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Overall, Leupold scope prices in NZ are not too far out of line with U.S. prices when you take into consideration the exchange rate, freight, GST and the customs biosecurity fee. With a few exceptions, can't say that about other brands of scopes available here.
Except there are regular sales on leupold in the US in the range of 20% plus off etc which is rare to non existent here. A vx3i 3.5-10x40 CDS zl can be had for 500 or less on a regular basis so at current conversion (71cents) 700nzd then 15% so 800 that leaves alot for the 1100 price here. Plus they buy them wholesale not retail. Freight per item is significantly reduced by importing in bulk. The prices are right on the borderline of unreasonable but I'd say still just within reason.Quote:
Originally Posted by 10-Ring
Just to add a Z5 3.5-18x44 was cheaper to buy in NZ until the recent price jump last year.
You have the NZ importer/distributor and then the retailer who have to make a buck. The kiwi dollar has recently increased in value; it was sitting at around U.S. 65c for a long time. H&F have probably the highest Leupold retail prices along with Gun City.
In the U.S. some of the larger retail chains must get a pretty good discount on massive inventory orders, way, way more than little ole NZ could ever compare to. 330 million population compared to just under 5 million in NZ.
I’ve owned a few Leupold’s over the years, and they never let me down .
Buttttt........ as I’ve got older my eyesight has degraded and for whatever reason Leupold glass just doesn’t work for me anymore.
Meopta and Kahles are now my chosen brands , they give my particular eyesight the best clarity and low light performance.
The fixed 6 power Leupold that sat on my .223 is now sitting on a shelf which is a real shame because it never let me down and it got a torture test of dust and bouncing on the dashboard of the ute for thousands of km’s in outback Australia.
This was the same with me a few years a go nowQuote:
Originally Posted by Ground Control
No more Dioptre + left in the Leupold's for me.
Have you tried a scope with Side Focus
What a difference that makes for aging eyes.
Reticle focus vs image focus.
Sf for image, diopter for reticle.
InterestingQuote:
Originally Posted by Dicko
Appears to focus both with me - on full mag that is
"In the U.S. some of the larger retail chains must get a pretty good discount on massive inventory orders, way, way more than little ole NZ could ever compare to. 330 million population compared to just under 5 million in NZ."
Until you go & see how huge the large Gun Stores are in America it is hard to imagine ,both the NZ & Oz markets are tiny in comparison to even single States in the US ,from memory at the start of the year in one DAY alone the FBI did over 200K back ground checks for gun purchases & were at over 3.5 Million for the month.
Doesn't surprise me. When they did mine I couldn't believe how quick it was turned around and the shop said he had done 20 that morning (I was in at 11 in a small rural town in Montana (Ennis if anyone knows south western Montana).Quote:
Originally Posted by bunji
No doubt, Leupold have the most comprehensive scope lineup of any manufacturer at the moment. Objective sizes in 10mm increments from 20mm up to 60mm I believe.
Realistically, the 40mm odd objective size in 3-12 power with side focus, locking elevation dial and capped windage is the most versatile scope you can get.
Leupold have a few variants of this in terms of price/quality as well, makes it more likely to appeal when compared to other manufacturers who only make one flavour per objective size.
However, I'd be willing to pay up to 25% more for a Swaro with the same features (z8i), as pricing on the high end Leupold scopes don't make sense once you buy them outside of America. You are paying more for shipping and export tax before markup is factored in.
Not only that, but the scope tube anodising and engraving on Leupolds look and feel cheap.
Can't beat forever warranty though!
Economy of scale is certainly not in our favor but when you can import a scope at full retail price from a US based store, pay 100NZD for shipping and GST and it's still cheaper than a NZ store, you know some is messed up.Quote:
Originally Posted by bunji
It's even worse with other brands, you should see the prices you an get Vortex scopes from with some vendors.
Price is not everything. Ive had a lot of Leupolds over the years . Ive also owned Khales , Nightforce and Burris also. Leupold have never let me down in the bush .
They even gave a 40 year old M4 fixed power a make over in 2005 when the windage turret stopped tracking. Thats still going too.
A question guys,
Is it legal to bring a scope in your baggage when travelling to New Zealand?
-Inder
So, im looking to get a vx5, if leupold are overpriced what should a person buy, really curious to hear what people think is the best 500m, $1900- $2000 hunting scope. Hope this is within thread.
Delta.
