Should I Get My Redfield Scope Refurbished?

[Gunplummer]

I don't think that was a dumb question. Unless they replace the lenses, I would not bother. I recently sold a rifle with a Redfield 2-7 Flat top on it. The scope was older and well made, for the time period. It was never really clear and I believe it was the glass producing capability of the time. I still have a Redfield on my one 99, and an older Weaver K series that I trust mechanically, but even the cheap imported scopes now are way clearer than any of the older scopes I own.

 

[Ibmikey]

My Leupold 2x7 would not adjust for windage any longer, the scope is probably 25 years old or more. I sent it to Leupold for a rebuild and advised i would pay for repairs after good service all those years, Leupold received the scope and approximately three weeks later returned it with no charge. The scope now looks and shoots as new. Better CS could not happen, thanks Leupold.

 

[SnoLeopard]

Reviving this old thread because I am still a bit confused over comments about 60's -70's Redfield glass quality. I have used redfields since I was a kid. Started with a 1970 2-7 post and collected from there to todays count of 2 Illuminators , 2 fixed 6x's , 2 3-9's , a fixed 4x & a few 3/4" tubes . I recently began the trek into precision shooting and studying the glass involved. I talked with shooters on forums , in person trying to gather as much info as possible. That said my first purchase was a Sightron , my second was a Vortex Diamondback tactical.If I could find a tactical Redfield for long distance I would trade either of these without a thought!!! 70's Redfield glass makes these two like an old Tasco from Aubuchon! If you've got an older Redfield DO NOT believe everything you read! Send your Redfield to Ironsite for $95 (todays pricing as I have one going out today) You'll keep your" Widefield" , save a few hundred & have a wonderful scope.

 

[Picher]

I wouldn't return a scope that's older than about 10 years. There are some better scopes at reasonable prices these days, so I'd just buy a new one.

 

[Don Fischer]

Yep, if it's a Denver, get it fixed. I have two Denver Redfields. 2 3/4x fixed and a 1-4x. got them both new about 1972, never a problem and still use them today. It's a personal thing for me though. I have a couple new Redfield/Leupolds and nothing to complain about and recently got a new vortex and like it very well. For what you'd have in it, you can get a pretty darn nice new scope but it won't be a Denver Redfield. I have an El Paso weaver too and if I found another, I'd buy it. Buying these older scopes isn't about getting a great deal, it's about nostalgia!

 

[Shadow9mm]

As I see it you have 3 options
1, use it as is. Obviously not ideal.
2, sell it, try to get your 45 back and put it towards a now optic
3, get it refurbished, will probably last you the rest if your life

Personally I would get it refurbished. I hate wasting or tossing things that can be repaired.

 

[natman]

Lucas, Why is Leupold a better used buy than Vortex, Meopta, Zeiss, Burris or any of the rest of a long list of manufacturers who honor their lifetime warranty without proof of purchase?

Over the years I've owned dozens of Leupold scopes.

Leupold offers a lifetime warranty.

I've never had to use it. That's why they are a good deal.

 

[MarkCO]

Denver Redfields are legit. Both of my boys have one on hunting rifles I passed down to them. Have 3 3-9 Widefields and one 2-7.

I'd love to be able to buy a Widefield of Denver glass quality with a more modern reticle.

 

[MarkCO]

In my experience and observation, Vortex does maintain the top spot in terms of customer service in the marketplace for their entire line, which, is one of the broadest. Shipping a new scope overnight to a hunter, manning their call center with actual hunters and shooters during hunting season...no one else even comes close in that respect. Vortex has done a great job in the creation of a "lifestyle brand" which sells not just scopes, but now rangefinders, tripods, etc. It is impressive.

I still say avoid their bottom 1/3 (PST and up) if you are serious about your gear and quality.

If one of my Redfield needs to get worked on, you can bet your bottom dollar I am sending it to Ironsites to get refurbed and change out the reticle to the mil-dot.

 

[Shadow9mm]

In my experience and observation, Vortex does maintain the top spot in terms of customer service in the marketplace for their entire line, which, is one of the broadest. Shipping a new scope overnight to a hunter, manning their call center with actual hunters and shooters during hunting season...no one else even comes close in that respect. Vortex has done a great job in the creation of a "lifestyle brand" which sells not just scopes, but now rangefinders, tripods, etc. It is impressive.

I still say avoid their bottom 1/3 (PST and up) if you are serious about your gear and quality.

If one of my Redfield needs to get worked on, you can bet your bottom dollar I am sending it to Ironsites to get refurbed and change out the reticle to the mil-dot.

I would agree. I had a crossfire II and a Diamondback. I am not happy with either. the Diamondback is a budget hunting rifle scope and just ok IMHO. the Crossfire II I had was BAD. mush indistinct clicks. and poor tracking, clicks were not accurate. got vertical movement with horizontal clicks. Had a terrible time getting the rifle zeroed. It was promptly replaced with a PSA.

 

[Sure Shot Mc Gee]

Old technology is best replaced.
Do you drive a 40 yr old vehicle? Why tote around a 40 yr old scope. Spur the economy buy something updated.

 

[MarkCO]

Old technology is best replaced.
Do you drive a 40 yr old vehicle? Why tote around a 40 yr old scope. Spur the economy buy something updated.

Sounds like an old fudd trying to sound hipster.

 

[Don Fischer]

I feel that way about women. Traded out my 65 yr old wife for a 49 yr old girlfriend!