Bushnell Elite 3500 or Vortex Viper?

fredfiset

fredfiset

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Hi, i'm currently looking for a scope for my 30-06 and i'm a bit torn: the shop where I am buying my rifle can put a Vortex Viper in 3-9x40 on it for $360, which sound reasonable. But I saw that my local Crappy Tire has a Bushnell 3500 3-9x40 for $230, which seems a very good deal for a nice little scope (i have one in 3-9x50 on my 6.5CM) BUT it's a discontinued model...
Anyone has both and can tell me which one they prefer and why?
Thanks!
 
Well to be honest Vortex for the win. I think there binos are amazing and after sending my Fury’s back for warrantee (purchased in 2008 and hunted and abused them until last year due to plastic cover cracked) I was given Vipers as a replacement. These will rival 1200+ binos for clarity and light absorption. Just my opinion. Pretty darn happy with them. I could not be happier with Vortex and their service. Also have a pair of Diamondbacks 10-50 which also are amazing for the price.

No warrantee like them on the market and I have a vortex strike fire that has held up for years no issue.
 
I have the same Vortex on my hunting rifle. Have had it for like 5 years. I also had the elite 3500 3-9x50, but only for a short time. Bought it at a going out of business sale and sold it on a rifle to fund another project shortly after. The elite was pretty nice, I wouldn't say better than the Vortex but certainly in the same ballpark.

I don't have direct experience with 3-9x40 elite, but I'm a sucker for a deal so I would probably go with that one.

armilaria said:
No warrantee like them on the market and I have a vortex strike fire that has held up for years no issue.
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The no questions asked full coverage warranty is becoming more and more common, Vortex made their name with it but Burris Bushnell and Leupold all have similar coverage these days iirc.
 
I was not aware others have picked up a similar warrantees good know. I have well used all my vortex optics and been very impressed with their performance for the price mark especially on sales. Also I have had no issues with Leupold optics as well. I tend to be hard on my gear and vortex Canada was great to deal with.

Best of luck on your choice. It seems optics clarity has taken a huge leap over the last few years. You need a keen eye to tell the difference. I find last light is the best indication. Cheers
 
When looking at scopes in general, be aware that the technology in scope manufacturing is evolving. Unlike in firearms.

The Bushnell Elite is on sale because it is an older line up of scopes.

For example there is a huge difference between the Bushnell Banner and the Bushnell Banner 2, which by the way would fit your purpose, has higher magnification (if you like that) and comes with scope rings.

Not saying the Elite 3500 is a bad scope, at the price point you mentioned it is an excellent deal.

Scopes sit on the shelves sometimes for years.
 
fritzhanzel said:
When looking at scopes in general, be aware that the technology in scope manufacturing is evolving. Unlike in firearms.

The Bushnell Elite is on sale because it is an older line up of scopes.

For example there is a huge difference between the Bushnell Banner and the Bushnell Banner 2, which by the way would fit your purpose, has higher magnification (if you like that) and comes with scope rings.

Not saying the Elite 3500 is a bad scope, at the price point you mentioned it is an excellent deal.

Scopes sit on the shelves sometimes for years.
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Unless they've released a new 3-9x40 Viper without changing any obvious details the Viper isn't going to be a particularly new design either. I've had mine for like 5 years.
 
Suther said:
Unless they've released a new 3-9x40 Viper without changing any obvious details the Viper isn't going to be a particularly new design either. I've had mine for like 5 years.
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The way they are etching the glass is changing. They may or may not reflect this in their model line ups. Only way to find out is to compare in person if they do this.

Scopes are a ##### to compare to begin with since it depends a lot on individual preferences and eyes.
 
mikeelliot said:
Had both still have a few 3500s...I couldn't see $130 diff. Go the Bushnell and don't look back
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Agreed. Had the same Vortex viper scope, wasn't really that impressed and sold it. I currently have 3 Bushnell Elite 3500 scopes and 1 4200 model. In my opinion, some of the best glass out there for the money, built like a tank and the rain guard straight up works. You won't regret it.
 
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