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Quality/Price Compare

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8368
Printed Date: March/28/2024 at 08:22
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Quality/Price Compare
Posted By: dryan_e
Subject: Quality/Price Compare
Date Posted: November/05/2007 at 11:02

I am looking at scopes right now to put on my Bushmaster Preditor (.223/5.56 NATO)let me see what you all think.  I have a budget of around 350-500 and might go a little higher if the quality justified it.  I live in SW MO and my shots will most likely be under the 300yrds mark but I would like to keep my options open to use this same scope for prarie dog hunting in KS.  

 

My thoughts are the following

 

1. Nikkon Monarch 3-12 x 42 SWFA price $

 

2. Leupold VX-II 6-18x40mm w/ Target knobs

 

3. Bushnell 4-16x40 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope  SWFA price $389.95  

                  and get a free sunshade and jacket (but dont let this affect your thoughts.) 

 

Am I heading in the right direction here.  (Note to all: The only scope I have owned is a Bushnell Trophy 3-9 x 40 and this is becuase a Bass Pro rep said it would work good on my .308 deer gun.)

 

I kinda like the idea of the lower scope mount thus my choices are not 50mm AO's.  I dont want to get caught up in the marketing hype of these companys.  I have never been prarie dog hunting so I dont even know how long the shots are. 




Replies:
Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: November/05/2007 at 11:07

The Nikon or the Bushy friend, both better glass.The 4200 is the better of the 3 glass wise.

WELCOME to the OT



-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: TheDrakeTaker
Date Posted: November/05/2007 at 11:09
Easy one, get the Elite 4200.  It is well within your price range and for the money it is a hard scope to beat.  Good glass, good price.  It will outperform the other two scopes you have listed.  The Monarch would be a decently close second but not as good as the elite.  You will be pleased.  You could pay more and get a Zeiss conquest, but you will not gain a lot.  If you wanted to really up your price and quality I would recommend a Kahles KX or CL, but that would cause you to almost double your limit, but it would be worth it in my opinion.  Good luck, the Elite is the clear choice here.    

-------------
Robert


Posted By: martin3175
Date Posted: November/05/2007 at 11:43
4200 Eite--clear winner of the three


Posted By: Rancid Coolaid
Date Posted: November/05/2007 at 11:49
I'd say, get this off the sample list:



Much better glass, much better adjustment, illuminated reticule, better all-around, and a great deal at $820.  It's bigger, it's heavier, and it ain't made to be petite and pretty, but it will do everything you want and need and will do it much better than the 3 in question.

At $500, there is a decent jump in product quality for most rifle scopes.  The IOR is a great deal at list price, you can get it for less. And if you plan to shoot at game inside 200 yards, the power is jut right.  Also, for varmints, the reticule will serve well out past 200 yards.

of the 3, I'd say get the 4200; of anything in taht range plus a little more, Kahles is good, Conquest is good, I'd get the IOR.


-------------
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: November/05/2007 at 12:11
Dryan...............Although a great scope, the IOR`s $500 increase is a good size jump........Go with the Elite 4200, get the free jacket and sunshade and put the leftover savings into something else you may need. The 4200 is more than adequate under any condition for you to be successful.........The difference between the two in the field will not make any difference between success or failure!....... 

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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: jonbravado
Date Posted: November/05/2007 at 12:47

4200 -

 

IOR would be great, if you can swing it.

 

if not, the 4200 would win the above contest. great scope.

 

J



Posted By: Dolphin
Date Posted: November/05/2007 at 17:45
The 4200 is the deal.  The Leupold is over priced and made of two tubes.  To be honest, a lower profile less powerful scope with even better optics at the same price would be better for that rifle, if you are only making shots to 300 yards.

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D. Overton


Posted By: dryan_e
Date Posted: November/05/2007 at 20:56
Dolphin,

What did you have in mind.  Also know that someday I would like to go prarie dog hunting and not have to buy another scope.

