Bushnell vs Barska and Others..

[MrGiggles]

I'll be taking the Barska 3-9 Contour off of my 300BLK MP15 and putting it on the Anderson 5.56 AR that I just finished.

I'll be buying a new optic for the M&P, and am looking for some feedback on scopes in my price range.

I have read all about their reputation, but I have used 6 Barska scopes, and only one of them has had an issue. It works but the elevation turret doesn't have a good detent. The glass is certainly clear enough, and they have held zero just fine for me. I'm really thinking about buying a Huntmaster 3-9x40.

I am wondering how the Bushnell scopes in that price range compare. Anyone have any experience with the Banner series in a 3-9x40 or similar?

Is there anything else worth looking at in the ~100 dollar price range? Is the Nikon Prostaff worth the extra 50 bucks?

 

[Walkalong]

Is the Nikon Prostaff worth the extra 50 bucks?

Yes.

 

[Mauser lover]

I've got a 3-9x 40 Barska Huntmaster on my .22 LR. Fantastic scope... For a .22.

I wouldn't put it on anything else, I don't trust its capability to hold zero, I don't trust its optical quality. The distortion around the edges is pretty bad. Go with the Nikkon. You will strain your eyeballs less, your glass will distort the light less at higher magnification, etc.

This advice is coming from a camera nerd, and I don't have the best pictures in the world to show for it, but I can tell the difference between good and bad glass.

 

[Jackal]

Honestly, I'd grab an old Weaver or Redfield over a China scope anyday.

 

[bman940]

scope

I have a Nikon PROSTAFF 2-7 Nikoplex reticle on my blackout.
I've been shooting PNW 125 nbt bullets and the work great to 125 yards. I have another 300 BO upper that has a 2-7×32 P-RIMFIRE Matte BDC 150 on it and is dialed in for subs. The BDC lets me use Spot On to dial in the drops. Even though is says rimfire it is still built tough and backed by Nikon's No fault warranty. I am a big fan of Nikon's quick focus eye piece which lets me adjust the sight picture for my older eyes.

Both scopes in the $180 range I believe. I do freelance Pr/Shooting Event's for Nikon so my scopes get years of use in one weekend.
Another scope I really like is the P-223 3X carbine scope. Very quick target acquisition and great in low light. Plus can't beat the price, sub $150.

 

[ajd3530]

The Bushnell Trophys are pretty good bang for your buck. I prefer the XLTs over the newer ones though. The Bushnell Drop Zone with the .223 ballistic reticle has pretty good glass for the money. Couldn't tell much difference in them and the Nikon P-223. Just my opinion.

 

[MrGiggles]

I went with the Prostaff 2-7x32. Should be a good fit for the AR.

It will be nice to see what "good" glass has to offer over all the budget scopes I've used in the past.

 

[greyling22]

Guess I was too slow then, but the Bushnell and leupold scopes have rebates running right now. I've seen the leupold vx1's for under 150 after rebate and the bushnell 3-9x trophy's for under 50. Ex: https://www.slickguns.com/product/n...cope-free-boresighter-12999-9999-after-30-mir that said, I don't like the doa reticle.

 

[jmr40]

If you go up to $150-$200 the difference is remarkable. There isn't anything in the $100 MSRP class I'd want my worst enemy to own. You get decent scopes at $150 MSRP and at the $200 level wouldn't be handicapped at all. I'm talking MSRP, if you can find one discounted or used for closer to $100 fine. Just be aware that there are counter fit scopes out there that are $50 scopes selling for $150 with a Leupold or other brand name badge on them. Make sure you're buying the real thing.

 

[wally]

Primary Arms has the Nikon 2-7X 32mm P300 scope on sale now for $150:

http://www.primaryarms.com/6797/p/6...214177307680793392226736658463052003797620244

 

[Varminterror]

Bushnell Banners are a a scope above their price class. I'd take a Banner over a Prostaff in most cases. The Barskas are junk in any model.

 

[MrGiggles]

Bushnell Banners are a a scope above their price class. I'd take a Banner over a Prostaff in most cases. The Barskas are junk in any model.

I did try to cancel the Prostaff, but it was too late. I will probably still return it.

The Bushnell Trophy at 59.99 after the rebate is just too good of a deal.