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SCOPE TESTING

Printed From: OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc.
Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5329
Printed Date: March/28/2024 at 06:28
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: SCOPE TESTING
Posted By: jkll
Subject: SCOPE TESTING
Date Posted: January/06/2007 at 13:38

Has anyone done any objective consumer tests on rifle scopes? I know that OUTDOOR LIFE  has tested scopes in the past ,but there seems to be some question on this forum about their objectivity. I was more interested in a publication like CONSUMER REPORTS who test binoculars ,but I've never heard of the them testing rifle scopes.Maybe they are anti-hunting. I hate to spend good money on a scope to find out that I don't like it. As an owner of LEUPOLD,BURRIS,and REDFIELD scopes I have done my own crude testing and have concluded that believe it or not my REDFIELD TX-27 4X scope has the finest optics by far of any scope I've ever owned. I've compared it to my BURRIS SIGNATURE 4X40, a LEUPOLD 6X42(1995 model), a PENTAX 3X9 (US made BURRIS), and a NIKON pre -MONARCH 4X40. There is one major problem with the TX-27.After sighting in my rifle,I returned to the range a few days later to find that my rifle wasn't even hitting the target. The scope tracked OK ,but after closer examination I realized that there wasn't enough clearance in the turret caps and the windage and elevation adjustments turned when the turret caps were screwed on. I've found some "O"rings that raise the caps enough to clear the adjustments,but for peace of mind I use a LEUPOLD 6X42 for hunting. Correspondence with a REDFIELD repair center confirmed that this is a problem with this model of scope.How ridiculous to design this fine scope and overlook something this simple. Since I removed the caps at the range the problem didn't show up until my next trip to the range.Thank heavens I discovererd the problem before taking  it hunting.




Replies:
Posted By: Dolphin
Date Posted: January/07/2007 at 19:55
Interesting you should post this.  I would really like to see blind testing of rifle scopes, not only with respect to their optic capabilities, but their toughness in the field.  This would not really be difficult and I have called for this to be done on many occaisions.  Double blind testing is the cornerstone for all objective testing in the scientific community and rifle scopes should not be immune to the rigors of such testing.  Everyone has their brand prefenence, as I do and I believe the scopes I like which cost alot less than the Euro model perform very close to those, such that I cannot justify spending the extra dollars.  But that is an opinion, not based on testing.  I have to admit, they probably would test better, but I would not spend the extra cash, but again I do not know that they would.  Eye balling in hunting stores, out the back door, I cannot tell alot of difference, but others say the difference is so obvious, I wonder if I am blind or just biased, or they are biased.  Then there is the low light issue that they say is the difference.  I cannot comment on that, as I have not had a chance to compare them.  I do know that my friends Kahles American 3x9 is no brighter in low light than my pre-Meade Simmons Aetec of the same power and I think same objective size at low light.  I have compared those.  Again, this was pure observation, not objective testing.  I have offered to use one of my scopes and travel to the SWFA headquarters to help set up such testing, but have not heard any responses.  Will see.

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D. Overton


Posted By: mwyates
Date Posted: January/07/2007 at 21:33
I doubt SWFA is in a position to do any testing; that's not the place for a retailer.  If it ever happens, it will take a Consumer Reports type format.  Popular Photography is the perfect example.  There are several other independent testers of camera lenses.  I think the manufacturers have the shooting mags and writers by the cojohes.  Ever seen a bad scope "test".


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: January/07/2007 at 21:47
I got just the guy for all the testing. He's in his early 60's, although his eyesight is in a cryogenic state, and he goes by the code name "E". He's taught koshkin a thing or two as well.  He remains teachable, showing no particular brand preference.


Posted By: Dolphin
Date Posted: January/08/2007 at 06:44
Thats good.

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D. Overton



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