Need Scope Help

[SpiritNugent]

Looking to get a new scope for a new rifle. It will be used for BR and groundhug hunting.

I am considering the following models:

Leupold
VX3 6.5-20x40mm
VX3 8.5-25X50mm

Bushnell Elite 4200
6-24x50mm
8-32x40mm (not sure if it's still produced?)

Bushnell Elite 6500
4.5-30x50mm



I have no personal experience with the Elite Series. I have always been a Leupold man. I know both of the Elites are covered under warranty like the Leupold.

I am looking for something clear and something that holds a zero, but doesn't necessarily have to break the bank either (reason I am considering the 4200)

Any advice from you guys? The only two crosshair designs I would be looking at are a small target dot or a fine duplex.

Let me know what you guys think. Thanks!

 

[artbosco]

A Leupold 45X Competition will do the double duty exceptionally well.

 

[SpiritNugent]

A Leupold 45X Competition will do the double duty exceptionally well.

Thanks for the input. I considered one of those. But I am looking for a variable as this rifle will see groundhog use as well. Time will be 75% paper, 25% groundhog/field hunting

 

[SpiritNugent]

I think right now I am leaning towards one of the Leupolds. Would love the 8.5-25x50mm model

I'm just trying to expand my options, but truely have no experience with the Bushnell Elites. I looked through them, they are very crisp, but have no idea how they would perform, and how good that warranty they offer really is?

 

[Geronimo Jim]

I would avoid Bushnell. Their warranty sucks.

 

[SpiritNugent]

I would avoid Bushnell. Their warranty sucks.

That's what I've been reading. Plus they are made in Japan. I love the gold rings. I have them on every rifle I own. All of my BR scopes are Leupies as well as my deer and groundhog rigs.

Might as well add another I suppose.

 

[itchyTF]

Also consider the Sightron SIII scopes. Good quality, reasonable price, great tracking and great warranty. Can't ask for much more. I used to have mostly lupys but have replaced 4 of them with SIII's. Two 6-24x50, two 8-32x56

 

[snert]

I love my older Leupold VX3 6.5-20...but bought two newer VX2 6-18 AO Target model Lupolds and love them. I see no difference in optics, don't miss the difference between 18 and 20X, and since i got them for $400 each, lightly used, i am very happy. I use them on groundhog rifles...a HB 222 and a 7mm Mag for shots to 800 yards. No issues.

 

[fdshuster]

A high fixed power high magnification ( approx. 24x or more) rifle scope, like the mentioned 45x Leupold competition will drive you nuts when you're trying to find that groundhog at the closer distances. The field of view is just way too small! 6-18, 6.5-20, or the 8.5-25x are better suited to what you want to do.