Used Optics.

bdb.hunting

bdb.hunting

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So I’m scrolling through the used optics as I usually do because for whatever reason I’m always short in scopes and hate paying full price for things.

I trying to keep my eyes out for a few different things as they all have good use cases. However after all the scrolling I’ve been doing here and elsewhere I’ve noticed the amount of Vortex that seems to be listed. Now I know Vortex has a good reputation for decent optics at low prices up into high quality and priced items and they have that kick ass warranty (or so I’m told) but they do seem to dominate the used market.

I’m wondering if those people upgraded to new vortex stuff or moved to other brands ? It also seems other brands are moving in on that lower cost lots of feature optic territory lately. I mean Riton, Athlon, Arken, Cabelas branded and Bushnell stuff all seem to fit the category. An have similar warranties however and you hear both good and bad about them all.

I also noticed allot of Leupolds but I tend to get priced out of them when I try to get all the features I want haha.

Just curious what others see and think ? Just a Tuesday morning ramble.

B
 
I tend to think optics are a firearm accessory.
Like a winch on a truck.
An outboard motor on a boat.

I’ve been stuck up to my mirrors and was glad I didn’t cheap out on the winch nestled in the front bumper.
I’ve also gone the cheap route in days of yore buying a cheap used o/b motor only to frustrate myself out on the water fishing.

My point?
Buy quality, you only git one chance with the feet you stand on.

You know that the quality optic can be moved to another ker-pow, right?
 
kamlooky said:
I tend to think optics are a firearm accessory.
Like a winch on a truck.
An outboard motor on a boat.

I’ve been stuck up to my mirrors and was glad I didn’t cheap out on the winch nestled in the front bumper.
I’ve also gone the cheap route in days of yore buying a cheap used o/b motor only to frustrate myself out on the water fishing.

My point?
Buy quality, you only git one chance with the feet you stand on.

You know that the quality optic can be moved to another ker-pow, right?
Click to expand...

That’s why I’m looking at used optics. Trying to upgrade my optics so they out last me.

B
 
Redfield is covered by Leupold warranty.
The newer ones.

Don’t forget about Trace Scope Repairs if you find an older scope you like that isn’t covered under warranty.

There is the WTB in the EE that might get you some results?
 
It makes sense that if Vortex holds a large part of retail market, that there would be lots in the used market
For basic optics, they have their place, but for more technical target applications there have been a large number of newer names appear lately more geared to the target sports shooters
that are getting good reviews so maybe the swing has been to new purchases of these? idk
Things like FFP/SFP, MOA/MRAD, zerostop, tube/adjustment range, capped/open turrets more likely appeal to sport shooters buying and upgrading,
where hunters are more likely one-and-done, once a rifle is scoped it goes away til next season
ramblings over coffee, lazy morning here too ...)
 
Thats what I am thinking is with all the new venders and models that people are changing things up. I'm always changing rifle scopes just to try things out but I think you're right I need to setup a hunting rifle and just leave that scope alone so I at least have one rifle that doesn't need to be sighted in at the beginning of season.

I picked up a second 22 for that exact reason. One is for fun speed steel type shooting, plinking and hunting while the other will be my pretend benchrest shooter fun. Then I dont need to swap scopes just to go plink with friends.

B
 
Vortex is a safe bet because of the warranty. No-hassle, and you deal directly with them. Used scope dropped in shipping? No problem. Doesn't hold zero? No problem. Third or fourth owner? Doesn't matter. Send it in. So they are pretty low-risk, outside of an outright scam.
 
mikeyb said:
Vortex is a safe bet because of the warranty. No-hassle, and you deal directly with them. Used scope dropped in shipping? No problem. Doesn't hold zero? No problem. Third or fourth owner? Doesn't matter. Send it in. So they are pretty low-risk, outside of an outright scam.
Click to expand...

This is very true.

B
 
Vortex is the F150 of optics. Lots of options and deep market penetration. Lots of the “newer” brands seem like they are made in very similar factories with slightly different options. Many buyers start cheap and realize later that $600 doesn’t buy a premium tool.
 
bdb.hunting said:
Thats what I am thinking is with all the new venders and models that people are changing things up. I'm always changing rifle scopes just to try things out but I think you're right I need to setup a hunting rifle and just leave that scope alone so I at least have one rifle that doesn't need to be sighted in at the beginning of season.

I picked up a second 22 for that exact reason. One is for fun speed steel type shooting, plinking and hunting while the other will be my pretend benchrest shooter fun. Then I dont need to swap scopes just to go plink with friends.

B
Click to expand...

good logic there
My hunting rigs are set, most with Swaro or Leupold
Range toys have Athlon, so far so good, though finding 14x on one .22 has been out grown so looking to go 24x.
buying used quality scopes doesn't hurt so much, I hate paying the taxes on new, but the Athlon are priced decent so those 4 have all been new
 
I have had (and still have) quite a few Vortex optics. I think there are a lot for sale on the EE because they sell a lot new, so there are lots out there. Another factor is that Vortex sells good entry optics that work well and have a solid warranty, and are often used as the first optic for a new shooting discipline as it won't break the bank before a person decides they want to continue in that discipline. Want to try out IPSC? Buy a Vortex Venom and mount it to what you have - take BB Course, compete and discover you like it - upgrade to Trijicon SRO or Leupold Delta Point Pro, sell Vortex Venom. Discover it's not for you, no problem you only spent $300 on the Venom. Want to try out long range shooting? Buy a Vortex Viper and mount it to your HB rifle - decide you like it and build a custom rifle with a Nightforce, S&B, Tract, Etc, sell the Vortex Viper. The same was with AR's in the past, with Vortex red dots and Spitfires, later replaced with Trijicons, Aimpoints, and EOTechs.
 
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