Prostaff vs Buck Master

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I am looking for a 4-12 x 40 scope to put on a rifle I intend to use for 200 yard target shooting.

I'm interested in the Nikon ProStaff and have heard that in this price range they are very good.

But now I'm seeing that the Nikon Buckmaster is a fair bit less expensive, but based on the specs, I can't see what the difference is.

:confused:

Any help is appreciated.
 
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Seems like it was the field of view at 12x. Also their are some ProStaff scopes that have parallex (sp?) adjustment. I went with the Vortex Diamondback 4x12 because of field of view.
 
i have experience with prostaff-series items. i like them. i've never heard of this other series. i have a prostaff range finder, 3 prostaff scopes, and prostaff binoculars. all work well and are clear even at full zoom. that said, if nikon makes it, i'm sure it's at-least usable in the field, they don't put out your typical made in china quality.
 
The Buckmaster at one time was a slightly better scope, but the Prostaff was upgraded a few years ago and you may be comparing an older generation Buckmaster to the new Prostaff. That may explain the price difference. Not sure how the newer generation Prostaff actually compares to the Buckmaster.

Nikon glass is among the clearest out there for the money and both of those are decent scopes if that is your primary goal.
 
I'm wondering how it compares to the Vortex Crossfire series...

they sure make the specs nebulous... coated lenses... multi-coated lenses... fully multi-coated lenses...

double top secret sauce coated lenses :neener:

If you can't look at them side by side, it seems that you're basically stuck going on manufacturer reputation.
 
Are you buying one over the because it`s cheaper ?

Look up the specs on both .Easily done.

As for the Pro-Staff. Have one.

Didn`t buy it because it was cheaper than some others.

Bought it because it had what I wanted. For my money,it`s a good buy .
 
The new Buckmasters are not the same as the older ones. Held a new one the other day and was not impressed. The new Prostaff 5's seem nice. Even the older Prostaff are decent.

If looking at a Vortex scope, look at the next line up from the Crossfire line.
 
I bought a 4x12x40 buckmasters scope about 5 years ago and I could not sing it's praises enough. Back then, I think the buckmasters scopes were a step up from the prostaff but now they have the prostaff 5 series(not sure the difference). I have a lightweight 30.06 Savage rifle and I went through three scopes on it and ruined every one until I bought the Buckmasters scope which has performed flawlessly. All other scopes I had on that kicking rifle either shifted POI or I had a Simmons Whitetail series actually crack while I was shooting, it shattered the glass in it. I love Nikon but don't overlook the Burris Fullfield II scopes in that same price range. They are also indestructible and crystal clear.
 
I'm wondering how it compares to the Vortex Crossfire series...

Within similar price ranges I've not noted enough difference in glass to matter regardless of who makes the scope. I'm pretty sure there are only a couple of companies that actually make the glass for all optics. Leupold, Vortex, and Nikon probably all buy from the same suppliers (with their own specs) and assemble their scopes. But I won't swear to that, remember, you read it on the internet.

I tend to make my choices based on other design features and choose those more important to me. Stuff like overall length, reticle design, weight, how crisp are the adjustments, eye relief, and general ergonomics. A reputation for toughness and good customer service plays a part too. I have 3 Nikon scopes, 2 Monarch's and an older Prostaff on 22's. They are good enough, but not my favorites.

A quirk that bothers me is the cardboard tube view through the them. There is a large black ring that obstructs the view around the edges when using them. Much like looking through a cardboard tube from a roll of paper towels. All scopes have this to a degree, but it is a much smaller, almost un noticeable thin line on other brands.

I'll give another + to the Burris FF-II. It is my favorite scope in the budget category. Redfield Revolution and Leupold VX-1 are also contenders. You'll get a lot more scope in a 3-9X than a 4-12X. That small magnification difference means about $100 more, or a lower quality scope. In the field you'll never notice the difference.
 
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the Vortex Crossfire 2 has an adjustable objective...

looks like it is a step down price wise though from the Diamondback.

I'm getting scope spec. fatigue
 
I have 3 Pro-staffs and 2 Buckmasters. In MY experience the Buckmaster is the better scope. On the examples that I have, the Pro-staffs require a tool (screwdriver or similar) to make windage and elevation adjustments where the Buckmasters are both fingertip adjustable. The cost have all run about $150 for the Prostaffs and $230 for the Buckmasters. Given the choice between the two I'll choose the Buckmaster every time.
 
Vortex, pass(had a piss poor experience with their customer service) now im stuck with a scope what has horrible distortion. Nikon to me had worse. I'm looking at burris or Leopold, if you go with Nikon Or lower end vortex(mine was a diamond back hp) good luck.
 
I thought the Buckmaster line was replaced by the Prostaff 5? I have an older Buckmaster and it is a great scope. However, the new prostaff line may be every bit as good. I also have a Prostaff 5. The Prostaff 5 seems to be a great scope as well.
 
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I work the gun counter at Cabela's and sell all of the above mentioned scopes. It is true that people see better through some scopes than others so my opinion is based on my eyes.

Tie for number one- Fullfield II and Buckmaster
3) Prostaff 5
4) Diamondback
5) Prostaff
6) Crossfire
 
I am a dedicated scope snob and enjoy looking for the best value for the dollar in scopes.

I do not know if they make them anymore but I buy Nikon Buckmasters in fixed 4x anytime one pops up on ebay for $125 or less. They probably average $150 used there so I guess others have figured out this is one hell of a value in scope glass. I use them as back up scopes to my high end ones.

I once lined up my S&B, Zeiss, IOR, and an M8 Leopold 4x's next to the Buckmaster 4x. Better than the Leopold and not that much of a huge difference in the top shelf ones. This scope is one of those little sweethearts that don't get noticed.

The few Nikon Prostaff in 4x I have looked at we no where near in the same league and I would not buy one at any price.

No experience with Nikon variables except the Monarch 1x4 which is another hell of a value and comes with the German #4a reticle.
 
I went to a sporting goods store and looked at a new Buckmaster scope. The new models are different from the old models. The older model had a "funky" objective bell on them. The new models do not have the same bell. The description said Buckmaster 2. I looked through it and IMHO is not the same quality as the older models. If I were you I would look at a Prostaff 5. Seems to be better than the Prostaff, but not as good as the Monarch. I believe Nikon is running a promo right now. That should take some of the bite out of the price.
 
Well after a lot of hemming and hawing and frustration at poorly worded advertisements, I went with the Prostaff 4-12x40.

Wow!

This scope sucks in the light better than anything else I've ever put my eyeball to.

I took it out at dusk last night and it was almost like someone turned a light bulb on the image was so markedly brighter than my naked eye.

Also... the eye relief doesn't change more than 1/4" .... tops... when going from min to max magnification.

I got it NIB off ebay for $170 with free shipping and had it in my mailbox in 2 days. Never heard of UPS priority bubble envelopes before. Packaging had factory seals on it and Nikon registration card within.

So far, I'm a happy camper.
 
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