Variable Power Scopes - Burris, Bushnell Weaver?

[1187VX2]

I'm finding the Bushnell elite vrs. trophy post interesting but it has led me to other questions & I don't want to derail that one.

I also have a 2-6 Trophy.  It is Ok, but I can't say I'm impressed with it.  It is way better than a Simmons variable I had a few years ago, but it doesn't seem very forgiving for head position when compared to say a Leupold 2x.   And I guess that is my main beef with the Trophy is that it just isn't as easy to use as the Leupold.  At the range it's not too big a deal, but with deer hunting, time can be quite critical.

Anyway, are all variables harder to use than fixed powered scopes (I am assuming the variable is on 2X)?

Also, how do the Weaver variable power models stack up with the Bushnell & Burris scopes?

I haven't mentioned the Leupold variables because I just can't see dropping $300 on one, but are they considered the 'Best' or just overpriced?

And finally, are the Nikons worth dealing with (I hear warranty is an issue with them)?

Thanks.

[Redhawk1]

I find it totally different, I am a Leupold fan big time, but I find my Bushnell Trophy 2X6 a lot more user friendly than the Leupold 2 X. I have A Bushnell Trophy on my S&W 460 Mag, I have a Bushnell Elite 2X6 on my 308 Encore barrel and a Leupold 2X on my BFR in 45-70. The Leupold gives me black out a lot easier than either of my Bushnell's.

I had a Weaver variable scope and it was not a bad scope at all, I have also had the Burris handgun scopes but I do not care for them at all.

[southernutah]

I haven't had much experience with pistol scopes as most of my hunting is with rifles. I have used the Weaver and T/C shock proof on the T/C pistols I have. It seems the T/C scope has a bigger field and is a little easier to find target. i also like the lighted reticle the T/c has.

[xphunter]

2-7 or 3-12 Burris LER's are by far my favorite scopes.

[Catfish]

I use both the 2X scope and the 2 1/2 x 8 Leupold's. I have the variables on an Encore in .357 max. with a 15 in barrel. You do not shoot this gun off handed. It also wears a by-pod and is an excellent deer gun when hunting from a ground stand, or any stand with a rest. I also have a 2 1/2 x 8 on a Striker in .243 cal., another gun I shoot from a rest. For a walk around gun I shoot ether iron sights or the 2X Leupold's. I have had 5 Burris scopes, all variable, and 4 out of the 5 were junk. The only way I got the good 1 was it was on my .500 S&W when I bought it, I won`t buy them again.

[Lone Star]

I prefer the Burris 2x7 in variables, I own several.  The 10-year-old Simmons 2x7 holds up well, but it is toy-like compared to Leupold or Burris.  The older Burris scopes were not impressive to me - too long and heavy.  Current designs are as good as the Leupold IMO but more affordable.


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[Grumulkin]

I haven't mentioned the Leupold variables because I just can't see dropping $300 on one, but are they considered the 'Best' or just overpriced?

Well, I consider them the best.  If you get one for $300, you've gotten a very fair deal.  For a handgun scope, I want something that will take a lot of recoil and not let me down when it counts.

A Klipspringer taken at 180 yards with a 460 S&W Magnum topped with a Leupold 2.5-8X handgun scope.

[Grumulkin]

Oh, and I had a Bushnell Trophy that broke on a handgun and Bushnell wouldn't honor their warranty.  Buy something good once or something not so good several times.

[Redhawk1]

The Leupold 2.5-8X handgun scope in my opinion is the best Handgun scope you can buy.

[irold]

I'd probably agree the Leo is the best scope.....for around 400 , it should be !  I can't afford that kind of prices , most of my scopes are Bushnell Trophy ,  I do have a Burris 2X , and a Weaver 2X also.....Personally the Weaver 2X is better for me than the Burris ,  It seems clear and sharp , its on a 10" ,  44 Contender.  It seems to be holding up pretty good ( so far ).  For the money I like the Bushy Trophy 2-6X , I once had one on an Encore in 460 Mag.....That was a real test , it survived about 500 rounds , then I took it off and put it on a 357 Max ,  now it lives on a 14", 22lr.  It deserves the rest !  Only my opinion !

[Pinkerton]

Gotta agree with irold, I've had one leupold 2x I bought in the mid 80's I went back to iron sights. I've never had another, and while I'm sure the 2-8 is a wonderful scope, I'm not gonna spend the kind of money they want for one when I've had good luck with alot of less expensive scopes, I've had a 1.5-4x tasco that has held up to some hard kicking JDJ's that is till going strong (about $73 bucks) , I've got 2 bushnells, one 3200, one trophy, a burris 3-9, TC 2.5-7, nikon 2x and the above mentioned tasco, all at alot less then the leupold that have given me no trouble. I just can't justify the cost.

Update: just did a price check at midway $499.99 (sticker shock!!!!)

[DonL100]

I hope I'm not barging in here but I thought I try and put my 2 cents in. I'm a Leupold fan and have a lot of their scopes. I put a 4X on my 30 Herrett 30 years ago and it was OK at that time. Last year I dug up a 357 Herrett barrel for elk hunting but didn't want to spend  ALL my retirement money on a scope. I checked around and Midway had a sale on TC variable scopes (2.5X7). I took a chance and boy did luck out. It's clear, holds it's zero when changing power and can take the 357 Herrett pounding. My cow elk went down at 150 yrds with one shot. I'm getting one for my .30. Thanks, DonL

[barber]

DonL100     I have 2 TC 21/2x7  'scopes, one on a TC ,223. and one nib. I have trouble seeing thru the 'scope at  6 or 7 power.like it blacks out something. Have you had this problem? Other than that, it's a great 'scope.