What would be the better scope for a Ruger 204 varmit rifle.

Bushnell 3200 5X15 40 or
Burris Fullfield II 4.5X14 42

They both are in the same ballpark for what I want to spend. Or do you have a different suggestion.

BigB

I have both and prefer the Fullfield II, better glass IMO. Less haze at the extreme edges, much brighter. Both have good clarity but the Burris still manages to edge out the 3200. These are both 3-9x40's though.

I am assuming by the choices that your budget is in the $350 to $380 range. Although both scopes are fine for what you want to do but if I were you, I'd look hard at the Nikon Monarch 4-16x42 for another $50 to $80 over the two scopes you mentioned.

It will be the best $80 you'd spend on something that will serve you for years and years.

If you are very strict on your budget then look into the Nikon Buckmaster series 4.5-14x40 which has the same performance as your two choices for around $300.

Thanks for the info.

Was looking at a Natchez catalog and they had refurbished Nikon scopes for sale. I have often wondered why would so many "refurbished" scopes be available? I mean it is not like they have one or two.

BigB

Both the 3200 line and Fullfield II's are good scopes. If Bushnell had the Fullfield BP reticles in them, it would be a no-brainer or at best a toss-up! The Burris BP is scary accurate with it's chart for the different chamberings! I've tested them on .204's thru 300WSM's using factory stuff and also handloads and that reticle works! Step up to the Nikons and get the "nikoplex" reticle(leave the "Nikon BDC" reticle behind!!) and do the testing yourself. The glass in the NIKON is superior to either the 3200 or the Fullfield......clarity, sharpness and light gathering. I sell them all, I shoot them all and Nikon is the best kept secret in optics out there!! (Now if Nikon could get that darn BP reticle adapted to their scopes rather than that obtrusive "circle" they call BDC) GHD

BigB,

If I am not mistaken, Nikon requires all scopes that have been returned for ANY reason to go back to the factory and are sold as refurbs. I have heard that it also includes samples etc.

The pros maybe able to shed some light on it but that is what I heard from two different sources about Nikon's policy.

I have a 3200 in 5x15. Great scope as bright as I need it to be. I have not compared it to a burris. But it is nearly as bright as my leupold VXIII 6.5x20. I am very happy with the 3200. Probable more scope than I need on a 17 HMR but the price was right.

Thanks for all the help. For now I put a Burris Fullfield II 3X9 that was collecting dust on it to see how it shoots and to see if I like it.

I did not purchase the gun but won it at an SCI dinner so not sure if it is a keeper.

BigB

The 204 seems to shoot okay, only had one box of ammo and brass is on back order.Trigger is poor - needs work. Was not real impressed by the Burris 3X9 Fullfield II, did not seem as clear as another rifle I was shooting with a Vari X II on it. Maybe I will look at the Nikon or get a Vari X II 6-18. Or break down and spend the money on something better.

Will wait until I get the trigger done and this silly brass, primer and powder shortage allows us to buy components and go shooting.

Thanks

BigB