Nikon 3-9x40 or Leupold FX 6x36

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rjk2475

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wanting to replace my vintage Redfield 3-9 on my Rem mdl 725 30-06(not used in years); $150 for the Nikon; $200 for the Leupold. Opinions please.
 
At those price points the Leupold is the better scope but I'd keep looking. I like a 3-9X40 or something close much more than a fixed power scope and decent optics start with a MSRP of around $200. Unless it is used, or discounted a $150 scope isn't something I'd trust.

Years ago variables were enough less reliable to consider a fixed power scope, but the difference today is pretty insignificant. Where I hunt 6X would be more handicap than help and even 4X is more than needed. I like the versatility to use 2X or 3X on the low end.

Nikon makes a pretty good Prostaff 5 in a 2.5-10X40 that sells for about $220.
 
I'd agree with jmr if we're talking about the Buckmasters II vs luepy, Which I assume we are.
I also agree the fixed 6 is much more limited, and while it usually won't matter, when it does it will REALLY matter. I'd much prefer to have a 2-7,3-9, or 4-12/14 most of the time.

I'd either look for a NOS or lightly used nikkon buckmasters 3-9x40 (not the Buckmasters II), get the PS-5 as suggested, or look a Bushnell elite 3-9 (or the ultra HD even).
The Burris ff2 is a nice scope in that price range as well.
 
Depends where you hunt at. My dad hunts out West, his rifles all have variables on them, but none of them have had the dial moved off 6x in almost 40 years.
 
why is that?
Would you prefer any other similarly priced scopes over Leupold?
To answer the second part of your question, the only other scopes I own in the same price range are Burris and Sightron S2 Big Sky so my comparison database is limited. I see no reason to choose either of those over a Leupold, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at them either. One advantage of going with the same maker for all your optics is that you don't have to try and remember which way the zoom ring turns. In a hunting situation at dawn or dusk that could potentially make a difference.

I think the OP would be best served by a 2X7 or 3X9 variable rather than a fixed power scope. The quality difference between fixed and variable is really insignificant these days. I just used an eBay discount coupon to pick up a NIB Leupold VX-1 2X7 for around $150.
 
the clarity and generous eye relief of the leupold are strong factors; these two are being considered because the guy will give $50 for an old 10x40 tasco I have.
 
the Nikon only says SA 3-9x40 made in the Philipeans; its clear, is LNIB(used) and has good eye relief; $150 -$50 = $100 otd--The Leupold is a FX ii 6x36 new: $250 - $50 = $200. More info would help as I'm reentering the Rifle after years off and on a budget. Thank you.
 
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I have 2 Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40 scopes on hunting rifles. Both have performed well over the years. I also have a low end Leopold (rifleman???) that I don’t care for. Just my experience.
 
Because Nikon's quality control is very hit-and-miss in my experience. The same problem now exists in their photographic equipment. Nikon is not the company they once were IMO.
Thanks, I'm always curious when people have that strong an opinion about something, there's usually a good reason.
I've had no issues with the Nikon's I've owned, but everyone has there own experiences.




the Nikon only says SA 3-9x40 made in the Philipeans; its clear, is LNIB(used) and has good eye relief; $150 -$50 = $100 otd--The Leupold is a FX ii 6x40 new: $250 - $50 = $200. More info would help as I'm reentering the Rifle after years off and on a budget. Thank you.

Usually newer Nikon's the model name printed on the small ring at the objective end. The only ones that dont, that I'm aware of, are the BDCs from Cabelas and possibly the ones that came on savages package guns.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/NIK...u05kwsywoGYgl9U0wIYaAhMSEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I've never looked thru the savage, but the bdcs are decent scopes, about like the old prostaff.

150s too much for a used Nikon below the Buckmasters (again not Buckmasters 2) line up. If we're talking used, You can get used 3-9s Buckmasters for 100-150 on eBay, and sometimes the Monarch UCCs for 150-200. The PS 5s tend to run around the same, but I prefer the UCCs if I can get them that cheaply.
 
I wouldn't say always. Also depends on what quality level each are.
I don’t think Nikon has a quality level I trust anymore. Be prepared to send a few back until you get one that’s acceptable. It took me a few tries to get a DSLR lens that was reasonably sharp, and Nikon cares about their photo division a lot more than they care about riflescopes.
 
cdvb1
As you I do prefer Leupold over Nikon.
I have second edition of Buckmasters and the Rifleman, to me Rifleman has the clearest glass.

czhen
 
The original Buckmasters has better glass than the Buckmasters II. I got that straight from our Nikon rep when I was selling guns and optics. I mentioned in a thread a couple of days ago that I just don’t see well through Nikon with two exceptions, one being the original Buckmasters. Seeing well is a relative term though because I see well through the original Buckmasters but weller through a VX-2 and Burris Fullfield II. You may see better through a Rifleman than an original Buckmasters also.

That’s where everyone’s eyes come into play because they are all different. So I never take anyone’s word about glass quality because their eyes are different than mine. I know some people who see better through Nikon than Leupold. Those same people usually see better through Vortex than others. People who see well through Leupold tend to see well through Burris and Bushnell. These observations are non scientific and are based on selling many many scopes to people over a a 2.5 year period.

The Rifleman is the only Leupold scope I have no desire to own which of course coincides with it being their cheapest scope.
 
favoring the FX ii 6x36; anyone have experience with this specific scope?
 
Leupold vx-r line is great clear glass ,variable power and illuminated(with auto off and instant on motion detector). Id prefer to have and not use then to want JMHO:thumbup::thumbup:
 
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