BLR .308 - Bushell 3-9x or Nikon 2-7x

B

BearClan

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
4   0   0
Location
Iqaluit, Nunavut
Don't know which scope to get.

My gun is intended for Ontario Moose - longest shot would be in the 200-250 yrds (uncle's longest shot a lasered 235 yrds), but the vast majority of shots would would be within 100 yards.

I am considering a Nikon Prostaff 2x-7x or a Bushnell Elite 3200 in 3x-9x (Le Baron's has one on special for about $219) - $250 is my self-imposed max.

I like the eye-relief of the Nikon and wide FOV, but I like the Bushnell's greater magnification possibility for Load Development (don't know what the Nikon Reticle is like - It's a shotgun scope so I expect the reticle to be thicker than normal.

However, would also consider other scopes (within the $250 max). Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
 
Most lever action guns work better and are better balanced with as small a scope as possible. Even 1-4 X scopes are a good choice for this application. Most lever guns are seen as "bush guns" and are genarally used for shorter range applicatons. I would choose a scope that mounts as low as possible on your gun and is easy to aquire as fast as possible when confronted with a relitively urgent situation (like dangerous game). We sell both lines of scopes you describe and either will work well but given those choices I would choose the Nikon 2-7 X. Phil.
 
I have both of those scopes, the 3200 Elite on my bolt action. On my shotgun, I just removed the Nikon 2-7x and replaced it with a Bushnell red dot TRS-25 with a 3 MOA and no magnification, and i dont need any, for shots under 100 yds. I think price wise, the red dot is the same as the Nikon.
Its REALLY nice, light and target easy to acquire. If you still want the good optics, get the Nikon Prostaff.
 
I am looking to do the same thing as BearClan but instead of the 3200 3-9x40, I was thinking of a 3200 2-7x32? How is this scope compared to the Nikon 2-7?
 
I think in that price range the new Redfield line have the best warranty and are the best value. Made in North America.
 
The 3200 is a good choice IMO, I've used a 3200 1.5-4.5 for years and it is awsome. I've only looked threw the Nikon in the store and read reviews and it seems really good but I don't think it stacks up.
I going threw the same thing right now, I would like a 2-7 but it is hard to decide between the Bushnell, Burris and Redfeild.
Good luck!
 
smitty091 said:
I am looking to do the same thing as BearClan but instead of the 3200 3-9x40, I was thinking of a 3200 2-7x32? How is this scope compared to the Nikon 2-7?
Click to expand...

I as thinking about the Elite 3200 2-7x as well, but because the Nikon 2-7X has better eye relief, I discounted the Bushnell. Should this really be a consideration (i.e., relatively poorer eye-relief of Bushnell)?
 
the nikon is a great scope, I have two of them on rimfires. The reticle is a normal duplex and is not thick in the center. It has great eye relief and is a good optic for the price. The reason it is marketed as a shotty scope is the 75 yard parallax. It would be fine for your application.

I also have two 3200's in 2-7x32, these are also great scopes. They have the hydrophobic coating and are also quite bright and clear. The eye relief is not quite equal to the Nikon but with a .308 it shouldn't be an issue.

Phil at P&D's (site sponsor) has the Nikon available at around $180 if I'm not mistaken.

Just thought of another option in your price range- Burris Timberline. Comes in 2 or 3 different mag ranges and all are trim and compact with good glass. P&D's stocks these as well.

Good luck with your decision, all are good choices.
 
Nikon makes some nice scopes, but I won't buy them for political reasons - they caved against anti-hunters and pulled hunting-related sponsorships.
h ttp://www.predatorwild.com/topic/9525-why-i-wont-buy-a-nikon-scope/
 
P of PDent said:
Most lever action guns work better and are better balanced with as small a scope as possible. Even 1-4 X scopes are a good choice for this application. Most lever guns are seen as "bush guns" and are genarally used for shorter range applicatons. I would choose a scope that mounts as low as possible on your gun and is easy to aquire as fast as possible when confronted with a relitively urgent situation (like dangerous game). We sell both lines of scopes you describe and either will work well but given those choices I would choose the Nikon 2-7 X. Phil.
Click to expand...

Well said!
 
My .308 blr has an older refield 1.75 - 5x wide angle and this is my moose scope. great large field of view for quick shots up close and 5x is good enough with a good reticle for 2-300 yards on a moose ( we're not shooting groundhogs here). with this setup and factory WW 180grainers it will group 1 1/4" more than enough for minute of moose. I see too many hunters too worried about accuracy and high power scopes to hunt moose when if you think about it our fathers did it with iron sighted .303's

Pick what you want but i do not think there is a need for more than 5-6X in a moose scope
 
I have a Bushnell 3200 2-7 on my Husqvarna 8mm mauser. Eye relief is adequate but I find that it changes with magnification. The higher magnification I use the less eye relief there is. Other than that it is a nice scope. Rain guard is usefull if hunting in the earlier seasons like elk and moose.
 
I am researching scopes just now and read a very positive review on the Mueller 2-7. I was set to buy a higher powered 4200 but with this research I am undecided again. The Mueller warranty does not replace a scope for any reason at all but it is an exchange warranty which may equate to way less time if a problem happens.
 
My BLR 7mm08 wears a 1.5-6 power bausch & Lomb. I find the 6 power to not be enough magnification sometimes.

In the area I hunt, I can be walking through the bush and in the same day can be walking the bushline of a field. Field shots can be long shots.

I do have the 3-9 bushnell on a .30-06 bolt. I find the bushnell better for low light situations. I will try the bushnell on my BLR at the range to see the difference it makes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom