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Leupold vs. Springfield Armory

Darrell2k3Darrell2k3 Member Posts: 152 ✭✭✭
edited December 2003 in Ask the Experts
Ok I'm pretty solide with my choice of a Tikka T3, now I need a scope. Now what I am looking at is a Leupold Vari X-III 4.5-14x50 or a Springfield Armory 4-16x56(I think) with a mil dot reticle. I know the Leupold is an excellent scope but I have not had experience with Springfields. Are the optics as clear+ do they gather as much light as the Leupold? You know general questions like that. And please no opinions on rifles I'll figure out for myself if I change my mind again.

Darrell
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Comments

  • MillerMiller Member Posts: 175 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    With out question the clarity of Leupold is much better. The Springfield armory's scopes are nice in the fact that they build their reticles in the first focal plane. Which means that the reticle changes sizes as you change the power of the scope. Some people don't like this but I for one do. But all said there is no comparison, the Leupold is a much better scope. I would also consider an IOR Valdada. They build really nice scopes and they have a reticle called an MP8 which is basically a Mil dot, but the dots are lines. This allows you to use the lines as hold over points. They are around the same price as the Leupold and Springfield Armory.
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  • WarbirdsWarbirds Member Posts: 16,923 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I wouldn't even consider a Springfield scope, go with someone like Leupold, Swarovski, Burris, people that just make optics, and they do it well. I have no exp. with Springfield optics, but if you're going to spend the money to do it right, I would just assume stay with a big name in the Optics industry.

    R/

    Dave


    How different the world would be if we could consult the veteran instead of the politician. - Henry Miller
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  • kimberkidkimberkid Member Posts: 8,858 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I do have experiance with Springfield scopes and a word to the wise ... buy something else!

    I own a 4-14 X 56 2nd Generation (for .308). Their big scopes are the worst, in that they don't stay together. I've had problems from loose reticals, loose objective lenses and even the elevation knob housing has come loose. I've had it for quite a few years but only because I wont sell it to anyone. Its been back to Springfield 4 times for repair, while the turn-around time has only been about 2 weeks, I've used it for less than 400 rounds. The only people I've ever talked to that like the 56mm Springfield scopes have the 1st Generation style ... 2nd and 3rd gen's are apparently junk ... at least mine is and that has been everyone elses experiance I've spoke to.

    I also have the 4-14 X 44 for .223 I've had on a AR style varmint gun ... I don't know if it's because of the milder recoil or if its just better made, or if I'm just lucky but I've never had a problem with it ... still, I wouldn't reccomed it ... for the same money you can get a lot better scope.

    In my experiance, neither model of Springfield is as clear or bright as a Leupold, Swarvoski, Ziss or Kahles.

    ===========================
    Chance favors the prepared mind [8D]

    kimberkid@cox.net
    If you really desire something, you'll find a way ?
    ? otherwise, you'll find an excuse.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Springfield scopes are like their guns, they don't hold together. If your choices are down to those two the Leupold is the only way to go. I would also consider the Signature series of Burris scopes, and you might want to look at their Ballistic Plex, or the mil-dot plex if you prefer. Top quality optics, and equally important, they are well made solid scopes. Consider also the posi-loc for keeping the scope zeroed through a tornado.

    My heros have always killed cowboys.
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  • gogolengogolen Member Posts: 1,619 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would have to agree with everyone on the fact that springfield scopes don't hold together well, I had one on my 7 mag for about a month before I switched it out. Are you stuck between the 2 choices or can you shop around a bit? If you can check out a pentax light seeker I picked up a 4-16 x 50 for about a hundred less than the comparitive leupold, it was brighter and had a better warranty, right now it is on a 300 win mag I have fired about 250 rounds through it and it still is right on. Well there is my 2 cents. Good luck
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  • MillerMiller Member Posts: 175 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    You should also post this question on longrangehunting.com under the optics section. There is a whole wealth of knowledge on the kind of scope you are looking for.
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  • uplandlabsuplandlabs Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Springfield scopes have terrible glass in them and the eye relief is terrible. Stick with Leupold,Burris,Zeiss,And Swarovski(which in my opinion is the best of the best)! Springfield scopes does offer a dual purpose- as boat anchors.
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