What are your opinions on buying used optics? I was considering selling the Burris 1-4x combat optic I currently have on my gun and getting a used ACOG. Someone was selling a used one for $700 here.

The thing is that I am a bit hesitant to buy a used optic considering it is a precision item and you don't know what it has been through.  So I don't know if it is a good idea to buy a used ACOG and I don't know whether I could get a decent price for my Burris. I know they both have good warranties so should I trust that even if the optic develops a problem it will be repaired under warranty?

So I was wondering what other people think about buying used optics and their experiences.

I have bought two optics from the classifieds here and have had no issues. I wouldn't have a problem buying a used ACOG if it looked and functioned okay upon inspection as they are built to handle punishment. You take your chances when buying anything used, but then you also take your chances when you buy something new.

I would look only at top-tier optics if I were to buy one used. 
The top-tier optics give you assurances that it is made right, and often with lifetime warranties no matter who owns it.
A top-tier optic while expensive when brand-new, would be substantially discounted in the used market, making it reachable for someone on a budget.
I would not buy second-tier or "made in china" optics used, for the fact that they are not top-tier and any warranty is probably worthless.

Of course, you have to carefully examine the optic itself to see if it has dents and scratches which will give you an indication of it hard use/or lack of it thereof.

I haven't bought a used optic, but I sold a few.

For optics with reputation as being more durable (Aimpoint, EoTech, Trijicon red dots), I'd be more open to buying used.  For me, I'd like to at least know the seller and that they aren't the use and abuse type.

For higher dollar scopes (say $1000 and up), I'd likely buy new unless I knew the previous owner and I was able to test it out.  Usually not worth the savings, at least in my mind.  Well, maybe I'd give one a try if it was ridiculously cheap, but for stuff like optics, I'd like the knowledge that it wasn't abused. 

With regard to selling optics, I already assume I'm gonna take a hit and have to sell below what I feel it's worth.  For me, the price to buy a used optics would have to such that the savings offsets the risks of buying used.

Usually you’d confirm with the seller that the glass is clear and the entire optic is still functional.
I’d also make sure it’s legit such as logos, logo placement, and serial number. There are lots of copies and clones out there, in fact someone on Facebook asked about his acog’s legitimacy because he paid an extra $400 for  what was sold to him as a used acog which came with a used rifle only to find out that it was fake.

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I have never shot an ACOG or a red dot before. Currently I have a Burris 1-4 scope with a CQB reticle. The reticle isn't my favorite as it takes up a lot of the target but the scope seems like good quality. Downside is that it is made overseas and that the scope plus the mount weighs in at about 22 ounces!

So I was thinking of just doing a fixed 4x and as long as I train with it I am not worried that it will be much slower than just a red dot. I have tried snap drills with the gun on 1x and on 4x so I feel I know what to expect in a magnified combat optic even at closer ranges.

Looked at an ACOG at the gun store recently and I know they are great but $1200 is still $1200. Makes me wish I had bought once, cried once but I didn't 10 years ago and now here I am. I started thinking about just getting a red dot Trijicon MRO which new is about $500 so much more affordable. The weight savings would be awesome but I do like the increased target identification abilities of the ACOG.

I have never shot an ACOG or a red dot before. Currently I have a Burris 1-4 scope with a CQB reticle. The reticle isn't my favorite as it takes up a lot of the target but the scope seems like good quality. Downside is that it is made overseas and that the scope plus the mount weighs in at about 22 ounces!

So I was thinking of just doing a fixed 4x and as long as I train with it I am not worried that it will be much slower than just a red dot. I have tried snap drills with the gun on 1x and on 4x so I feel I know what to expect in a magnified combat optic even at closer ranges.

Looked at an ACOG at the gun store recently and I know they are great but $1200 is still $1200. Makes me wish I had bought once, cried once but I didn't 10 years ago and now here I am. I started thinking about just getting a red dot Trijicon MRO which new is about $500 so much more affordable. The weight savings would be awesome but I do like the increased target identification abilities of the ACOG.

