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Bushnell 6500 or a Swarovski ?

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iunderpressure View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote iunderpressure Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Bushnell 6500 or a Swarovski ?
    Posted: November/27/2008 at 00:17

Okay, I'm poor.  I live in Indiana, so I can't hunt deer with a .308 anyway.  I'm looking at buying a TC Icon in .308 (90% sure also looked at a Savage 10fp and Ruger No. 1) with Christmas money.  I've wanted a .308 for some time now and don't have the money to buy nice guns every other week.  Whatever I pick I don't want to look back and wish I made a different choice. I could use my new gun to hunt out of state, hunt coyotes, and just play around making long shots.  I have a few burris scopes.  I like them never had any problems, but looking through burris and leupold in the store, they both got real dark on higher powers.  When I looked through a Swarovski I could see the differance.  It was major.  I've never looked through a Bushnell 6500, but I read where a lot of people love them.  So what do you all think, a Bushnell 4.5-30x50 or the Swarovski 3-9x36?  Close to the same price point, but very different scopes.  I like the busnell's power, but am worried it would be unusable on the higher powers based on what i've seen with other brands.  I haven't seen the Swarovski 3-9 in person.  It's light good for carrying, and I know it would be so clear it may have a higher return than a more powerful scope.  What do you all think?

 
Also, If anyone has a Ruger No.1 tell me what you think.  I can't find too much online .  I'm looking to reload a lot of .308, and i've read where the tc encore sometimes has headspacing issues.  I didn't know if the Ruger was the same in that department.  If you reload and have a encore, tell me about it.
 
Thanks, Kyle
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Squeeze Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2008 at 02:37
Originally posted by iunderpressure iunderpressure wrote:

Okay, I'm poor.  I live in Indiana, so I can't hunt deer with a .308 anyway.  I'm looking at buying a TC Icon in .308 (90% sure also looked at a Savage 10fp and Ruger No. 1) with Christmas money.  I've wanted a .308 for some time now and don't have the money to buy nice guns every other week.  Whatever I pick I don't want to look back and wish I made a different choice. I could use my new gun to hunt out of state, hunt coyotes, and just play around making long shots.  I have a few burris scopes.  I like them never had any problems, but looking through burris and leupold in the store, they both got real dark on higher powers.  When I looked through a Swarovski I could see the differance.  It was major.  I've never looked through a Bushnell 6500, but I read where a lot of people love them.  So what do you all think, a Bushnell 4.5-30x50 or the Swarovski 3-9x36?  Close to the same price point, but very different scopes.  I like the busnell's power, but am worried it would be unusable on the higher powers based on what i've seen with other brands.  I haven't seen the Swarovski 3-9 in person.  It's light good for carrying, and I know it would be so clear it may have a higher return than a more powerful scope.  What do you all think?

 
Also, If anyone has a Ruger No.1 tell me what you think.  I can't find too much online .  I'm looking to reload a lot of .308, and i've read where the tc encore sometimes has headspacing issues.  I didn't know if the Ruger was the same in that department.  If you reload and have a encore, tell me about it.
 
Thanks, Kyle
.....Kyle.....................First, when you compare scopes, try and take them outside and do your comparisons that way. Doing so in a store, regardless of the magnification is not a true comparison.
 
Between the 6500 and the Swaro, I`d take the Swaro. Unless your hunting gophers and prairie dogs from a solid platform or long range paper punching and scoring, a 20x or greater even up to 30x for hunting purposes is way too much. For coyotes, deer sized game and larger, should you hunt them, most hunters will seldom exceed a 6x to 8x setting even for the longer shots to 400-500 yards. A 30x on the high end for most type of hunting is a joke!
 
What the high power freakazoids may not realize is, that as a scopes`s magnification is increased, the "SCOPE WOBBLE" which we all have due to breathing and lack of perfect body stillness regardless of shooting position, is also increased. As such, the kill shots take longer to get off because the shooter takes longer to settle down based on what he sees through the scope. The more the wobble, the longer it takes. Higher magnification does not mean better shot placement OR better groupings either.
 
The 6500 is marketed and advertised as a variable with the widest low-hi range on the market. In reality, for hunting in most situations, it is by no means practical. It is big and it is a heavy scope. The designers of this scope, especially with a high of 30x, were interested in sales, by producing something new which in reality, serves no useful practicality in the field. Instead, it appeals to the ego to own higher magnifications not seen before on a variable.   
 
Given the same ranges, for coyotes, deer, antelope or any other game for that matter, if given the choice between the two, I`ll take my chances with a 3x9 Swaro and have the same killing success as a 4.5x30 6500!
 
The Icon is a nice rifle! For faster follow up shots and added strength, I like a bolt action over a single shot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Squeeze Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2008 at 03:01
Kyle.....Take a look at this audio/video talking about scope wobble which backs me up............shootingtimes.com......video section.....click "view all".....then click on "optics" at the upper right..... Then find "Variable vs Low Powered Fixed Scopes" with Wayne Van Zwoll............I`m not saying buy a fixed 4x, but you`ll get the idea!
 
