Author Topic: Bushnell Trophy v. Weaver Grand Slam (Read 904 times)

Mainer · « **on:** January 01, 2005, 06:33:04 PM »

I am debating between a Bushnell Trophy 4-12x40 and a Weaver Grand Slam 3-10x40 for use on a New England Firearms .243 heavy barrel Handi rifle.

Use will be mostly shooting at paper targets at the local range, with deer hunting in the woods in the fall, and ocassional coyote/antelope hunting out west at moderately long range (200-300 yds).

I am debating between these two scopes because they appear to offer the best compromise between magnification/field of view/cost.

The Bushnell Trophy's FOV is 32-11" @ 100yds, cost $169.95.

The Grand Slam's FOV is 35-11.3" @ 100yds, cost $249.95.

Any feedback you may have on these scopes would be appreciated. Thanks.

goose7856 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 01, 2005, 07:27:04 PM »

Maybe throw in a Nikon Buckmaster 4-12x50. I got it for deer hunting and it has worked great on all 3 deer I killed this year.

The price is $265 at theopticzone.com

Im not sure about the field of view but it should be comparable. But out of the two you mentioned I would think the Grand Slam would be MUCH better.

For Bushnell's scope line it goes (lowest to highest):Sportsman/Sportview (something along those lines), Trophy, Legend, Elite 3200, Elite 4200.

For the Weaver's its all the K, T, and V series scopes, and then the Grand Slams. I think the grand slam would be a much better comparison to a Elite 3200/4200??!!

Hope this helps. Kind of like comparing apples and oranges with those 2 scopes.

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2005, 02:26:35 AM »

Between the 2 scopes mention, the trophy can not even compete optically with the Grand Slam. The GS is much, much better. They compare to the Nikon Monarch's, Bushnell Elite 4200's and Leupold VX-III's. So I would get the GS in a heart beat over the Trophy.

Mainer · « **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2005, 03:29:24 AM »

Thanks for the input.

Yes, I am comparing apples and oranges! :grin: I'm trying to find one scope for both medium-long-range work and for woods hunting, where 25yd shots are possible.

The bottom line is I'm trying to find a scope with the best combination of FOV and magnification (and also cost and quality).

The Bushnell Elite 4200 2.5-10X40, FOV 41.5-10.8, $329.00, may fit the bill. The Nikon Monarch 3.3-10X40AO, FOV 30.4-10.1, $335.00 also may do so.

I'd probably rule out the Nikon Buckmaster 4-12x50, FOV 25.1-8.4, simply because I don't want to go to a 50mm scope.

The Leupold VX-III 3.5-10X40AO, FOV 30.4-10.7, $459.00, might work, but it costs more than I want to spend.

rickt300 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2005, 03:47:31 AM »

For your intended purpose a 3x9 power Trophy would easily fill the bill and can be had for around 100 dollars. But the truth is the Grand Slam is a nice scope and the price you quoted is very good for that scope.

Mainer · « **Reply #5 on:** January 02, 2005, 04:19:04 AM »

I think I've narrowed it down. :grin:

Bushnell Elite 3200, 4-12x40AO, FOV 26.9-9, $239.00 (at TheOpticZone)
Upside: price, quality, range of magnification
Downside: size, slightly smaller FOV

Aforementioned Weaver Grand Slam, 3-10x40, FOV 35-11.3, $249.95 (at SWFA)
Upside: price, quality, FOV, reasonable size
Downside: slightly less magnification

Both venders need to be commended for the great prices on the above scopes!!

Mainer · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2005, 01:22:05 PM »

I just ordered the Bushnell Elite 3200, 4-12x40AO from TheOpticsZone. :grin:

I've heard nothing but good things about the Bushnell Elite 3200s, and I couldn't pass up this scope at $239.00!!

It should be able to handle anything that comes my way.

mr.frosty · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2005, 02:55:40 PM »

I have a bushnell elite 3200 3-9x40 and like it alot,but am looking
at a either leupold rifleman or a bushnell elite in 4-12x40 so far i am leaning more toward the leupold right now for clarity.

marylandeer · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2005, 03:16:16 PM »

I have a Grand Slam 3-10x40 and it's a great scope very clear and bright. I have it on a .30-06 Tikka t3 very accurate and tracking is perfect. Took 3 deer this year so far. I can't comment on the Bushnell don't have one.

Mainer · « **Reply #9 on:** January 03, 2005, 04:37:22 PM »

Frosty:

Leupold has a great reputation, but the FOV @ 100 yds on the 4-12x40 Rifleman is only 19.9'-9.4' versus a FOV of 26.9'-9' for the Elite 3200 4-12x40AO.

Just my thoughts. :wink:

goose7856 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 03, 2005, 04:58:04 PM »

im JW but Mainer, why do you care so much about FOV??

I THINK I would be able to tell the diff. b/t 19 and 26 ft., but idc if its 24 or 27 ft., i would rather have a smaller fov and have better coatings/more durable...just my .02

Mainer · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2005, 02:49:06 PM »

The reason I'm so carried away about the FOV thing is that I intend to use the same gun and scope for shooting antelope in wide open country out West (FOV not critical) and for woods hunting in Maine, where short 20-40yd shots are entirely possible (FOV critical).

If I were just woods hunting in Maine, I'd go for open sights or a 4x or 2-7x scope. However, I'm trying to put together one caliber/rifle/scope to cover most of my needs.

I might have forgotten that others are trying assemble gun/scope combinations for other purposes.