the zoom magnification ring sometimes being a problem.

So I am trying to figure out if the 3x18x42 models with either SFP or FFP are in that group.

 

[Doug S]

Re: Valdada 3x18x42 reliability &operation question

IOR had some issues with this model.
They made all of them good and they haven't had any issues since.
Some on this board love to hate them. They are great scopes, and the glass is comparable with the best out there.
Nightforce does not offer the smaller front objective which some want on their sticks.
I am building a dedicated hunter and don't really want a 50 or 56 mm obj looking like a freaking telescope out there.
My 2 cents

 

[pupdawg]

Re: Valdada 3x18x42 reliability &operation question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ronas</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The glass is comparable to IOR and they have a better track record when it comes to reliability.</div></div>

I have read that some of the IOR scopes have had issues, like; lens failure, some kind of bubbles and I think I read something about the zoom magnification ring sometimes being a problem.

So I am trying to figure out if the 3x18x42 models with either SFP or FFP are in that group. </div></div>

As of recently IOR has re-vamped the internal components and/or design (so they claim). I had an older "1st Generation" IOR 3-18 Snipers hide edition that had it's parallax adjustment fail. IOR replaced that scope free under warranty and I sold it.

IOR has come a long way since their introduction into the market and I applaud them for that.

 

[BCP]

Re: Valdada 3x18x42 reliability &operation question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ronas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
So I am trying to figure out if the 3x18x42 models with either SFP or FFP are in that group. </div></div>

From what I understand the SFP models have always been fine, it's the FFP3-18's that have been a problem. The main thing is that they have really short eye relief, so flattop AR = great, magnum rifle not so much.

I do see people with them mounted on 338 Lapua rifles and I have to wonder how they don't get bonked by it when using it at max power.

My FFP was a 2nd gen purchased used off this site, it broke. Valdada replaced it without any fuss and it's been fine so far.

Hunting optic? Not sure about that, like I said they are heavy. I would look at something else.

 

[ronas]

Re: Valdada 3x18x42 reliability &operation question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am building a dedicated hunter and don't really want a 50 or 56 mm obj looking like a freaking telescope out there.</div></div>
What other high quality scope options do we have that do not cost twice as much as a IOR or Nightforce? Which have a 40mm or so objective lens.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As of recently IOR has re-vamped the internal components and/or design (so they claim). I had an older "1st Generation" IOR 3-18 Snipers hide edition that had it's parallax adjustment fail. IOR replaced that scope free under warranty and I sold it</div></div>

I would be buying it from Scott at Libertyoptic with whom I’ve dealt before so I’m not worried about service after the sale.

 

[david777]

Re: Valdada 3x18x42 reliability &operation question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would be buying it from Scott at Libertyoptic with whom I’ve dealt before so I’m not worried about service after the sale.
</div></div>

Yeah, if you are buying IOR Scott is really the only place to go to everything considered.