Author Topic: scope question cheap 3200 or wait for VX-1 (Read 1521 times)

bluebayou · « **on:** September 15, 2007, 06:37:51 PM »

If you could get a 3-9 Bushnell 3200 for $100 and it is new in box would you go for it or hold out for VX-1 at $169 down the road. It would take me 2 months more to save enough for the VX-1, which I had settled on due to eye box, eye relief and price. The 3200 has very short eye relief comparatively.

This would be on my 2008 project rifle- a 243 or 308 Handi. I have a bunch of 308 stuff left over so I am leaning toward it.

I know that some are very Pro-Leupold, but does anyone have a qualified answer? Namely, "why" would you pick Leupold over Bushnell 3200? (the Buckmaster is a dark horse, by the way).

This is a variation on the age old $200 price point scope question, but if you could get one for 1/2 price.........

demented · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2007, 06:48:22 PM »

This is second hand info only so you know about what its worth....From all I hear the 3200 is not a bad scope. From what I hear the VX-1 is not a great scope. You might do just as well with the Bushnell as with the Leupold. And just in case someone thinks I'm biased, Leupolds are the only brand I've bought new in the past 20 years.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2007, 07:15:09 PM »

I'll give you an alternative to think about. I've got 4 VX-1s, two 2-7x, one 3-9x and a 4-12x, also have two 2-7x32 Bushnell Legends, I doubt I'll be buying any more VX-1s, I bought both Legends since I bought a VX-1, I really like the Legends if that tells ya anything, they're a step below the 3200, but have more eye relief. They're both great scopes, the Legend has 3.75" on 7x and 4.5" on 2x, even tho their spec is less, that's what it actually measures, and 91% light transmission, the VX-1 is slightly less critical as far as the eye box, but has less eye relief at 4.2" on 7x and about the same on 2x at 3.7", but not enough to worry about IMO, and the Legend only costs $120 at Midsouth. Both can be mounted on a Handi in Low Leupold PRWs without modifiying the hammer, with the edge going to the Leupold for clearance.

Tim

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=00027752732M

bluebayou · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2007, 08:14:37 PM »

actually, I have 5-15 Legend on a .22 bolt rifle right now and think that it is fantastic

I assumed that the the 3200 was better with Japanese versus Philippine construction. I could get some good rings like the PRW's or Burris Sig's and still be less than the VX-1. Back to studying.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2007, 09:04:52 PM »

Well...I am pro-Leupold...I am also now Pro-Nikon...In the past month...much to the dis-pleasure of those working at the gun counter of Cabela's here...I have looked thru the majority of their stock they have out...From the highest priced Swarvoski's and Zeiss..to their own Cabela's line...and those even cheaper...just to see how things stacked up...against each of my favorites...I have walked away much poorer...but more enlightened..

As far as the 3200's...I wouldn't own one of them if they were given to me...I would sell it and buy a different scope...There are many people who swear by them..but I am not one of them...I have compared the Elite 4200's down thru the Banner lines...and honestly...I am not the least bit impressed with what I have seen of them..They may be great scopes for many...but..I don't care for my sight picture thru them..To me...they are blocky around the ocular both in design and in the sight picture given..and are no way as bright & clear and some cheaper scopes I looked thru...

The VX-1 Leupold is a fine scope..It has one of the best non-critical eye reliefs (side to side ) of any scope Cabela's had to offer under $200.00..where it falls short is in many folks eyes is that it has friction rings instead of positive click detentes on the adjustment knobs...It's is more difficult to make any adjustments too..and you have to have good light when setting it...after that...it is of a mind thing than a real deterrent...because I have never had one move out of adjustment with my most heaviest of recoiling rifles..

Another player at a cheaper retail price there...would be the Nikon Pro-Staff...I bought one a straight 4x one this afternoon.....but found out the parallax is set at 50 yards and it was meant for a rim fire...The il-formed gentleman at the counter said it would work for my 45-70 which I had intended to use it on...and being in a hurry didn't question him...since the eye relief on this scope was measured on my eye at 6-1/2"...it was super bright & clear...After consulting with a few fine guys about it...and checking it out completely thought the better of it and took it back for exchange...While there...I looked thru a model suggested to me...and viewed a 2-7 model...I found it exceptional bright & clear...same for their 3x9 model...These scopes...every one of them gave me much more eye relief than what the spec's call for...each coming in at 6" for the lower powers..and 5" at the higher.As I stated about the Leupold's having the best "box" side to side...it is true...but these scopes weren't near as critical as what previous models of Nikon's have been...and still offer excellent usability and a good value for their lower line of scopes..

