What to look for when buying a used scope?

B

BTWinnipeg

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Just as the title reads. I am looking at purchasing a used scope and would like some input on what to look out for when buying.
 
Keep an eye out for brands that have an easy warranty just in case. For example vortex and bushnell. Easy replacement or repair warranty for both. Leupold and sightron is fine as long as bought in Canada. You may never need to warranty a scope but it would suck to find out yours was brought across the border illegally and cannot be warrantied for service. Nikon has canadian repair but needs to have a receipt same as sightron and leupold I believe.
 
When I buy used scopes I prefer Bushnells for the warranty. I bought a scope here a few years ago that I could not get dialed in. I took it in to Bushnell, they confirmed it was defective, and they handed me a brand new scope.
 
Watch out for fakes! Manufacturers like Leupold will confirm the authenticity of a scope via the serial number.

Other than that, make sure the power ring & focus turns smoothly, as well as the Adjustable Objective if it has one.

Look for scratches on the lenses and dents in the body of the scope.

Outside of that, you should be good to go.

Lots of good deals on scopes to be had in the EE.

Cheers
Jay
 
I'd suggestith to view the sellers trader rayt'in.
And what the upgrade to the used scope would be should it fail
if sent in for warranty.

I've had some unpleasant results from a certain manufacturer that has
since lost my faithfulnessess.

Had I known the outcome, Phil at Trace would of go the repair even though
the loss of warranty would be the result.

Some scopes have no replacemint value when they can't be repaired, nor replaced.
 
Make sure the tube hasn't been crushed by someone overtightening the rings.

Bring a flashlight. Look inside the objective lens and down into the scope for any loose particles or paint flaking off inside the tube. Many scopes are coated with a dull black paint inside. Some scopes have lenses that are epoxied in, even quality scopes like March. Shake the scope and listen for a rattle. A rattle is bad.

Look for signs of fogging which might have left moisture marks inside the lens. This would indicate bad sealing which would need repaired.

Make sure the eyepiece doesn't wiggle or wobble, even with the lock ring loosened. Check the turrets, zoom ring and eyepiece for smooth travel.

Make sure you can focus the reticle near and far. Also make sure you can focus the picture near and far. Make sure you can get a clear picture and a clear reticle at the same time. Check the reticle is not tilted off-centre.

Check that the lens coatings are intact and not damaged by caustic chemicals or abrasives. Look for signs of mould. Yes, mould. It can grow inside the glass.

Make sure any important screws are not stripped, like the zero-stop screws. They are small and damage easily.

Take your time and have fun.
 
^^^^I agree, Although when buying on the EE, its not possible to give the scope an inspection, your at the mercy of the sellers word. Which is pretty good most times, but sometimes they don't now what to look for, or even realize that there is a problem with it.
 
AndrewM said:
Buy one with a lifetime warranty such as Zeiss, Nikon, Leupold, Bushnell and Vortex. No receipts needed for any of these companies and all are awesome to deal with.
Click to expand...
A bit of generalization I would say as some are better than others at fulfilling on the Lifetime warranty..
 
I won’t buy scopes from manufacturers that don’t repair them. Companies that simply replace scopes with new ones don’t have any idea how their scopes are failing. Hard to build a quality scope when you don’t inspect the broken ones.
 
While the EE has some deals, I have noticed a greater majority of sellers are selling used optics at retail prices.

I would do my research and as others have mentioned, get products with good warranty service.
 
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