Im to pake to spend that much on an acog. I can buy a rifle or more handguns. But if i was in the bush or patrol then i would.

Just dont buy the osprey at the gun show. Heard lots of negative feedback.

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Im to pake to spend that much on an acog. I can buy a rifle or more handguns. But if i was in the bush or patrol then i would.

Just dont buy the osprey at the gun show. Heard lots of negative feedback.

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I am thinking maybe just get a high quality red dot and a cheaper magnifier because at least I know a solid quality red dot will work even if the magnifier isn't the best.

I am thinking maybe just get a high quality red dot and a cheaper magnifier because at least I know a solid quality red dot will work even if the magnifier isn't the best.

Im sure u heard the saying, buy once, cry once.

Took me a while to understand/learn it. Got a box full of crying accessories.

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Im sure u heard the saying, buy once, cry once.

Took me a while to understand/learn it. Got a box full of crying accessories.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Well I am crying now, just purchased a Trijicon MRO. Hope I can get a decent price selling the Burris (its in very good condition)

Well I am crying now, just purchased a Trijicon MRO. Hope I can get a decent price selling the Burris (its in very good condition)

Ouch.  To pricey for my taste.  I went with the SIG Romeo5 a while ago because of it's affordability, looks cool, and has an auto on/off feature.

Must of done something right, the wife got one also 1 year later for her rifle.  Can still buy 1 more Romeo5 for the price of 1 MRO.  Maybe another build???

Ouch.  To pricey for my taste.  I went with the SIG Romeo5 a while ago because of it's affordability, looks cool, and has an auto on/off feature.

Must of done something right, the wife got one also 1 year later for her rifle.  Can still buy 1 more Romeo5 for the price of 1 MRO.  Maybe another build???

I ordered the green dot version with the Larue mount on Larue's website for about $475 after shipping, not as bad as I was afraid it would be.

I ordered the green dot version with the Larue mount on Larue's website for about $475 after shipping, not as bad as I was afraid it would be.

I've heard they make good mounts.  And that is a better than retail price.  I was expecting $550+.

Still could have bought a glock, or 3 Romeo5's.  JK.

I wouldnt touch a Burris. Had one years ago that was made in PI with a crooked reticle. There was also some small debris in the tube. From what I understand they were good products till they shifted production overseas.

Mrs. CMO found an ACOG for $75 on ebay.  Told her it was for an airsoft.  I had to inspect her other order list when she was building her AR just to make sure she's not buying airsoft parts.

It makes no sense to buy a quality firearm and skimp on optics or any kind of sight - even irons. It's like having a muscle car with no steering mechanism.
Don't you want confidence in your firearms accuracy? If you rely on it for SD you should have the best quality parts to include your sights. Leave the "looks" for airsofters and cosplayers

I wouldnt touch a Burris. Had one years ago that was made in PI with a crooked reticle. There was also some small debris in the tube. From what I understand they were good products till they shifted production overseas.

The one I have was made in the Philippines (I think) but I know some are made in China now. Personally I was happy with my burris and I hear good reviews about their scopes. For $300 it isn't exactly a budget scope either. I wouldn't trust the red dots that are $100 or less.

Burris is supposed to have a good warranty, if you still have that scope you should send it in and they will replace it for free.

The one I have was made in the Philippines (I think) but I know some are made in China now. Personally I was happy with my burris and I hear good reviews about their scopes. For $300 it isn't exactly a budget scope either. I wouldn't trust the red dots that are $100 or less.

Burris is supposed to have a good warranty, if you still have that scope you should send it in and they will replace it for free.

Lost confidence in it and sold that turd. I wouldn't describe Burris as a "combat" optic. None are issued. Replaced it with a Leupold Mk4. Much crisper clicks, tracked very well and image quality was better - no edge to edge distortions.

I know 2 guys with Burris (IDK what model), but the scope don't click anymore.  Works, but no clicks.