Vortex vs. Busnell

Rich the Butcher

Rich the Butcher

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Hi Everyone, I'm pretty new to the site so I apologize if this question has been asked before.
I recently purchased a Weatherby Vanguard .270 WSM and am in the market for a resonably priced scope. I'll only be using it a few times per year hunting and have the opportuntiy to purchase either a Bushnell XLT 3-9x40 600 DOAor a Vortex Diamondback 4-12 BDC. My shots will likely max out at 200yds.
I would like to hear your opinions on either or both. My main quarry is deer, but I also plan on using it for a Moose hunt that I've been invited on this year.
Thanks in advance.
Rich.
 
Not familiar with the Bushnell XLT model but have a Vortex diamondback that i like. I would go with a 3x9 for the kind of hunting your planning on.
 
Rumor has it that WSS has the 3x9x40 3200 Elite on for under $200.
Forget the DOA chit and I would be willing to bet if this deal is on,
it will surpass the XLT in quality.
The other scope I know nothing about and don't know anyone with it.
 
Thanks guys. Dead Meat: The only option I have for the Vortex is 4-12 bdc, and I can get it for $185 which is a steal. Kamlooky, I checked the WSS website and the 3200 Elite models are not listed as being on sale. As I live in Ontario, I'll have to wait for my next trip to MB or SK to see in store.
Do you think I could get by with a 4-12 or would that be overkill?
 
Thanks mlehtovaara, you were correct.
But I'd like some opinions on scope power...3-9 or 4-12?
As I said, I'll mainly be using it for deer but also for a moose trip. I anticpate 200yds will be my longest shot, however one of our party went out to 320yds last year.
If i did go with a 4-12 would that mess up a closer shot...say 75yds?
 
Get the Vortex and that's a good price, prefer it to the bushnells. Got the same one and no complaints, except eye relief isn't the greatest. Your cartridge is a flat shooter go with more magnifacation and take advantage, most guys leave there 3-9 on 4x anyway.
 
4-12 is ridiculous for large/medium game hunting where you will be walking any distance.

Hell even on my Coyote rig I only have a 3-9 and have no issues shooting out to 300m.

The difference between the lowest settings at 3x's and 4x's isn't gonna be huge, but the size and weight of the scope is the issue.

You will never use the 12x's, and probably have your scope set on the lowest settings most of the time.

Me personally I chose a 2-7x33 for my latest gun. 2x is idea for the close stuff, and 7 will be more then enough out to 300. Hell I almost went with a 1-5.

There is a reason the 3-9 is the most popular.
 
Thanks everyone.
Mlehtovaara, the difference in size and weight of the 3-9 and 4-12 vortex is as follows:
3-9x40: 14.4oz, 11.6"
4-12x40: 14.6oz, 11.9"
I don't think that's a huge difference.
Any comments?
 
First let me ask you if you've ever tried holding a scope at 12x in your own trembling hands?Your movements become magnified as the scope power increases. You'll find yourself all over the target if you're able to find the target at all. As you increase scope power your field of view also becomes smaller and smaller. This makes finding the target equally difficult.
Unless you plan on sitting yourself on a high hill with a bipod or something similar for support, in my mind, a high power scope is a total waste.
Get yourself a high quality low powered scope, set it at 2x like the majority of us do and realize you made the right choice.
 
If you are 'maxing out at 200 yds' than a 3-9x40 is tons of magnification. Sight in for 200 yards and aim straight at anything under that for perfect hits every time.....you do not need a Bullet Drop Compensator for 200 yard shooting. If you must have a BDC than buy a good range finder with a BDC calculator built right in. 100 times better than some gimmick reticle which you cannot use without a.......rangefinder. I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40 with a plain old duplex reticle and I think its great. I'll also be picking up a rangefinder with BDC at CTC just as soon as they go on sale.
 
I have had several Bushnells...one disappointment after another. I now run Vortex's where the bushnells once were and am absolutely pleased with them. I installed a 2.5-10x44 PST on my 700p which is my hunting rig for now. I know its more than what you budgeted for but honestly is is a great scope! The 2.5-10x magnification is more than adequate for the ranges I will hunt at, usually 500m or less. Very clear glass and good repeatability. The illuminated reticle works well in all light conditions as well too.

More details & pics here....

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=655558
 
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Rich the Butcher

I would take the Vortex brand over the Bushnell hands down. However "Listen", "Read" what these fella's are telling you. Even if they give you the scope, 4 x 12 and even the popular 3 x 9 is too much magnification for deer hunting in Ontario.

Why? because the average Ontario deer is shot at under a 100 yds, most under 50 yds. With a high powered scope your field of view is narrow and you won't find the deer in the scope before he is long gone. And if you do find a patch of brown hair you won't know what end your looking at.

Give yourself all the advantages you can. Look at a nice 1.5 x 5 or at the most a 2.5 x 7. They have great wide field of view so you can find a running deer at close range in the bush and enough magnification to target shoot or take a long shot if your hunting say out on a power line.

This power range will also be fine for moose hunting. Closest moose I shot was 20ft, had a hard time finding the right end on 2.5, farthest moose was just over 400yds with the scope set on 4x.

Buy the very best scope you can possible afford.

Look around the lower power scopes are also on sale and you will be much happier with there performance on a deer hunt.
 
Don't forget to keep your variable scope at the lowest setting while hunting.
Close range fur won't give you the time to adjust it back from the higher
set.
 
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