Rifle Scopes What scope brand keeps its value?

[Dolomite_Supafly]

I was just wondering what everybody's thoughts were on which scope brand keeps its value in the under $1K range?

Also what about the over $1K range?

I am relatively new to higher end optics, mostly what I have used in the past is Bushnell, Burris and Nikon.

Thanks
Dolomite

 

[vman]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

The high end scopes that will hold their value
- Schmidt & Bender
- Swarovski
- Nightforce
- USO (US Optics)
- Zeiss

Not sure on the resale of scopes under 1k but if u stick with the better known brands you have a much better chance on getting a better return on a second hand sale
- Bushnell 4200/6500 Elite Series
- Zeiss Conquest Series

thats only two but im sure theres lots more and others would have different opinions

You may have noticed i havnt mentioned Leupold.... Never owned one but im going to steer clear of any Leupold rifle scopes... Over priced for what they are, and from what i hear these days they come across as cheap scopes with quality control issues... altho warranty is usually good

 

[Ratbert]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

Keep in mind that "holding value" is relative. All the top end scopes are going to lose a certain amount of value when you open the box. However after that first few hundred dollars of depreciation they will generally stabilize so long as you don't beat it up too much.

This is why I always prefer to buy used, particularly if you're not quite sure what you want. Buy a used USO for 2k, try it out, if you decide you want something else then you can sell it for nearly what you paid and try again. Buy a new scope each time and you'll be eating a few hundred $$ loss each time you sell to try something else.

Just due to short supply the Falcon's were holding their value pretty well for a while but don't count on that lasting forever. By and large if I spend less than $500 on a scope I consider it an "expense" and not an "asset."

Part of the reason for this is also the warranty and support the companies give. Buy a used USO or a Nightforce and if it arrives broke you always have the option of sending it in and getting it fixed. Get a busted Falcon and for the most part you're just SOL if the seller won't step up to the plate.

 

[SWFA]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

As long as the EURO is kicking the dollar's ass, all of the European optics will hold their value and possibly rise in value.

We routinely pay more for used European optics than what they cost us new 5-10 years ago.

SS scopes have also routinely held their value; in fact we've seen them sell on eBay for more than what we sell them for.

 

[Cartman]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

For the lesser priced scopes I too have noticed Super Snipers do well on resale over the years.

 

[Turk]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

A pre-owned one!

 

[Shrike]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

I agree that the better known brands will hold value well. On the other hand, half the battle is the desirability factor of the optic. Some might find it hard to sell an oddball scope (such as some BR scopes). A good 3-9, 4.5-15 etc is much easier to sell than a 8.5-22 with a 56mm objective (at least around here). Some of the wannabe snipers out there might snatch it up. haha

JMHO

-Erik

 

[Dolomite_Supafly]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

Thanks guys,

I never thought about the used side of it. I guess a used scope would hold its value better because it is selling at the current market value and not the MSRP.

The biggest reason I ask is because I can't justify spending $2K+ all at once on a hobby at the moment but what I can justify is taking the next year or so to slowly work into what I want. Who knows I might find a scope on the way that I really like and decide to go any farther up the line.

Dolomite

 

[unrepentant]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Who knows I might find a scope on the way that I really like and decide to go any farther up the line.</div></div>

Dunno if there's a "not" missing in that sentence or not... "..that I really like and decide not to go any farther..."

In either case, I guess I approached it the same way and stopped at Nightforce Optics. Most of my shooting was 300, 600 and 600+ yards. In a side-by-side test I just didn't find enough superior quality in USO to warrant stepping up in cost from a Nightforce. I had experimented in the used market with Super Snipers, Leupold Mk III's and IV's, and Burris Black Diamonds before finally biting it and "crossing over" beyond the $1000 mark (back in the day).

'Used' is a great way to "rent" and experiment with the "option to buy (keep)", so long as you've done your research on the item and the seller.

 

[Dolomite_Supafly]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

Thanks for the correction and yes I meant to put a "not" in there.

I have a decent shooter and I suspect that it is the glass that is holding me back now.

Dolomite

 

[SWFA]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

If you want to go used, check out www.SampleList.com. You can also use it to judge which brands are holding their value on the secondary market.

 

[WCW308]

Re: What scope brand keeps its value?

I have bought and sold a couple of NF scopes for only 10% less than I paid. They were bought within a week of being listed. I think that is pretty good for a 1-2 year old scope & so did the buyer(s). Unfortunately, I regret selling them & am going to buy one again. They are really sturdy...