Why I wouldn't buy Weaver or Nikon scopes...

Simple...They are both out of the scope business.

That means NO warranty, NO parts, and NO service centers.

Therefore if I was to buy a second-hand one it would be a gamble.
And with any gamble, you have to ask yourself: "Can I absorb the loss if my gamble doesn’t pay off?"

However, now that I have said all of the above...one's gamble is dependent on the entry price. For me, the lower the cost of the bet the more likely I am to throw the dice.

Therefore it would have to be one hell of a cheap deal for me to buy one of their scopes these days...no matter how good they once were (are).

Weaver were absolutely shit house with there warranties anyway , you were pretty much on your own if you brought if them brand new. That said the grand slam and super slam series of scopes have great glass for the money and are very reliable.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cartman

That said the grand slam and super slam... are very reliable.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

---

Until they are not...and then where are you...a door stop?

Have owned several Nikon Monarch scopes and have not had a problem with any, mounted on everything from 22lr right up to 7mm rem mag.
But you are right, I bought them knowing the risk and at a price point dictated by this, I would not pay top dollar for one. That however doesn't mean they are rubbish, it is just a reflection that I accept the risk that if it breaks thats the end of it.

Is what it is. Not all scope makers offer life time multiple owner warranties.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hermitage

Simple...They are both out of the scope business.

That means NO warranty, NO parts, and NO service centers.

Therefore if I was to buy a second-hand one it would be a gamble.
And with any gamble, you have to ask yourself: "Can I absorb the loss if my gamble doesn’t pay off?"

However, now that I have said all of the above...one's gamble is dependent on the entry price. For me, the lower the cost of the bet the more likely I am to throw the dice.

Therefore it would have to be one hell of a cheap deal for me to buy one of their scopes these days...no matter how good they once were (are).

---

...with the minimal respect applicable - do you even go hunting? Or do you just bag products you perceive as overpriced or inconsistent with your stay at home and bag everything mentality?
My father has had a warrantee claim on an old Weaver classic he brought ~15 years ago - and the store replaced it with a new Bushnell of greater value - even though the Weaver was beaten to beyond what anyone could expect to claim on any warrantee (it fogged in the end).

Genuinely interested to hear or see some of your mishaps in the hills - they must be plenty because you only ever seem to moan about products and service with no reference to the "why."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Nickoli

Genuinely interested to hear or see some of your mishaps in the hills - they must be plenty because you only ever seem to moan about products and service with no reference to the "why."

---

I gave the "why" for Weaver and Nikon scopes = great scopes but no warranty.
I gave the "why" for Leupold scopes = great scopes but poor tracking

My write ups are from my experiences and my reading. It seems as if you don't want to hear about them...is that correct?

The grand slam is one of the best rimfire target scopes ever made
I have had a fair few of them and never had an issue with one that would require fixing
So yes while you are right about them being out of business it’s certainly a calculated risk
Remember a grand slam in good condition goes for 4-600
Another scope with the same specs and a warranty 1600+
So yeah let’s agree to disagree on this one
Same goes for Nikon very solid reliable scopes so you can save alot of money but yes there is a slight risk

Like he's got a point I just don't know if it needs to be said. Everyone with half a clue knows what they're getting into buying 2nd hand optics. As for me I'd happily buy either brand for the right money. nikon especially fly under the radar in this country.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

I have owned a couple of the Weaver T series target scopes in the past. A T6 and a T16. The glass was good and the tracking was perfect. They were great value for the money and never gave any grief. I have also owned a Weaver 2.5 fixed power that got ragged, bagged and arsholed on a bush gun. it never failed me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cartman

Everyone with half a clue knows what they're getting into buying 2nd hand optics.
Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

---

Although I'm not a fan of Leupold tracking, one just has to be a fan of their warranty...same with Vortex. So buying 2nd hand scopes from some brands is no gamble whatsoever....in fact buying a 2nd hand leupold is nearly as good as buying new.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by zeropak

I have owned a couple of the Weaver T series target scopes in the past. A T6 and a T16. The glass was good and the tracking was perfect. They were great value for the money and never gave any grief. I have also owned a Weaver 2.5 fixed power that got ragged, bagged and arsholed on a bush gun. it never failed me.

---

I had a T16 Weaver. The micro trac seized and the glass fogged up internally.

I also had a Weaver K4 fixed power and that scope went through hell and never gave up...it was bombproof.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hermitage

Although I'm not a fan of Leupold tracking, one just has to be a fan of their warranty...same with Vortex. So buying 2nd hand scopes from some brands is no gamble whatsoever....in fact buying a 2nd hand leupold is nearly as good as buying new.

---

And most people know that. And you pay for it when buying new or 2nd hand. Like I said is what it is. Vortex though , they just had to do it or they would be out of business. Replacing scopes was probably easier than fixing production.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hermitage

Although I'm not a fan of Leupold tracking, one just has to be a fan of their warranty...same with Vortex. So buying 2nd hand scopes from some brands is no gamble whatsoever....in fact buying a 2nd hand leupold is nearly as good as buying new.

