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Vortex, Bush 4200, Monarch--scope for 30-06 |
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Bboy623
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/21/2008 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 370 |
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Posted: August/12/2010 at 13:08 |
Hey guys---wanted to throw another thread out there and get a few more opinions. I need a scope for my 30-06 Mossberg 4X4 bolt. I thought I had narrowed it down to a 3-9x40 Bushnell 4200 as my Mossberg has a laminate stock and this would be my foul weather gun (for whitetail). I've been reading and everyone seems to love/rave the Vortex Vipers. I will have to admit I think the $240 price for the Vortex Viper 4-12x40 is an awesome deal; and it has the extra magnification I personally would like to have. So optically, how does the Viper compare to the 4200 or even a Monarch? I have a Conquest on my primary gun; how does it even stack up to it? I need EXCELLENT low light performance.---Bboy623
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I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
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SVT_Tactical
MODERATOR Chief Sackscratch Joined: December/17/2009 Location: NorthCackalacky Status: Offline Points: 31233 |
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The 4200s and Vipers are pretty close in glass. The 4200 does have the rainguard but the Viper can be used with see through covers in foul weather. The one thing that pushes the Viper ahead is the no questions asked, bend over backwards for our cusomters warranty they offer. **** edit
The Nikon is a great scope as well and overlooked a bit too. I'd give either the Viper or Monarch a serious look. With the recent transgressions that are going on with Bushnells customers service though I can't recommend them. Edited by SVT_Tactical - August/12/2010 at 13:50 |
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"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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Bboy623
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/21/2008 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 370 |
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http://swfa.com/Bushnell-25-10x50-Elite-4200-30mm-Rifle-Scope-P6909.aspx
If money wasn't a problem, I'd like to have the above link. I think I'd really like the illuminated dot, especially in low light. I was leaning toward the 3-9 4200 b/c of $$$ and it seemed the best bank for you buck---Bboy623
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I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
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Bboy623
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/21/2008 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 370 |
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nice one SVT!! LOL---Bboy623
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I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
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blacktails
Optics Apprentice Joined: November/18/2008 Location: Washington Status: Offline Points: 76 |
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Sent you a PM regarding a scope you might be interested in.
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biggreen747
Optics Journeyman Joined: October/16/2009 Location: Colorado Status: Offline Points: 470 |
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I had the 3-12 Monarch. Gave it to a family member who needed a new scope. I just got the 4-12 viper to replace it. There are things I like about both and they are pretty equal IMO but the viper seems to have smoother controls for power and paralax and the glass seems to make things "pop" a bit more while the Nikon has a bit "softer" image if that makes sense. The viper does however have a bit of a tunneling effect that the monarch does not have. Because the viper is so long you can mount it on any action with room to spare. Based on the current price and Vortex's reputation for service I would probably go with the Vortex again over either nikon or bushnell. For your situation I would look at the 3.5-10x50 though..
BTW the viper only advertises 3.5 in of eye relief but it sure seems better than that on mine. It seems closer to the 4 inches of the Nikon.
Edited by biggreen747 - August/12/2010 at 15:49 |
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We measure it with a micrometer, mark it with a crayon, and cut it with a chainsaw.
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pyro6999
Optics Retard OT TITAN Joined: December/22/2006 Location: North Dakota Status: Offline Points: 22034 |
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the viper is right in there with the 4200 and the monarch, i have all 3. the conquest is a bit better but also costs more. |
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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead" 343 we will never forget God Bless Chris Ledoux "good ride cowboy" |
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stickbow46
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: January/07/2009 Location: Benton, Pa Status: Offline Points: 4678 |
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+1 with pyro. |
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Pearls of Wisdom are Heard not Spoken
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Bboy623
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/21/2008 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 370 |
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First dilemma is $$$. Second dilemma is which company to choose from. Like you said SVT, Bush has some CS issues. If I chose a Bush and had problems with it....where would I be on getting my scope fixed/replaced( And I'm one that would want a replacement!).
Vortex has excellent CS from everyone on the board here and I can tell that Scott from Vortex would bend over backwards to fix any problem that I may have. My only concerns with them is #1--sight unseen-----wish I could hold one and look through it before I purchase #2--the tunnel effect that everyone says Vipers have---would I even notice?....would it bother me? I don't know unless I hold one.
I love my Nikon Omega Muzzleloading scope on my TC Triumph. I know Nikon makes great products. It does concern me however that there are so MANY refurbs on the List compare to the other manufactuers. And Nikons CS is hit or miss as well form what I know. And then there's the price----why would I spend the $$$ for a Monarch when I could get a Conquest and have probably better glass---unless I just had to have whatever magnification/features the Monarch had.
