Author Topic: Browning Scopes (Read 649 times)

ORsouthpaw · « **on:** February 21, 2005, 08:20:16 AM »

Has anyone had any experience with these scopes? I found one on sale this weekend (a 3-9x40mm) and was wondering about it. They say that they have 94% light transmission, multicoated lenses, waterproof/fogproof and decent eye relief. My hang up was on the warranty but after looking at owners manual they also have a lifetime warranty. Has anyone heard any negetives on these things? Does anyone know who makes them for Browning?

Will_C · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2005, 09:00:29 AM »

I believe ther are a Bushnell 3200. I checked specs once and they were identical.
Will

Zachary · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2005, 03:45:40 PM »

If memory serves me correct, I think you are right.

As such, I don't see why people wouldn't just get an Elite 3200, unless they like the looks of the Browning scope.

Zachary

ORsouthpaw · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2005, 04:06:22 PM »

Actualy I found out a little more. You guys are right in that they are basically Elite 3200 bodies except they use the fully multicoated glass of the Elite 4200's but w/o the Rainguard. The price that I found was only 189.99 so it seems like a pretty good scope for the money especially when you think about it compared to the regular Elite 4200 or compare it to others in the <200.00 price range. Thanks for replies!

Zachary · « **Reply #4 on:** February 21, 2005, 05:34:21 PM »

I wonder how much the Rainguard process adds to the price of the scope.

Zachary

ORsouthpaw · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2005, 07:47:16 AM »

Zachery-I'm not exactly sure, but the Elite 4200's in 2.5-10 x 40mm go for 398.99 where as the Browning 3-9 x 40mm goes for 249.99 so I'm guessing 149.00 bucks? It's hard to say for sure because you have to factor in the magnification differences as well. If the info that I heard is correct and the Brownings do in fact carry the 4200's glass they may be one of the best deals around. I know when I went and looked at them they were at least comparable to the VXII's, Buckmasters, and Burris Full Fields that I viewed.

Zachary · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2005, 09:18:02 AM »

A $149.00 is a big difference - something's not right. I agree with your spotting the magnification difference, but 2.5x-10x to 3x-9x is not a big deal, and I really don't think that rainguard, just itself, is a $150 product. Look at the Elite 3200s - they have rainguard and a 3x-9x-40mm Elite 3200 (which has rainguard) costs about $180 or so, so the scope, without rainguard, can't cost only $40.

There has to be something different about the Browning scopes, and you said something that makes sense. Given that you said that the Browning scopes are comparable to the VX-IIs and Buckmasters, and that the Elite 3200 is comparable to those, then I honestly think that the Browning scopes, contrary to what has been said, actually have 3200 glass - and without the rainguard.

Zachary

Zachary · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2005, 09:22:56 AM »

I just did a little research on the web and found out that the Browning scopes's light transmission is between the 3200 and 4200 (although closer to the 4200). So then it appears that Bushnell may have made glass just for the Browning scopes.

Zachary

ORsouthpaw · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2005, 12:35:06 PM »

I read on another post that they list the light transmision on the Browning line at 94%, just below the Elite 4200's 95%. It is believed that this is a marketing agreement between Browning and Bushnell as to not directly compete with each other even though they're manufactured in the same plant. This would explain why the Browning is either a scaled down 4200 or a beefed up 3200. Then again you maybe right in that the Browning's are really only Elite 3200's w/o the raingaurd and the price difference is in the Buckmark logo on the cap. I would hope not but you never know. The other thought is that Browning's are based on the original Bausch and Lomb line.
It's hard to say because they just haven't been out long enough for everyone to get the juicy gossip flowing. Thanks

glazer1972 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 22, 2005, 03:30:45 PM »

I am not sure what to think about them. What would happen to the warranty if browning gets out of the optics business.

Zachary · « **Reply #10 on:** February 23, 2005, 03:24:33 AM »

I'm sure Browning has some kind of warranty, but when the Elites have such a great and reputable customer service and warranty (like Leupold's) then I wouldn't take a chance on them - I would rather buy from Bushnell.

Zachary