Finding the perfect balance between high-end performance and a realistic budget can be a challenge. For many shooters, the solution lies in the secondary market.
At RKB Armory, we have built our reputation on a single, strict standard: we sell used optics, not refurbished ones. A refurbished scope is often a unit that failed and was later repaired. Our inventory consists of high-quality, pre-owned gear that has maintained its factory integrity. This guide explores the most popular brands we carry and why they are the smartest investments for your rifle.
Nightforce: The Standard for Tactical Durability
When it comes to used scopes that hold their value, Nightforce is king. These optics are engineered for professional use where failure is not an option. Known for their “overbuilt” construction, a used Nightforce scope often performs exactly like a brand-new one, even after years of field use.
- Popular Models: ATACR, NX8, and SHV series.
- Best For: Extreme long-range precision and professional tactical applications.
- Why Buy Used: Nightforce glass and mechanical tracking are so robust that buying used allows you to own a “lifetime” optic at a significantly lower price point.
Trijicon: Legendary Clarity and Battery-Free Tech
Trijicon is world-renowned for its innovation in light-gathering technology. Whether it is the fiber optics of the AccuPoint or the ruggedness of the VCOG, Trijicon optics are built to withstand the harshest environments on Earth.
- Popular Models: ACOG, Credo, and RMR.
- Best For: Tactical transitions (LPVOs) and hunting in low-light conditions.
- Key Advantage: Trijicon’s commitment to glass clarity and “duty-grade” builds makes them one of the most reliable best used scope brands available.
Leupold: The American Hunting Legend
Leupold has been a staple in the hunting community for generations. Their scopes are famously lightweight, which is a critical factor for hunters trekking through rough terrain.
- Popular Models: Mark 5HD, VX-6HD, and VX-5HD.
- Best For: Weight-conscious hunters and long-range target shooters.
- Why Buy Used: Leupold’s “Gold Ring” warranty is legendary, often staying with the product rather than the original owner, providing extra peace of mind for those buying used rifle scopes.
Vortex Optics: Innovation Across Every Price Point
Vortex has disrupted the industry by offering high-end features at every tier. While their entry-level glass is solid, their Razor HD series is what truly shines in the used market, competing directly with European glass.
- Popular Models: Razor HD Gen II/III, Viper PST Gen II, and Strike Eagle.
- Best For: PRS competition, range practice, and general-purpose shooting.
- Used Value: Because Vortex is so popular, the used market, for the mid and top-tier lines, is healthy, meaning you can often find specific reticle and magnification configurations quickly.
FAQs: Buying Used Scopes
Q: Are used scopes reliable for hunting?
A: Absolutely. In fact, many hunters prefer buying used high-end brands like Leupold or Zeiss because they offer better light transmission and reliability than a brand-new “budget” scope for the same price.
Q: How do I know the scope isn’t damaged?
A: At RKB Armory, we inspect every optic. You should look for clear glass, tactile turret clicks, and an absence of deep “tube crush” marks from over-tightened rings. Also, RKB Armory has a 30-day return policy, so you’re covered either way.
The RKB Difference: Quality Glass, Every Time
Investing in a high-end optic doesn’t have to break the bank. By choosing the best used scope brands, you’re getting proven performance and elite glass without the “new-in-box” markup. At RKB Armory, we are shooters first; we only sell gear we would trust on our own rifles.
Ready to upgrade your glass? Shop Our Current Inventory of Used Scopes or Sell Your Current Optic to trade up today!
