Author Topic: Buckmaster or 3200 (Read 666 times)

pigboy · « **on:** July 21, 2004, 02:38:31 AM »

I did own 2 Nikon Buckmaster scopes and was very pleased with them. I recently sold the guns and the buyer talked me into selling the scopes with them. I have new guns and was going to buy new Buckmaster scopes, but I have read so much good about the 3200 that I thought I should give them a try. I am looking at the 3X9X40 scopes. Also the Nikon Monarch 6X42 has caught my eye but it is at the upper end of my price range. I have read most of the comparisons in this forum, but I have not seen a comparison between the Buckmaster and the 3200.

Thanks for any comments. If there are other scopes in the $200 price range that I should be looking at, please let me know.

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2004, 02:49:20 AM »

First off, WELCOME TO GRAYBEARDOUTDOORS!

The Nikon Buckmaster is a direct comparison with the Elite 3200, with the only real difference being that the 3200 has rainguard. Both are very good scopes for the money, but, if I had to choose between the two, I would pick the 3200.

As far as the Nikon Monarch is concerned, I own several and have never had any problems with them. In fact, I'm going to get another Monarch 3x-9x-40mm for my new Tikka T3 in 6.5x55. However, keep in mind that the Monarch should be compared to the Elite 4200. As such, you really can't compare the Monarch to the 3200 because the Monarch just has better optics. However, I would think that a fixed Monarch would only be a bit more than a variable 3200. I don't know by how much, but I'd go to theopticzone.com and check their prices - that's where I buy most of my scopes from since they are one of our sponsors, and also because they have some of the lowest prices around. Heck, I used to buy scopes from there even before they were sponsors of ours because their prices and service was excellent.

In the $200 price range you are talking about, it's hard to beat an Elite 3200. If you can spend a little bit more, then get the Monarch.

Zachary

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2004, 03:16:18 AM »

Personally they are both very close. Like Zachary said, the basic difference is the rainguard on the Elite 3200. Both of them would suit your needs and you should be happy with either one. Take a look at the specs of both, such as the eye relief, FOV, etc. Maybe you will see something in one that you like more. This may help you make your decision.

Zachary · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2004, 03:34:48 AM »

Actually that's very true too. Some people tend to favor FOV over eye relief, and vice versa.

Steelhead · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2004, 03:40:51 AM »

I LIKE the 6x Nikon Monarch, that would certainly be my first choice.

But since you like the Buckmaster and have owned a few, I would stick with what you know, unless of course you could come up with a few more $$$ for the 6x Monarch.

P.S. Last time I was in Ft. Smith was right after the big tornado, I think it was around 19 March 1993, quite a mess. Hope you haven't had anymore since.

pigboy · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2004, 08:55:15 AM »

Thanks for the info guys. I might buy one of each. And I am pretty sure I am going to get the Monarch 6x also. I have three barrels with no scopes right now.

Steelhead no more tornadoes here since the ones you mentioned. I did not live here at that time.

azshooter · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2004, 11:58:23 AM »

I own both in 3x9x40 and would say go with the 3200. I was going to buy another Buckmaster for my new Ruger M77 and had the chance to compare the two side by side. The 3200 is the better of the two. If you have a dealer with both do a side by side compare for yourself.

goose7856 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2004, 05:37:50 PM »

Another option for you may be Swift scopes. They may not be marketed as heavily as the nikon or bushnell's, but they are FINE, scopessss. For the price you are talking about I would go with a swift. You could probably get a 3.5x10 for about $150, and the ruggedness, and clarity would be very similar to both the scopes mentioned. I just bought the Nikon Buckmaster 4-12x50 AO, and prefer the Nikon Brand over Bushnell, but that is just my opinion.

Just my 2 cents!!!!!!!!!!