Something tells me you`ll never see a 4.5x30 6500 on any of Van Zwoll`s hunting rifles. Just a guess on my part! 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2008 at 08:40
Kyle,
Why don't you cut the difference and buy a Zeiss Conquest either in 3-9x40 or 3.5-10x44. I have both a Swarovski PH and a Conquest 3.5-10x44 and although the Swaro is better optically speaking IMHO the Zeiss is a better value.
Sam

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 8shots Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2008 at 08:55
I agree with the above writers. A 30x on a hunting 308 is way overscope.
If you are tempted to go for a slightly higher magnification then some of the variables offer a nice range in a 4-16x or a 3-14X etc.
I know you asked about Bushnell vs Swarovski. You also said you are poor. Well poor and Swarovski do not go together. You would get more value for your money on lower power Bushnells, Zeis etc.
I would also rather buy a 40mm or 50mm objective before a 36mm.
So before you buy, let other members pitch in and give you their opinions.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2008 at 09:09
The 3-9 Swaro is an excellent choice for an all around hunting scope on a .308. And yes, poor and Swarovski is an oxymoron.
I have a Ruger #1 in 45-70. From my experience, the #1 gets more attention before going out the factory door than other Ruger rifles. I think they are very well made and the wood to metal fit is really good. Their falling block action makes for a short rifle that balances and handles great.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bugsNbows Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2008 at 09:28
My $.02 is that the Swaro 3-9 X 36 is a wonderful scope for a .308. I have it on a Kimber Classic and it is about perfect. As far as Ruger #1's, I think they are about as beautiful as a factory rifle can get. I only have one (a .270) but I'll soon get more #1's. Mine is topped with an Elite 4200 in 3-9 X 40. Great set-up.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Smokey0347 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2008 at 11:33
I could be a real Clown and tell you to go buy a NcStar or some such crap but, in all honesty,  I own 2 Swarovski Optics.  I have a 3x9 on my 30-06 and carry a great pair of 8x30 Binocs.
I have used just about everything out ther at some point in my 50 plus years of shooting and I will take my Swaro over anything else.
Had a Ruger #1 a few years ago in .45-70.  Dearly loved that rifle.  Accurate to a fault.  Never a problem.  Great gun.  But, lost it in a house fire.  I had it out of the safe for cleaning and plain forgot about it when my wife and I went out for the evening.  Came home to a burning house and 7 fire trucks.  Only complaint I ever had was just me.  I am not a big fan of single shot rifles except for target shooting.  Might be why I don't go hunting with Black Powder.  LOL
Anyway, if I was in your place, I'd buy the Swaro and be just giddy!!  LOL
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2008 at 11:47
Welcome to O.T. Smokey
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote donlipa Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2008 at 19:12
I wish I was poor like that and had to make such tough decisions Big Smile ...

+1 for swarovski 3-9x36
++1 for zeiss conquest 3-9x40 if you want to truly save a little $$

I like the 3-9x format it covers a broad range of hunting and shooting scenarios and it seems to be the bang for buck sweet spot these days.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/27/2008 at 22:53
iunderpressure, I truly like the Swaro but if money's tight why why stress out when you have many other excellent choices out there for much less.

Bushnell 3-9x40 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope
http://www.swfa.com/pc-7280-185-bushnell-3-9x40-elite-4200-rifle-scope.aspx

Nikon 2.5-10x42 Monarch Riflescope
http://www.swfa.com/pc-8759-2201-nikon-25-10x42-monarch-riflescope.aspx

Zeiss 3-9x40 Conquest Rifle Scope
http://www.swfa.com/pc-1525-259-zeiss-3-9x40-conquest-rifle-scope.aspx
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote iunderpressure Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/28/2008 at 01:24
I've also been looking at buying off the sample list.  The Swaro is $650.  I've also heard the Kahles is right up there too, but have never seen one in person.  Kahles kinda scares me with them being sold and all.  Out of everything else talked about, I've really always liked the Zeiss, but it all goes back to that trip to bass pro when I looked through the Swaro.  To be honest I think some of the Burris scopes were the second clearest under the Swaro, but I want to try something different.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mojo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/28/2008 at 10:29
I would go for the Swaro. myself.  I like the Ruger #1, but do not own one.  A little on the heavy side for carrying around, but great for a stand hunter.
 
Mojo 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/28/2008 at 12:43
Originally posted by iunderpressure iunderpressure wrote:

I've also been looking at buying off the sample list.  The Swaro is $650.  I've also heard the Kahles is right up there too, but have never seen one in person.  Kahles kinda scares me with them being sold and all.  Out of everything else talked about, I've really always liked the Zeiss, but it all goes back to that trip to bass pro when I looked through the Swaro.  To be honest I think some of the Burris scopes were the second clearest under the Swaro, but I want to try something different.


Cool, I guess I misread this thread and money's not that huge an issue.

Get the Swaro!!

To better test scopes and bino's look through them outside vs. inside the store. IMHO the lighting can effect one's perception of clarity, colors, etc.
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mfilippello Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/30/2008 at 10:47
Don't forget, keeping in line with the original choices, that elite 6500 is offered in a 2.5-16x42. It weighs 17oz (not bad), has great eye relief (3.9in), rain guard, free jacketBig Grin, 80moa elev, and should give you all the power range you need for all types of hunting.
 
If you decide to go with a savage, you could set it up on some Quik detach rings and buy different barrels down the road for a switch barrel gun. The 308 and 22-250 share the same bolt face so you could use the same gun for PD hunts with the higher power. Of course the TC does this as well. Just a thought.
 
Mike
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mfilippello Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/30/2008 at 10:50
Also, if you use paypal and ebay, microsoft has a 25% cash back deal going on. You can talk to chris here at swfa about the details.
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