nikon vs Leupold

JGR2018

I already have my opinion, but lets see what everyone else thinks. How do you rate the Leupold VXIII vs the Nikon monarch. have them both and love each. Is the leupold really that much better for the extra money? thanks

tsr1965

Both of those as far as what you are getting for quality are on a level playing field...except for one thing...the warranty. Nikon requires the warranty card be sent in. Leupold(and Burris), if you send in the scope with a description of what you think is wrong(outside of cutting the main tube in half or crushing it), aned a return address, will fix or replace anything...no questions asked. Outside of the warranty, dollar for dollar, the Nikon SMOKES the Leupold.

lpaalp

+1

I also have and like both; I can't see a difference in terms of functional use of a rifle scope. IMO, put the Leupold's on rifles which will be used in the hardest conditions; you're more likely to get value for the additional cost if a repair is necessary.
Second, the warranty makes Leupolds much more desireable to buy used, and retain greater value if you sell.

Horse Plains Drifter

Plus one more thought. Leupolds are made in America, are Nikons?

Now my question. By what was said above, can I assume that if I buy a used Nikon I have no warranty? Leupolds are warranteed no matter how many times they been owned.

Bert H.

I own (8) Leupold scopes[^]
I own (0) Nikon scopes[:0]

I am also a native Oregonian[}:)]

Mk 19

I would take a Nikon Monarch over any Leupold, period. Yes the Leupolds of the past were great scopes, but they have been resting upon their laurels as of late and the quality is suffering. Nikon on the other hand is a fantastic company to do business with and they make a great product.

quote:Leupolds are made in America
Leupolds are assembled in America, but they buy their glass from Japan

22hipower

I have Leupolds and Nikons (and the high price European glass too) and have had some of my Leupolds going on 30 years. Never had a problem with any of them. On the Nikon warranty, no problem if you've sent in their warranty card. Actually, even if you haven't, if you push them a bit, they'll stand behind their product without the warranty card. Traded for a rifle a couple years ago that wore a Nikon scope but didn't notice that an internal lens was cracked. Sent it in to Nikon and they wanted the price of a new scope to fix it. I wrote a letter complaining about it and saying I'd stick with their competition in the future. . . .and in a couple weeks received a new Nikon in the mail. I'll go with the Leupolds when I can but will buy the occasional Nikon too. Do very much like the Nikon UCC Gold (2.5X10X50 with a 30mm tube).

Wolf.

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I like Leupold, Nikon and the higher-end German scopes. I think any optical differences between Leupold and Nikon are minimal, at best. I am a staunch "Buy American" fan, but if the required quality is not made here, then there's no choice but to look elsewhere. Japanese glass has always had a good reputation, along with German glass. Between Leupold and Nikon, I choose the Leupold, simply because of its warranty and its American heritage. If Nikon wants to compete at the same level, it needs to have a similar no-questions-asked warranty and cozy up more to American shooters and hunters. The extra cost for the Leupold "don't mean squat". I choose Leupold because to me, Nikon has that "We got to move these refrigerators! We got to move those color TVs!" attitude, which I don't particularly cotton to.

Heck, I still have a Leupold I never used. About 15 years ago, when I had an interest in very long range shooting and varmenting, I bought a Leupold Gold Ring Vari-X III, MultiCoat-4, 4.5x14, Adj.Obj., 3/4 MilDot, Matte Finished, Tactical scope. Within three weeks of buying it, I changed career paths and became a consultant, traveling 100% of the time, occasionally home on weekends and holidays. So, this scope sat in its box in a closet. Recently when my traveling slacked off some, my interests had changed. So this scope was never mounted and is brand new in the box. While technology has advanced a bit, this is still a very good scope. I don't know what I'll mount it on, but something will come up.

He Dog

Leupold, then Nikon. Burris Signature Select trumps both.

swearengine

I had 2 Nikon scopes, sold both of them. I presently have 22 Leupold scopes mounted on firearms. All Vari XII or Vari XIII. I believe you must purchase a VXIII in order to compete with the quality of a Vari XII. I don't know what compares to the Vari XIII. I had one Vari XIII that malfunctioned and Leupold replaced it for free. No questions. I have not tried any of the new manufactured Nikon scopes as I have had such great sucess with the Leupolds, I see no reason to switch.

Mooseyard

Leupold or Burris are tied for first with me. I think the Burris actually has better glass and they are a little cheaper. I love the warranty of both, even though I've never had to use it. Being made in the US is also a HUGE factor for me. The Nikon is the third choice for me, they don't seem to have as wide a selection of powers available, and I've heard horror stories about their "Lifetime Warranty". I'll buy a Nikon, but it better be pretty cheap.