So my scope is having problems. The inner view is no longer concentric. I have a RMA but they're asking for a $20 "warranty fee". Is this normal or does Barska's customer service suck?

So my scope is having problems. The inner view is no longer concentric. I have a RMA but they're asking for a $20 "warranty fee". Is this normal or does Barska's customer service suck?

That's a running gripe re: Barska scopes.  The $20 fee applies after the first 21 days of the warranty. 

If you saved $20 by not buying another brand scope, consider it a wash.  Sometimes the cheap comes out expensive!

https://www.facebook.com/pg/BarskaOptic/reviews/

I guess so. It was probably my fault because I tightened the rings too tight before I bought the torque wrench.

I guess so. It was probably my fault because I tightened the rings too tight before I bought the torque wrench.

If you think you caused the damage, they likely will not replace or repair it for free / fee.

Glad it wasn't an expensive mistake.   

Whether they repair it or not, this puts my 300BLK out of commission for two months. I haven't had much luck with scopes so perhaps it's time to replace it with a better one.

Whether they repair it or not, this puts my 300BLK out of commission for two months. I haven't had much luck with scopes so perhaps it's time to replace it with a better one.

Every time I break something, I smile, because it means "Time for an upgrade!"   

I have had my fill with cheap optics. I finally decided to quit being so pake and I have started to replace my cheapo scopes and red dots with quality optics. I have pretty much completed my task except for my .22 rifles and one .22 pistol. It seems those cheap optics don't break and do an acceptable job. So I have slowed down the replacement process. Especially since I am now facing some huge car repair and other unexpected bills.

I have been very happy with Nikon Prostaff scopes for low end reasonably priced scopes. For mid quality I have been impressed with the Nikon Monarch scopes and for the high end scopes I have tried and been happy with Leuopold  VX-3 scopes and I was going to order a VX-2 for one of my .22's but my finances are crap right now. So I'll have to try one out some other time. A friend has a VX-2 and for what I want for my .22 it is more scope than I need. Only issue is that it is on sale right now. It costs the same as a Monarch right now. I sure hate to miss a sale but I have a lot of bill paying to do....

Yup.  I avoid cheap optics like the plague.  Sooooo not worth it.  I've been tempted to buy a cheaper red dot now and then for a beater AR, but I've yet to go there. 

While I certainly appreciate the quality of optics like S&B, USO, etc, I tend to gravitate to value optics like Nikon and the Vortex mid to mid-high lines, like the Viper PST.  One day, I plan on a bolt gun with something like a Nightforce or something in that range, but for now I can only dream. 

If it was purchased within 90 days with a credit card, your CC might get you a refund.  Check your credit card benefits and give them a call, doesn't hurt to ask.

I goofed up with my scope too, I tightened the ring screws too much and the head broke off.  I guess those scope torque wrenches are worth the price.

Good idea. I bought it last October so it's seen a bit of use. I was happy with the scope until a month ago. There's no external damage, just internal.

How is the Nikon customer service?

Let me know if anyone has any links for me to check out. Bonus points if it's on sale.

If it was purchased within 90 days with a credit card, your CC might get you a refund.  Check your credit card benefits and give them a call, doesn't hurt to ask.

I goofed up with my scope too, I tightened the ring screws too much and the head broke off.  I guess those scope torque wrenches are worth the price.

Good idea. I bought it last October so it's seen a bit of use. I was happy with the scope until a month ago. There's no external damage, just internal.

How is the Nikon customer service?

Let me know if anyone has any links for me to check out. Bonus points if it's on sale.

What rifle do you need the Nikon for?  300BLK?

Looking for magnification?

Been down that road with cheap optics. I try to educate people but often get criticized.
Doesnt make sense to spend the time and money on a nice rifle and go cheap on a scope. There are lots of imitation Leupold Mk4 lookalikes (ahem Osprey) and they can never compare in all aspects. If youre into cosplay than thats fine. Dont expect repeatability or durability.

Been down that road with cheap optics. I try to educate people but often get criticized.
Doesnt make sense to spend the time and money on a nice rifle and go cheap on a scope. There are lots of imitation Leupold Mk4 lookalikes (ahem Osprey) and they can never compare in all aspects. If youre into cosplay than thats fine. Dont expect repeatability or durability.

I look at rifle optics like I look at computer monitors.  Buy something you'll be happy with long-term. 

You can replace the PC several times and still be happy with the monitor if you don't go cheap.  Saves money in the long run, and you won't regret your choice..

I have a Barska.  It's in a box in the closet.  Some of the settings for the red dot brightness don't work.  I called customer service to try and get it fixed. They suck.  Was cheaper to call it a loss and buy something better.
I bought a Bushnell instead. Way better, still working and didn't break the bank

Been down that road with cheap optics. I try to educate people but often get criticized.
Doesnt make sense to spend the time and money on a nice rifle and go cheap on a scope. There are lots of imitation Leupold Mk4 lookalikes (ahem Osprey) and they can never compare in all aspects. If youre into cosplay than thats fine. Dont expect repeatability or durability.

Good on you for trying to educate people regardless of the critics.  I get asked about this a lot and my advice is buy the best you can.  Especially to those like you spoke of who spend thousands on a rifle n wanna buy the cheapest scope they can find  makes no sense at all to me.  I just tell them it'll cost you either way you choose but buying quality first will almost always be the best choice.

I always tell those who ask me about building a long range precision firearm to ALWAYS factor in the cost of QUALITY optics into the budget of the build.  I tell them the most expensive precision rifle they can buy will be practically useless without the optics that can match the firearm they've built. 

Aloha and Good Shooting!

Sights are as important to the rifle as the bolt.
There are cheap iron sights as well.
Dead clicks etc.

Yup, but some just don't get it lol

Yeah. Buy once, cry once. 

When I was researching for my 700, I was always cautioned by people to maximize budget with regards to optic opposed to the gun.  I went with a basic/stock 700 with the intent on upgrading the stock for sure.  Still haven't done that, but I did spend more on glass than I was originally thinking when I first thought about getting a bolt gun.  I am happy with the Vortex Viper PST that I got for the 700.  If I had more funds, I would have loved to get a Nightforce or S&B. 

The thing is that I paid $230 for the upper so how much should I pay for a scope, $500? It's not intended to be a precise weapon. I was happy with the scope before although I only spent $150 on it. I guess I'll send it back, pay the $20, and wait for two months. I still have 3 other rifles I can play with.

The thing is that I paid $230 for the upper so how much should I pay for a scope, $500? It's not intended to be a precise weapon. I was happy with the scope before although I only spent $150 on it. I guess I'll send it back, pay the $20, and wait for two months. I still have 3 other rifles I can play with.

It's not a function of the cost of the rifle (and not just the upper).  It's a philosophy that you should use your budget wisely.  Rather than buy a $1000 rifle and a $100 scope, buy a $800 rifle and a $200+ scope.

The higher the caliber, the more you should spend, both for longer range quality and to keep the more powerful round from damaging the optic.   Recoil can be a real scope killer.

Scope bite or scope kiss happens, too.  That's not good for the scope OR your face!