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Leupold VX3 vs Bushnell Elite 4200

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25 September 2010, 07:45
jamese2841
Leupold VX3 vs Bushnell Elite 4200
Please give me your thoughts on these 2.5+/- -10 X 40 scopes for use on a 300 Win. Mag. for hunting.
I am interested in the quality of the optics, how well they will hold zero, and the companies' response to customer concerns.

Any first hand knowledge will be appreciated.

jamese
25 September 2010, 18:42
jwp475
I prefer the 4200 Elite, much better optics and the adjustments are spot on


_____________________________________________________


A 9mm may expand to a larger diameter, but a 45 ain't going to shrink

Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened.
- Winston Churchill
25 September 2010, 19:36
rnovi
Flip a coin. I really like the Bushnell rainguard coatings - good stuff there. And the optics are quite nice. Field of view seemed a bit smaller but otherwise the 4200 is very good glass.

IMO, VX3 vs. 4200 vs. Euro-D = pretty much the same. Pick the one that works best with your eyes.

I do rank the Conquest as better, but I've discovered I really,really like etched reticles over wire rets.


Regards,

Robert

******************************
H4350! It stays crunchy in milk longer!
25 September 2010, 19:39
Vanderhoef
While Bushnell's Elite series are certainly better than their usual offerings they still don't compare IMO with Leupold and their reputation. I've never had a problem with a Leupold product but those that I've talked to that have give them two thumbs up in the CS category.

Leupold has always been a reliable, quality manufacturer whereas Bushnell....not so much.

Just my .02 cents

Regards,
Scott


"....but to protest against all hunting of game is a sign of softness of head, not of soundness of heart."
Theodore Roosevelt
25 September 2010, 23:02
Cane Rat
Have owned many of both, like the Elite 4200 scopes better. Don't buy many Leupolds any more, too many other choices that offer better value for the $$$, IMHO.
26 September 2010, 06:13
mike7mm08
I love the elites both the 3200 and the 4200. Glass is as good if not better than leupold. I have pounded the hell out of a 1.5 x6 on a slug gun for a few years without any issues.Only complaint I have is alot of the elite models are a little short on eye relief. While acceptable it can cause mounting issues.
26 September 2010, 07:24
jamese2841
Thank you gentlemen for your input.
I see by the specs that the Leupold is lighter and more compact but the 4200 is a fair amount cheaper.
Leupold tech guys tell me the VS3 with 1" tube is brighter than their Euro 30mm tube. Surprised me!!
My experience with Leupold has been good but the 4200 sounds impressive.

jamese
26 September 2010, 19:37
nsaqam
quote:
Originally posted by Cane Rat:
Have owned many of both, like the Elite 4200 scopes better. Don't buy many Leupolds any more, too many other choices that offer better value for the $$$, IMHO.


+1

I've been saying for several years that the 4200's are the best bang for buck scope you can buy right now.
Particularly the 3-9x40 4200 for ~$250 shipped.
09 October 2010, 06:19
MFH
Functionally, both are good. With the higher power scopes, the 4200 is lacking in adjustment range compared to the vx 3. As to customer service, leupold is very good, but bushnell is non existant. I will not buy another bushnell scope due to the lack of warranty service.

MFH
11 October 2010, 08:40
jde
Camaraland is selling the vortex viper 6.5x20x44
for $250.00 I don't have one but the shooters on sniper hide like it as a mid level scope.