Bushnell Scopes...

[Kalman]

I'm looking for something to mount to a SPS tactical 308. Primarily range and hunting use out to about 300-400 yards hunting.

I'm debating between:
Bushnell Elite 3200 - 5-15 x 40mm ~300
Elite 4200 Rainguard - 4-16x40 Matte Side Focus ~350
Elite 4200 Rainguard - 6-24x40 w/Mil Dot Reticle ~400

I'm not sure that I really "need" the turrets offered on the 3200. I'm also not sure that I "need" the 24x zoom, but I doubt I'd ever complain about it at the range. Of course the 6x min zoom could be a bit much on some shoreter hunts. I do like the idea of the mil dots, especially if what I get doesn't have turrets. I guess I've pretty much outlined how much I'm willing to spend above if there's something else I should be looking at instead. So many different scopes and options out there, I'm terribly confused.

[checkenbach]

I have a few 4200 6-24x40 Elites, one on my CZ452, and one on my Remmie 700. The glass is VERY good, the elevation range, NOT GOOD!!!!
These scopes have only 26" total (13" up, 13" down), not the hot setup for uber long range shooting. I solved the running out of elevation issue on the CZ (1/4" moa dot) by using Burris Signature Zee rings with the adjustable inserts, the 700 has a Mildot, so I have it sighted in at 100 yards and use one dot holdover for 200 yards. My bro has an 8-32x40 4200 on his .308 Remmie 700 and has ran out of elevation at 200 yards, he has since gone to a 20 moa base, problem solved. Check the specs of the scope you are thinking about buying, or you may be in for expensive surprise!!!!

[BamBam-31]

My Bushnell Elite 4200 Tactical has 50 MOA total adjustment (real life is more like 47-48 MOA), or +/- 24" at 100 yds. Used w/ a 20 MOA base, it has enough adjustment for 1,000 yds. in a .308 rifle. And the glass is, as said, very good, and the tactical models have very big and useable turrets. My particular scope is the 6-24x50mm model, and it is well regarded over on Snipers Hide as a "best bang for your buck" type scope.

[Kalman]

17" and 25oz and 500$ seems long, heavy and a bit more than I wanted to spend. But it has a lot of the features I want....... guess I'll go do some more reading. Wish there was a place I could compare a bunch of these damn things side by side. It's really hit or miss on availability of scopes over 300$ at bass pro/ cabellas.

[Timberwolf]

Look at the Nikon Buckmaster series - either the 4-14X40 or the 6-18X40. Both are side focus amd have mildots and plenty of internal adjustment to go to 1K with a 20MOA rail.

[bruce_ventura]

IMHO, even the 4-16x40 is a bit high magnification for hunting big game in California brush. I would stick with a low mag range of 1-3 for that use. I find 10X on the high end is fine for ranges out to 600 yds. If you're serious about shooting beyond 600 yds, then think about a second scope or >5X magnification range scope (Bushnell 6500, Swarovski Z5 or Z6, etc.).

Check out Midway's special Weaver 3-10x40 Grand Slam mildot reticle with 0.1 mil turrets. Frequently on sale for $300. I just got one, but haven't but it through any tests yet.

Than again, after carrying a tactical rifle in the field for a day, you may decide to get a lighter rifle for hunting and devote the SPS to range work. Then you can have different scopes.

[chibitodd]

3200 tactical will be more than you'll need and it's cheaper. I have 3.5x10 banner. Hit a buck at 400 yards in d5 last year. My scope is about 100now I paid more. Get the hogue stock. Feels better in your hands and it's cheap!

[racky]

i just bought the 10x mil/mil 3200 tactical. i love it.




and a smiley face at 100yds

[Kalman]

Hrmm.... ok, I think you've talked me into the 3200. I think. I might blow the extra 200$ cause I'm an idiot, but probably not.

[lewdogg21]

Hauling a tactical (assuming heavy or bull barrel) can become a bit cumbersome. For hunting big game in CA I personally wouldn't go any higher than 4x as your lowest power. If you were to jump a deer at close range good luck finding it with 6x.

[Kalman]

I'm not in CA, I'm in TX.

[uscbigdawg]

Kalman - Just sent you a PM. Give a hard look at the Vortex PST 4-16x and 6-24x from CS Tactical. Mike is one of the industry's best people and will totally take care of whatever you're looking for.

Rich