Buckmaster or Bushnell

[syco]

I have my choice down to these two 3-9x40mm scopes. Need help making a decision.

$180 - Nikon Buckmaster including shipping.
$193 - Bushnell Elite 3200 Firefly. On sale locally price inc tax.

It's to go on a Marlin XL7 in 30-06, to be used in Colorado for deer and elk (1-200 yds). Budget dictates it's one of these or something cheaper!

 

[Urza2005]

try a new redfeild in 3-9x40, i have one, and it's awesome. i also think its priced about 30-40 less than the two you have listed.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

Nikon no doubt, better quality glass and coatings. No cheesy firefly reticle, if you have good glass you will be able to see your reticle just fine.

 

[MCgunner]

IMHO, toss up. Go with the one you like the optics on because they're both going to hold up just fine. HGUNHNTR says the Nikon is the better optic, and he's likely right, but I'd look through 'em and compare first. Bushnell has been getting better with optical quality of late, though. They're a lot better than they used to be and they've always been good mechanically, especially in this price range.

 

[syco]

OK thanks.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

If you can a Buckmasters by Nikon for $180 shipped grab it! They range from $209.99~$369.99 @ Cabella's with out shipping which is typical of the retail outlets.

 

[chas08]

I cast my vote toward the Buckmaster, of the two you listed.

 

[syco]

Buckmaster acquired!

It's going for $180 in a couple of places. OpticsPlanet and Amazon. I went with Amazon. I got a nice surprise when I added it to my cart, an extra $5 off! So $177 shipped (5-9 days super saver), I payed for 3-5 which was $5 so back to $182 and change.

Any recommendations for rings? The Marlin XL7 comes with a 1 piece weaver style base but would replace it if deemed too low quality. I'm not killing a $500 rifle/scopes accuracy to save $30!

 

[HGUNHNTR]

Your base will probably be ok, is it aluminum or steel? I don't like aluminum bases on steel receivers. Just a personal preference.

 

[syco]

I'm not sure, they haven't been consistent sending out bases. Some people are getting 2 piece some one. I bought it from Buds so I'll know after it arrives next week.

How about rings? Maxima or something like that?

 

[HGUNHNTR]

Absolutely, any good quality ring will work.

 

[MCgunner]

My personal preference in rings is the Milletts, but yeah, most any rings will work. I just like the Milletts. That's a killer good price on that Nikon scope. I'm tempted.

 

[dhfenno]

Good choice on the Buckmaster.
I have the 4.5x16x40 on top of one of my DPMS .308 rifles and love it. It is a great scope for the money.
I would hold off on the rings till you see what kind of base you have and if you want to use that mount. I have been using the Burris Xtreme Tactical rings for a couple years now on a few different rifles and have nothing but good things to say about them.
The Burris rings are bomb proof but if you decide to go a different rout that Marlin is drilled and tapped to take any mount that will fit a model 70 Winchester.