Bushnell Elite 3500 or Vortex Viper?
- Thread starter fredfiset
- Start date
- Location
- Steel Town
No brainer: 3500. But, check to make sure it's actually the discontinued old stock made-in-Japan 3500.
I could have what ever I want on my rifles and all have Bushnell Elite. The rain guard is no joke, the optics are plenty clear and they hold zero. I have looked through better glass but for legal light the Elite line is more than adequate.
I have had two experiences with Bushnell warranty. I bought my son a pair of Excursion binoculars when he was first starting out. They were fiercely abused and after 7 or 10 years the focus wheel was stripped. I sent them in and received a new upgraded model in less than 2 weeks. The upgraded ones were far superior to the original mechanically as the failed wheel was redesigned stronger and the optics are surprisingly good.
On the second occasion, I purchased a used 3200 to put on a project. It was mechanically perfect but comparing it to my other scopes it seemed to be not as sharp. Sent it in and received a new Japanese 3500 in a couple of weeks. Again the optics were far superior to the original.
The only downside of the Elite model is eye relief. It is shorter than some other models and does change as you adjust the power level. It was never an issue for me but my son prefers Leupold for the longer eye relief and more forgiving eye box.
I have had two experiences with Bushnell warranty. I bought my son a pair of Excursion binoculars when he was first starting out. They were fiercely abused and after 7 or 10 years the focus wheel was stripped. I sent them in and received a new upgraded model in less than 2 weeks. The upgraded ones were far superior to the original mechanically as the failed wheel was redesigned stronger and the optics are surprisingly good.
On the second occasion, I purchased a used 3200 to put on a project. It was mechanically perfect but comparing it to my other scopes it seemed to be not as sharp. Sent it in and received a new Japanese 3500 in a couple of weeks. Again the optics were far superior to the original.
The only downside of the Elite model is eye relief. It is shorter than some other models and does change as you adjust the power level. It was never an issue for me but my son prefers Leupold for the longer eye relief and more forgiving eye box.
I've been looking at a lot of scopes this month and it seems to be a common thing. I think it may just be a matter of physics at this point. Most (scopes) seem to have 3. - 3.6" of relief listed.
When you look at scope pricing, you can see what you actually pay for. As I pointed out above, the glass gets better and better. You pay for illumination, some scopes only have a dot, the full illumination would cost you $150 more, then you pay for things like zero stop, which I personally think is a waste of money when you chose your reticle carefully, of course the mechanics inside, how many turns, how well made the clicks are etc, waterproof and glass protection on the Bushnell are a big plus. I prefer FFP but second FP is not a killer for me. I need parallax. Many older scopes like my old Elite 3200 does not have it and it buggers me. My eyes are not very good, so I am having a hard problem zeroing it. I have an older Mueller scope on a 223 and it works perfect for me since it has illumination (only a dot though) and parallax. A scope choice really depends on the person using it. Size wise, personally I prefer a 4-16x40 with a weight below 20 oz and nice solid rings.
Thanks for advices folks. I stopped by my local Can Tire, got the 3500, they still have a few left and some 4-12x40 too (if someone is looking for one, let me know!). Still not sure i will use it on my new rifle but I figured I can always put it on the Savage Axis I lend to my daughter or son-in-law, whenever they have time to hunt. And they were giving extra Can Tire money today so i got $48...
Both the Elite and Viper are old scopes. The Viper isn't a catalog item anymore, they just continue to sell well in certain markets. The Elite is just a lot older than the Viper. And I'd take a new Viper over any new Bushnell 1" scope.
gunrunner100
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- NW Ontario
Vortex has a good warranty because you are going to be using it. Their lower end product is garbage.
Yes, you can see the sales items, never a new product. For example, Arken SH4 on sale in the US for $299, was tempted until I saw the weight at 33 oz, don't pay the $600 or 700 retailers are asking here, there are dealers who ship to Canada. Vortex Diamondback HP on sale but old scope. I am looking at the Vortex Diamondback Tactical, no sale since it is a new scope, also won best scope under $500 in a few comparisons, never on sale.
The Bushnell 3500 as mentioned is on sale now at many retailers at $220/230. It is a good scope at that price point.
Bushnell now manufactures most scopes in South Korea, only the Banner is Chinese.
I have a Bushnell 3x9 Elite 3200. A buddy gave it to me when I spotted it in a box at his lock-up. I put it on my 280 but it had a wandering zero. I figured that out when I thought I had it sighted in and when I aimed at a deer behind the front shoulder I shot it cleanly through the neck.
I sent it in to Bushnell and they repaired it at no cost to me and it has worked flawlessly since helping to take numerous animals.
I sent it in to Bushnell and they repaired it at no cost to me and it has worked flawlessly since helping to take numerous animals.
I wouldn't hesitate to use a Vortex on a range rifle, but would NEVER use one on a hunting rifle. I invest too much money in my hunt trips to use a toss away scope. Vortex takes more scopes back then they send out. Good glass but shyt internals. Believe me, their warranty is the only thing keeping them going. I have 3 friends that had their VORTEX scope die in the field over the last 8 years. Almost ruined their trip. Great warranty does jack diddly in the field. Go 3200/3500. I use them on at least 7 rifles. NEVER had a problem with one. The rainguard is great. They are built to take a lot of recoil. I even had one on my 375 Ruger for several years. If that level of recoil didn't break it, its a good scope.
The OP was kind enough to tell me which store has the Bushnell 3500 4x12s on sale so I hauled my fat butt over to pick one up but was a day late, the last one had sold.
Totally my own fault as I hesitated a day researching the different Burris and Bushnell recticles and FOV, ultimately deciding that I would only be happy with the Multi X.
Proof that I am my own worse enemy is that I own 6 other scopes- all with X recticles.
Totally my own fault as I hesitated a day researching the different Burris and Bushnell recticles and FOV, ultimately deciding that I would only be happy with the Multi X.
Proof that I am my own worse enemy is that I own 6 other scopes- all with X recticles.
You made a great choice. The vortex are junk scopes. You’ll enjoy the bushnells!
Wild_Thing
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- In the thick of it!
Wouldn't trust a Vortex on a hunting rifle. But hey I hear their warranty is awesome, alot.