I know there are "cheaper" scopes on the market that many people use and enjoy...I am only basing this on what I have seen over the past couple of months...and after looking thru about 80 different scopes at the store...The unique thing about Cabela's is they have so many great things to view thru the scopes there...All sizes of animals to look at and to judge the picture on...Granted...it is still inside a store...and nothing can beat looking thru them outside in natural light...but...still...it helped me to be able to pick what I consider some very good glass...with out bankrupting me along the way...

So...what should you do...well...get to where you can look thru them and see which looks best before settling on any of them...even if you have to drive some place and look...You have to decide which scope gives you the best sight picture...Namely because everybody has different vision...What looks bright and clear to some...is very dark and muddy to others...This I know for a fact..You may like what you see thru a 3200...then again...you may not...same for my choices...

Right now...knowing what I do...I say go with a scope from Nikon...especially one of the newer ones...they offer a clearer brighter site picture and have better total eye relief than the Leupold...They have a lifetime warranty...even if bought used per their own warranty card...and the 2x7 Pro Staff's $50.00 cheaper..or wait for the Buckmasters...which are a few dollars more than the Leupolds...

Mac

cwlongshot · « **Reply #5 on:** September 16, 2007, 01:42:03 AM »

Mac has given you some great advice. Everyone is different and every-one's eyes are different. Not to mention everyone is different in what they will accept or live with.

I have owned most brands. Being from the selling side of the counter, have mounted/used and spoken to countless thousands of customers and manufacturers reps about scopes. Leupold is my top choice.

Like Mac, I too have recently bought a 2X7 Nikon Pro staff. It is a nice scope that appears to be a quality piece and so far I am happy with it. But it does have a good portion of that "thick" ring when you look thru it. Not as bad as the 3200, but you still know your looking thru a tube. Unlike the Leupold VX line on up. the Leupold Rifleman is a lesser quality scope that also has this unfavorable view.

I will throw out another manufacturer for you to ponder. PENTAX Game Seeker scopes. I bought one as a cheap second for a project gun. Turns out I like is MUCH better than any other scope I have ever used in the under 200 price range!! Its bright and clear with nice repeatable adjustments, FINGER ADJ, I'll add!! Surprisingly, you look thru and there is what your looking at, no appearance of looking thru a tube, just nice crisp and clear image. Best bet the 4X can be had brandy new for $79.99!! It fits nicely in Leupold PRW LO rings too!! I almost forgot, you get a neat ballistic reticule with the GameSeeker as well!! Midway has them.

I just took the plunge again with PENTAX, I ordered a fixed 6X to try on another Handi!!

Here is a couple pix of the PENTAX 4X32:

BTW, Mac,
I have a couple 50yard parallax scopes on my Handi's. the parallax says nothing about the strength of the scope. Its merely set up for shorter range firearms and the largest selling shorter range firearm is a .22/rim-fire. I have a number of "22/shotgun/Muzzle-loader" parallax scopes on large calibers. My 45-70, 357Maxi and both 12 & 20 Ultra Handi's wear or have worn, Leupold VXII "shotgun" scopes. Whose parallax is set for 50-75 yards. My 357 Maxi now wears that Pentax!!

CW

Inrut24/7 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 16, 2007, 01:44:30 AM »

You might want to check out sightron scopes, I dont personally own one, but everyone i know who does loves them.

McLernon · « **Reply #7 on:** September 16, 2007, 04:23:21 AM »

I have two 3200's and they are both good scopes. I am not sure that the VX-1's are any better at all just higher priced.

Mc

MS Mule · « **Reply #8 on:** September 16, 2007, 04:36:39 AM »

I have a 3200 on my 30/06 Handi and am well satisfied with it. However, I did have to use high rings to get it to clear the hammer as opposed to medium rings to mount a Nikon 3-9X40 Monarch on another Handi. You might not have to go to high rings depending on where you position the scope.

Graybeard · « **Reply #9 on:** September 16, 2007, 04:53:24 AM »

I don't think there is enough difference between the VX-1 and E3200 to worry about. Eye relief really is about it. BUT you are NOT gonna find a VX-1 for $169 unless it's used. Even the Rifleman which is a lesser scope than the VX-1 goes for more than that.

