Bushnell or Super Sniper, help me decide

[IANick]

I am trying to decide which scope to get. The choices are the Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24x or Super Sniper 16x. I will be using this on my .308 for now, until I get either my .243 rebarreled or switch it to a 6mmbr. I will be using it,as a beginner) for F Class, 1000yd benchrest,stock rifle) and varmint hunting. I have read that for 1000yd benchrest shooting you shouldn't be using anything lower that 16x. Which is why I chose the Super Sniper 16x because I feel that 16x would be functional as a target scope and a varmint scope. I was all settled on the Super Sniper until I read all the great reviews on the Elite 4200. So I thought I would throw it out to you guys and see what you think.

This is my first post, but I've been reading the forum now for a while. I love it, so much quality information.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[dreever]

Hello Nick,

I have a 10X Super Sniper, side focus. It's a great scope, for it's intended usage.
Now having said that here's the downside. The 10X has a fine mil dot, the 16X has thicker wires, the 20X thicker still. This is a result of magnification not physically thicker wires. So having said that the further out you go in distance the more those thick lines will obscure your target. For Tactical types of shooting where yo're aiming center mass and not trying to shoot small groups they probably are fine. But for shooting paper I think I'd go with the 6-24 4200. I think you might be happier. If you have looked through a SS-16X, and are happy with the mil dots, I'll say this, they are repeatable, and have nice clicks.

Danny

 

[NateHaler]

the internal elevation adjustment in the Bushnell 4200 is going to be a real problem unless you tilt the scope forward via mounts and/or rings. The Super Sniper has 110 MOA of elevation, which is WAY more than enough.

I suggest you expand your list of candidates. In that price range, you might also have a look at the Nikon Buckmaster 6-24, which has 50 MOA of internal elevation, and the Sightron 6-24, which has about 48,if I recall correctly), and if a fixed power is not a problem for you, take a real hard look at the Weaver T24.

The Bushnell 4200 would make a nice scope out to perhaps 600y. After that, you are going to have a heck of a time getting it on target at 1,000y with a .308.

 

[gebhardt02]

I'd have to agree with Nate. You may also want to decide if you are possibly going to use this for varminting, being able to dial your power down is very handy, expecially from 16X. If that does not concern you however, then you have eliminated another variable in your decision. Good luck.

Geb

 

[flatlander]

I've got a couple of the SS16x scopes on my LR prone rifles, and have had excellent results with them at 600-1000yds. Very accurate & repeatable clicks, plus - as mentioned above - plenty of adjustment range for 1000, even without a sloped base. As Danny mentioned, the SS reticle's crosshairs are on the heavy side, and this can't be changed, because they're not actually wires, but laser engraving on one of the lens elements. Durability & reliabilty was undoubtedly the priority in this line of scopes design, and this they have in spades. I never thought twice about how thick the SS crosshairs were until I got a Leupold Mk4 LR M1 6.5-20x50, but would have to agree that for small varmints such as P-dogs, the finer crosshairs would be preferable. However, I still feel that for target & tactical work, it would be very difficult to beat the SS scope in its price range.

The only other scopes I've had any recent experience with are a couple of Nikon 6-18x40 Buckmasters - one is an '04 model with AO, the other is a new '05 with side focus. I've used them both on a M70 Stealth in 223, and have gone from a 100yd. zero out to 600yds. and back with Hornady 75 A-Maxes. Both scopes repeat & track very well. They do have 1/8 MOA clicks, which I guess is fine for target & varmint shooting, but could get confusing during a tactical match, especially if you're used to 1/4 clicks. At any rate, their optics are very good for this price range, and I would have no problem recommending them. Their target turrets are handy, they have good, sharp & audible clicks, plus the knobs are easily adjusted to your zero,s). They also come with a sunshade & a spare set of target knobs for use without the turret caps. Some of the mail order shooting supply houses still have carry-over '04 models with the AO for sale - most I've seen are listing them at around $255, which is dealer cost for the newer side focus models.

 

[IANick]

Thanks for all the replies gentlemen. I think I will forego the Super Sniper for favor of one of the variables listed.

I'm leaning now towards the Sightron 6-24x. But I will have to look at the Nikon. What do you think of Mueller scopes? Are they in the same league as the Sightron? I read a pretty good review at Snipercentral.com. I'm also going to throw the Burris Fullfield II into the mix when I go to my local sporting goods store.

Whatever I end up getting will be mounted on a 20moa base. So I am hoping to not have problems getting out to 1k with the .308.