Leupold VX-1 or Bushnell 3200?
- Thread starter dlau
- Start date
Not too much difference. I think the Bushnell elites are a smidge brighter/crisper. BUT, and this is a big BUT, the service on Bushnell sucks big time. They will look for anything to void the warrantee. Everything from dings to scratches.
Leupold on the other hand, have EXCEPTIONAL service. They will will repair or replace your scope for any reasonable reason, basically, don't drive over one or drop it off a 200 ft cliff. The warrantee also follows whom ever owns the scope, not just the first buyer.
The service shop at Bushnell has about 6 techs working full time in the shop in Ontario. The Leupold shop in Okatokos (south of Calgary) has one tech, part time (from what I am told). That should tell you something about the quality of each make.
Good Luck.
Leupold on the other hand, have EXCEPTIONAL service. They will will repair or replace your scope for any reasonable reason, basically, don't drive over one or drop it off a 200 ft cliff. The warrantee also follows whom ever owns the scope, not just the first buyer.
The service shop at Bushnell has about 6 techs working full time in the shop in Ontario. The Leupold shop in Okatokos (south of Calgary) has one tech, part time (from what I am told). That should tell you something about the quality of each make.
Good Luck.
gunasauras
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Western Manitoba
Leupold all the way! Their warranty rocks, and the turn around time is under three weeks (mine was anyway, with a complete rebuild)......
If you just care about the optics - go with the Bushnell
If you care about service after - go with the Leupold
I really don't think that the Leupold gives up much in the optics department anyway. If they were really far behind, no one would buy them!
I also agree with Scott - VXII would be a better choice. It is Leupold's closest to the 3200 elite.
If you care about service after - go with the Leupold
I really don't think that the Leupold gives up much in the optics department anyway. If they were really far behind, no one would buy them!
I also agree with Scott - VXII would be a better choice. It is Leupold's closest to the 3200 elite.
- Location
- maple ridge b.c
About 6 techs you say.All bet most of them service the banner, sportsman,and sharpshooter.The elite series are in a class of thier own in the line up.The 3200's mechanics and optics are better than VX-1. As for the warranty,hell if ya buy a Tasco pronghorn for $300 you might even get a lifetime warrantyIcon said:
Forget about the VX-I and the Rifleman. I have five 3200s and wouldn’t switch them for VX-I.
3200 is often compared to VX-II for brightness and clarity. From quality standpoint they are about PAR. Because of the huge price differential 3200 is the winner hands down. 3200 has the unique Rainguard feature. If price is not a consideration, go for the VX-II.
I am not trying to knock Leupold. I like the brand so much I recently invested in two VX-III (4.5-14 Varmint and 6.5-20 LR). These are nice scopes servicing a specialty area. The 4200s are too big and heavy. They are not viable for my application.
Not sure if this is a consideration. Leupolds don't come with scope covers. I found this out from my recent Leupold acquisitions.
Go for the 3200. You will be happy with them.
Danny
3200 is often compared to VX-II for brightness and clarity. From quality standpoint they are about PAR. Because of the huge price differential 3200 is the winner hands down. 3200 has the unique Rainguard feature. If price is not a consideration, go for the VX-II.
I am not trying to knock Leupold. I like the brand so much I recently invested in two VX-III (4.5-14 Varmint and 6.5-20 LR). These are nice scopes servicing a specialty area. The 4200s are too big and heavy. They are not viable for my application.
Not sure if this is a consideration. Leupolds don't come with scope covers. I found this out from my recent Leupold acquisitions.
Go for the 3200. You will be happy with them.
Danny
Last edited:
I have a couple of 3200's bith good scopes for the money, the Leupold VX11 is noticably brighter an clearer, but is more money. My only beef with the Elite is the lack of eye relief, 3.3 inches ins't enough for me, for the money I would buy a Burris Fullfielf 11 before I would buy either the Elite or the VX1/Rifleman series.
BTW check on ebay for all of these scopes.
BTW check on ebay for all of these scopes.
great feedback! Functionally, I understand the main difference is that the Elites' have a click stop adjustment, the VX-1 has the micro friction adjustment.
I'm mostly going to be using it for target, so I *think* the click stop would be more useful. Totally open to suggestions here as I'm used to peep sights.
It's not until you goto the VX-11 that this feature becomes available, and by then the price point has changed.
I'm mostly going to be using it for target, so I *think* the click stop would be more useful. Totally open to suggestions here as I'm used to peep sights.
It's not until you goto the VX-11 that this feature becomes available, and by then the price point has changed.
