Nikon vs. Leupold

[hunter5325]

Just wondering how the Nikon Buckmasters compare with vx-1's.  I love my 4-12x40 vx-1, but I can get a new 4.5-14x40SF Buckmaster dirt cheap through a friend.  I like this magnifacation range, but don't know much about these scopes.  Any experience with these would be appreciated.  Thanks, Brett

[TheOpticZone]

Hunter,

The Nikon Buckmaster is an outstanding scope and I would highly recommend one. I personally think that the Buckmaster is a better scope than the Leupold VX-I.

[spy231]

+1 for the buckmaster.
I have the 4.5-14x40 and love it!

[kyelkhunter3006]

+2, I love my Buckmasters scope.  I've got a Nikon Prostaff too, and for the money, it's a pretty decent piece of glass.  I'm not a fan of Leupold at all.  I hardly even look at them anymore.  If I want a high dollar scope that will perform, I'll get a Zeiss Conquest.   

[ken2222]

hate to say it but, yup...Buckmasters are good glass...I have both Nikons and Leupolds. I think the Nikon has the edge in that price range....tho I also like the Sightron II s....... 

[Zachary]

The older buckmasters used to essentially be the Pre-Monarchs, of which I own quite a few, and they are EXCELLENT SCOPES!  Today, the newer Buckmasters have even better glass, with 92% light transmission.  While I love the Monarchs, Elite 4200s, Leupold VX-IIIs, and Zeiss Conquests, these scopes noticeably cost more money.  As such, you will be hard pressed to find a better scope than the newer buckmasters for the money.

Zachary

[Davemuzz]

I dunno what "dirt cheap" is, but if you are getting a better-than-internet price on a Buckmaster scope, and you don't buy it....let one of us know

[kyelkhunter3006]

+2 for what Dave said....

[Muskie Hunter]

FWIW,i just put a new 3x9 buckmaster on my 22-250 carry rifle and I coudn't be happier with its performance.I was going to hold off for a Monark but got this one at a deal,I couldn't refuse.I do own a 4x12 Monark on my bipod rifle ,a Ziess conquest on my 338 and a 2x7 Leupold on my 06 and a Leupold VX III on my 45-70 Guide Gun.In my view and perspective,the Ziess is marketly better then any of them and it is indeed a flip of a coin between the Buckmaster,Leupold Vari-XII , Leupold VX III ,or even the Monark,which are very good scopes of high quality in my book.You can't go wrong for picking the Buckmaster and you will save yourself a few bucks as well.There is one exception though,they are having great deals on the 3x9 Monarks right now and they are going for $229.00.Check with some of the internet suppliers for availability if you go that route.

[Bob_VT]

I am dealing with a similar dilemma.........

Do I buy a Nikon Buckmaster 6-18 x40 or a leopold 6-18 x 40 Vari II .........

Is the leopold V II that much better? 

[kyelkhunter3006]

IMHO, no it isn't.  But I'm not a Leupold fan.  I'll say that they are probably the best for warranty work though.  If you run over your scope with a truck, Leupold will repair or replace it.  But then, I've also heard very good things about Nikon's warranty too. Get the one that you are going to have the best deal on.

[Zachary]

I am dealing with a similar dilemma.........

Do I buy a Nikon Buckmaster 6-18 x40 or a leopold 6-18 x 40 Vari II .........

Is the leopold V II that much better? 

No, it isn't.  In fact, I think that the newer buckmasters are actually better than the Vari-II or even the newer VX-II.  Then, when you combine the fact that the Buckmasters are less expensive, it's a no-brainer.

Zachary

[kyelkhunter3006]

Well, that seems to be 2 in favor of the Nikon......

[hunter5325]

I appreciate everyone's input and you were right-this thing is sweet.  First impression is better then my Leupy, but I'll hold off till it gets some more field use.  When I said dirt cheap I meant $185 plus free butler creek flip open caps that are usually $20 alone.  All of this new in the box.  Brett

[rugerfan01]

You have done well for yourself! IMO Buckmaster are quality glass.