What to look for when buying a used scope?

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Cwelt

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Hi folks,

It's my first year for rifle hunting. I typically hunt with bow and shotgun. So I'll be getting a scope for my 30-06.
I've done much reading on models and brands, amde a choice and then found a used one that suits my criteria.

That is nice BUT... How can someone assess whether or not the scope is still in good shape and still reliable by lookig at it?
Does it necessarily have to be tested in the field?
Are used scopes reliable or should they be discarted?
Any ways to quickly assess if a scope is doing OK?

Thanks for your help.

Cwelt
 
Lifetime Warranty is a term you should be concerned with.
Does your used scope yer interested in have it?
How far off is the used price from new?
I avoid names like.........Barska, Scorpeeawn and such.
Leupold's are pretty much bullet proof, unless someone snuck one up from the U.S.of A.
Bushnell Elite series are a safe bet.
There's a few Weaver Classics here that surprise me on their clarity.
Tizz others, but nawt me cup oh tea.
 
The best bet is to buy one with a lifetime transferable warranty. Other then that the condition of the glass (scratches) is about all that matters.
Leupold, Vortex, Better models of Bushnell ( Elite 4200 and up) come to mind.

Edit, Looky's point on the newer Leupold's that might not have been imported through Korth ( Cdn distributor) is something to consider!
Anything made more then 3 or 4 years ago should be good to go and if you get the serial number you should be able to confirm with Leupold.
 
Sounds good.
It is a Leupold, so I'll inquire about the serial number and transferable warranty.
 
Its very hard to tell if a scope is defective or not by looking at it, you usually don't realize there is a problem until you find that it doesn't hold zero. But with a lifetime warranty you still have some recourse.
Last year I bought one here on the EE, It looked good but wouldn't hold zero, I took it in to Bushnell and five minutes later after they checked it, I left with a brand new scope in the box.
 
MIBagentQ said:
Bushnell's warranty covers everything trophy and up.

"This fully transferable warranty covers accidental damage, as well as any defects in materials and workmanship, for the life of the product No receipt, warranty card, or product registration is required."

http://bushnell.com/global/customer-service/warranty-information
Click to expand...

Only if purchased Jan 1 2016 or later. Otherwise (if purchased earlier) only valid to the original owner and Elite line of rifle scopes not mentioned (weird!). This surprises me...however I like the direction they are going in as of 2016.
 
Just in case, I got an email back from Leupold saying that :
"The serial number is the best place to start. You are welcome to email me the serial number. Another way to tell is if the scope is illuminated in both red and green, It is a fake."
 
If you search online there are sights that will describe the differences between a original and a knockoff Leupold scope, or a call to Leupold will help as well.
 
gerard488 said:
Just in case, I got an email back from Leupold saying that :
"The serial number is the best place to start. You are welcome to email me the serial number. Another way to tell is if the scope is illuminated in both red and green, It is a fake."
Click to expand...

Good idea considering all the fakes that are appearing..
 
Here is what I got back from Bushnell:
No, we do not make that reticle. This is a telltale sign of a counterfeit as that reticle is just made up lines and garbage. Means nothing as it does not uphold a unit of measure (MOA, MRAD). This reticle is VERY Common in the fake optics. AOEG, AOE, AOG all of these are guaranteed fakes as well. We do not use any of these on any optic we produce. Fakes will 99% of the time lack the laser etched serial #, Model # and country of Origin on the bottom of the optic also.
 
I never realized they were faking Bushnells, some of their original scopes are made in China. Ive never seen a retical like that either in anything but the cheap no name scopes.
 
Magellann said:
I never realized they were faking Bushnells, some of their original scopes are made in China. Ive never seen a retical like that either in anything but the cheap no name scopes.
Click to expand...

Those are common in the fake 6-24x50 and the 3-9x40 with the red/green illumination, they come as Bushnell and Leupold just to name a couple. Not sure about the tasco but i think they are fake too. The Bushnell fakes usually have the name "Bushnell" lengthwise on the eyepiece. The "Bushnell" wraps around the eyepiece on genuine Bushnell rifle scopes, or that's what I read somewhere.
 
Good to know, As I replace scopes or need additional scopes my purchases have all been Bushnels the past couple years. With their warehouse nearby, its the best choice for me.
 
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