i want to get a new scope for my 243win. my limit is $200 and i found these 3 scopes that i like:

1. Leupold VX-I 3-9-40x
2. Nikon Prostaff 3-9-40x
3. Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9-40x

thanks.

My recommendations would be in this order: #3, #2, and #1. I like Leupolds but not the VXI. Nikon's are o.k. but I believe the Elite 3200 would be your best choice here. Good luck.

I own 2 ProStaffs, & wouldn't hesitate to get another.

Still, I'd line-up all 3 scopes & see which one your eyes like best. Just make sure they're focused correctly for your eyes before you start. If possible, put a target outside the store at a good distance, then see how clear that shows up through each of the scopes. It would be even better to try it at dusk.

Another thought: it seems like they're having fire sales at several places on the next level of glass (Burris FFII, & even Nikon Monarch) at very near the $200 price point. If you can get into glass that good for only a couple o' shekels more, I think it would be a wise investment.

Good Luck,

FC

Right now www.swfa.com has a sale on the Nikon Monarch's to make room for the new MonarchX coming in June !!

You can get a Monarch UCC 3X9X40 for $218 and it is much better than your current choices for the price !! Better act fast though !!

I just picked up a Monarch UCC 6X42 there for $188 and it's a great scope for the money !! Very brightin low light(not much worse than my Ziess and Swarovski)!!

Another vote for looking at the Monarch sale scopes, otherwise I agree with the posted rankings.

I haven't seen the Monarchs, but I'm sure they're nice. I had a Nikon Buckmasters 3-9x40 that I didn't care for, but the Monarch is much higher-end.

I've been very pleased with choosing the Bushnell Elite 3200 3-9x40 (I have two of them). Great scopes.

Out of the three I would choose the Elite. Why no fullfield II? Its better optically than all three and eye relief wise its better than the elite.

I would take a Leupold over a Nikon or Bushnell.

I would look for a used Leupold. VX-II or better. You have the same warranty, new or used.

As an update, the last catalog I got from Natchez Shooters Supplies showed Bushnell Elite 4200's for $184.95. That scope easily outclasses the ones you've listed.

If you haven't bought a scope yet, I'd give them a call.

FC