Scopes that did not disappoint

Leupold VX-2 3-9X40 (not top of the line but a very budget friendly scope that still has nice features) I could see Elk in the jack pine in less than ideal light conditions and about perfect for the 270 for now. Also its tuff as nails and holds its zero even after some abuse.

I took a chance on an Athlon Cronus and was really nervous about the decision. I really wanted to try the Burris XTRII, but the wait time was ridiculous. After about 200 rounds down the tube and a trip to Utah for the Vortex Extreme, I am really happy with the Cronus. So far the scope has tracked perfectly, held zero, and the glass FAR exceeded my expectations. Was the first time I participated in the Vortex Extreme, but it basically consists of a guy just running around a 7 mile course with a rifle stuffed in his pack. I thought for sure I would be adjusting my turrets all the time after the gun came out of the pack, but that wasn't the case. I think if Athlon can sort of follow in the tracks of Vortex on the marketing and product development front they will be a good addition to the optics market. Time will tell...

Leupold VX3 series, US Optics anything, Nightforce anything, SWFA's HD line, SWFA SS line, S&B anything, Vortex Razor line, Vortex Viper line. Those are the ones that just never disappointed me. All had some features or ergo that weren't perfect but optically, bodacious.

Leopold line of VX-3's, VX-3tactical, VX-3i's & the new VX-6!! Wow!
The VX-6 blows the competition out of the water.

I've literally bought Leupold scopes, everywhere from brand new at Sportsmans or Cabellas, to used on LRH, & even craigslist, then sent them in to Leupold for a different reticle or dials or whatever is floating my boat at the time.
The warranty is untouchable, & the glass is great.
Running box tests & stretching them way out there, they've proven to be reliable & repeatable, & tougher than tough.
Plus if I ever change my mind, I can simply send it in & get whatever. Not stuck with an off the shelf purchase that cannot grow with my shooting needs.
Plus they're made right here.

I respect Nightforce, and a very select few others, & have nothing bad to say about them, but my money is staying with Leupold. Light weight, rugged, clear, repeatable, reputable (70 + years of guaranteed optics) no one else comes close.

For me the Sighton SIII scopes and the NF ATACR really impressed me. I've never been disappointed by a VX 3 either.

I've always been a little disappointed by my NXS and every Vortex optic I've used has come up short of my expectations.

->Burris Black Diamond 3 - 12 x 50

->Bushnell Elite ERS 3.5 - 21 x 50 (W/Horus H59 reticle)

->SWFA 5 - 15 x 42 (FFP, mil/mil, side focus, 30 mm tube)

The Burris Black Diamond was my 1st high quality scope

The Bushnell ERS was my 1st competition scope - love it!

The SWFA was the "best features for the money" for my Ruger American Predator

(I do have a 1.5 x Swarovski scope built into the receiver of my Steyr AUG 5.56 rifle and it is extremely rugged.)

Like the Nikon line up and the 1970's and early 80's Redfields.They were great scopes.

+1 for Nightforce NSX!!!! Absolutely a superb all around rifle scope in all respects. If it's good enough for our military's sniper systems it's good enough for my 338 Lapua hunting rig and it has never dissapointed!

For dial up NF ACTAR or NXS, for Bubba holdover Swarovski!

For me I was a little reluctant to give the Swarovski X5 a try as they weren't really a tactical type company. Their reputation for glass quality was what really provoked my interest, so I gave it a try and wow, I was blown away. They really did their homework in developing a fantastic scope that continues to impress me every time I pull that rifle out. Glass quality is phenomenal (of course) and the ergonomics (specifically their turret design and function) are spot on! Kudos to Swarovski for their X5!!

Mac

Leopold for me, get them whole sale from Candian rep.

He's long retired now, it worked out good as I've acquired a life time supply for 7 generations.

I buy and sell firearms, but never scopes.

Pal Don

Always liked my NXS scopes but got a G7 version of the NXS and am really liking the ret and capped windage.

I also like the Nightforce G7. Excellent reticle.
I've been using a couple of Huskemaw 5x20's for about 6 years. Subjected to very heavy use, I have had great success with them. Glass and tracking is on par with the NXS but with less bulk and weight then my NF's, which I prefer for my LR carry rifles.

IOR Valdada 4-28x50. Try to buy this scope from a dealer in the US and they'll take you to the bank. Try to get this scope repaired in the US, and ... well, just don't.

IOR's mechanical adjustments are what I consider totally flawless.

The glass comes out of Germany's Schottwerks factory. You're gonna have a difficult time finding better glass. The Japanese and US Optics produce great glass ... but a full step down from Schottwerks. I suspect Schottwerks sells its very best glass to Schmidt & Bender, but when you're at this level of quality one's mind can play tricks on you.

Magnification is your friend when examining a scope for optical aberrations.