Thanks guys this site is so great.


Posted By: dryan_e
Date Posted: November/05/2007 at 20:58
Like maybe the Zeiss that is advertised at the top of these pages in 3-9 X 40 conquest? Something to think about.


Posted By: TheDrakeTaker
Date Posted: November/06/2007 at 05:32
If you are going to get a 3-9x40 get the 4200, at $260 it's unbeatable.  You don't gain very much when you get the conquest over the 4200.  That IOR seems like a pretty good deal, but if you're willing to spend $820, I would go with a Kahles KX or a CL off the sample list for around $700 and you would be better off in my opinion.  The IOR is a good scope though, if you want an illuminated reticle go for it.  If you want more info about IOR get in touch with koskin, he knows them inside and out.

-------------
Robert


Posted By: Focus
Date Posted: November/06/2007 at 05:45
If you want a dual purpose scope that will do double duty the 4200 is a great choice. The rainguard really works on those rainy wet days also, quite a bit better optics than the leupold, and I speak from experience on that. Conquests are not really a big edge optically.....by that I mean brightness and contrast, they do have a reticle edge in lower light conditions and are less prone to flare problems when shooting towards the rising or setting sun. 4200's are just a ton of bang for the buck.......and that does look like a nice jacket......




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I Can See Clearly Now......<><

If Accurate rifles Are Interesting.....I've Got Some Savages That Are Getting Mighty Interesting......


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: November/06/2007 at 18:25

Originally posted by Dolphin Dolphin wrote:

...and made of two tubes.

 

I believe all current Leupolds have 1 piece tubes, but I could be wrong there.  The couple I have at least are 1 pc.

 

I agree with the general consensus in scope choice, though.  Of those 3, I'd definitely get the 4200.  You'd have to spend quite a bit more $ to get a much better scope, in which case, I have to concur with Drake Taker's comments.



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Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: Hooch364
Date Posted: November/06/2007 at 18:39

Im new here, but not to the sport.  I have to say that the consensus here is heavy on the Bushnell, but I have argue that the Monarch is the better deal for me.  Not sure how you can beat the 4-16x42 at $359.00.  I think the glass on both are good, but feel that the features on the Monarch are better.  I'd give the Monarch are hard look.



Posted By: cheaptrick
Date Posted: November/06/2007 at 19:20
Originally posted by jonbravado jonbravado wrote:

4200 -

 

IOR would be great, if you can swing it.

 

if not, the 4200 would win the above contest. great scope.

 

J

 

JB, clean out your PM box please, Bro.



Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: November/06/2007 at 22:43
Hooch..........At $389, the 4x16 Elite 4200 is a better scope than the 4x16 Monarch at $359!....For the extra $30 bucks, I would much rather have the assurance of the Rainguard lens feature of the 4200, which does prevent any lens distortions in any weather situation. I also have a Monarch that I use as a scout scope on the same rifle! The 4200`s glass is fractionally better. But not by much or barely at all......As an owner of both, I`m just a little curious as to what features are better on the Monarch as opposed to the 4200. Optically? Construction? Durability?....I must be missing something!!!................  

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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: Hooch364
Date Posted: November/07/2007 at 02:04

Big Squeeze,

 

As you have already mentioned....optically similar, both with one piece construction, both are as durable, both claim 95% light transmission, but the Monarch has better eye relief and a locking side focus parallax adjustment that the Elite lacks.  As far as the Rainguard claims, both are waterproof, shockproof and fogproof and I have never had a problem with lens condensation on the Monarch (ie breath droplets etc) so the rainguard feature is not "deal breaker for me."

 

It is just my opinion, although I have no problem with Bushnell because I feel they do have a great product for a competitive price.  But, I also believe that the Nikon Monarch, at a similar price point, deserve more credit that I see them given when compared to the Elite series.



Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: November/07/2007 at 07:01
I personally see no use for the locking parallax, you may disagree but it's just something else to have to deal with, I'm more inclined to never lock the parallax, and the rain guard to me is the reason for spending the extra just for peace of mind.

-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: November/07/2007 at 07:03
OH CRAP !!!         &nb sp;      WELCOME TO THE OT  Hooch

-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: jonbravado
Date Posted: November/07/2007 at 07:28

i would definitely consider a ballistic or BDC type reticle if most shots will be 200 to 300+ yards at the p-dogs.

 

cheap, PM is clean - sorry bout that!!!

 

J



Posted By: dryan_e
Date Posted: November/08/2007 at 18:46
Thanks alot guys I will post the pic of my Bushmaster Varminter with the Bushy 4200 as soon as I can.  I think I will really like this setup.


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: November/09/2007 at 00:56
Hooch............The locking parallax, in my view is not needed. I`ve never needed one! Secondly, the eye relief concerning the 4200 is really not an issue. There are many posters on this site, Martin 3175 for one, who has 4200`s on RUM`s and on a 338 Win Mag. Mine is on a 300 WSM compact that has more recoil than a full sized 300 Win Mag. I have a friend who has a 4200 sitting on a 300 WBY. Another sitting on a 340 WBY. None of us have been whacked.........Anyone who has an eye relief issue with a 4200, I will question their cheek positioning and/or body positioning. If someone really gets nailed hard with an Elite 4200, I doubt if that extra 1/2" to 3/4" of eye relief from other scopes will save them! To some degree, maybe!

-------------
300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: November/09/2007 at 06:29

Originally posted by Big Squeeze Big Squeeze wrote:

Hooch............The locking parallax, in my view is not needed. I`ve never needed one! Secondly, the eye relief concerning the 4200 is really not an issue. There are many posters on this site, Martin 3175 for one, who has 4200`s on RUM`s and on a 338 Win Mag. Mine is on a 300 WSM compact that has more recoil than a full sized 300 Win Mag. I have a friend who has a 4200 sitting on a 300 WBY. Another sitting on a 340 WBY. None of us have been whacked.........Anyone who has an eye relief issue with a 4200, I will question their cheek positioning and/or body positioning. If someone really gets nailed hard with an Elite 4200, I doubt if that extra 1/2" to 3/4" of eye relief from other scopes will save them! To some degree, maybe!

Squeezer Nails it once again Thumbs up my friend. I also have said this any number of times as has Bigdaddy,



-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: Blackbird
Date Posted: November/09/2007 at 08:40
Originally posted by dryan_e dryan_e wrote:

I am looking at scopes right now to put on my Bushmaster Preditor (.223/5.56 NATO)let me see what you all think.  I have a budget of around 350-500 and might go a little higher if the quality justified it.  I live in SW MO and my shots will most likely be under the 300yrds mark but I would like to keep my options open to use this same scope for prarie dog hunting in KS.  

 

My thoughts are the following

 

1. Nikkon Monarch 3-12 x 42 SWFA price $

 

2. Leupold VX-II 6-18x40mm w/ Target knobs

 

3. Bushnell 4-16x40 Elite 4200 Rifle Scope  SWFA price $389.95  

                  and get a free sunshade and jacket (but dont let this affect your thoughts.) 

 

Am I heading in the right direction here.  (Note to all: The only scope I have owned is a Bushnell Trophy 3-9 x 40 and this is becuase a Bass Pro rep said it would work good on my .308 deer gun.)

 

I kinda like the idea of the lower scope mount thus my choices are not 50mm AO's.  I dont want to get caught up in the marketing hype of these companys.  I have never been prarie dog hunting so I dont even know how long the shots are. 

 

I'll tell you what dryan_e, I have a matte Leupold VX II 6-18X-40mm. (without target turrets) that is mounted on a Remington 700 ADL .243 Win. I bought the scope new, (2 years ago) and fired 7 shots to sight in the weapon. I haven't used the scope/gun combo since it was sighted in. (been sittin' in the safe) I will trade you straight up, my Leupold VX II 6-18X-40mm., for the Elite 4200 (4-16X) if you don't like it.  



Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: November/09/2007 at 11:20
Blackbird.....................Don`t let Optimus Primus find out that YOU are willing to trade your Leupold for the Elite 4200!!!! His world will stop on its axis.......Why,,,, that would be a sin!!.....Why,,,that would be like slapping his love child!.... Could it be, that the pews within the church of "Leupold" are not quite as full as they used to be?????..........................................Dryan! Excellent choice, the 4200!!!  

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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: Blackbird
Date Posted: November/09/2007 at 12:02
I hear ya' Big !  If anyone talks to Optimus,(or anyone else that might be interested) tell him I have a Leupold Mark 4 8.5-25X-50mm. LR/T with a TMR reticle, mounted in Sako Optilock rings, that I will trade him, straight up for a Nightforce NXS 5.5-22X-50mm.


Posted By: Hooch364
Date Posted: November/09/2007 at 13:00
Originally posted by Big Squeeze Big Squeeze wrote:

Hooch............The locking parallax, in my view is not needed. I`ve never needed one! Secondly, the eye relief concerning the 4200 is really not an issue. There are many posters on this site, Martin 3175 for one, who has 4200`s on RUM`s and on a 338 Win Mag. Mine is on a 300 WSM compact that has more recoil than a full sized 300 Win Mag. I have a friend who has a 4200 sitting on a 300 WBY. Another sitting on a 340 WBY. None of us have been whacked.........Anyone who has an eye relief issue with a 4200, I will question their cheek positioning and/or body positioning. If someone really gets nailed hard with an Elite 4200, I doubt if that extra 1/2" to 3/4" of eye relief from other scopes will save them! To some degree, maybe!


Posted By: Hooch364
Date Posted: November/09/2007 at 13:03

Originally posted by Big Squeeze Big Squeeze wrote:

Hooch............The locking parallax, in my view is not needed. I`ve never needed one! Secondly, the eye relief concerning the 4200 is really not an issue. There are many posters on this site, Martin 3175 for one, who has 4200`s on RUM`s and on a 338 Win Mag. Mine is on a 300 WSM compact that has more recoil than a full sized 300 Win Mag. I have a friend who has a 4200 sitting on a 300 WBY. Another sitting on a 340 WBY. None of us have been whacked.........Anyone who has an eye relief issue with a 4200, I will question their cheek positioning and/or body positioning. If someone really gets nailed hard with an Elite 4200, I doubt if that extra 1/2" to 3/4" of eye relief from other scopes will save them! To some degree, maybe!

 

Well then, if neither are a concern for you then you, I guess you'll be sticking with the Bushnells and I will stick with the Monarch's.  To each his own.



Posted By: Skunk
Date Posted: November/09/2007 at 13:12
Originally posted by cyborg cyborg wrote:

Originally posted by Big Squeeze Big Squeeze wrote:

Hooch............The locking parallax, in my view is not needed. I`ve never needed one! Secondly, the eye relief concerning the 4200 is really not an issue. There are many posters on this site, Martin 3175 for one, who has 4200`s on RUM`s and on a 338 Win Mag. Mine is on a 300 WSM compact that has more recoil than a full sized 300 Win Mag. I have a friend who has a 4200 sitting on a 300 WBY. Another sitting on a 340 WBY. None of us have been whacked.........Anyone who has an eye relief issue with a 4200, I will question their cheek positioning and/or body positioning. If someone really gets nailed hard with an Elite 4200, I doubt if that extra 1/2" to 3/4" of eye relief from other scopes will save them! To some degree, maybe!

Squeezer Nails it once again Thumbs up my friend. I also have said this any number of times as has Bigdaddy,

HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN, Big squeezey, cheezy one, and cyclops journeymans they right mark their on it, Me thinks they have a thing with Bigdaddy though, but right they are on this thinking me.

