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Elite 4200 3-9x40 vs. 3200? |
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jason miller
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/05/2007 Location: W Laf, IN Status: Offline Points: 229 |
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Posted: February/22/2009 at 21:50 |
So I was wondering what exactly the differences are. I would assume the 4200 probably has better lens coatings and erectors, but what else is there? They use what appears to be the exact same tube. Also, I just looked at a brand new 3200 today that says Japan on the underside. I was thinking the 4200 was made in Japan and that the 3200 probably wasn't; looks like I was wrong.
On a related side note, I had another thread asking about scopes for my grandpa's .338 that I was given. I think I've narrowed it down to the 3200. Unless for some reason anyone here thinks it might not stand up to the recoil. In that case, I'd probably either get a Fullfield II or step up to the 4200.
Honestly, I wish Bushnell still made the 1.5-6x36 Elite 4200. They can still be found, but not very cheap. If only I could find one second-hand...
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rifle looney
Optics Master Joined: November/21/2008 Status: Offline Points: 2553 |
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The 3200 and the Burris II are about equal the 4200 is a major step up if you can afford it go that route you will be very happy!
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jason miller
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/05/2007 Location: W Laf, IN Status: Offline Points: 229 |
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I know that the 4200 is a step up. I just wanted to know specifically what all the differences are. The 3200 seems like a nice scope, and can be had quite a bit cheaper. I don't think extra lens coatings are worth the money to me. However, if a 3200 might not be durable, then I'd be looking at other options; one of which is the 4200.
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rifle looney
Optics Master Joined: November/21/2008 Status: Offline Points: 2553 |
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As for durability they rank very close as for optical better glass and coatings you can get a 3x9x40 4200 for around $289.95 you cant go wrong there.
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Roy Finn
MODERATOR Steiner Junkie Joined: April/05/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4856 |
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jason, check the recoil ratings between the 3200 and 4200 series. The tubes on the 4200 are made from a stronger alloy and they are 1 pc compared to the 3200 which are not. Specifically, if you look at the saddle on the 4200 you can see that it is integral and the 3200 is glued/epoxied to the main tube.
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Monster
Optics Master Joined: December/16/2008 Location: So. Cal Status: Offline Points: 2031 |
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Roy Finn I don't mean to knit pick but the 3200 and 4200 are one piece construction check it out:
http://www.swfa.com/c-184-bushnell-elite-3200-rifle-scopes.aspx |
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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)
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Roy Finn
MODERATOR Steiner Junkie Joined: April/05/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4856 |
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Monster
Optics Master Joined: December/16/2008 Location: So. Cal Status: Offline Points: 2031 |
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Yea i see that but they state that they are putting they are a one piece. The 3200s just have the turret housing glued ones apposed to the 4200 that is all one machined piece....
Edited by Monster - February/22/2009 at 23:00 |
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"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)
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jason miller
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/05/2007 Location: W Laf, IN Status: Offline Points: 229 |
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I've noticed that about the new 3200's, but the older ones are 1 piece with integral turret housings. The one I held in my hand today was definitely one piece. |
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mike650
Optics God Joined: May/14/2006 Location: West of Rockies Status: Online Points: 14569 |
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Form the Bushnell website:
************************************************************************ Elite 4200 Riflescopes Light him up. With the world’s brightest riflescope, you’re equipped to do so in the dimmest conditions. The fully multi-coated optics deliver an amazing 95% light transmission at 550NM. Our Rainguard® anti-fog coating and FireFly™ reticle give you deadly command of your shot through any weather and every minute of legal time. It’s even recoil tested with 10,000 rounds of .375 H&H. Ultra-bright. Clear. Accurate and dependable in extreme conditions. It’s simply the most lethal riflescope ever made. * Features * Rainguard® * Fully multi-coated optics * Magnum recoil-proof construction * One-piece hammer-forged tube * 100% waterproof/fogproof/ shockproof construction * Dry-nitrogen filled * 1/4 M.O.A. or finer fingertip, audible/resettable windage and elevation adjustment * Elite® Bullet-Proof Warranty * "No Questions Asked" one- year replacement (U.S. only) *********************************************************************** Elite 3200 Riflescopes The Elite® 3200 offers multi-coated optics for generous light transmission and crisp image quality. Our exclusive, patented Rainguard® lens coating reduces large drops of water to near-microscopic specks, dramatically increasing light transmission and resulting in a remarkably clear image in wet weather. The Elite 3200 riflescopes feature a rugged, one-piece aluminum tube. And, like the 4200, this scope is tested to rigorous standards – recoil tested to 1,000 rounds of a .375 H&H magnum. The 3200 offers everything the avid hunter requires. * Features * Rainguard® * Multi-coated optics * Magnum recoil-proof construction * One-piece hammer-forged tube * 100% waterproof/fogproof /shockproof construction * Dry-nitrogen filled * 1/4 M.O.A. or finer fingertip, audible/resettable windage and elevation adjustment * Elite® Bullet-Proof Warranty * "No Questions Asked" one- year replacement (U.S. only) |
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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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jason miller
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/05/2007 Location: W Laf, IN Status: Offline Points: 229 |
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jason miller
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/05/2007 Location: W Laf, IN Status: Offline Points: 229 |
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Thanks Mike, but I've already read that. Several times. I've already spent hours reading about scopes, I was just hoping that someone with more knowlege than most, like Koshkin, could give some more in depth information.
