Best Brands for Quality Refurbished Scopes in the U.S.

1. Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40

When you’re looking for a solid, no-nonsense scope that won’t break the bank, the Vortex Diamondback 3-9×40 is a really strong contender, especially if you’re buying refurbished. It’s one of those workhorse optics that just gets the job done without a lot of fuss. This scope is often praised for its incredible value, making it a go-to for hunters on a budget.

It’s pretty lightweight, which is a big plus when you’re carrying your rifle around all day. While it might not be the absolute best in super low light conditions because of its 40mm objective lens, it still provides a clear enough picture for most hunting scenarios. The controls, like the turrets, are generally reliable and track pretty well, meaning when you make an adjustment, it actually makes that adjustment.

Here’s a quick look at what makes it stand out:

• Durability: These scopes are known to be tough. I’ve heard stories (and experienced a few myself) where they’ve taken some serious knocks and kept on ticking. Vortex’s VIP warranty is also a huge plus – they stand behind their products.
• Reticle: It usually comes with a simple, effective reticle, like the Dead-Hold BDC, which helps you account for bullet drop at different ranges without being overly complicated.
• Versatility: The 3-9x magnification range is pretty standard and works for a wide variety of hunting situations, from closer shots in the woods to slightly longer distances in open country.

Even though it’s a budget-friendly option, especially when bought used, it punches above its weight class. You get a lot of reliable performance for the money, and that’s hard to beat.

It’s a smart choice if you need a dependable optic for your hunting rifle and want to keep some cash in your pocket. You really can’t go wrong with a Diamondback, refurbished or not.

2. Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 CDS

The Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10×40 CDS is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking for something lightweight, especially for hunting. It weighs in at just 13.1 ounces, which is a big deal when you’re carrying your rifle around all day. This scope is designed with hunters in mind, and it shows.

One of the standout features is the CDS, or Custom Dial System. Basically, you can get a custom turret made for your specific rifle and ammo load. Leupold will even send you your first one for free, which is a nice touch. It’s super handy if you have a particular setup and need precise adjustments for longer shots. They also have this ZeroLock system on the elevation turret. It’s pretty neat because it locks down, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally bumping it and messing up your zero in the field. The windage turret, though, feels a bit less thought-out compared to the elevation one.

For those who hunt in thicker woods, the included throw lever is a lifesaver. It makes changing magnification really quick and easy, which is great when you need to go from scanning a distance to a closer shot in a hurry.

Here’s a quick look at some specs:

• Weight: 13.1 oz.
• Tube Diameter: 1 inch
• Objective Lens: 40mm
• Warranty: Fully Transferable Lifetime Warranty

It’s priced around $499, which puts it in the mid-range. While it doesn’t have a parallax adjustment, which would have made it even better, its overall performance, especially in low light, and that fantastic Leupold warranty make it a strong contender for a refurbished scope.

3. Maven CRS.1 3-12×40

When you’re looking for a solid, no-nonsense scope that won’t break the bank, the Maven CRS.1 3-12×40 is definitely worth a look. It’s a pretty straightforward optic, featuring Maven’s CSHR reticle, which is basically a duplex with a few extra marks for holdovers. This scope really shines as a lightweight hunting companion, especially if you’re into big woods hunting or need something for a backcountry setup. It weighs in at just 14.18 ounces, making it easy to carry around all day.

Even though it has a smaller 40mm objective lens compared to some of the bigger boys, it still does a decent job in low light. The image you get is sharp and clear, with good colors and decent resolution. Maven uses Japanese glass in this scope, which is a big plus, especially considering the price point. They also have this direct-to-consumer model, which means you get a lot of bang for your buck. Sometimes they even have sales, which makes it an even better deal.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:

• Weight: 14.18 oz.
• Reticle: CSHR (Duplex with holdover marks)
• Magnification: 3-12x
• Objective Lens: 40mm
• Tube Diameter: 1 inch
• Warranty: Lifetime

One thing to note is that it doesn’t have a parallax adjustment. Some folks might miss that, especially if they’re trying to get super precise at closer ranges. The focus can get a little fuzzy inside 50 yards. Maven does offer a model with a parallax adjustment and a larger lens, but it costs a bit more. Still, for the price, the CRS.1 offers a lot of value, and that lifetime warranty is pretty reassuring.

This scope is a great example of getting quality optics without all the fancy bells and whistles. It focuses on delivering a clear image and reliable performance, making it a practical choice for many hunters.

4. Athlon Argos HMR 4-20×50

The Athlon Argos HMR 4-20×50 really surprised me during testing. It punches above its weight, especially considering its price point. For a scope that often comes in under $400, the optical performance is quite good, particularly in low light conditions. It offers a decent resolution, which is a big plus when you’re trying to make out details in dim light.

This scope is a solid choice for hunters looking for versatility without breaking the bank. It features capped, tactile turrets that give you a good feel when making adjustments. While some might find the reticle a bit bold, it’s designed for clarity and ease of use, which is often what you want in a hunting scenario. It’s not quite like the advanced reticles you might find on some Used Aimpoint Optics, but it gets the job done.

