Author Topic: I need an opinion! (Read 3160 times)

RWH24 · « **on:** December 10, 2002, 11:45:26 PM »

I have a Anschutz 1416-D HB 22 sport repeater. It is not a target model but I want a 4-12-40 AO scope for around $100. My choices have come to the Bushnell Banner 4-12-40 AO and the Simmons Pro Hunter 4-12-40AO.
I am wanting opinions on these 2 scopes. It was also suggested to me a BSA Contender. Let me hear what you think. Don't hold back now!!!
Thanks in advance.
Randy

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2002, 02:07:10 AM »

First of all, let's repeat the general optics rule: "With optics, you get what you pay for." Yes, this is a general statement and there are exceptions. For example, you can get a Bushnell Elite 4200 for, say, $350, or a Swarovski or Zeiss for $1,350. The Swarovski is a "bit" better in terms of optics and structural integrity, but not an extra $1,000 worth.

There is no hard and fast rule, but rifle scopes under $200 fall in the "be careful what you are buying" and "try to spend a little bit more if you can" categories. To buy a good (new) scope for $100 is going to be very, very difficult.

Forget about the BSA. A retailer has told me that his customer return rate on BSA scopes for defects exceeded 50%.

Simmons? My personal opinion of them is very close to the BSAs. I trust that there are people out there that will state (and accurately so) that they like their Simmons that they have had no problems with them. On the other hand, I know of several people who have told me that they are not good scopes. Like I said, my personal opinon is do not buy the Simmons.

Bushnell? It depends. I personally would not go below Bushnell's Trophy line. The Elite 3200 would be much better, but then again you would be spending more money.

My advice is look into the Bushnell Elite 3200. If that is too much, then look into the Nikon Buckmaster. If that is too much, then look into the Bushnell Trophy line. If that is too much, then don't buy a scope right now. Save some more money and get one of the above so that you will be happy in the long run. I'm not telling you to get a leupold Vari-X III, Nightforce NXS, Bushnell ELite 4200, Swarovski, Zeiss, etc. (although it never hurts to get top notch optics). All I am saying, per your request to speak up now, is look into those three that I mentioned. Trust me, you would be much happier in the long run. :-)

Zachary

wildman · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2002, 03:21:10 AM »

Don't overlook your optics, especially for precise shooting. From my personal experience with Simmons and BSA, I will never buy one of their products again, period! The BSA 30mm Red Dot came with stripped windage threads from the factory, and the Simmons Deerfield 3-9x fogged very badly after a couple of trips to the field. Luckily, I returned the BSA and got my money back. If considering Bushnell, try to stay with the Trophy line as minimum. It will be very difficult to find a decent scope with your magnification for $100, even if it is used. I would strongly suggest spending a little more and getting a good quality scope. I had to learn the hard way, but now use Leupold exclusively. From word of mouth, I've heard good comments on the Bushnell Elite scopes, but do not have any experience with them. Why put a cheap scope on a good rifle? It just makes for frustration when demanding top performance.

outlawsix · « **Reply #3 on:** December 11, 2002, 03:38:04 AM »

Forget the Bushnell. I have one and above 10x you can't see clearly. I have Nikons but wanted, because cash is tight to get a deal. Well I got one alright. Look at the swift line of optics. Have heard great things and this will be my next purchase. They can be gotten from EA Brown. Will be getting either the 6-18 -50 or the 6-24-50. If they don't work out like I want, it will only be Nikons from there on out.

Zachary · « **Reply #4 on:** December 11, 2002, 05:36:45 AM »

Outlawsix,

Which bushnell did you have that was not clear past 10x?

Zachary

outlawsix · « **Reply #5 on:** December 11, 2002, 06:19:42 AM »

It is the sportview model. I adjusted the objective with no luck. I got the sportview model because of the good results I had using a straight 6 on my Anschutz 1403 target rifle. The gun was bought for squirel hunting. Have no complaints about the fixed version and image quality just on the variable one.

Zachary · « **Reply #6 on:** December 11, 2002, 07:42:11 AM »

Bushnell does not even make the Sportview model anymore. When they did, it was one of their cheapest scopes. I would not recommend a Bushnell under its Trophy line - and even then I suggest the Elite 3200 as a safe minimum.

