Interested in experienced comparisons of mid-priced scopes.

[driftrider]

I'm in the process of hashing out the details of which scope I'm going to purchase for my new rifle. Deciding on the rifle was the easy part, as it will be a Sako 75 Grey Wolf in 300WSM, but I'm having a heck of a time choosing a scope to put on top of it. If you've read my other thread ("Would it be a sin...") you'll know that I've considered the new Simmons Aetec Master Series, but I'm unsure about how well a cheaper scope would compliment such a fine rifle. I think that I've decided to try the Aetec on my Savage 10ML-II muzzleloader and stick with a known quality scope for the Sako.

I've been mulling it over and have decided that I'd like to put a scope on it with a minimum magnification of about 4x, with a max magnification of 12-16x. I'd also like to keep the objective lens to 44mm or less to keep ring height to a minimum, with 50mm considered only if the benefits of such outweigh the increased ring height and weight. I would like to keep the cost under $600, but would be willing to spend up to $700 IF the scope is well worth the extra cost.

I've narrowed the field down to a top 6 contenders (listed in alphabetical order, prices are from MidwayUSA):

1.) Burris Signature Select 4-16x44mm AO w/ Posi-lock Ballistic-Plex reticle & fast focus eyepiece $489.99
2.) Bushnell Elite 4200 4-16x40mm AO w/ Multi-X reticle $549.00
3.) Leupold VX-3 4.5-14x40mm w/ Duplex reticle $499.99
4.) Nikon Monarch 4-12x40mm AO w/ Nikoplex reticle and fast-focus eyepiece $379.99
5.) Sightron 4.5-14x44mm Side Focus AO w/ Plex reticle $498.74
6.) Zeiss Conquest 4.5-14x44mm Side Focus AO w/ Z-Plex reticle & Fast-focus eyepiece $689.99

I like the features of the Zeiss (44mm side-focus adj. Obj and truly 1-piece tube) but I'm not sure if it's worth the extra cash. The other scopes are so equal that it's hard to tell between better and best. I own a Nikon Monarch 6.5-20x44 AO target scope, and have been very happy with it, but I don't have any experience with Leupold, Sightron or Zeiss, and have owned only the bargain models of both Burris and Bushnell so I don't know anything about their premium models.

I'd really appreciate some experience advice regard the scopes I've listed (or similar models), thanks.

Mike

[statjunk]

Just letting you know incase you are interested. I have a Leupold VX II 4-12X40 AO silver for sale. It is perfect condition with not one even hairline scratch in it. Still in the box with all the paperwork and Leupold Towel. I know you stated that you wanted the VX III but just incase. You can email me at statjunk@hotmail.com.

Tom

[jcchartboy]

Drift,

All other things aside... that Conquestcan easily be had for589$.

And yes, if you got the money...it is the way to go.

[driftrider]

All other things aside... that Conquestcan easily be had for589$

Please let me know where I can buy that scope for that price. I only used MidwayUSA's prices because I am most famliar with their website and their prices are usually pretty reasonable.

Thanks,

Mike

I have had most of what you have on your list.

I hate the burris. I had the exact scope. Sold as fast as I can. Reason was not much in eye relief. Customer service was rude. Not enough elevation adjustment and had to buy thier signature rings. Rings got loose unless locktighted. I hate burris.

Recently got the Elite 4200 2.5-10. Very impressed. I got an ebay demo model for around 280 dollars. I like it. But don't like it for 550 dollars. Could almost get a Ziess for that.

Well, I have alot of leupolds. The VX line is what they say. Very clear. Very bright. In fact it was the brightest scope I have ever tested. More than the 4200 and zeiss.I have two 4.5-14's, and one VX and one Vari X. The VX is nice, clear and so far trouble free.The bad is they changed to what I consider a cheaper tube setup. So for my hard earned 5 bills, I expect a solid one piece tube.

Never had Nikon, only looked quickly at friends and had trouble with adjusting the sight picture. I would move my head back and forth but the sight picture would be there and then gone. You had to hold perfectly still. Can't say I have enough experience to say yes or no.

Never touched Sightron

Ziess, my personal favorite. Almost as clear as the VX. I like the feel and constuction. Its like the Leupold but with better construction. I would go with this one. Blackrock services on Ebay seems to have good deals on the scope you want for 575 and you choose the recticle.

