OK, I went to one of those sites that has a price range search. Which would you pick out of these: Criteria was price and 3-9x40.

Leupold VX-1--------230------3-9x40
Leupold rifleman-- --220------3-9x40
Sightron S2------- --213------3-9x42
Nikon buckmaster-- -210------3-9x40
Bushnell 3200----- 199------ 3-9x40
Vortex Diamondback-190----- 3-9x40
Burris FF -----------189----- 3-9x40
Weaver V9 ----------184----- 3-9x38
Pentax Pioneer 2---175----- 3-9x40
Nikon prostaff-----160----- 3-9x40

The Bushnell Elite 3200 is the equivalent of a Leupold VX2, so it would be the winner here. Constuction and built quality of the Elite range is superb.

Warrior

If I were buying a camera, I'd gravitate toward the Nikon or Pentax.

If I were buying a toy, I'd definately go with the well-known brand of Bushnell.

Since you're looking for a rifle scope, buy the Leupold VX-I. It is by far the best value with an infallible warranty and genuinely efficient free factory service in the rare instance it is ever needed.

quote:

buy the Leupold VX-I

I handled one of those new luepold/Redfield scopes. You might check one out

the nikon, or spend the money and get a zeiss

Leupold.

You can get a Leupold VX-II for $269 including shipping if you look around. I got one last week on Ebay for $259. I think its worth paying an extra $40 to step up from the VX-I.

I'll follow along with the recommendations of Leupold.

I've heard a lot of good things about the Redfield line.

I bought a 3-9 this fall from Doug at Cameraland. He had Pentax Pioneers for $89. If I remember right he received a few leftovers at the SHOT show and selling them at $129.

Sightron SII
Burris, if you don't mind rotating eyepiece
Vortex
Buckmaster
Leupold and spinoffs are the last I'd choose.
You know it's subpar optics and going for a ride back to Oregon before you even buy it.

You can still get a Nikon Monarch (Team Primos) 3-9x40 for $200. There aren't a lot left out there, but they can be found.

From your list, I would choose the SII next.

I have both.

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by JD Miller:

quote:

buy the Leupold VX-I

I handled one of those new luepold/Redfield scopes. You might check one out

another vote for the leupold VX-I, its much brighter and has better range of focus than the bushnell 3200 I have.

Vortex.

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek:

Since you're looking for a rifle scope, buy the Leupold VX-I. It is by far the best value with an infallible warranty and genuinely efficient free factory service in the rare instance it is ever needed.

quote:

Originally posted by MThuntr:

I've heard a lot of good things about the Redfield line.

I like mine. I LOVE the rainguard coatings of the Bushnell elite. It works! Works good enough for Leupold to plagiarize it in their more expensive scopes. But the Redfield beats the Bushnell for eye relief and warranty. Overall construction too. I believe the Redfield is a bit lighter. Great value for some very good optics. To me, the Redfields are the modern day equivalent of the old Weaver steel tubes. Nothing to justify snobbery, just a great value on a very serviceable scope.