Dave Allen · « **Reply #10 on:** September 16, 2007, 05:41:19 AM »

hello..i agree with mac's comment's 100%...i use the cabela's in boise for most of my recent scope purchase's...i have bought five scope's there this year...three nikon's a leapold & a burris..for the same reason's mac noted...it's really nice to swing a scope around & look at a mounted animal on the wall...i can also compare how the crosshair's look against fur...anyway to answer your question i had a 3200 on a handi last winter...the scope was o.k. i didn't like the eye relief & sold it...of the two you mentioned i would get the vx-1...now i will tell ya i'm leaning more & more to nikon scope's i think there buckmaster line offer's a excellant scope for it's price range...the eye relief is good..glass is clearer than a vx-1..& i really like there crosshair's..to my eye's there a tad thicker than other scope's.."but" not to thick...i hope this help's..

Mac11700 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 16, 2007, 05:45:41 AM »

CW...

I was impressed with the Pro Staffs I handled...The ones I looked thru..had none of the thick ocular ring usually associated with some of the lesser brands,which really surprised me...but the fact of actually having 6-1/2" eye relief..and the scope being superbly bright and clear impressed me even more..If the Pentax scopes are built as well or better for less money..that will be saying a lot..As too these scopes durability...I can't say...and to use a old saying...The proof is in the shooting...I will soon see how well these do...I had 1 bad experience in my life with a Nikon due to it's short eye relief...and still bear the scar from that incident...Up till recently...I was very hesitant to even use one...These no longer appear to have that issue..These are the new and improved models...which have increased light transmission and eye relief..I can say Cabela's has been excellent in dealing with...and for my troubles discounted the Omega BDC substantially for the mix up...so this is 2 times I have come out on top...since they provided a substantial savings on both the 6x18 AO VX-II last week...and now the Omega BDC250 this week...Excellent service for a brick & mortar store...After hunting season...I will search out both the Pentax & Pro Staff 4x scopes..and try them on my heavy kickers and see if they hold up...I just didn't want to take any chances this close to hunting season...

Mac

cwlongshot · « **Reply #12 on:** September 16, 2007, 01:57:30 PM »

MAC,
I hear ya, better to be safe as they say!!

I don't know if the Pentax is really better as a sum total product. But I like what I see. It has impressed me enough to buy a second one! I ordered a 6X42 for the 280 barrel I am buying from Ditchdigger!! Your absolutely correct, time will tell and the cream rises to the top. So we shall see.

I have done this all before, some ten to fifteen years back. I didnt find anything great untill I bought a Leupold. Nothing compaired in my eyes. This is how I became such a staunch Leupold supporter!!! I HAD to see if things had improved any!!

Sorry to hear about the scope ring... I have had a couple close, "kisses". But no blood.

In about 1983 or so, I bought a Browning BLR in 358 Win. with a M8 3X Leupold scope on it. My pop shot that BLR twice. First time was at the range on initial sight in. He got a good scar from the very first shot he took. He swore he would never shoot that "blunderbuss" again. Well, some 7-8 years later, we where walking out of the woods, I was dragging a deer, he had shot.(That's what he brought me hear for, to hear him tell it.) Well, he carried his unloaded gun diagonally across his back, as his tag was filled. But he was carrying mine. Wouldnt ya know it, aout walked a good buck, right in-front of us and he just HAD to fill my tag too...

Yup, that was the second time he cut his head with my rifle, but this time he got a buck!

No cushion at all on that old M8, just a metal edge .

CW

bluebayou · « **Reply #13 on:** September 16, 2007, 04:16:46 PM »

Too me, there is only marginal difference between the Pro Staff and the Buckmaster, the Buckmaster having less glare on the ocular lens.
I will try to find a 2-7 in a store to look through. The 4x Pro Staff that we sell is okay, but no big whoop.

The 2-7 VX-1 is $169 at Grafs. For apples to apples comparision, the 3-9 VX-1 is $182 at Grafs. The guy has a 3-9 Elite 3200 that he wants to sell, so that is why the question. My preference is for a 2-7 with its smaller objective.

benderboy77 · « **Reply #14 on:** September 16, 2007, 04:25:56 PM »

There is still some discontinued Nikon Monarchs out there that can be had for 199 for the 3-9x40. Regular prices were 250-300. 95 percent light transmission and is the same glass used in the updated 2007 Monarchs.

Best deal out there.

Dave Allen · « **Reply #15 on:** September 16, 2007, 04:32:35 PM »

benderboy...maybe you might give a guy a tip...if you know...where these discontinued monarch's might be had ?? i did notice somewhere that nikon changed these...i never thought about the old one's still maybe being out there...thank's...

benderboy77 · « **Reply #16 on:** September 16, 2007, 04:35:59 PM »

natchez shooting supply or www.natchezss.com

Dave Allen · « **Reply #17 on:** September 16, 2007, 04:45:35 PM »

benderboy...thank's for the link to natchezz...that's some pretty good price's...

bluebayou · « **Reply #18 on:** September 16, 2007, 05:15:05 PM »

ARRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH

now it is more complicated, thanks for the tip there, benderboy

Mac11700 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 16, 2007, 07:15:13 PM »

Quote

Too me, there is only marginal difference between the Pro Staff and the Buckmaster, the Buckmaster having less glare on the ocular lens

.

