My next pair of binoculars cost double what the first did and were a quantum leap forward. Just months later, I bought a pair of 15x56 Euro HD binoculars and was introduced to the world of flouride crystal glass. I promptly upgraded my compact binoculars to the same brand and sold my supposed "ultra HD" spotting scope, which no longer lived up to my expectations. The following is what I learned about purchasing optics. Under $1,000 (for scopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars) the general trend is that quality greatly increases as price increases, but that isn't always the case.
The only way to get the most for your money is to test them side by side. Ignore brand names and advertising and set them up on tripods side by side. Pick a small detail (like the hair on top of an elk mount's head, or a detailed sign in the shadows across the store) and focus every optic you are testing on it. Compare the image in the center, then closer and closer to the edge of the field of view. Pay attention to both clarity and color fidelity. It may be surprising just how much better some options will be in the same price range if you spend thirty minutes or so picking out the differences. Over the $1,000 dollar mark the concept is the same, but more must be spent to significantly increase optical quality. I am devout in my belief that optics are a horrible place to skimp. Spend as much as practically possible without a second mortgage, and test everything in the established price range side by side before buying.
Rifles have come just as far as the rest of the hunting world, especially in the last ten years. The birth of the semi-custom rifle, and an increasing number of good gunsmiths gives us many options for a performance rifle. I think there are two main ways to look at a rifle's performance: function and precision. Function includes the stock, trigger, action, magazine system, muzzle devices, and optics mounting. Custom rifles have significant advantages in all of these categories, as they can be tailored to the user's exact preference with much higher quality components. Precision should be guaranteed, in my opinion, for any rifle costing over $1,500. In factory rifles accuracy can be a bit of a roll of the dice but most do quite well. Modern manufacturing has greatly improved the quality of mass produced rifles. My current low budget rifle cost me only $425, and after installing a chassis it is a true .5 MOA rifle. Most rifles up to around $2,000 will shoot around or better than one MOA. Semi custom rifles, costing from $2,000 to $3,500 typically have around .5 MOA guaranteed. They generally have much higher quality components and outperform factory rifles overall. Custom rifles are for those who know exactly what they expect from a rifle and refuse to compromise. Every single detail can be determined by the customer, and precision will be guaranteed .5 MOA or better. Prices can range from $2500 up to over $10,000. There are several highly competent gunsmiths building rifles around the $3000 mark that mirror the performance and precision of rifles costing twice as much. Before jumping into a custom rifle, take the time to find exactly what components work best for you. Do plenty of research to ensure the builder does quality work and backs it with good customer service. To answer the overarching question, is an extra $3000 or more worth spending on a rifle? It depends on what is expected and the budget of the individual. If guaranteed long-range performance is a requirement, a custom or semi-custom rifle is probably the only sure way to go. For more conventional ranges, a factory rifle will be adequate. In my opinion, a custom rifle is a very worthwhile investment. Even if a factory rifle will get the job done, a true custom rifle will always be the better tool in any situation.
and precision will be guaranteed .5 MOA or better. Prices can range from $2500 up to over $10,000. There are several highly competent gunsmiths building rifles around the $3000 mark that mirror the performance and precision of rifles costing twice as much. Before jumping into a custom rifle, take the time to find exactly what components work best for you. Do plenty of research to ensure the builder does quality work and backs it with good customer service. To answer the overarching question, is an extra $3000 or more worth spending on a rifle? It depends on what is expected and the budget of the individual. If guaranteed long-range performance is a requirement, a custom or semi-custom rifle is probably the only sure way to go. For more conventional ranges, a factory rifle will be adequate. In my opinion, a custom rifle is a very worthwhile investment. Even if a factory rifle will get the job done, a true custom rifle will always be the better tool in any situation.