im just wondering how do Weaver scopes compare to Leupold scopes , more specifically the 4x scopes, i belive weaver scopes are made in japan.
There going to spend there time on a 375 and 416 Ruger
Daniel

Buy a Leupold and be happy. The Weaver scope is an 'ok' scope but the brightness and durability of the leupold are worth the extra money.

I like Weaver scopes, and have several of them on centerfire rifles. The fixed 4x I have is on a Marlin 336 in 30-30. It's been on the rifle for several years with no failure problems.
I have several V-16's, and again no issues at all with them.
I just can't say how a Weaver fixed 4x would stand up with recoil of the rifles your would be using it on.
I do know that the Leupold fixed 4x would survive. There would be no problem getting a Leupold repaired if it stopped performing either.
Not sure about Weaver's repair policy though, today.

I don't disagree with Buckeye that the Leupold would be the better, safer choice, but the price difference in Australia between the U.S.-made Leupold and the Asian-made Weaver might be significant enough to get your attention.

I have no experience with the current "Weaver" (which has no real relationship to the El Paso Weavers of decades ago other than the use of the same marketing name), however, almost anybody's fixed magnification, low powered scope is pretty dependable these days. It is when a "budget" manufacturer starts trying to build the more complicated and powerful variables that their products usually go to pot.

If there is a big difference in price, and price is important to you, then trying the Weaver might not be a bad investment of your time an money.

I have had a weaver grand slam 6-20 power on a custom 224TTH for about 10 years. I know that it is not a hard kicker at all, but it is a truck gun. I have found that if a scope will hold up to years of pickup riding gravel without a case just brl down in the passenger seat it will hold up to about anything.

This scope has VERY repeatable adjustments and is comparable to the VX11 in my opinion(owned rifleman/vx1/vx11).

I have only had to redo scope setting twice in 10 years. One time rifle fell off hood of truck onto gravel....other time it was whacked with someones elbow hard enough to make the persone cuss a BUNCH...

The Grandslam is a good scope, and now they have the superslam which is supposed to be even better.

thanks
224TTH

Has anyone seen or used the new series of Weaver yet, called Super Slam?

This is their high end scope. Someone mentioned that it was exhibited at the 2010 Shot show.

Was at a lodge recently and the PH there mentioned that he ordered a DG scope in 1-5x24 mm Super Slam.

Something on the new line ... http://www.americanhunter.org/...e.aspx?id=2124&cid=0

Warrior

I have both Leupold and Weavers though not specifically in 4X except for an old original El Paso on a 375. Optically that scope simply doesn't compare to todays scopes but never had an issue with it otherwise.

I have had exactly zero problems with either brand in their respective riflescope ranges and my preference is actually for the higher grade Weavers over the Leupolds.

Just suit me better optically.

Being DownUnder the so called benefits of Leupold customer service are not as attractive as for consumers in CONUS because of postage costs back to USA.

My one customer service experience with Weaver was with a dud laser rangefinder, well out of warranty. The company was more than helpful and replaced the rangefinder with a new GrandSlam scope at my request.

If you are concerned re customer service just keep in mind that Weaver is now an ATK brandagain, the same company that owns RCBS.

Warrior, I have a Super Slam on the way so I'll report back in a week or so if I remember.

The Super Slam replaces the Extreme Classic of which I have several.

These are the equal of any of very best of the Japanese manufactured scopes and I wish I had bought more when Natchez closed them out. They are heavy though.

I expect the Super Slam to be even better.

Daniel,

How's it going Buddy?

I've a 3.5-10x50 Weaver Grand Slam on a .243 Winchester, no issue since it's been aboard - period and that's been awhile.

quote:

I have several V-16's, and again no issues at all with them.

+1

One on a 25-06 Remington and the other two are my standard Varmint scopes; on .223 Remington & .22-250 Remington.

IMO - Weaver scopes are a great value for the $$$.

guys
THANKS FOR THE REPLEY...COST/MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE!!! im after reliability, i most likley will get the 4x leupold, as there are no other 4x scopes from the European makers which are as light as the leupolds, the S&B are great optically but are heavey and unbalance a rifle
i guess i will soon find out how they hold up , when i start shooting the 416!