Just make sure you are looking at both of the improved models for comparison...not early last years stock...There is a huge difference in all of Nikon's glass...I took a older Buckmaster back and exchanged it...when I realized what I had an old style on my birthday...http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,125652.msg1098445337.html#msg1098445337...While the new Buckmasters don't compare to the 2007 VX-II's...the older Monarchs do come close...and the new Monarchs exceed them greatly...from what I have been told...and they are more in line with some of the Zeiss scopes...for clarity...

Mac

bluebayou · « **Reply #20 on:** September 17, 2007, 07:16:34 AM »

I couldn't stand it.

I got last year's Monarch. What a great price. I remember liking the Monarch more than my VX-2 at the time, but I was also mad because it had failed and was boxed up to go back to Oregon.

I bought the straight 4 power model because that was my price to buy. I've never had a fixed power scope, but I think that it will be a KISS kind of thing for my son later too.

We will see, thanks to Mac, Bender, et al.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 17, 2007, 07:27:37 AM »

Good going...they are excellent scopes...and at a good price too...

Mac

bluebayou · « **Reply #22 on:** September 20, 2007, 01:50:27 PM »

I ordered the scope on Monday and got it today.

Whoever doesn't have a Monarch should REALLY take a look at them. Especially if you can find one on clearance somewhere. WOW. This 4x40 has a LOT of eye relief and I would agree with Mac, it is not quite VX-2, but it is darn close.

Thanks again to everyone, this is a fantastic value.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #23 on:** September 20, 2007, 02:10:49 PM »

Good to hear Blue!!

I have one Monarch. its a 6X18 I think.... Its a nice scope, I bought it used on a whim as the price was too good to refuse. Its on my 17HMR barrel.

I also got the Pentax 6X42 I ordered last week end. it also looks great. I put it on my Hornet and swapped the 3x9 VXII Leupold that was there to my .223 Ultra. That way the 2X7 VXII Leupold that was on that could go on my new 280 barrel I am buying from DitchDigger!!! I play this scope roulette at least once a year!!

CW

Dave Allen · « **Reply #24 on:** September 20, 2007, 03:02:29 PM »

bluebayou...thank's for the update...i will watch & hope they don't run out of these monarch's...i spent my scope money i had planned for a 257 robert's... on a 280..handi..last weekend...what's a guy to do...

bluebayou · « **Reply #25 on:** September 20, 2007, 04:11:17 PM »

Choices
Choices
Choices

Swampman · « **Reply #26 on:** September 20, 2007, 04:28:14 PM »

The 3200 is much better than any Leupold, and pretty much anything else on the market right now.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #27 on:** September 20, 2007, 04:30:42 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on September 20, 2007, 04:28:14 PM

The 3200 is much better than any Leupold.

WOW, now there is a miss-informed user!!

Dem's fightin' words there pilgrim...

CW

Swampman · « **Reply #28 on:** September 20, 2007, 04:36:24 PM »

I just replaced a Leupold VX-1 with a 3200. I used Leupolds only for about 30 years. I've tried and compared them all pretty much. When you look through a Leupold you just wonder who turned out the lights?

If you haven't looked through a 3200 or 4200 lately you really should.

Right now you get a free $125.00 rain jacket when you buy one.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #29 on:** September 20, 2007, 05:25:53 PM »

Swamp man,
Your comparing Bushnell's #2 scope to a Leupold#6 scope. The VXI is one above the BOTTOM of the Leupold line.

I have owned a couple 3200's and they are OK. Arguably on par with a VXI. But you cannot only look at price with out seeing what your getting. Bushnell's warranty doesn't hold a candle to Leupold's. Leupold's CS is beyond top notch. It also carries over to ANYONE who owns the scope and that's forever. Bushnell wont do that.

I only mentioned this because of your first comment. "The 3200 is much better than any Leupold" That's just not so...

Its really nice that we have the choices that we do!! Enjoy your Bushnell, its a very good scope. I hope it provides you with years of reliable service.

I'll use and buy other scopes, but when the chips are down and its a MUST work or else situation, I'm putin' my faith in Leupold.

CW