How to Buy a Used Scope

[Meknowy]

I'm looking at buying a used rifle scope off craigslist, but I'm not an optics expert. Other than lens condition and basic wear and tear, is there anything in particular I should be looking at that wouldn't be obvious?

Thanks for the help.

 

[1Cor15:19]

I'm looking at buying a used rifle scope off craigslist, but I'm not an optics expert. Other than lens condition and basic wear and tear, is there anything in particular I should be looking at that wouldn't be obvious?

Thanks for the help.

When buying used the brand means a lot to me. I know Leupold has an excellent warranty/CS department and will fix or replace almost any issue, frequently free of charge. Some other manufacturers also offer fine warranties, but some of their CS is horrendous or the warranty may not be transferable and I shy away from those manufacturer's products on the used market. If it is a variable scope make certain that the power ring turns freely and, if allowed, a submersible test will display leaks. Otherwise if it looks and sounds good (nothing rattles inside) it probably is good.

 

[BRWHUNTER]

Check the warranty for the manufacturer (for instance of its a Leupold or a Vortex and you like the price buy regardless of condition and send it back for a fix/replacement). Check out the reticle look for movement when you shake it (probably won't see anything but reticles have been known to come loose and fall out)

What's the scope manufacturer and model. We may be able to give you specific telltale signs of wear and tear to look for. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful I'm an amateur when it comes to used optics I too find it difficult to judge used quality and have gone for the new option to lessen the chance of a dud. Good luck

 

[Armymark]

The most important thing is the transferable warranty. Like a Leupold, and here is why. When you get it home or out to shoot mounted you may find that it fogs up. You may find that the reticle adjustments don't work or it won't hold a zero. With a transferable warranty, you can send it back tothe manufacturer and they will fix it. Without that, you've nothing but a bad scope and nothing you can do about it.

 

[Meknowy]

It's a Leupold, so based on the comments above, it sounds like a safe bet (assuming it's in good shape). Thanks for the help everybody.

 

[cwm907]

Since it's a Leupold, be sure to check the age. Older ones in great shape can look deceptively newer. Plus, it's really easy to age them.

http://www.leupold.com/resources/faqs/#WhenWasMyScopeManufactured



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[BRWHUNTER]

How to Buy a Used Scope

A buddy if mines father found a leupold crushed on the side of the rd. picked it up. Sent it to leupold. And they sent him a new one. I own 3 leupolds (2 of which were my father and mines primary shooters for 15 plus years) and they have never malfunctioned so I have not sent any back so I have no direct experiences with leupolds CS but I've heard nothing but good.

 

[Cast Iron]

I buy and use Leupolds. I purchase several of them used from pawn shops and other places for less than half there original price. Age of the scope makes no difference to me as there lifetime warranty will still cover any problem you might have. Call there customer service and you can talk to somebody insted of getting jerked around by a computer, and they will take care of your problem. I have been using Leupolds for over 35 years and own over a dozen of them now and have only sent two of them back for repairs. One only needed the variable power ring lubed because it turned a little hard and I called them to see what I needed to lube it with and they said to send it to them and they would clean it and repair anything if needed and lube it. I got both the scopes back faster than I expected I would. One of the main reasons I shop at pawn shops is for used Leupolds. I have bought several used scopes then looked for a rifle to go with the scope.

 

[limon32]

I've purchased a VXIII 1.75-6 and a VXII 2-7 off ebay used, both from sellers with high feedback counts, both scopes are excellent. The 2-7 was a bit older than I expected but I didn't pay close enough attention to the pictures when I bought it, still a nice scope. I paid nearly 50% retail for each one and I couldn't be happier!

 

[Meknowy]

I've purchased a VXIII 1.75-6 and a VXII 2-7 off ebay used, both from sellers with high feedback counts, both scopes are excellent. The 2-7 was a bit older than I expected but I didn't pay close enough attention to the pictures when I bought it, still a nice scope. I paid nearly 50% retail for each one and I couldn't be happier!

that's what I ended up doing, although the one I finally bought was new. saved about $200 and got a nicer scope than I was shopping for.