[yzguy]

I am about to get a savage FP10 .308 and a scope with it. I had decided on the Leupold for price warranty and all in all good reputation. When I called my dealer to get a price on the package deal, he mentioned the Bushnell that others thought was a better scope for about the same money.

Anyone have any opinions about this?

http://www.leupold.com/products/Scopes.asp
http://www.bushnell.com/productinfo/riflescopes/elite3200.html

[yzguy]

also does anyone know if the Bushnell will let you "focus" the reticle to match the distance? (I think this is adjusting the reticle for Parallax error?? It says it does that...)

[swifter]

The Leupold VX1 is their entry-level scope, with no adjustable objective. You adjust the reticle focus on the ocular end, BTW, the AO adjusts parallax. I have a VX-1 4-12 scope, it is not as good as the 4-12 Swift I have for a lot less money.
I prefer the B&L/Bushnell scopes over the Leupolds on the higher end scopes. FWIW...:D
Tom

[Swamp Yankee]

The Bushnell Elite series are indeed very well made and quality scopes. I have several ranging from 3-9X40 to 6-24X40 and have never had an issue with any of them.
The dealer is telling you straight. The Elite is an excellent scope at that price point. Another alternative in the same price range would be a Nikon Buckmaster 4-14X40. I have one of these and find it, like all Nikon scopes to be top notch.
Bushnell, Nikon, and Leupold all offer pretty much the same transferable warranty, though they all make excellent products and I doubt you would ever need it, but it's nice to know it's there.
Take Care

[Intune]

I went with the Bushnell 4200 and am very happy with it.

[diyj98]

I've got a couple Elite 3200's and one 4200. They are great scopes. I don't know if I'd call them better than my Leupolds, but they are very good. I haven't had the Elites as long or as in hard weather conditons as I have my Leupolds. I have a couple of Leupolds I've carried through rain, snow, etc. for a number of years.

[yzguy]

I've got a couple Elite 3200's and one 4200. They are great scopes. I don't know if I'd call them better than my Leupolds, but they are very good. I haven't had the Elites as long or as in hard weather conditons as I have my Leupolds. I have a couple of Leupolds I've carried through rain, snow, etc. for a number of years
I did not mean to ask if the Elite 3200's were better than Leupolds in general (of course a $600 Leupold is going to be better) but that if it is better than THAT Leupold. That is if the higher end Bushnell is as good as or better than the entry level Leupold (same price range).

looking for best for the $$ (who isn't....)

right now I think I'm going to get the Bushnell Elite 3200 5-15X40

[BHP9]

I own 9 Bushnell Elite scopes and they are in no way anywhere near the equal of Leupold scopes within the same class of scopes

Let me explain. If we are not talking entery scopes but trying to compare apples to apples the B&L takes a back seat to the Leupold.

I have a Leupold 6x20 EE target scope. Its optics far, far, the exceed the Bushnell 4000 series of scopes. The Leupold will focus right down at close range to the markings on the collar while the B&L will not focus down to the markings registered on the scope when shooting indoors at very close range.

Indoors under indescent light (a tough test for a scope) the Bushnell 4000 image will wash out (turn white) when the scope catches the reflection of the incadescent light. The Leupold will remain bright and clear.

When viewing through both scopes when bright sunlight is reflecting off of the objective lens the B&L optics pale in comparison to the excellent Leuopold scope.

I have found the Bushnell 4000 series of scopes to be a good value for the money and they do track accurately but they are in no way in the same class as the Leupold providing we are talking similiar models such as both models being variable scopes and both having focusing collars and both having similar power (6x20 Leuopoldand 6x24 Bushnell).

In all fairness the Bushnell sells for way less money and like everything else never, ever, excpect to get something for nothing when it comes to optics. In optics you always, always get what you pay for. Pay less and you must expect less.

I would not have bought 9 Bushnell Scopes if I did not consider them a very good scope for the money but when I need the very best such as when I am in competition outdoors and absolutely when in competition indoors I use the superior Leuopold scopes.

[yzguy]

again, I fully expect the more expensive higher level leupold scopes to be better.... but the apples to apples comparison I am asking is price not level...

the top Bushnell to the entry Leupold.... same price (about) which is better? In the $200-$250 range right now I'm think the Bushnell.

I am fully aware that a more expensive scope is better, but keep in mind this will already be a huge step up for me from my ($45) 4X Simmons on my ($50) Marlin .22 lr, which I am very happy with...

[cratz2]

I have three words for you: Weaver Grand Slam

I have VariX IIs and have owned a Elite 3000 and two Nikon Monarchs. The older Monarch was very nice, the newer one was good, but not in the Grand Slam Class.

You can get the Grand Slam 3-10x40 in the $240-250 price range and in my opinion, it simply outclasses the VariX I, no question about it. It's better than my recent VariX II 6-18x40 with AO. I have two and will probably buy two more this year. Can't speak highly enough for them.

[Wildalaska]

IMHO, the cheapest leupold out there is far better than any Swift, Tasco, Nikon, Pentax, B&L, Weaver, or any of the other ones out there, no matter what the cost, except for the high end Zeiss..

Three words...quality, durability, service...

WildyagetwhatyapayforAlaska