---

Well this just isn’t true.

Vortex (Aus/NZ) has a very well documented history of declining warranty claims on the basis of no proof of purchase, contrary to what it says on the American website that everyone assumes applies to all international markets.

The Australian and New Zealand market is controlled by ExtraVision, who have in the past have been very sniffy about scopes potentially acquired in the grey market or imported directly from overseas. Several members on this forum have had problems along these lines. The Broncos situation is also one for the annals, being that they buy direct from the US and circumvent ExtraVision, annoying the Vortex distributor and their retailers immensely!

Buying a secondhand Vortex without proof of purchase in NZ/Aus and then trying on a warranty claim is therefore a risk with an uncertain outcome. Some guys have been successful sending their un-receipted scopes back to ExtraVision, or direct to Vortex in the USA, whereas other guys have been unsuccessful. Lots written about this that I guess if you had read and digested you would be aware of.

That said, I am in awe of your ability to start a largely pointless thread on a Sunday arvo!

I have a Weaver 3x on my .300 Blk and a P223 Nikon on my .223 and am very happy with them. So long as I don't do anything stupid they should see me out, and I don't have a warranty either!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dannyb

Have owned several Nikon Monarch scopes and have not had a problem with any, mounted on everything from 22lr right up to 7mm rem mag.
But you are right, I bought them knowing the risk and at a price point dictated by this, I would not pay top dollar for one. That however doesn't mean they are rubbish, it is just a reflection that I accept the risk that if it breaks thats the end of it.

---

Actually I retract my previous statement, all Nikon scopes are rubbish, terrible glass, hopeless tracking, just to name a few issues.
You should send them all to me for disposal hence forth, especially any Monarchs.
:yaeh am not durnk:

I would add although Burris have a great warranty and product in my opinion. The small print mentions their warranty is only valid in North America.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Flyblown

That said, I am in awe of your ability to start a largely pointless thread on a Sunday arvo!

---

Well @Flyblown it looks like you and @Nickoli don't appreciate my contribution to the forum and are happy to put them down.

I put it to you both that the members on this forum should know that their primary role is to interact and encourage interaction, to encourage member involvement, and to encourage a sense of community.

However, it seems to me that the main role/priority of both of you is to put others down over their writtings. At least there is a contribution....why don't you write a few articles to contribute to the community rather than just add to the negativity?

I'm heading out for a evening shoot in 20 mins but don't tell @Nickoli as he will think I am making it up....

:XD:

At least you make me laugh… for that you are a guaranteed winner mate, so thank you!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Flyblown

:XD:

At least you make me laugh… for that you are a guaranteed winner mate, so thank you!

---

And I must admit to not understanding your specific kind of arrogance and sense of humour, but I do admire your total commitment to it.

Ok time for the hills...

;)

You’ll get there in the end buddy.

BTW if I come across a good Weaver GrandSlam hunting scope, I’ll snap it up. Great scopes.

Absolutely right !

All my smooth bore flintlocks have S&B PMii's on them. I wouldnt be seen dead with a weaver or a Nikon, hopeless scopes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cartman

I would add although Burris have a great warranty and product in my opinion. The small print mentions their warranty is only valid in North America.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

---

I had a chip on the lense of my SixX 2-12. God knows how I did it but anyhow.

I paid shipping one way, full repair and no questions asked. Would happily buy another in a heart beat.

I didn't read the fine print but Berretta the agents looked after me. Not saying you're wrong either mate.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rock river arms hunter

I had a chip on the lense of my SixX 2-12. God knows how I did it but anyhow.

I paid shipping one way, full repair and no questions asked. Would happily buy another in a heart beat.

I didn't read the fine print but Berretta the agents looked after me. Not saying you're wrong either mate.

---

Yeah I had a mate import one and he showed me it. I'm glad it came good for you.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Cartman

I would add although Burris have a great warranty and product in my opinion. The small print mentions their warranty is only valid in North America.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk

---

Maybe it says that on the warranty but I don't think that is how it is applied.

I bought a Burris 2-7 in the late seventies, it was a good scope but found itself utilised as a replacement on an AR for another brand of scope that had succumbed to vibration, this one went the same way and was sent to Burris in the US for repair by the then NZ agent. It never returned and was deemed lost by Burris with the NZ agent offering, on behalf of Burris, to replace it with a new scope of the same value. I got a new Burris Signature for an additional $100 and used it until the vertical erector failed last roar. I took this scope to H&F who returned it to Bretta NZ who deemed it irrepearable and gave me a new Burris 2-10 Signature in replacement. So for the scope I paid maybe $300 for about 40 years ago I have the latest version of a better model at the total cost of $100 to me.