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Roy Finn
MODERATOR Steiner Junkie Joined: April/05/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4856 |
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I believe you are correct about the 3200 in the picture. Definitely looks different from what they are using now. In reality, it probably doesn't make a whole lot of difference. I tried to quiz a Bushnell CS rep a while back and the main difference was what the tubes were made of. When I tried to press them about internal construction, I got the feeling that the person just wasn't exactly sure, but as you can see, they rate the 3200 for 1000 rds of 375 H&H recoil testing and the 4200 is rated at 10,000 etc..... That's not even close. When these scope were first introduced, they stated that the 4200 used a titanium/aluminum alloy construction and the 3200 was straight aluminum. Yea, I know, don't jump down my throat, I'm just relaying what was stated in the past. The main thing I would concentrate on is why there is such a vast difference in their recoil ratings. I don't think that anyone here is privy to manufacturing details which is what this will boil down to.
Edited by Roy Finn - February/22/2009 at 23:21 |
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mike650
Optics God Joined: May/14/2006 Location: West of Rockies Status: Online Points: 14569 |
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uhhh...Roy is one of those guys. |
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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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mike650
Optics God Joined: May/14/2006 Location: West of Rockies Status: Online Points: 14569 |
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“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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Roy Finn
MODERATOR Steiner Junkie Joined: April/05/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4856 |
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Thank you mike.
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Roy Finn
MODERATOR Steiner Junkie Joined: April/05/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 4856 |
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jason, just one more thing to keep you guessing is that the 3-9 4200 is somewhat of a different animal from the rest of the 4200 line in that it is the only one that uses a 3x zoom magnification range and the rest of the 4200 line uses a 4x zoom range. Bushnell introduced this scope so that they would have a "competitive" 3-9 scope in their top of the line scopes. They wanted a 3-9 that would compete with other manufacturers top of the line 3-9's such as the Conquest, Swarovski A line, Kahles AH/KX series when comparisons were conducted. It became somewhat of a red headed stepchild because they (Bushnell) didn't foresee that this scope would take sales away from their 2.5-10x40 4200 series. Folks were quick to see that they could get 4200 performance from a scope that was priced anywhere from 100-150 dollars less than what the 2.5-10 was selling for at the time it was introduced.
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jason miller
Optics Apprentice Joined: February/05/2007 Location: W Laf, IN Status: Offline Points: 229 |
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Thanks for all the tips, Roy. I was wondering exactly what lead them to the recoil ratings, too. That's basically why I was posting, to see if anyone knew the differences that may lead to the ratings. I guess maybe we'll never know...
And I didn't mean to jump down anyone's throat, sorry if it came off that way. I just had noticed that Bushnell's newer pictures show the turret housing being two pieces glued onto the tube, while most actual scopes and pictures of actual scopes I've seen have a solid, integral housing. I thought it would be best to provide evidence.
Also, I was unaware of any affiliation or occupation Roy might have within the optics industry. I just knew Koshkin usually has the inside scoop on lots of things.
Finally, I think I remember the original lineup of 4200 scopes. Wasn't it 1.5-6x36, 3-9x40, 4-16x40, and 6-24x40? I was thinking the 2.5-10x40 came out later; like within the last few years. Is that wrong?
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DAVE44
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/11/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 652 |
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I remember last year I looked at a 3200 Elite and it did indeed have a one piece tube and saddle. The earlier version had top and side adjstment turrets that had a glossy silicone looking sealant across the base of the top turret. I think the only difference between the two is in the glass and number of coatings on the lenses. I bet they are the same scope with the upgraded glass which will make them a hair brighter and handle glare and internal reflections better. If you dont hunt in low light much then I would think the 3200 would do you just fine but the 4200 will give you several minutes more in the dusk and dawn.
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martin3175
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/19/2005 Location: Maryland Status: Offline Points: 3773 |
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Old Style -- I have a few 3200 2-7's on 12 ga slug guns and they have been plenty rugged . I currently have an old style 3x9 on a back up T/C 50 cal Diamond BP and no worries .
New Style -- about 2 yr.s now.. I believe the internals are still the same, but the scope body on this one is certainly a better looking item than previously,and is now indiscernable from the 4200 (except the model logo) ..
Edited by martin3175 - February/23/2009 at 09:01 |
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