Scopes in the 300-450$ range

Pathfinder

Pathfinder

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Im looking at my options for scopes in the above price range. Im looking at new and used.

What do you guys think about a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40 vs a Bushnell 4200 of the same specs. Feel free to thrown in some other names if they fit the price parameters. Nikon would be a consideration too.
 
If you are buying used, Leupold's great reputation and no questions asked warranty goes a long way in protecting your purchase and resale value. I'm not convinced that optically one is a whole heck of a lot better than the other (3200/4200/vxII), but the warranty part is important if buying used (or new to a lesser degree). I'd also consider a Burris FFII with ballistic plex.
 
They're both awsome scopes, both warranties are basically the same, leupolds is a little more hassle free, but still Bushnells is pretty good, the biggest thing comes down to the contruction of the scope, Leupold uses a 3 piece tube, where as Bushnell uses one, the more tubes, the higher the possibility the gas inside the scopes could leak out. IMHO, I would go with the Bushnell, based on price and on construction of the scope, but this is merely my 2cents, it's really up to you
 
I don't like Bushnell (Big surprise there) so I'd say go with the VX11. The chances of getting stoked go way up with the bushnell too. If you chose to disregard this, then at least look at the 2.5-10 4200 instead of the 3-9 4200. I don't know what they didn't do, or left out of the 3-9 but it doesn't measure up to the rest of the line.
 
#1 choice would be the Nikon Buckmaster, the best optics available in that price range IMHO, they're so good that they're comparable to a lot of $700+ scopes.

The Burris Fullfield II is a pretty good scope too if you're looking for something closer to the bottom of your price range.

I've got both, and I'm very happy with them. They compare pretty well to my VXIIIs.

Waxy
 
I have the 4200 3-9x on my main hunting rifle. I find it to be an awesome "hunting scope", for the money (I think I gave $270 for mine on sale a couple years ago). Optics are nice and clear, even in low light, it holds zero perfectly, and while I cared not a whit for RainGuard when I bought my first Elite scope about 4 or 5 years ago, I've come to be rather fond of it -- it's like magic; you can still see through through the scope well enough to make a shot in a pinch in the nastiest weather, even after you fog it up with your breath and/or get snow in the bell, or whatever. The nay-sayers will of course, disagree with me, but I've been packing Bushnell Elite's on my hunting guns for about 4 years now, and I have nothing but praise for them.

Don't get me wrong -- Leupy makes nice stuff too (a bit overpriced in Canada), as does Nikon, Vortex, Burris, Weaver, etc. You probably wouldn't go too far wrong with any of them (just avoid the non-Elite Bushnells, Barskas, low end Simmons, etc).

But for my money, the Bushnell 4200 in your favourite zoom flavor is my favorite for a hunting gun.
 
Pathfinder said:
Im looking at my options for scopes in the above price range. Im looking at new and used.

What do you guys think about a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40 vs a Bushnell 4200 of the same specs. Feel free to thrown in some other names if they fit the price parameters. Nikon would be a consideration too.
Click to expand...

Path

I loved some Leupold product, like the 4.5-14 scopes, the 6-18 VX and the 2-7 rimfire and 3-9 Rimfire. But for the kind of scope you are looking for, I find that Bushnell, Burris and Nikon offer better value for the money. The 3-9 3200 series are very popular in Canada and the shop I work at we have sold hundreds of them in the last few years. FS
 
Thanks Guys,

I ended up finding a good deal on a VX-II a few days ago and could not pass it up. I came pretty close to ordering the buckmaster as the Prostaff I have is outstanding for the price.....oh well maybe next time.

The main reason Im staying with Leupold is the no nonsense Warranty.

Not sure what I will do with the old Varix-II 2-7-33 I had on that rifle...probably end up sending it to Korth for a checkup before selling it.
 
I'm looking for a scope for my 7mm mag and pretty much have made up my mind as I already have a Leupold Vx III i'm sticking with the leupold brand although I'm going to get the Vx II in 3x9x40 still a decent scope and good looking too!
 
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