You do what want to you though ok for me it fine is at that.



-------------
Let me give you my two scents worth


Posted By: medic52
Date Posted: November/09/2007 at 13:27
WIth out to much FAN FARE IMHO-----The 4200 will serve you well

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"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." G.K. Chesterton


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: November/09/2007 at 19:54
Skunk!.....If possible and this really may be asking alot here! Could you please try to put your words together in an understandable order, instead of these pig latin sentences that you are typing??? It would be easier for "BIG SQUEEZY" to understand what is on your brain,,,,if anything!!!........I know it is asking alot of you!!!  

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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: Focus
Date Posted: November/10/2007 at 12:22
I think ol skunky has picked a good descriptive user name.............his 2 scents always seem to smell a bit.......shall we say trollish......or is that foolish?????

   focus


-------------
I Can See Clearly Now......<><

If Accurate rifles Are Interesting.....I've Got Some Savages That Are Getting Mighty Interesting......


Posted By: Big Squeeze
Date Posted: November/10/2007 at 12:27
Focus.......Doing some catching up on the threads?.........Quite entertaining!..Time for my coffee!..........

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300 WSM/375 Ruger....."All science, is truly the study of God`s wonderful work!"..."Bad news for liberals, is good news for America!".."What liberals hate, I love!".."What liberals like, I despise!"


Posted By: Focus
Date Posted: November/10/2007 at 12:50
Yea Big Squeeze.......been out in the puckerbrush chasing whitetails last couple weeks. Up at 3:45am and in after dark.....than back to bed and do it all again the next day. Closed the deal on one the other day......now if I can hook my boy up with one . Didn't see any skunks though.........they head down holes about this time of year up here . Not much of a problem till spring........

    focus


-------------
I Can See Clearly Now......<><

If Accurate rifles Are Interesting.....I've Got Some Savages That Are Getting Mighty Interesting......


Posted By: dryan_e
Date Posted: November/11/2007 at 21:28
It is done!  I have the setup I was seeking, thank you to all who take the time to help someone avoid a mistake with their money.  Take a look at the project at



Thanks again, now I will be looking for a good spoting scope so I will talk with you on that topic soon.


Posted By: Acenturian
Date Posted: November/12/2007 at 05:18

  Very nice looking set up....let us know how you like it once you get to run some rounds down through it. 

 

 

Happy Shooting

 

AC



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If You're In A Fair Fight, You Didn't Plan It Properly

- Anonymous



Posted By: Focus
Date Posted: November/12/2007 at 05:43
Nice looking rig! Now Good Shooting.....

    focus


-------------
I Can See Clearly Now......<><

If Accurate rifles Are Interesting.....I've Got Some Savages That Are Getting Mighty Interesting......


Posted By: Skunk
Date Posted: November/12/2007 at 07:14

Originally posted by Focus Focus wrote:

Yea Big Squeeze.......been out in the puckerbrush chasing whitetails last couple weeks. Up at 3:45am and in after dark.....than back to bed and do it all again the next day. Closed the deal on one the other day......now if I can hook my boy up with one . Didn't see any skunks though.........they head down holes about this time of year up here . Not much of a problem till spring........

    focus

Chase whitetail in PUCKERBRUSH, SACRE BLANC!!!!!!!!!!!!. .......................I no wanna know what means this disturbing is it.



-------------
Let me give you my two scents worth


Posted By: Focus
Date Posted: November/12/2007 at 14:48
Hmmmmmm.............this means we're not dealing with a northern wilderness skunk here  this may just require the simple yet sometimes effective stick method ........ throw him in the puckerbrush and maybe he'll figure out about the sticks................HeHeHe

    focus


-------------
I Can See Clearly Now......<><

If Accurate rifles Are Interesting.....I've Got Some Savages That Are Getting Mighty Interesting......



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