GERRY im well how are you!!

quote:

Warrior, I have a Super Slam on the way so I'll report back in a week or so if I remember.

Ozzie,

Please do, it would be kind of you to share with us.

Warrior

OK. First impressions of my Super Slam very positive.

Very bright, sharp, glare control very good, flat field, excellent eye relief (it's a 4-20X). Controls work smoothly.

EBX reticle a positive. Field of view seems appropriate to magnification.

Haven't mounted it yet so can't comment on tracking or long term resistance to recoil but it is a heavy, solid scope so I expect it to stand up. On the other hand it doesn't make for a light set up.

The tube is short and might require extension mounts in some applications.

Haven't checked it out at twilight yet but in daylight it appears to be at least the equal of Bushnell 4200, Millet Gold, better than Grand Slam. These are the scopes I have in approximately the same power range.

While not directly comparable in magnification range, it also compares favourably at the same approximate magification to some European scopes I have.

At the discount prices now available it is probably the best bang for buck.

quote:

better than Grand Slam.

Ozzie,

Yup, my take-away, too.

The Grand Slam is a robust, reliable scope but it's twilight performance is the reason it's on my Roe Deer rifle - better than a watch, it tells me exactly when it's time to go home in the evenings!

The 4-20x50 mm is a big scope, but a 2-10x42 mm is all that is needed for hunting. The whole series of Super Slams are heavy - perhaps too heavy for most. Buyers would perhaps be the varmint crowd and not those that walk and stalk with sleek rifles.

However being manufactured in Japan, and the use of premium Japanese glass that is fully multi-coated with an extra hard coating on exterior lenses, I would suspect that the Super Slam would rate above most other Asian scopes not made in Japan. They also use Argon (that is superior) to purge tubes to eliminate internal fogging. The EBX reticle is a glass-etched reticle positioned in the second focal plane. All other Super Slam reticles are second-plane reticles too, but they're made from wire and not as durable as etched reticles. I also note that they opted for a 3-point erector system with an improved spring design and so it is very durable against the opposition.

An interesting development is their latest offering of a fixed 4x38 mm scope to celebrate their 80th Anniversary with a nostalgic return of their legendary K4 steel tube scope. This commemorative scope also features all the benefits of modern technology and should be better than its predecessor. One would hope that the glass was also upgraded to at least compare with the fixed Leupold offerings. It sells for around $300 and is rather pricy. They may struggle against the Leupold.

Warrior

Way back when, when Weavers were made in El Paso, they were the poor man's scope. You got your dollars worth. Even then, they weren't as good as a Leupold. They, like it seems everyone does cheapened their product. The steel rings that hold the lenses in were replaced with plastic. I had bought Weaver lens protectors and when I removed them one of the plastic rings broke and I had a fogged up scope. I sent the scope to them with protector installed so they could see that it was their protector that wrecked the scope. They sent me a bill for cost of repairs. I sent them a letter that their "protector" did the damage and it should not cost me. I received no answer and it appeared that sending them a check was the only way to get my scope (it had been several weeks since I had written them). Works out that the day the postman picked up the check, he also left the scope. Weaver did not return my check. With a Leupold, no check would have been involved.
Back in those days, Weaver included a reprint of an article that Jack O'Connor had written in the 40's for Outdoor Life on how to zero a scope. Best article I ever read on the subject.

Realize this post is about a month old, but just thought I'd mention this concerning Weaver Grand Slams or Super Slams. You can save about 1/2 the price on a Weaver by ordering a Nitrex from Natchez Shooters Supply. Nitrex box has Nitrex by Weaver on it. Both Nitrex and Weaver owned by same company. Their scopes both made by LOW in Japan, same glass, same internals. A number of Nitrex TR1 and TR2 models have been discontinued and it seems Natchez has all Nitrex discontinued scope inventory to sell at reduced prices. Nitrex makes price more of a bargain with a $50 or $100 rebate, depending on model bought.

Here is an example, using the Nitrex TR2 3-15x42 Side Focus I bought that had a final cost of $218 (after $100 Rebate and adding $18 Natchez shipping) Natchez sells the same power Weaver Super Slam scope for $480(add another $18 for shipping)