I've picked up three VX5-hd this year, 2 x 2-10x and 1x 3-15 x. One with the firedot. All second hand in excellent condition. Most i have paid is $1450 for the fire dot job about $500 under current new price. There is limited choice in market for similar quality and featured scopes with value as good as a second hand Leupy's. The warranty works in your favour and you have good resale. A Z3 will now cost you $1300 or more here a Z5 is close to $2K.
TRACT Toric. They are made in the LOW factory using HD German Schott glass. As well, they are direct sellers from the States so are cheaper than many of their competitors - and in many instances way ahead. Just order straight off their web site as they only direct sell. Say you are from NZ and what you want & they will email you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gedw
Have you got one?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hermitage
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Originally Posted by Tahr
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Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst
Jezz what is it with you guys and your 'must own it or can't recommend it' fixation?Quote:
Originally Posted by Tahr
My long-term shooting mate who goes out to the range with me every 2 weeks has a TORIC UHD 3-15X50 rifle scope. I've used it on many occasions at the range but not out hunting. He recommends it highly.
Well, to be honest, I only like to make recommendations of things that I have actually tried and given a good shake down. Recommendations ought to be qualified. Any fool can scan the internet, collect information from other people and sources and then make recommendations.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hermitage
There are not many Torics in NZ. I know this because I have 3 Toric scopes, 2 x Tract Toric binos and have a reasonable client relationship with the owners. Naturally I was interested in your experience with them.
Previously you have rated and categorised brands of scopes that you have (later) said that you had no hands on experience with.
@Gedw.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gedw
The fact is, that the Leupold service and effectiveness for both range and hunting in NZ has been superb especially consideting the backup warrenty. The vx5hd you are considering is good value within our NZ retail fiscal structure. When compared to some high end brands with supposefly great glass and other bells and whistles but mainly with only a 10 year warrenty and also considering comparative weight of the units then Leupold is a very safe bet. I have and still have several and while a couple have been back for setvice (cost free under warranty, one over 40 years old !) I can honestly say every one I have is fully functional still and quite capable of allowing a shot to be taken at 500 yards +. It is nice to have a NF or Toric or high end Swaro or Leica or S&B but the reality is that unless your eyeballs are getting affected by age etc a Leupold VX anything will do the business for you. My early ( half a century ago) scopes were 2 1/2 power bushnel banners and I had to keep drying the fog out of them and resealing with clear glue due to falling down banks and beating the crap out of them, and yet I shot very large numbers of deer and other game animals with them. Eventually went to Leupolds too but i guess what I am trying to say to you is "judt don't get too hung up on hype from some. There are plenty on thid thread more than happy overall with their Leupold experience.
So , go ahead and have your vx5. It may cost a bit more ot a bit less than others, but is a pretty darned good start point. There are other good brands coming into NZ at good price points too, like Delta, but all have pluses and minuses. You will always find some dick somewhere who has an axe to grind; ignore them and go with what you consider on balance to be a safe bet and that the majority of users seem happy with.
Incidentally, I have a vx5 which had to be serviced by Leupold recently. I am pleased to have it back and mounted on my 6.5*55 hunting rifle. I tested it at 600 yards last weekend on NRA target and shot 49.5 / 50 with it. Can't complain at that.
@Woody , after abusing a vx2 for 25+ yrs it would be hard not to by a leupold, wife says I have trust issues��
If I could get one at a sensible price I would be right onto the Vx-3i CDS ZL's that came out earlier this year.
However, I'm not forking out £7-800+ odd when it's $7-800 USA RRP (always lower in US gunshops)... that's too much.
To be realistic apply $NZ exchange rate ( divide $US by .7 = $NZ 1000+) and then add on freight and gst ; to get actual comparison.
Got my VX5 last week, set it up and all good. Gotta say I like it a lot , nice optics sits nice on the 300 WM and has bought the total weight down to 8 pound 6, the firedot is great. A lot of money but well worth it I think.
I’ve got a vx5 on a 7mm rem mag and it’s all I need. I’ve shot game from 20 yds to 780yds with it. It’s lightweight compared to say nightforce scopes I’ve owned ( that’s my only criticism of them ). It’s clear and great in low light conditions. Not quite up to my Leica geovids optically but not far off it. Do it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gedw
Attachment 156818
got my first leupy 50yrs ago and bought another to add to the collection last week. thanks Hamills for the deal. I reckon the are good value.
