Hunting scope suggestions

I posted once before and thought I was close to a selection.  That was before I read the 2009 rating post.  I'm as unsure about my selection as when I started my selection so looking for suggestions from members here.

Between those I would go with the Bushnell or Nikon.

I also like the Bushnell, for no particular reason other than I've had good luck with them. Personally I'd pick the new Leupold VX3 in this price range, we all have brand loyalty.

I had not even considered the Leupold.  I hear the optics are better in the new VX3's but I've been somewhat unhappy with the direction they have taken more recently.  The 3.5-10x40 with the CDS is right in there though. 

i havent heard of anybody having to use vortex's warranty, they test there scopes to handle stuff all the way up to and including the .50bmg.

krshunter wrote: I posted once before and thought I was close to a selection.  That was before I read the 2009 rating post.  I'm as unsure about my selection as when I started my selection so looking for suggestions from members here.   I am looking for a scope to top a switch barrel rifle.  The rifle is a Remington 700 and will have a .308 and a .243AI barrel.  It will be used primarily for big game hunting including antelope up to elk and occassionally for coyotes with the .243 barrel.  Shots on average will be in the 250-350yd range but may reach out to 500yds.      Here are what I have considered as options:   Weaver Grand Slam 3.5-10x50 or 4.5-14x40 Weaver Super Slam 2-10x42      Concerns with both of these are there doesn't seem to be much feedback about quality, durability, warranty, etc. Vortex Viper 4-12x40      Concerns about durability.  Optically I know they are good and I hear great things about their warranty department.  But that is what concerns me.  Why are so many people having to use the warranty department? Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10x40 Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x42 or 3-12x42      Lots of good experience with Nikon but not with the Monarch.  Seems like a great price for what you get.  Burris Signature Select 3-12x44      Optical quality compared to some of the others is a concern.     Throw your suggestions, things to consider, experience, etc. at me.  I'm leaning heavily toward the Nikon at the moment.  Thanks everyone.

If you are looking at these type scopes... you might as well as add the Conquest 3-9X40... it's an awesome scope and has 4" of eye relief and a great low-light reticle!

ILya,

krshunter wrote: ILya,   Based on the information provided what would be your top three selections in order?  I appreciate the detail you provided on each scope.   Thanks,

ILya,

I just recieved a 4200 2.5-10x40 and it's a very impressive scope. I was skeptical but it was too good a deal to pass up. I have several Conquest and my brightest is my 3.5-10x44.................the Bushnell is every bit as bright and the optical quality IMO is extremely close. I am kind of in awe about how good the 4200 is for the money and it has the rainguard feature which is just icing on the cake !!!! FWIW............I have a 6500 2.5-16x42 md that is a great scope but is not as good in lowlight as the 4200.

Edited by cbm - February/17/2010 at 18:07