Leupold or Sightron

[barrowsr]

I'm building a bench/varmint rifle in 22 or 6 BR and would like to hear what some folks think of the two brands. I've got Leupolds on all my rifles and have been very happy with them but hear that Sightron delivers more for the buck. Regretfully money is an object. That said would a Sightron II be adequate? Are they the equivalent of a VX II say in 6x - 18x? I'd like to find a variable with 20-25 power on the upper end for under $500 if such a thing is possible. Thanks for the great site.

Robin

 

[kcTbear]

To me Sightron and Leupold are leg and leg. From what I've read the SII is a step below the SII Big Sky in eye relief and image/glass coatings. I have two Big Sky scopes and they are terrific. Definately in the VXIII category with some extra change to spare. Both being equal in warranties.
I'm no loyal customer when it comes to optics, I've tried nearly everything for hunting scopes and it's true that you get what you pay for, so paying for the better models of whichever company you decide to settle on is worth the coin.
LarryScott sells the SIII models here on the forums and I would imagine those LR models are worth every penny as from what I can gather from the BigSky models.

 

[NateHaler]

would a Sightron II be adequate? Are they the equivalent of a VX II say in 6x - 18x? I'd like to find a variable with 20-25 power on the upper end for under $500

I'd take a Sightron SII over a Leupold VX2 every time.

 

[HEAD0001]

I think you are going to have a hard time finding the quality you want, with the price you want, in the power range you are suggesting. But it may be close.

I just bought a new Sightron SII in a 4X16 power scope for a 204 CZ. I also have a Leupold 6X18 in the VXII. Personally I think the Sightron is a better scope, and it cost me less money.

I have not had a chance to put the 'tracking' through all its paces yet,on the new Sightron). But so far the 'Tracking' has been consistent. And that is better than my experience with most Leupold's. Especially the VXII's. Tom.

 

[wfeher]

take the sightron. never had any problems with sightron but i have had many, many problems with leupold.

 

[watercam]

No sooner did I buy a Leupold VX-III 6.5-20x40 for $740 when used ones in the $500 showed up all over the place! With their guarantee there is no reason not to buy a used Leupold and if it needs attention send it to the factory so it can come back better than new.

 

[xpfuzz]

I have one of each,,an SII,and an SII Big Sky,,plus a couple Leupolds,,and to me the Sightrons are a little brighter,,plus the SII seems to be a little brighter than the BigSky,,go figure....Sightrons are 6-24x,and the Leupolds are 8.5-25....