I don't want to buy a Mustang GT if I can purchase a Corvette for the same money, if you understand.
I'm gonna try to locate a Vortex dealer nearby and make up my mind. I also don't want to regret NOT getting the Bush b/c of the Rainguard.....like I said..this scope is going on my foul weather gun 30-06-----Bboy623
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I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
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SVT_Tactical
MODERATOR Chief Sackscratch Joined: December/17/2009 Location: NorthCackalacky Status: Offline Points: 31233 |
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I think, and don't quote me on this, that SWFA will let you return stuff as long as its not been mounted. yes you would loose some on shipping but if you kept it you wouldn't. Check with them and see. You could always order all three from them and just mount the one you find you like the best and send the others back. |
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"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
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midwestoffroad
Optics Apprentice Joined: July/20/2010 Status: Offline Points: 100 |
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I think that is the case with most retailers that as long as the optic wasnt mounted it can be returned.
as for Bushnell i still feel my senerio is unique with them. I don't think you would have a problem if you bought a 4200 and had a problem. since they do and will probably still make a replacement. I would recommend looking over there returns policy . as for all others. bush you send it in and include a 10 check for return shipping. if it needs repairs they contact you with the cost. and you have a few days to respond. since mine was new and unrepairable they sent a replacement threw warranty. older out of warranty scopes whats where it print gets pretty small. As for the refurbs. from Nikon there is many of all makes on there but i think in swfa's case i am guessing all trade ins are resold as refurb. the scope i just sent in on trade was like new 20 rounds down the tube with it and it only made the one trip to the range when i decided i to not stay with the BDC. I have had great luck with Nikon I have a 3x9 Prostaff BDC ,4.5-14 Coyote special,4.5-14 buckmaster ,4-16 monarch , and a prostaff LRF. |
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pyro6999
Optics Retard OT TITAN Joined: December/22/2006 Location: North Dakota Status: Offline Points: 22034 |
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i havent noticed any tunnel vision with my 2x7 viper at all.
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They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead" 343 we will never forget God Bless Chris Ledoux "good ride cowboy" |
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blacktails
Optics Apprentice Joined: November/18/2008 Location: Washington Status: Offline Points: 76 |
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My 2x7 Viper showed up today, and I don't notice any tunnel vision in mine.
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midwestoffroad
Optics Apprentice Joined: July/20/2010 Status: Offline Points: 100 |
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i think i seen it was on the higher power scopes. well see SWFA shipped my 6.5 viper today.. awesome i need to get a mount here quick
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koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13181 |
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Slight tunnel effect on Viper scopes is limited to the 4-12x40 model. Other Viper models are better in that regard.
ILya
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Bboy623
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/21/2008 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 370 |
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But Koshkin.....I WANT the 4-12x40!!! LOL----Bboy623
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I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
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koshkin
MODERATOR Dark Lord of Optics Joined: June/15/2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 13181 |
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Then buy it. It is a heck of a nice scope, and when I did a review on it I went ahead and bought the scope afterwards, tunnel effect and all. The effect is not especially severe anyway. ILya
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Bboy623
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/21/2008 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 370 |
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Koshkin---I saw a review you did on a 3-9X40 Vortex Viper back in 2007 and you stated in the comparison that the Sightron SII & Bush 4200 had better glass. Is this still true for the 4-12X40? Or has Vortex upgraded their quality? Thanks---Bbboy623
Edited by Bboy623 - August/13/2010 at 22:05 |
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I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
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Bboy623
Optics Journeyman Joined: November/21/2008 Location: NC Status: Offline Points: 370 |
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BigGreen---why do you recommend the 3.5-10X50 over the 4-12X40??? I was kinda wanting the extra magnification as well as i like the Side focus. From the extensive research I've done the 50mm objective does little for low light applications; as it mainly gives you a wider field of view. Just curious---Bboy623
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I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
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Bitterroot Bulls
Optics Master Extraordinaire Joined: May/07/2009 Location: Montana Status: Offline Points: 3416 |
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That objective size will absolutely affect low-light performance, as the objective diameter directly affects exit pupil. The 50 mm will give a full 1 mm more exit pupil at 10 power than a 40mm.
BTW guys, my 2-7X32 Viper did have a small amount of tunnel vision. Not a real problem. It is a fine little scope. A keeper. Edited by Bitterroot Bulls - August/13/2010 at 23:19 |
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-Matt
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