Best scope for the money?
 

Its been a while since i've been on here, i recently just got me another gun. Browning A-Bolt 243 synthetic. My question is, i am wanting to put a scope on there before this hunting season. Which scope is the best for the money? My shots are usually no longer than 350yds, i currently have a Burris Fullfield II 3-9x50 on my Remington 700 30-06, i like the scope and have no complaints. I have a kid on the way that is due within the next month, so i'm trying to save as much money as possible (gun was a b-day/working on the in-laws farm gift).

I really love the 50mm on the scopes, well i don't wanna go no lower than 44 if i can help it. I would really love to stay under $250 if possible. I'm open for any suggestions.

Easily the Bushnell Elite 4200 3x9x40 that can be bought for $250 or less (check e-bay) is probably the best scope you can get for the money. A lot of people compare it to the Conquest as far as quality and clarity.

+10 on the Bushy Elite 4200. :biggrin:

Don't over look Burris !!!

I have not seen any reviews that compare a Bushnell to a Zeiss.
Seriously can you point me to an article. If that is truly the case I will start looking at Bushnell and save me some bucks as I have read multiple times that many people consider Zeiss is better than Leupold

I have two Elite 4200 scopes and one Conquest. The Conquest may be a touch "better", but the difference is minor. Bushy 4200 (and 6500 for that matter) glass is from L.O.W. in Japan. It's very good. For the cost, the value is with the Bushy. Also, the Rainguard feature is very functional.:s4:

What is the diffrence between the Elite 3200 & 4200? My brother-in-law has a 3200 3-9x50 that he said he would probaly sell.

Also what about the Master Series Aetec? I know the old Aetec were pretty good, alot of ppl around have had good luck with them.

OK, if I have a specific question or want information about optics I go to the SWFA forum. There are a LOT of optics professionals on there that know their glass. Check this ratings thread they have on the SWFA site:

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_post.asp?TID=16515

There are a number of other threads on the site that talk about the Bushnell Elite scopes quality. There are altways a few on there that are not favorable, but the pros outweigh the cons.

thank you sir

Bamabuck, the 4200 is just a better scope (optically) than the 3200. That said, the 3200 ain't half bad in it's own right. Refer to the link that Timber posted.

For the price I don't think you can beat the Bushnell 3200

Link doesn't work.

What about the Nikon Buckmaster or Prostaff. Would they compare to the 3200 or 4200?

I've been very impressed with the Cabelas Alaskan Guide optics. Both the binos and spotting scope I have in that series are excellent. A friend has a CAG scope and its better, hands down, than a Leupold VX3 that costs over 2 times as much.

I'm a working man with kids, for the price I am VERY :arms: pleased with the quality of the 3200 .

Quality scopes
 

If your looking for a 50mm scope below $250, try Nikon prostaff series. They have become a top seller and nikon backs it's products with a lifetime warranty. www.shooterscenter.com carries a Prostaff 3-9x50 for around $200

Don't overlook the Vortex line in your search. They offer a very nice scope for the money and it too comes with a full lifetime warranty. I have a pair of the 10x42 diamondback binos and just recently put a Diamondback 3x9x40 on my daughters 243 rifle and have been pleased with both. The optics are bright, clear and crisp and i would put them up against anything in their price range. Here's the Vortex Diamondback 3.5 x 10 x 50

http://www.opticsplanet.net/vortex-r...dbk-m-03p.html

Another vote for the Bushnell 4200. Very bright, fully multi-coated lenses, and the Rainguard feature. Eye relief is 3.3", a little short, but with reversible or extended rings, it is fine. You can pick one of these up new for $235 or so...

I also like the Bushnell 3200's, but the eye relief is a little short at 3". They are a great value, and also have Rainguard. You can pick one of these up for $170 or so in a 3-9x40mm.

Both have a fast focus eye piece, that's pretty nice.

I have the 3200, 4200 & conquest. (as well as others such as leupold, nikon, etc;)). The 3200 is a good value scope with decent optics and features. ER is shorter then some and in a 50 mm both styling, weight and length of scope suffer. The 4200 is a good step up in the optics department, though carries the same pitfalls as the 3200 with shorter ER and poorstyling, length and weight with a 50mm objective. I personally don't think you need a 40mm, especially if you look at the 4200 and off of ebay or similat at 250 or less its a great deal. IMHO better choice then the nikon monarch (which I also own).

In terms of the conquest it optics are superior to the 4200, its tracking of poi adjustments are much better then the elite, smoother power transition with absolutely no change in ER & CS was faster/better then bushnell. My rifle and I took a spill this spring which resulted in damage to the scope and zeiss had me a new one in less then 2 weeks no questions asked. Bushnell on both occasions has taken 4-6x longer. Also recently a buddy of mine sent in a 4200 elite that wouldn't hold POI and they deemed it to be not a workmanship or manufacturing defect so no warranty, rather an option to purchase a new one at above retail price:action-smiley-099:. The scope had only slight ring marks on it, no different than the majority of fella's scopes...not really a warm fuzzy feeling left here. He bought a conquest instead, feeling it was worth the extra coin. I tend to agree but nothing wrong with the elites in their respective classes and i will continue to use mine with confidence, as they have served me well.

thanks for all the input. I still haven't made up my mind. I've been looking pretty heavy and the 3x9-50mm 3200 elite firefly, i can get a new on for 229.99. I also like the Nikon Monarch also.

If you are looking at the 3200 with firefly, check the prices at www.natchezss.com I have a new catalog and they have the 3x9x40 for $189.95. The phone number is 800-251-7839.

I have 2 recommendations.

From my personal expereince, by far the Zeiss Conquest. These are not economy scopes however, but for about $550 - $600 retail, you will get a very nice, clear, crisp piece of glass. I cannot say these are durable because I have only 2 and the oldest is going on 3 years. Zeiss has a great reputation , however I don't think it is fair to rate a scope durable untiul it has been through it for 5 or more years. But in this relatively short a period of time, I have had one or the other of these in 100F+ , dust blowing heat popping varmints in SW Texas; driving rain, sleet and snow in central Arkansas, splashing through muck filled, high humidity swamp land chasing hogs down here in Alabama;, and as cold as -10F in eastern Montana. I have had zero problems with either.

Another choice from my experience that is a lot less coslty is the Bushnell Eilite 4200. I have one that came on a use ML rifle I bought. Initially I intended to remove it. I got lazy and ML days were upon me before I could. It did just fine. One deer, a decent 8 pt. buck, I killed was shot very late in the day. I was surprised and pleased at the very clear image that this scope gave me on that shot. It is long and heavy in my way of thinking but OK. I think these are about $250 new.

I just got me a Bushnell Elite 3200 3x9-50 Firefly. Should be on its way. Thanks for the input i'll let you know how it turns out.

Sightron make some quality scopes! www.sightron.com
I have a 6x18 with side focus and target dot on my varmint rifle.
very durable.

i have a rem. 700 in .243 & put a nikon buckmaster on it. in all honesty it's basically a brand new setup & hasn't been used for hunting yet , but it seems nice @ the range. time will tell.

Nikon buckmaster or prostaff 3-9x40 they have lifetime warranty. Bushnell Elite 3200 or 4200 3-9x40 is also a good choice

Here you go.......................



lifetime warranty !




You now have a good scope !!!

you won't go wrong with nikon,bushnell elite or burris