Well, Im gonna disagree with Hermitage, I have had a number of Weaver scopes over the years and cant fault them. Never had any warranty issues whatsoever. My first was a 3X Micro Trac way back in 1976, still on my mates 22 and it gets used and abused on his work 22. It has never failed. At last count I had 12 Weavers, cos quite simply they represented the best value for money scope in times when I didn't have that much money. Would buy a second hand Weaver again if I considered the price was right, hell yes! A warranty doesnt worry me in the slightest, if it breaks, it breaks, so what.
Not too sure about the Nikon's, I was too fixated on buying Weavers to look at Nikon's.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Flyblown

;)

You’ll get there in the end buddy.

BTW if I come across a good Weaver GrandSlam hunting scope, I’ll snap it up. Great scopes.

---

I've got two on rifles at the mo and a VX3 sitting on the shelf, there's a reason the VX3 is the one on the shelf!

I love my two Nikons.

When did weaver stop?

What I'm surprised that @Hermitage has failed to bring up is that the nice Weaver GrandSlams were made in Japan by LOW (Light Optical Works).

A reasonably comprehensive list of the scopes they make can be found here: https://sageratsafaris.com/light-optical-works-japan/

Not surprised that everyone from Ziess to Nightforce use them to make scopes.

Browsing on their site is interesting: Light Optical Works

Shame that very few Japanese manufacturers put their own brand out there, as they can clearly make the goods.

Brands like Tasco and Nikko Sterling were quite well regarded in your part of the world until they shifted production to China, Sightron also springs to mind although these companies appear to be US based.

March stands out as the only 'Elite' Japanese brand, I think the lack of a local market for riflescopes in Japan makes things very difficult, as unlike other US and European brands, they will be relying on external input instead of employees.

I imagine companies like Leupold have plenty of hunters and ex-military floating around so they are never out of ideas.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hermitage

I gave the "why" for Weaver and Nikon scopes = great scopes but no warranty.
I gave the "why" for Leupold scopes = great scopes but poor tracking

My write ups are from my experiences and my reading. It seems as if you don't want to hear about them...is that correct?

---

Genuinely interested - some of the anecdotal stuff is interesting, but your throw the line out a bit far on occasion and tend to post these fishing type threads quite regularly. XD

Generally scopes fail at the start of their lives - Upon opening packaging a defect is noticed, mounting or the first few shots fired. At this point they are covered by consumer guarantees act as well as any warranty they may come with. Both Nikon and Weaver have produced excellent scopes with low return rates. From memory the few Nikons we have imported have had a zero return rate so far. Vortex have probably been the worst.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 55six

Generally scopes fail at the start of their lives - Upon opening packaging a defect is noticed, mounting or the first few shots fired. At this point they are covered by consumer guarantees act as well as any warranty they may come with. Both Nikon and Weaver have produced excellent scopes with low return rates. From memory the few Nikons we have imported have had a zero return rate so far. Vortex have probably been the worst.

---

No surprises I these comments!

Sent from my SM-A125F using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 55six

Generally scopes fail at the start of their lives - Upon opening packaging a defect is noticed, mounting or the first few shots fired. At this point they are covered by consumer guarantees act as well as any warranty they may come with. Both Nikon and Weaver have produced excellent scopes with low return rates. From memory the few Nikons we have imported have had a zero return rate so far. Vortex have probably been the worst.

---

@Hermitage - now this is anecdote that carries a bit more weight than:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hermitage

I gave the "why" for Weaver and Nikon scopes = great scopes but no warranty.
I gave the "why" for Leupold scopes = great scopes but poor tracking

---

Still interested in what you've got to say, albeit it's mostly bagging proven products and posted at times you appear to be bored :XD:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Husky1600

Well, Im gonna disagree with Hermitage, I have had a number of Weaver scopes over the years and cant fault them. Never had any warranty issues whatsoever. My first was a 3X Micro Trac way back in 1976, still on my mates 22 and it gets used and abused on his work 22. It has never failed. At last count I had 12 Weavers, cos quite simply they represented the best value for money scope in times when I didn't have that much money. Would buy a second hand Weaver again if I considered the price was right, hell yes! A warranty doesnt worry me in the slightest, if it breaks, it breaks, so what.
Not too sure about the Nikon's, I was too fixated on buying Weavers to look at Nikon's.

---

I fully agree, i use a few Weaver scopes, a 4.5-14 Grandslam, and several SuperSlams, a couple in 2-10 and a couple of 3-15's and also a 4-20x50. Ive found them to be super reliable, great quality scopes, nice glass, accurate and repeatable dialing, and the pull-up to turn/Push down to lock turrets on the Superslams work super well for hunting.

I believe a 2nd hand Weaver Grandslam or Superslam in good condition to offer far better performance and value than many other newer scope manufacturers

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Flyblown

;)


BTW if I come across a good Weaver GrandSlam hunting scope, I’ll snap it up. Great scopes.

---

Sorry, mines not for sale.