Leupold Rifle Scopes - The Best on the Market?

Being the owner of a web site about rifle scopes, I get quite a bit of e-mail dealing with various rifle scopes. Throughout those e-mails, the one rifle scope maker that is constantly misspelled is Leupold. I've seen it written in a variety of variations including Leopold, Lewpold, Lupold, and Lupolt. The company was founded in 1907 by Fred Leupold so "Leupold" is the right well to spell it.

Originally known as Leupold & Voelpel, in 1942 the company changed the name to Leupold & Stevens Instruments Co. In 1947, Leupold decides to enter the sports optics markets and offers it's first scope, called the Plainsmen.

In 1947 Leupold entered into a contract with the military where Leupold was supplying with the Plainsman scope. That contract lasted from 1947 to 1948. Rifle scopes produced during this time suffered from an issue where the scope would fog up during changes in temperature, climate, or elevation. In 1949, Leupold was able to solve this problem by introducing scopes that were filled with nitrogen instead of the traditional oxygen.

This new technology was an instant success and Leupold immediately saw a major increase in sales. Based on the success of their riflescope line, Leupold decided to go further into the sports optics market. Over the next 10 years, they introduced new optical products like binoculars and spotting scopes, as well as a number of scopes designed for specialized uses.

Leupold has quickly become one of the most successful US based optical manufacturers and continues to be a force in the riflescope market.

Unlike most rifle scope makers in the USA, Leupold is one of the few that only utilizes parts and labor from the U.S. While this process drives the parts and productions costs up for Leupold, it also means that you as the buyer get a truly high quality scope that will absolutely work when you need it.

Leupold also has one of the strongest warranty's in the business. All their scopes come with a lifetime guarantee. If the scope that you have breaks and they can't fix it, you get a brand new at no charge. I had a Leupold Golden Ring spotting scope that started having problems as soon I purchased it. It went back to Leupold one time under the lifetime warranty. A Leupold rep called and said that they couldn't fix it to their satisfaction so they sent me a brand new replacement.

I personally own 3 Leupold scopes in various configurations and I would buy each of them all over again in a minute. Leupold scopes aren't inexpensive, but they are worth the money. If you are on the fence about purchasing one, give it some thought.

If you are in the market for a high performance riflescope and want the best that you can afford, then consider a Leupold. Here's a site that has a good Leupold selesction at reasonable prices: Leupold Rifle Scopes.

Overview of Swift Rifle Scopes

Founded in 1926, Swift Optical Instruments was based in Lakewood, CO. Swift had a vision that involved high quality optical devices that were good performers, yet still affordable. Like most optical companies, they offer a wide variety of optical products like rifle scopes, microscopes, and spotting scopes. In terms of rifle scopes, Swift has a full line of products that will cover just about everything except muzzleloaders.

Swift sells riflescopes under two different versions: the SwiftReliant series and the SwiftPremier series.The SwiftReliant series is their entry level series that consists of a few fixed power models and a few 3X9 models. The SwiftReliant is designed for the budget minded or occasional hunter that wants a scope that performs without breaking the bank.

The SwiftPremier is considered their top of the line models. Only available in variable powered models, the SwiftPremier series offers 24 different models to consider. In terms of magnification, this series ranges from a short range 2.5 all the way up to a long range 8X32 version. Featuring higher quality glass, the Premier series offers more light gathering and a better picture compared to the SwiftReliant models.One of the top selling Premier models is the 659M. This model features a 3.5X10X44 power and a rapid focus feature. The 44mm objective lets in plenty of light, while the 3.5X10 power has enough range to cover most shooting big game shooting situations.If you happen to need either higher magnification or are shooting at longer distances (200+ yards), you might want to take a look at the SwiftPremier 669M. This model has a 44mm objective along with a 6X18 adjustable power. The 44mm objective will gather plenty of light when you need to make that difficult shot.

There are some other differences between the two different scope levels. The Reliant series come with a limited 2 year warranty, while the Premier series has a lifetime warranty. The Premier series utilizes better quality components so it features a higher quality, more crisp picture.

Although Swift currently doesn't have any scopes targeted at blackpower shooters, they do offer a relatively new line of pistol scopes. They offer six models that include 5 fixed power models and one low powered 2X6 adjustable.

If you are in the market for a nice scope and don't want to pay $200 or more, then the Swift series might be a good fit for you. Here's a great place to find discounted Swift Scopes.

Reviewing BSA Rifle Scopes

The BSA company was actually founded in 1861 in Birmingham, England. The company was started by 14 local gunsmiths who were members of the Birmingham Small Arms Trade Association. These 14 gunsmiths formed the BSA company (which stands for Birmingham Small Arms Company) in order to supply the English government with arms. Throughout history, BSA has been involved in the manufacture and sale of a number of various products including firearms, air guns, military vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and civilian vehicles. Several of these product lines have now been sold off and BSA formed the optics side of their business in 1996.

Since 1996, BSA has been expanding it's product offering in their rifle scope line. They have engineered models that are targeted towards the more cost minded, as well as some that are specifically designed for specialized applications like harsh weather and shooting at dusk or early morning under poor or limited lighting. Currently, BSA has scope styles for the following specific needs:

* Air rifles
* Rimfires
* Centerfire
* Tactical
* BDC models (Sweet series)

While BSA is somewhat better recognized as "budget brand", they have made excellent improvements in both quality and product offerings in the last 5 years. They are best recognized for their BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) models, which offer built-in bullet drop compensation with specific rifle calibers and bullet weights. These scopes are somewhat unique to the industry as they allow the hunter to choose a range and the scope automatically compensates for the bullet drop.

Pricewise, BSA features rifle scopes that will fit most any budget. They have a good reputation in the rifle scope industry, and offer a reasonable warranty. If you are searching for a nice scope with fairly good optics for under $150, then BSA is an option. Is it a Leupold? No, but it performs exceptionally well for it's lower price point.

If you are shopping for a BSA scope, try here: BSA Rifle Scopes.