Zachary

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** December 11, 2002, 09:05:52 AM »

Opinions? Boy do I got opinions. :-D

Randy you are going about this ALL WRONG! That's opinion number one on this subject. If thinking of which to spend more on you'd be ahead to spend more on the scope than the gun. To get a top of the line Anschutz and then put a $100 piece of junk scope on it is sheer folly. You'd do better shooting a Marlin with a good scope. Sorry but that's just the way it is in the real world. Been there done that and ain't making them mistakes again.

Ask yourself this. Do I really have $100 to burn? If the answer is yes them strike a match to the bill and make it go away. You'll end up much less frustrated for having burned it than having spent it on junk optics.

I have no experience with BSA but those who have almost universally say they are the absolute worst choice you can make.

I owned the Simmons 3-12 scope you are thinking about once. Gave it away. Yes gave it away. Didn't try to sell it. Just couldn't stand to do anyone that way. Felt kinda bad about sticking the fellow with it I gave it to but since I paid the shipping to get it to him rather than him paying it I felt like maybe he wasn't getting burned too badly. Do not go there.

I have no current experience with the Bushnell lines below the Trophy line and thus can't really offer an informed opinion on them. I personally think the Trophy line is a real solid buy for the money. I really need to ask Bushnell to send me a variety of the lower lines so I can have an informed opinion I guess. They work with me really well in this regard and so far I've not gotten one from them that hasn't been a really good buy for the money and well worth owning. BUT as I said I have no current experience below their Trophy line so just honestly can't make an informed recommendation.

My honest best advice I can offer you is to set that rifle in the gun cabinet or safe and leave it there until you can get quality optics to go on the quality rifle you have. If $100 is all you have now set it aside and hold it and add to it as you can until you have enough for a quality scope. I promise you that you will not be sorry for it if you do.

If you don't? Well you will regret it. Of that I have no doubt.

GB

RWH24 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 11, 2002, 03:09:21 PM »

I have always heard, be careful what you ask for>>>I asked for opinions here and that is what I got. I asked the same question on another forum for small calibre and didn't get a nibble. I knew I came to the right spot. Didn't hurt my feelings at all

Really I got what I wanted. NOW that we have came to the Trophy line of Bushnell, Is it worth the extra or go for something else?? GB, Wish you would have got some of the Bush mid lines to check out. I have read your write ups about the Elite's and this was why I came and asked this bunch. Thanks again, I will see what Santa brings me, but GOLLY GEE I hate waiting>>>>>>........
Randy

:-D :grin:

:lol:

Graybeard · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2002, 05:56:52 PM »

Randy the Trophy line is a good solid line of scopes. They are well worth the money.

BUT would I put one on that Anchutz? Nope. I'd not put less than an Elite on it. The rifle deserves more and so do you. If you go with the cheaper lines even a Trophy for that rifle you will be disappointed.

GB

RWH24 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 12, 2002, 02:29:11 AM »

"GB" :oops:
The MAJOR" problem IS, I GOT NO PATIENCE when it come to gun toys. My downfall. I know and understand all to well, I can pay now and later again, or wait and pay once. I just needed to hear it from somewhere else. Thanks again. :cry:

Randy

:? :shock:

:oops: :wink:

So many emotions tugging on the keys to the truck and range! :lol:

BTW: During this counseling session by the forum friends, I have been " ON THE COUCH"

Zachary · « **Reply #11 on:** December 12, 2002, 04:36:41 AM »

Randy,

Go to www.bearbasin.com. They have the Elite 3200 4x-12x-40mm for $249. They also have the Elite 4200 4x-16x-40mm for $339.

These are great prices and I think that shipping is free on orders over $250. (You could ask them to make an exception if you get the Elite 3200 for $249 as it is only $1 off of their $250 minimum).

BTW, these are matte finished scopes. I don't know if you need matte or gloss.

You will not find these scopes for any cheaper.

PLUS, if you buy a Bushnell Elite 3200 or 4200 by Dec. 31, 2002, then Bushnell will give you a FREE Rain parka. I bought an Elite 4200 2.5x-10x-50mm Illuminated and I am expecting my parka any time. The parka has a "value" of $99 (so say that it is really only worth $50). Even then, you are getting an even BETTER deal on the Elites.

