Nikon vs Vortex

[00Scot]

OK here is the situation, I am in need of a scope for my AR to use for Coyote hunting. I am looking at 2 scopes in the same price range. I don't need top notch glass for this hunter. Just decent glass that will get the job done. The 2 I am considering is the Nikon Prostaff and the Vortex Diamondback. Both are 4-12x40. There is a difference of about 10 bucks between them so cost is not a consideration. The only advantage feature wise is that the Nikon will allow me to use the Spot ON software on the Nikon site to get hold offs for that specific Nikon scope for any load I might want to use. Which one has better glass? Or are they about even?

What scope would you guys recommend?

Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 with the BDC reticle

Or

Nikon Prostaff 4-12x40 with the BDC reticle.

 

[1holeaddict]

I dont own either scope but i do own a Nikon monarch coyote scope with the BDC reticle. The optics are great and the reticle is also great on moving yotes. The only downfall is trying to work a load up with the circle reticles. The first circles value at 100yards is 3". I used a large sheet of cardboard and shot with the bottom circle which is 1" at 100 yards of course you will hit considerably high above aiming point. Next time i will do load tuning with a standard scope then mount a BDC.

 

[bluealtered]

I have had the diamondback 4-12x40 a.o. with both the plex and the bdc. Both work very well but i like the plex better. I had this on a .243 for hunting and the glass was very clear and all adjustments were good.

I haven't dropped a rifle in many years but while out one day i leaned this rifle on a tree and of course it fell on a rock, (the only rock for a mile around) and landed on top of the elevation cap. I called it a day and went home and called vortex for a new cap since thats all it really needed.

The service person wouldn't let me have a new cap, he said to send it back and they would send a new scope instead and they did in a matter of days. The scope is good for the price and the customer service is great. blue

 

[bman940]

Scot, The New Nikon 2011 ProStaff's are very good scopes and will serve your needs just fine. I just thought I wold make you aware of a Promotion going on right now thru Nikon. Buy a Buckmaster scope from an Authorized Nikon Dealer and get a coupon for a FREE Nikon Digital Camera, $120 Retail value. Just thought I'd toss that out in case you were unaware and might need a camera to take pics of your harvests with your new scope?
Bart
Nikon Pro Staff

 

[00Scot]

Scot, The New Nikon 2011 ProStaff's are very good scopes and will serve your needs just fine. I just thought I wold make you aware of a Promotion going on right now thru Nikon. Buy a Buckmaster scope from an Authorized Nikon Dealer and get a coupon for a FREE Nikon Digital Camera, $120 Retail value. Just thought I'd toss that out in case you were unaware and might need a camera to take pics of your harvests with your new scope?
Bart
Nikon Pro Staff

Thanks for the info.

I just got back from a Hunting trip in AZ and had a chance to take a look thru some of the prostaff Nikons. The glass seems acceptable. But the eye relief on it was real finicky. You had to get it just right to be able to line everything up for a shot. My worry is that I will have a problem is a snap shot type presentation has to be made.

When I shouldered the Nikon I found myself having to turkey neck back and forth a little bit every time when I would look thru the glass. Of coarse it was a rifle that I did not have set up for myself and was not familiar with. So that plays into it. But still, it seemed like it might be a problem down the road.

Unfortunately they did not have the Vortex out yet so I could test them side by side.

 

[00Scot]

I have had the diamondback 4-12x40 a.o. with both the plex and the bdc. Both work very well but i like the plex better. I had this on a .243 for hunting and the glass was very clear and all adjustments were good.

I haven't dropped a rifle in many years but while out one day i leaned this rifle on a tree and of course it fell on a rock, (the only rock for a mile around) and landed on top of the elevation cap. I called it a day and went home and called vortex for a new cap since thats all it really needed.

The service person wouldn't let me have a new cap, he said to send it back and they would send a new scope instead and they did in a matter of days. The scope is good for the price and the customer service is great. blue

Thanks blue,

customer service is everything. As some might have read on another thread I have going on this board about another matter.

Hearing that they have customer service like that might have just made the sale.

thank you

 

[bhoges]

Im partial to Nikon myself. Having used the Spot On software extensively In know it works. Ive had Nikon scopes for years and never had any issues. Im putting a BDC on my coyote gun as well. It takes all the guess work out of shooting long distance. I just installed the M223 on my M4 and having a blast with it.