Here’s a quick look at some specs:

• Magnification: 4-20x
• Objective Lens: 50mm
• Tube Diameter: 1 inch
• Reticle: Illuminated
• Warranty: Transferable Lifetime

One of the standout features is its 1-inch tube, which is a bit different from many of the 30mm scopes out there. This, combined with the parallax adjustment and the wide magnification range, makes it a really adaptable optic. It’s not the most compact scope, and the large objective lens means you need to pay attention to mounting options, but the overall package is impressive. If you’re looking for good value, and maybe checking out places like RKB Armory for deals, the Argos HMR is definitely worth a look.

5. Sig Whiskey 4 5-20×50

The Sig Whiskey 4 5-20×50 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a scope that can handle a bit of everything. It’s often called a “crossover” scope, meaning it’s designed to work well for different types of shooting, whether that’s hunting, target practice, or something else.

This scope really shines with its controls and illuminated reticle. The elevation turret feels precise, and the zero stop feature is a nice touch. It lets you quickly reset your point of aim after making adjustments, which is super handy when you’re out in the field. The windage turret is capped, keeping things low-profile and protected, which makes sense for a scope meant to be versatile.

Here’s a quick look at some of its features:

• Magnification: 5-20x
• Objective Lens: 50mm
• Reticle: FFP MOA Milling Hunter (First Focal Plane)
• Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Illuminated Reticle: Yes
• Weight: Around 24.7 oz.

When it comes to the glass, it’s pretty good. It performed well in low light conditions, and the illuminated reticle is bright without causing a distracting starburst effect. It also has a parallax adjustment, which isn’t always found on scopes in this price range.

While it’s on the pricier side for this list, the Sig Whiskey 4 5-20×50 offers a good mix of features that make it a capable option for various shooting needs. The included lens covers and throw lever add to its overall value.

Overall, if you need a scope that can adapt to different situations and offers precise adjustments, the Sig Whiskey 4 is definitely worth considering.

6. Vortex Venom 3-15×44

The Vortex Venom 3-15×44 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a scope that leans more towards precision shooting but doesn’t break the bank. It’s often called out as a great option for precision on a budget, and I can see why. The turrets on this thing are pretty responsive, with nice, clear clicks that let you know you’ve made an adjustment. Plus, it has this RevStop zero stop feature, which is a nice touch for keeping track of your zero after you’ve dialed in some adjustments. It seems to track pretty well too, holding zero even after you move it around quite a bit.

It’s not the lightest scope out there, weighing in at just under 2 pounds, so you’ll need some 34mm rings for it. The reticle, an EBR-7C, can be a bit busy for some folks, especially if you’re just out hunting deer in the woods. But if you’re doing more long-range shooting or western hunting where you need to make precise holdovers, that reticle can actually be pretty useful with all its markings.

Here’s a quick look at some specs:

• Weight: 28.8 oz.
• Focal Plane: First
• Tube Diameter: 34mm
• Warranty: Vortex VIP Warranty

While the glass is good and performs well, especially in low light, it’s not going to blow you away. It’s made in China, which is pretty common for scopes in this price range, and it shows a bit compared to their higher-end Japanese-made scopes. Still, for the price, it’s a capable optic.

7. Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×56

The Burris Fullfield IV 3-12×56 is a solid contender if you’re looking for a refurbished scope that doesn’t break the bank but still gets the job done. It’s not going to blow you away with super-sharp, crystal-clear glass, but for the price, it’s pretty decent. It performs consistently across the board, making it a reliable choice for many hunters.

One of the neat things about this scope is the E3 MOA reticle. It’s got these little hash marks that are actually useful for holding off for wind, which is handy when you’re trying to make a quick shot at a medium-ish distance. Burris says the lower marks are for general 100-yard drops, but you’ll still want to do your homework with your specific rifle and ammo.

When it comes to the controls, the turrets feel pretty good – they click nicely. However, there’s a bit of wiggle room, or ‘slop’ as some folks call it, in the magnification ring. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something you’ll notice. The illumination on the reticle is bright, which is great for low light, but be warned: the highest settings can get a bit fuzzy, almost like a starburst, which can mess with your sight picture. So, you’ll probably want to stick to the lower to mid-range brightness settings.

Here’s a quick look at some specs:

• Weight: 24 oz.
• Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Reticle: Second Focal Plane with illumination
• Warranty: Burris’s famous “Forever” warranty

While it’s not the lightest scope out there, especially with that 56mm objective lens, it balances well. The good news is that 30mm tube gives you plenty of options when it comes to mounting it on your rifle. Plus, that lifetime warranty from Burris is a huge plus, offering peace of mind for years to come.

8. Hawke Vantage 30 WA FD IR 3-12×56

Alright, let’s talk about the Hawke Vantage 30 WA FD IR 3-12×56. This scope comes in at a pretty accessible price point, usually under $300, which is nice if you’re trying to keep costs down. It’s got an illuminated reticle, which can be handy in dimmer light, and it offers both red and green options for that illumination. Hawke also backs this with a lifetime warranty, which is always a good sign.