This is getting to be a no brainer. Either the get the Elite 3200 or 4200 and live happy. :-D

Zachary

Zachary · « **Reply #12 on:** December 12, 2002, 04:58:54 AM »

Hold on a minute!!

I just saw that bearbasin.com has an Elite 4200 6x-24x-40mm Gloss for a special sale price of $319!!! :-D :grin: :-D :eek: :-D

Their regular price is $389.

This price is a STEAL!!!!!

I think that I might buy one. :roll:

Zachary

RWH24 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 12, 2002, 06:03:25 AM »

GB, Zachary, Anybody, Everybody???

Okay, I went to Bear Basin, I gotta nuther question??
Are ya'll suprized??

Weaver Classic V Seris, V-16 4-16-40 AO Fine Cross Hairs or 1/4" mil dot.... :?

The 22 cal targets are HARD to SEE with the regular plex crosshairs
The Bushnell just has the regular plex or the 3-2-1 cross hairs. Ifin I am a waitin, mitta orta get what I want, correcto mundo.
I'm such a baddddd boyyyyyy, for asking all these questions.

Now you got me started!

Randy :-D

Graybeard · « **Reply #14 on:** December 12, 2002, 06:18:37 AM »

D&R Sports Center, one of the major advertisers on this site has the Bushnell Elite 3200 4-12x40 AO Matte scope (their #BSN324124A) at $230.72 listed in their Fall 2002 catalog which I keep here by the computer.

Folks D&R really are hard to beat on prices for what they carry. Ya really should check them out. Banner is at bottom of Home Page of this site and in the banner rotation also.

GB

RWH24 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 12, 2002, 06:29:15 AM »

Okay, I'm on my way!
Thanks,
Randy

Zachary · « **Reply #16 on:** December 12, 2002, 09:17:23 AM »

Congratulations Randy. Let us know when you receive it.

Zachary

John (Rojo) · « **Reply #17 on:** December 12, 2002, 03:52:15 PM »

Randy,

I am a big fan of Bushnell scopes. I learned about these scopes basically from this forum. I think the 4200 series matches scopes costing much more. Since you are putting this scope on a .22, your dilemma kind of struck home. The Anschutz is a fine .22. It is definitely a "cut above." I have a Kimber .22 and I labored for quite a while over what to put on it. I ended up putting on a NIkon Monarch 4-12x40. This is before I was familiar with the Elites. But I must say, it has been a wonderful scope. The optics are wonderful, adjustments have been very precise, fit and fininsh is first rate, and the size and weight is just right.

I am not trying to sway you from the good advice of others. After all, it was on the advisement from Graybeard, that I started putting 4200 Elites on my rifles. Haven't regretted it one minute. The Nikon just mates with the rifle real well. Like Zachary and Graybeard said (good advice) don't settle because you are a few bucks short, save the extra money and get a good scope for what is obviously a good rifle.

John (Rojo)

RWH24 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 14, 2002, 02:04:14 AM »

I have a Nikon on my Tikka 243. It is a 3-9-40 Buckmaster I bought used from a co-worker. It is great, could be a little brighter but?

I looked at Nikon but if I remember the AO turns down to 50 yds where others come down to 10 yds to infinity. I nearly bought the Kimber but the wood is tooooo pretty. My Anschutz has a stained hardwood stock. I'm a bit rough on stocks. :-D

Randy

COB · « **Reply #19 on:** December 14, 2002, 05:51:32 AM »

Heh heh heh. I'm like GB! I got a million of em! As fer scopes. Well I just bought am Elite 4200 in 6 X 24 with AO and darnest thing. I can see clear as a bell in all settings and all distances. I'd say that makes it a REAL fine scope. And guess where I got it. Now heres the part that upsets me. I just got it, less than two weeks ago from Bear Basin. And I paid the regular price and now I hear their on SALE!!! WAW WAW WAW
WAW. Oh what the hell, that's COB for ya. A day late and a $$$$ short.
But if I had to do it all over again knowing what I know about the 4200 I'D DO IT IN A HEART BEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ted A. Young AKA COB :-D :grin:

:lol: :wink:

outlawsix · « **Reply #20 on:** December 14, 2002, 11:03:15 AM »

Have you tried e-mailing bear basin about the new price and what you paid. Have heard that in the past they have sent checks to cover the difference. Couldn't hurt to ask.