- Location
- maple ridge b.c
Nice.I have a 1.5-6 x36 Elite 4000 on my '06 and it makes a great combo.
dlau:
IMHO for target shooting the higher the magnification the better you can shoot for MOA or less. Eg. For 100-300 yards a 4-12 or 5-15 is preferred. Having said that, you should consider hunting needs should you want to go hunting at a later date.
For large game hunting such as deer or moose, most shots are less than 100 yards and the heart/lung target is the size of a 6” pie. If the magnification is too high you will have a hard time finding your game fast enough, therefore, lower magnification, such as 2-4x, is actually preferred. The quality of the lens (brightness and clarity) is also an important factor for hunting.
Go and shop around. Compare scopes and trust your own judgment. Once you have zeroed in on which brand and model then look for the best price. If you are in GTA, Le Baron has almost the best prices. eBay is another good source.
Cheers!
Danny
IMHO for target shooting the higher the magnification the better you can shoot for MOA or less. Eg. For 100-300 yards a 4-12 or 5-15 is preferred. Having said that, you should consider hunting needs should you want to go hunting at a later date.
For large game hunting such as deer or moose, most shots are less than 100 yards and the heart/lung target is the size of a 6” pie. If the magnification is too high you will have a hard time finding your game fast enough, therefore, lower magnification, such as 2-4x, is actually preferred. The quality of the lens (brightness and clarity) is also an important factor for hunting.
Go and shop around. Compare scopes and trust your own judgment. Once you have zeroed in on which brand and model then look for the best price. If you are in GTA, Le Baron has almost the best prices. eBay is another good source.
Cheers!
Danny
wow, this selection process is as difficult as trying to choose between Tikka T3, Savage 14, Remington 700, and a Winchester featherweight!
I've taken some of your recommendations and read up on the Burris Fullfield 11- and it seems to be right up there with the Elites. I don't think I'll go for the VX-1 because of the micro-friction adjustment.
On another note, what's everyone's experience with importing scopes from the US- ebay or otherwise? I'm assuming scopes will be charged duty, plus GST (not PST)?
I've taken some of your recommendations and read up on the Burris Fullfield 11- and it seems to be right up there with the Elites. I don't think I'll go for the VX-1 because of the micro-friction adjustment.
On another note, what's everyone's experience with importing scopes from the US- ebay or otherwise? I'm assuming scopes will be charged duty, plus GST (not PST)?
If the scope is not manufacturered in the US you will have to pay duty/import tax. Not sure how that is determined.
Buying thro the US can be cheaper, however, you have to take into consideration all other costs plus wait time. A typical wait time is 1-2 weeks for air mail. If there is anything wrong that you have to return the item to the seller it is a lot more work.
In Ontario, when the package is cleared thro the Canada Post, there is a $5 admin fee (brokage fee) plus 15% (PST/GST).
UPS charges a much higher admin fee. Do a serach at this site you will learn how many people got burned by UPS. Strongely recommend you find a seller who is willing to ship via USPS which will go through Canada Post.
Danny
Buying thro the US can be cheaper, however, you have to take into consideration all other costs plus wait time. A typical wait time is 1-2 weeks for air mail. If there is anything wrong that you have to return the item to the seller it is a lot more work.
In Ontario, when the package is cleared thro the Canada Post, there is a $5 admin fee (brokage fee) plus 15% (PST/GST).
UPS charges a much higher admin fee. Do a serach at this site you will learn how many people got burned by UPS. Strongely recommend you find a seller who is willing to ship via USPS which will go through Canada Post.
Danny
Bargains on Ebay are infrequent at best. I've looked at scopes on there many times, and often get the feeling that bidders (and some sellers) think there is worldwide shortage of good optics. A lot of the brand name stuff, even if used, is bid up to almost new prices. Add on some handling fees, taxes, exchange, some crazy high shipping costs, and brokerage fees, and you got yourself a used scope for not too much more than it would cost to buy a new one on this side of the border. If you like any of the Bushnell or Tasco scopes, do yourself a favor and try Higginson Powders...great service, and excellent prices...just some examples: 3-9x40 3200's @ $244, 3-9x40 Banners @ $96, 3-12x52 Tasco Titans @ $293. Nope, I don't work for them, but I have dealt with them.
I've got a Elite 4200 4-16*40 The sight picture quality is just top notch. Bushnell may not have good warrentee, but with high quality scope like these, you really are unlucky if you ever have to send one in for repair or whatever. For the $$ I would go with Bushnell. Better coating, brighter, and cheaper. Unless you just want an American made product and loathes all products made elsewhere. Bushnells are made in Japan btw.