[renfrowridge]

try Natchez phone 1-800-251-7839 I have a Burris L.S.R a great scope and very clear but for any scope these guy are the cheapest

[driftrider]

A big thanks goes out to jcchartboy and bigcountry for pointing out a couple different sites where I can get the Zeiss Conquest that I want for $569-$589. For that price I don't think I can go wrong with the Zeiss.

Mike

[jcchartboy]

No problem Driftrider,

Thats what we are all here for.

If Blackrock services is one of your choices I personally recomend them. I purchasedmy Conquest 3-9x40 through them . Excellent service, definitely an unbelievable price, and most importantly the box comes sealed with the "sports optics division authorized dealer" sticker.

[jcchartboy]

I also think this is a good time to remind those who may not know why the "sports optics division authorized dealer" sticker is so important.....

ENSURE THE QUALITY AND SERVICE BEHIND YOUR ZEISS SPORTS OPTICS PURCHASE

by: ZEISS USA





Caution! American consumers, in increasing numbers are purchasing Zeiss merchandise diverted for sale into the United States. Usually sold through the mail, internet specialty stores, discount outlets and some larger retail outlets, these purchases carry many disadvantages that far outweigh their cost savings.

What are the disadvantages of purchasing Zeiss Sports Optics merchandise from a retailer / outlet who is not an Authorized Zeiss North America Dealer?

[ul][*]No Lifetime Warranty. Products purchased from unauthorized dealers offer only a limited European warranty that can be for as little as 5 years. Only products purchased from an Authorized Zeiss North America Dealer carry the standard North America Lifetime Transferable Warranty. ***Not all products qualify for the Lifetime Transferable Warranty. Please see our Warranty page for more information. ***[/ul]
[ul][*]No warranty repair in the United States. Zeiss North America will not service any warranty repairs of products purchased through unauthorized dealers. The consumer will be required to send this product directly to Germany for service. Expected turnaround time is 6-12 weeks compared to 24 business hours on most products in the United States.[/ul]
[ul][*]No Quality Assurance. Improper product handling can lead to such problems as scratches, mold collecting, etc. on the product due to improper storage.Unless purchased from an Authorized Zeiss North America Dealer, you cannot ensure the proper handling, shipping, and warehousing of your purchase. [/ul]
[ul][*]Unnecessary Additional Costs. Unauthorized dealers may attempt to sell factory-applied coatings (i.e. T* multi-layer anti-reflective coating) at an additional cost to you. This is a deception-these coatings are standard on Zeiss products. [/ul]
[ul][*]No Packaged Accessories. Binocular straps, cases, and rainguards are typically not included with unauthorized Zeiss products and are often offered at an additional cost to you. Note, these accessories are no charge standard offerings with appropriate products when purchased through an Authorized Zeiss North America Dealer.[/ul]

How do I know if a dealer is authorized to sell Zeiss Sports Optics?
Our goal is to ensure that every Zeiss customer feels completely confident and satisfied with the integrity of our products. Remember, purchasing a Zeiss product from an Authorized Zeiss North America Dealer includes all of the services behind our name. Unless purchased from an authorized dealer there is no guarantee of receiving the full support and assistance behind Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, North America.

Look for the "Authorized Zeiss North America Dealer" tape on any Zeiss merchandise you purchase. To find an Authorized Zeiss North America Dealer near you, please visit our Dealer Locator at www.zeiss.com or call Zeiss customer service at 1-800-441-3005.

REMEMBER, ONLY Zeiss sports optics products purchased from an Authorized Zeiss North America Dealer carry:
[ul][*]Complete dealer support[*]Extensive customer service support[*]Comprehensive repair service that offers turnaround on most repairs in 24 business hours[*]Eligibility to participate in Zeiss promotions, rebates, sweepstakes and drawings[*]Accessories that are included in the delivery package at no additional cost to the consumer[*]Quality assurance that is maintained throughout the shipping process-the serial numbers of every product shipped to the Zeiss North America distribution center is recorded and tracked[/ul]
[ul][/ul]Thank You
Zeiss Sports Optics and our Authorized Zeiss North America Dealer network appreciate your business and support. Our goal is to assure that every Zeiss customer feels confident about the integrity of our products and enhance customer satisfaction for Zeiss. If you have any further questions, please contact a Zeiss Customer Care Specialist at 1-800-441-3005.

[trailer]

I just wanted to mention one thing about the rings for a Sako rifle. If you plan on using the optilock base and rings, you will notice that the lowest sets of rings can mount a 50mm obj. lens and bigger. This info is just in case you"™re not familiar with the Sako system. Good luck with your rifle.