scope advice.

curvy

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i wanna scope my pre 63 winchester model 70, 30-06 with some good glass. its a nice gun and i want the scope to do it justice. i'm completely ignorant about optics, so any suggestions?

also, how risky is it buying used scopes? is it tough to determine the shape they're in if they're not new?

thanks people.
corby.
 
used scopes kind of fit into 2 categories
1: Used
2: Broken

I'd have no problems buying a used high quality scope,as long as the hairs were still in the right place.
Though i prefer cheap chineese ones with high magnification,The magnification can make up for the hairs not being super fine.
All depends what you want out of it i guess
 
A Leupold VXIII 2.5X8 would be a nice scope on your rifle. How much money does your budget allow? I think this model of Leupold is going for about $600 these days.
 
I'm assuming it's a hunting rifle you want to glass up. I would concur with Scott_N with the Leupold. And if you are hunting in big open areas, a Leupold VXII or VXIII in 3x9. I suggest the VXII because they used to be the old Vari XIII until they came out with the VX series and made the coatings better in them. A great value. By the way, Leupold guarantees that their scopes don't break. So if your buddy drives over it with a truck, send it back to them, and they'll replace it. Good Luck!:)
 
It's hard to go wrong with a Leupold 3.5-10x40 VX111 or 2.5-8 x36 . The 2.5-8 is a little lighter and trimmer, the 3.5-10 has a little longer tube and eye-relief which can give a bit more mounting flexibility. There are other good makes and models but the Leupolds are always safe to recomend. It's hard to find a rifle/shooter/ mounting combo that these won't fit on and set up nicely for any shooter. Esp the 3.5-10.
The way scopes have dropped in price lately it almost isn't worth it to buy used. Many sellers bought at higher prices and their asking prices are a tad optimistic. If you do decide to buy used Leupolds repair center is in Alberta and the turn over is fast if there is a problem, pre-existing or not. They have a lifetime warranty, whether or not you are the original owner.
 
Leupold's lifetime warranty is hard to beat.....the scope is covered for life not just the first guy that bought it!

Makes buying a used scope allot easier knowing that the Leupold warranty center will help you if you have any issues.
 
I recently bought a used 1960s manufacture Kahles 4X for $300 for my nice old 30-06. The glass is crystal clear and the cross-hairs are perfect, though I wouldn't have expected anything to be wrong with a Kahles of any age.

I was also offered a 2-7 variable of the same age for $600. If I'd had the funds I would have bought both :D It just would have been appropriate on the rifle than a new Leupold for the same price...
 
Redfields and weavers look better on mod 70's to my eye but if you're hunting in the hills in late season, a newer 3-9 leupold is the way to go.
 
If someone really wants a classic scope for a classic rifle I have a 2.5-8 B&L Balvar with etched tapered crosshairs, no adjustments and the Leupold adjustable base and rings to make it all work on a Model 70. I pulled it off a pre '64 Custom years ago, but not before I shot a pile of deer with it. I even had it on my wife's later M70 in .257 Ackley Improved for a while. Any collectors or traditionalists around?
 
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