Nikon Team Primos or Bushnell Elite 4200 ??

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MIL-DOT

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I'm still scope shopping for a stainless mini-14 arriving tomorrow, and I'm leaning heavily toward one of these two scopes.
Both scopes are 3-9x40, and have fully multi coated lenses with lifetime warranties, while Bushnells customer service seems to get better marks.
The 4200 is $255 plus shipping, while the Nikon is only $200 plus shipping, and while I am trying to keep it as economical as possible, I don't mind the extra bucks if it's justified.
I already have an Elite model, a 3200,and though I'm happy with it,my Leupold and Weavers are noticably clearer, but I hear great things about the 4200's clarity.
I've always wanted a Nikon, and I've read that the Team Primos is essentially a Monarch, (confirm?) but I've also read that Nikon's customer service is abysmal, should it be needed, and that's a factor.
Anyway,thanks again to all for any advice...........
 
I just picked up a primos and really like it. Not sure about the 4200's, never had one. But would buy a primos again.
 
I've had tremendous luck with the ELITE series of scopes; bad luck twice with the NIKON scopes.
Have a few Leupold and like the ELITE 4200 better for the lower priced compared.
Where are you finding the 4200 Elite for the that price?
It should perform well on the mini, but it will be awfully bulky on that tiny carbine.
 
The primos is an outstanding little scope. It is previous generation monarch glass at a very good price. I don't have the 4200 to make a comparison, but can confirm that Bushnell customer service is excellent.
 
You know that's a tough call, but I give the edge to the Elite 4200, if for no other reason than the rainguard, which can be useful when hunting in wet weather.
 
If this is going on a Mini 14 you may want to also consider the Leupold Mark AR 3-9x scope. I've got one on an AR and the glass is clear and bright. It also has BDC turrets, which could come in handy if you're into those.

I do have a pair of Elite 4200 tacticals in 6-24x50 and they are fantastic but are more of a longer range scope. If the 3-9 models have similar glass they should be very nice.

Check your options out in the store if you can. At one point I was set on the Millet TRS-1 until I tried them in two different stores and saw that they got cloudy at high power. I'm glad I checked before spending the money on one.
 
between those two particular scopes i would go bushnell... might as well throw a sightron s-2 3-9 into the mix as well.

other options... might be wise to consider a fixed-6 scope of one flavor or another. generally get better glass for the money w/ a fixed power scope.
 
I have a 4200, and like it quite a bit. I don't have a Team Primos, but I do have a Buckmaster that I also like quite a bit. Hard to say, its a toss up, IMO.
 
I own both. Got my 4200 from Bruno Shooters Supply (current price is $236) and paid $200 for the Team Primos (swfa).

Both are good scopes. The Nikon has better eye relief than the 4200. The Nikon only comes with the BDC. Some people like the BDC, others don't. If either of those things matter in your choice. I do think the 4200 is a slightly better scope, but that is just my opinion and not based upon hard proof. Can't go wrong with either one of them.

http://www.brunoshooters.com/Mercha...n=PROD&Store_Code=BSS&Product_Code=BUE423944M
 
Many thanks to all for the timely and useful replies, another thanks to you,Homers, for the heads-up on the deal at Bruno's. I already felt that the 4200 might be the slightly better scope, but wasn't sure if it was $50+ bucks
( 25%) better. ;)
I've also had a single dealing with Bushnell customer service, and came away pretty happy ( they let me upgrade a malfunctioning, low-end Banner that came on a Beeman pellet rifle, up to a 3200 Elite Tactical/Mil-Dot scope for not a whole lot more, I luvs me some Mil-Dots !!! )
My concern now is that these scopes may, as stated above, be a bit large for a petite little carbine. Tomorrow, I'll size it against the old Tasco I have laying around, and make that call,then.
 
Both of the scopes that you are thinking about are quality scopes and they are good values for the money.

In all my research, the general consensus seems to be that the 4200 does have better glass, but just barely.

I think that at $199, the Team Primos is a better value, but just barely. Although I have to admit that at $236, the 4200 is a smoking deal.

Homer makes a good point about the reticle. Personally, I like the BDC and that is how I would make my decision.
BDC for the Nikon and Plex for the Bushnell. Buy the one with the reticle that you like best.
 
OK,Red State, thanks for clarifying (i.e. muddying) the issue !!! :D
All joking aside, that DID help focus the comparison, if only a little. So, I'm thinking that with homers heads-up on the 4200 deal, the (reputedly) superior customer service from Bushnell,and the (reputedly) slightly better glass on the Elite, that the Bushnell is where I should go, ( But DAMN !! I wanted me a NIKON !!!! :rolleyes:)
Since this rifle arrives tomorrow, I'll wait and check the size-ratio against my other comparably-sized scope to make sure it doesn't look like a water tower on top of a log cabin LOL!!!!! :eek:
 
I just got done making this decision last week, except in addition to these two scopes I was also considering the Vortex Diamondback. All three scopes seem to be excellent deals, but in the end I went with the Bushnell due to the uniformly positive reviews that almost everyone had on them. Probably the last straw was when I found them here ~ http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Bushnell-Elite-4200-3-9x40mm-Rifle-Scope/3415038/product.html?cid=123620&fp=F&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=11496134
for $218 + $1 shipping. Mine is supposed to get here on Monday, can't wait to try it out. Good luck with your purchase, I'm sure either one will serve you well.
 
I have a 4200 and very happy with it. My only problem with it ( and not the scopes fault) is that I have it so close to my barrel ( had to trim scope cover to fit) that after a long string I get heat off the barrel that distorts my image down the scope.
 
As the old saying goes: "Ding,Ding,Ding...we have a winner !!!!!"
I just ordered the 4200 from Overstock ( Thanks,Gtscoty ) at $219,delivered, I ain't likely to beat that by enough to make a difference.
Thanks again to all for the input.....
 
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