Meopta or Leupold?

[peaceful_ruler]

So, I've narrowed the field down to two scopes for my dedicated .177 HW50 squirrel gun where I plan to shoot no farther than 40 yards. Those scopes are the Meopta Optika5 2-10x42 PA and the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x33 EFR. These are at about the max of my budget around $400.

I want a simple but quality SFP optic that focuses down to 10M. Outside of that, really the only negative thing about the Optika5 compared to the Leupold in my mind is the weight. 12 oz vs 20 oz is a substantial difference. That said, the HW50 is a pretty light gun so maybe a little heavier of scope won't kill me.

Oh, the other thing is...I'm a MILs guy...I just don't like MOA and now that I've used MILs for a while there is no going back. Considering that I'm using this rig for 40 yards and under this is a bit of a moot point as the trajectory is still pretty flat out to 40 yards. Problem is that neither of these scopes are available with MIL adjustments or reticles. Speaking of reticles...it's either a simple duplex(which I don't mind for this application as I anticipate >85% of my shots to be inside my point blank range...around 30 yards) or the Z-Plus reticle option that the Optika5 has which is in MOA...I think I'd just rather have a duplex honestly that try to make MOA work. It gives me a headache just thinking about it. Also, that Z-Plus reticle is fairly thin except for the center dot which doesn't really lend itself to forest settings. Yeah, I definitely think I'm going duplex.

As I'm typing this I'm leaning towards the Optika5 as it really outshines the Leupold in almost every category, at least on paper. The only significant advantage that the Leupold has that comes to mind is the substantial weight difference. Oh, and it's a Leupold...that just gives it a bit of sexy for some reason. As you can maybe tell, I am a Leupold fan. HOWEVER! I'm trying to be objective...

Here are some of the Optika5's advantages...

1) one piece tube vs two piece of the Leupold
2) much better turrets that zero reset
3) slightly better optical quality from what I've heard
4) 2X greater magnification range; 2-10x vs 3-9x, 2-10x is just a sweet spot that is super versatile and effective imo

Thoughts and opinions from anyone that has experience with other scope?

 

[1shooter]

How about the Optisan 3-12x32

I have the 2-10 optika and like it but prefer exposed turrets and mil/FFP

 

[CoyoteGod]

I actually have this specific experience. I swapped from Leupold to Meopta on both my custom rifles and never looked back. Much happier with the results. I had Leupold VX3 scopes and swapped to Meopta Optika 6 scopes. Much better owner experience for me.

 

[Mr.H]

I own the Leupold and love it. Its actually on a deer rifle, works great in low light. That being said, I just got off the phone with Cameraland to order a Meopta 5, based on some very positive remarks by other members here. That one will be going on my Taipan Vet.

 

[esingle]

Hello I would go with Meopta, MY experience is for the price Leupold is over rated. A lot of tracking issues (granted these were deployment optics BUT all the more reason to be repeatable and reliable) Once again this has BEEN MY experience and MY experience ONLY. I am sure others have had different experiences. The Leupolds were not put threw any worse treatment you would put your truck gun threw in fact the were babied for the most part, living its life in a case till time to go to range to requal or called to a job where a LE marksman was need. Other than some inclement weather issues my Meoptas have been treated in a similar manor but with a lot higher round count with no issues. Once again just my Experience Eric