Maybe Leapers isnt crap..

Ive only been in the hobby for a year now. My first scope was a 3-9×40 60$ center point with no AO. I bought that scope thinking I would target shoot with my first pcp- a marauder .25, out to 100 yards. LOL, yes I was a noob and my colors were bright. I quickly realized how wrong my purchase for purpose was. Sold that scope and got another center point, the trusty walmart 70$ 4-16×40 with AO! Well, I was at least getting on the right track. The scope was decent for what it was, and I wouldve lived with it had the thick reticle not bugged me so much. So I bit the bullet and laid down the cash for decent glass- an Optisan Viper 4-16×50. Finally owning a decent scope I realized that the scope department ISNT the place you want to be cheap. Next I bought a hawke 6-24×50. Another good scope that I shouldve held on to, but I mostly only hunt now and prefer a 4-16.
So getting to my subject, the Leapers brand. By initially buying a cheap scope, I formed an opinion that any sub 200$ scope is cheap for a reason. Well, my opinions are beginning to change once again. I will be the proud new owner of a Cricket .25 wst tomorrow! Ive already posted this a few times on here, but hey, Im excited! So PA was having their 10% off + free shipping over 150$ deal a few days ago. I needed pellets and a few cheap accessories for my new bug before it arrives and wanted to jump on the PA deal. I wasnt close to the free shipping price with what was in my cart so I started looking for a light, compact scope to try on my new pup for the heck of it. I came across the Leapers/UTG (whichever or both names? idk) 3-12×44 with 30mm tube with side focus, 80mm paralax side wheel (I had one already). Illumination isnt important to me but whatever, ill take it, and GLASS ETCHED RETICLE. The glass etched reticle is of HUGE importance when it comes to these scopes I believe. It has a very nice THIN mil dot reticle. Im actually very pleased with this scopes size/ weight/ clarity. The reticle isnt just the standard looking mil dot I thought it would be though, looks more like a hawke half-mil reticle with the dot dash dot. I was stoked when I noticed looking through it. I have to say, all in all this scope is very decent for 150$. I would love if it was a 4-16 power, but you cant have everything.
If you may be sorta a semi-novice in this hobby like I am, and have overlooked the leapers, give it a second look. At least this scope. I must admit, Ive only played with it and mounted it on my prod so far just to get a feel for it, but at this point all it has to do is paralax adjust properly and hold zero, and I’ll definitely be holding on to this one. If I knew how to post pics on here I wouldve made this a full, thorough, pic filled review. Thats how satisfied I am with my purchase at this point. I’ll include a link to it for others to check out-
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Leapers_UTG_3_12x44_AO_Rifle_Scope_EZ_TAP_Ill_Mil_Dot_Reticle_1_4_MOA_30mm_Tube_Weaver_Rings/4319

You have to be careful on PA if your looking for this scope though, because they have another on there thats identical but costs 130$. I first had the cheaper one in my cart until I was curious enough to want to know what the 20$ diff was all about. Its the glass etched VS wire reticle. Absolutely worth the difference.

I think it makes a nice bull pup scope for people on a budget. I have my optisan on backup if my infatuation is short lived for this scope though 😀