When it comes to the actual performance, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The optical performance isn’t exactly top-tier, especially when the light starts to fade. You might notice some flares, and it didn’t really shine in the low-light tests compared to some other scopes with bigger objective lenses. It’s got a 30mm tube and a 56mm objective lens, which should theoretically pull in more light, but it didn’t quite live up to that promise in testing.

Here’s a quick look at some specs:

• Magnification: 3-12x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
• Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Reticle: Illuminated (Red/Green)
• Weight: Around 22.8 oz.
• Warranty: Hawke No-Fault Lifetime Warranty

The magnification adjustment is smooth, and the field of view is pretty generous. However, it does lack a parallax adjustment, which some shooters might miss. The turrets are capped, which keeps them from getting bumped accidentally, but they’re not really designed for making super fine adjustments on the fly. It’s more of a set-it-and-forget-it kind of scope for general hunting.

Overall, the Hawke Vantage 30 WA FD IR 3-12×56 is a budget-friendly option with a solid warranty. It’s a decent choice if you need an illuminated reticle and don’t want to break the bank, but don’t expect it to perform miracles in challenging light conditions. If you’re a serious low-light hunter or need razor-sharp clarity at extreme ranges, you might want to look at other options.

9. Riton 3 Primal 3-12×56

The Riton 3 Primal 3-12×56 is an interesting scope. On one hand, it’s got some solid controls, including a fast throw lever and a zero stop, which are nice touches. The illuminated reticle is pretty crisp, and it doesn’t bloom out like some others, plus the on/off setting is handy for getting back to your preferred brightness quickly. It also comes with a good set of accessories, which is always a plus.

However, this scope feels a bit like a mix of things that don’t quite fit together. The turrets, while responsive and tracking precisely, aren’t exposed, which is a bit odd for a scope that seems built for making adjustments. And the reticle itself is pretty basic, more like a simple duplex, so it’s not the easiest for quick, precise aiming in the field. Its larger size and weight (17.6 oz.) might also limit mounting options and make it feel a bit bulky for some setups.

When it comes to the glass quality, it’s just okay. It didn’t perform great in low light, and there was some blurriness around the edges. For the price, which is on the higher side for what’s considered a budget option, you might expect a bit more clarity.

This scope seems best suited for shooters who spend more time at the range or in situations where they aren’t constantly making rapid, long-range adjustments. While it has some good features, its overall performance and design choices make it a bit of a compromise.

Here’s a quick look at its specs:

• Weight: 17.6 oz.
• Focal Plane: Second
• Illuminated Reticle: Yes
• Tube Diameter: 30mm
• Warranty: Lifetime

10. Explore Scientific Certified Pre-Owned Scopes

When you’re hunting for quality used optics without breaking the bank, Explore Scientific’s Certified Pre-Owned program is definitely worth a look. They take in items that were either returned, often in nearly new condition, or traded in for something else. Then, their quality control team gives them a good once-over to make sure everything is up to snuff. They’ll even repackage them, sometimes in a brand new box, so they’re ready to go.

These scopes come with a standard one-year warranty covering the mechanical and optical parts, but just so you know, there’s no cosmetic warranty since they’re pre-owned.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you might find:

• Thorough Inspection: Every item is checked by Explore Scientific’s own team.
• Repackaged: Often comes in new packaging, making it feel like a fresh purchase.
• Warranty Included: A year of coverage for mechanical and optical issues.

Buying certified pre-owned can be a smart way to get a good piece of gear at a lower price. It’s a good middle ground if you want something reliable but don’t need the absolute latest model or a pristine finish.

It’s a solid option for anyone looking for quality used optics that have been vetted and come with some peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘refurbished’ mean for a scope?

Refurbished scopes are pre-owned optics that have been checked, fixed if needed, and cleaned up by the manufacturer or a special company. They might have been returned by a customer or traded in. They’re usually in good working order, though they might have small cosmetic flaws.

Are refurbished scopes as good as new ones?

Often, yes! Many refurbished scopes are barely used and work just like new ones. They’ve passed quality checks, so you can trust their performance. It’s a smart way to get a quality scope for less money.

What kind of warranty can I expect on a refurbished scope?

Warranties vary, but many companies offer a limited warranty, often for a year, on the mechanical and optical parts. However, they usually don’t cover cosmetic issues like small scratches. Always check the specific warranty details before buying.

Where can I find quality refurbished scopes in the U.S.?

You can find them directly from brands that offer certified pre-owned programs, like Explore Scientific. Also, reputable dealers specializing in used optics, such as RKB Armory, are great places to look for inspected and reliable refurbished scopes.

Are there specific brands known for good refurbished options?

Yes, brands like Vortex, Leupold, Maven, and Athlon often have strong reputations. When buying refurbished from them or trusted sellers, you’re more likely to get a scope that has been well-maintained and inspected.

Is it worth buying a refurbished scope instead of a new budget scope?

Often, buying a refurbished scope from a well-known brand can give you better quality and features than a brand-new scope at the same price point. You might get superior glass or more durable construction for your money.