Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

Shopping for a new scope to go onmy next rifle. Planning on a combo varmint/deer rig in .25-06. Looking at a 4x12 power; keeping under the $300 mark, what does everyone recommend? Right now considering the Nikon Buckmaster 4.5x14 or the Leupold VX-I in 4x12. Thoughts on either of these oranother scope I should consider?
Thanks

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

Go with the buckmaster. Leupolds are great, but stay away from anything under at least vx2.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

x2

I have a VX-1 2-7x33 on a muzzleloader(picked it up for less than $95) and it does well for what I use it for. IMO though, you can get a lot more scope for your money with the Buckmaster.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

Yeah, the VXI Leupy's are crap.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

Nikon.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

Same goes here. VX1's are ok, but the Nikon will have brighter optics. I just wish they would take "Buckmaster" off the damn thing. Makes it look like junk, not a Bushman fan at all.I have a 2x7Monarch that I swear is brighter than my 3x9VX2.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I know what you mean, but the Buckmaster is a pretty darn good scope. I have a 3-9x40 Monarch that is definately brighter and clearer than a 3-9x40 VX-2 and right on par with my friend's VX-3. I will say that the Leupold's are less picky when it comes to eye relief though.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

What's wrong with Buckmasters and Jackie Bushman?

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I have the Nikon 3x9x40 buckmasters the the BDC reticle and its GREAT. Great low-light vision and wonderful clarity.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I have had both of them. My Buckmaster was awful picky about eye relief. I finally sold it. I never had any problem with the VX-I and maybe I just got a lemon in the Buckmaster. I would look at the 3200 Busnell as well,

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

Yeah get the Nikon, Im getting rid of all my Leupold stuff. Not pleased with there performance lately. MY dad started buying Nikons and he has the Nikon buckmaster and its way better then my VX -II. I have been disappointed with almost every new Leupold thing i have gotten, not sure whats going on up there in Oregon. My new Leupold binos suck, my rangefinder RX-II is an embarrassment(never workswell)and my scope cost more and isnt as good as the Nikons my dad is been buying. I used to swear Leupold but they seem to be making alot of junk lately. Nikon is better deal.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I just got the Nikon Buckmasters 4.5-14 and I love it. It is a littlepicky on the eye relife though.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

Leoupold is better than Nikon 80% of the time...when you mention VX1 you gotta go Bushmaster....

Always remember...Leoupold rocks.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

Just get the Nikon Pro Staff and save some money. Nothing wrong with my Buckmaster but if I could do it over again I would just get the Pro Staff. Up to you though.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

As most of you have read I do not like my Leupold VX-I. It's been sent in to Leupold twice. Now I've also been told I was in the minority but I don't like it and it also seems to lose zero super easy if you bump it or it falls over or anything. I put a Burris Fullfield II on that was cheaper and looks much much clearer and works better. Heck my $30 has honestly worked better and lasted longer.

I know I'm in the minority so maybe you will get a good one but because of that I'd go with the Nikon out of those two choices. I'd check out the Burris Fullfield II though. I really like it so far. I haven't had it that long though so can't comment on how it will hold up over time.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I've always been told to stay away from any luepold under the vxII so i would say buckmaster but I would also seriously consider the bushnell 3200 line as well.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I would buy a Bushnell 3200 before either of the two choices given....much better glass IMHO.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I'm a Leupold fan and I say stay away from the VX-Is. The Buckmaster is a very impressive piece of glass for that price range. I have a VX-I that is going back to Leupold as soon as my dad shoots his doe with it. The power adjusting ring is stuck on it, and the MOA turretts are stuck for up and down and left to right. Luckily for my dad, the gun was still sighted in from last year, as he won't shoot any other deer rifle other than his dads old Winchester 100.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I usually opt for the VXI's because I still like a gloss black scope. I love them. My only complaint is the power magnification ring is hard to turn. I've never had a Nikon but it will probably be my next scope just to mic it up. As far as the optics being better than a VXI, that would be impressive because my VXI beside a Bushnell, Tasco, BSA, etc.. is a night and day difference, literally.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

Try a Burris Fullfield ll . Much better than Leu vx-ll. You can get the Burris 4.5x14x42 AO off of ebay for less than $300. Very good scope at this price.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

Ensure that you buy you scope on either eBay or this place for the best price...

http://theopticzone.com/default.aspx

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I had a VXI for at least 10 years with not one minute of problem from it.It held the zero perfectly and never lost it in over 10 years.Optics were good and I liked the gloss black on it also.I also love Burris optics and in my opinion are just as good as Leupold in every way.I never owned Nikon so it may be a nice scope but I will only comment on what I have dealt with. Mike

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I have a Vx1 3X9#40 on my Encore and I don't know why some would say their junk, this is a great scope. I know some just don't like Leupold and that's fine but don't bash them just cause you can't afford one...LOL Last I looked on the top of the gun board scope poll Leupold was at 41% favorite on this forum..

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I have a Nikon Buckmaster and I'm surprised when I hear folk speak well of it. Thinking about it tho, mine has seen quite a bit of use and is still holding true. I expected more out of it tho as far as the light gathering potential of it. I think I'm fixing to pull it of my 270 and put it on my Mini 14 as it seems to be pretty hard on scopes . . . .we'll see.

RE: Nikon Buckmaster or Leupold VX-I?
 

I have used and have both scopes you mention. Now that being said, I would buy a Burris II hands down to either of your mention scopes! I do alot of hunting in low light, and honestly the Burris II is the best of all of them! My 2 cents?
Mike