A scope doesn't weigh anything.

The rule of thumb is to find the scope with the largest objective and the largest field of view that will fit in your budget and on your rifle.

An Elk hunt to most forum members is a once in a lifetime event. If you do it every year, then you should already be a well versed hunter and you should already have an opinion on what you like and dislike.

Both my 300 Winchester Magnum - Browning Pump Rifle and my Browning bolt action rifle has 3200 Bushnells on them. One is a 5 x 15 x 50 and the second has a 5 x 15 x 40!

The 5 x 15 x 50 was $339 + tax, 6 years ago.

The 5 x 15 x 40 was $339 + tax a few months ago at a gun shop sale.

So neither of them fits into your budget.

At the same time, telling us that you would opt for a lesser scope and maybe a 2 x 7 power confirms that you do not know much about guns or scopes.

A 2 x 7 will give you a wider field of view - if it had a larger objective lense.

The objective lense gathers light and filters it through the scope and is reflected into the eyepiece. The more light you have - the brighter the scope will appear to be. That equals a longer time in the field that you can see through your scope to shoot.

Most quality shots at game are taken in the early morning hours and the late afternoon hours and when weather patterns change. Cold fronts, storms, wind storms all will encourage deer or elk to move.

Just the thought of not having good equipment would make me rethink my priorities.

As far as Leupold scopes goes.

Back in the day when the only good optics were imports, Leupold made a good scope at a fair price.

BUT, Leupold has let the ball slip out of their hands and now the good scopes are not made by Leupold. Only the scopes that people use for target practice are still using Leupold scopes - because they feel that they are more reliable than a ordinary scope.

The 4200 Bushnell is a Target Practice Scope = not a hunting scope!

You do not need a 4200 to shoot a deer or an elk.

Most ethical shots are within 300 yards!

Like I tell all my friends, a scope is a once in a lifetime investment. You take care of it and it will take care of you! If you cannot afford a good scope, go out and get a part time job and make an extra $150 and buy the Bushnell 3200.


shut off the cell phones and turn off the cable tv and the internet.

Cancell next years family vacation.

Within a week, your family will tighten it's belt and hand you the $150 to buy the better scope with no questions asked!