Nikon Buckmaster vs. Leupold VX-2

[kkp]

I have 2 buckmasters in 3x9x40, I highly recommend these units. For the $2or300 they go for they are top tier. Fyi, my understanding is that nikon makes loopers glass. The difference is the seal and gas. According to several scope savvy guys, the major difference is 25 year vs lifetime warranty. I dont know about you, but at 25 years I will be happy if the scope is still intact. And the $aving$ up front make it worth it. PS. I cant tell the difference at 100yards between the looper and the nikon.

I'm wondering how easy is it to tell the difference between the 3x9x40 Buckmaster and the 3x9x40 P-223. The P-223 has exposed turrets, which is an awfully nice feature.

[postal]

I **think** the p series is basically the same level as the buckmaster series.

The "M" series is basically the same as the Monarch series- which is a higher level. Better glass.

I have a 4.5-14 buckmaster newer style with side focus. It has finger adjustable turrets, and has screw on o ring sealed caps. I have the caps somewhere... Never have them on the scope. Though it hasnt been out in the rain.... I wonder if I'd put the caps on if it was raining.... Probably not... and just see what happens.

[kkp]

I **think** the p series is basically the same level as the buckmaster series.

The "M" series is basically the same as the Monarch series- which is a higher level. Better glass.

I have a 4.5-14 buckmaster newer style with side focus. It has finger adjustable turrets, and has screw on o ring sealed caps. I have the caps somewhere... Never have them on the scope. Though it hasnt been out in the rain.... I wonder if I'd put the caps on if it was raining.... Probably not... and just see what happens.

My understanding was that the P series is the same glass as the Prostaff, a step below the Buckmaster... but I could be wrong, and hope I am.

Finger adjustable turrets, hidden under caps, are better than ones that need a screwdriver, but still not as convenient as the truly exposed turrets on the P223/M223 models.

M series is definitely the same as the Monarch glass. Very nice stuff.

[toby]

I have a Buck master, Monarch, VXII, VXIII, in my book the VXII is better than the Buckmaster.

[OpticsPlanet]

Of the two, I would select the Leupold.

At any counter I visit, I like to come back later and ask a different employee the same questions, it's good to get different points of view. Inventory, incentives to employees can affect recommendations.

I will say that from this side, it's easier to get answers and support from Leupold.

Mark H.

[rcschummers]

I'm wondering how easy is it to tell the difference between the 3x9x40 Buckmaster and the 3x9x40 P-223. The P-223 has exposed turrets, which is an awfully nice feature.

My buckmasters have "turret" style adjusters, you just have to remove a cap. When I was looking at scopes, The difference between a nikon and looper was indiscernible to me at 100yards. The p223 model if im not mistaken has yardage dots on the crosshair.

[covingtonhouse]

I have a 6-18x40 buckmasters target scope, and a VX-1 4-12x40 leupold fixed objective scope. I prefer the leupold for clarity, the buckmasters for the side focus, and target knobs. I use the Nikon for rimfire target work out to 100yards, and the leupold for a lever Winchester .308

[Merc1138]

Great warrantee American made! I sent one back because I was having trouble getting the elevation I needed, they sent it back with a note saying they upgraded the innards cleaned it regassed it & had it back in 1 wk. I never bought a different brand after.

Good warranty and service maybe, not American made(unless you've got a really old leupold that might have still been made in the US). In fact, Leupold's mysterious country of manufacture was just brought up in a thread not too long ago http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...php?p=12086855

There are a couple of companies that actually make scopes in the US(and even then not all of the components are made in the US), and you won't be buying one without paying some serious cash $$$$.

edit: Off the top of my head, for actual products made in the US you'd be limited to US Optics, trijicon, maybe the nightforce beast, that's about it...

[rcschummers]

I'm wondering how easy is it to tell the difference between the 3x9x40 Buckmaster and the 3x9x40 P-223. The P-223 has exposed turrets, which is an awfully nice feature.

My buckmasters have "turret" style adjusters, you just have to remove a cap. When I was looking at scopes, The difference between a nikon and looper was indiscernible to me at 100yards. The p223 model if im not mistaken has yardage dots on the crosshair.

[JagerDog]

There is no scope manufacture that produces 100% made in USA scopes. Not even Leupold. If you contact Leupold about their lens this is their response.


From Leupold:

"The lenses in our scopes are about the only item we do not make in our plant in Oregon. We buy our lenses, which are designed entirely by Leupold engineers, from both domestic and international sources. We would like to buy all our lenses in the United States, but there is not currently a lens manufacturer who can meet our quality standards in the volume we require."

Kinda funny, but SWFA SS scopes get great billing, but they'll completely dodge the question every time as to country of mfg. They won't even say "not China". Educated guess is Japanese glass made in Philippines along with a host of other scopes.

[sholling]

The Leupold was $299/$350 and the Buckmaster was $230 with bdc recepticale.

Hunting scope only. Took a chance on the new Remington 783, looks to be better than the 710 and has some good features. It's a .270

Want to get a rangefinder too so the lower price buckmaster is making me reconsider my leupold pick.

Both are good scopes but for $100 difference I'd take a VX-II over a Buckmaster, it's just a better scope. On the other hand the Nikon is a plenty good enough scope for most situations, especially in California where low light shooting isn't a factor.

[toby]

Why does it matter where a scope is made? I just don't get it unless you just refuse to buy things made in Japan or other. Fact is they make things far superior than most any American made things and that is just the simple truth, even the Germans have a tough time doing better. Yes I own many things from all counties and damn proud of it.

[Merc1138]

Why does it matter where a scope is made? I just don't get it unless you just refuse to buy things made in Japan or other. Fact is they make things far superior than most any American made things and that is just the simple truth, even the Germans have a tough time doing better. Yes I own many things from all counties and damn proud of it.

Meh, some people just prefer seeing things made in the US. Doesn't matter what the reason is really. But it's hilarious watching someone complain about a foreign truck like a Toyota that's made in the US, and is proud about their Ford(or whatever "domestic" auto company) that was made in Mexico, Canada, or somewhere else.

[postal]

HAHAHAA!!!! Kawasaki motorcycles are assembled in Nebraska.

Years ago I had a Kawa ninja... some idiot said I should buy a hardley. I asked why. He said "cuz they're made in Americuh!!!!" Me.... Nice Mitsubishi you're driving...."

[JagerDog]

Why does it matter where a scope is made? I just don't get it unless you just refuse to buy things made in Japan or other. Fact is they make things far superior than most any American made things and that is just the simple truth, even the Germans have a tough time doing better. Yes I own many things from all counties and damn proud of it.

Matters more to some than others. Many simply try to not support Red China. When it comes to optics you'll find few who don't think Japan is a pretty good thing.

The part I don't get is non-disclosure. Say where it's built and let the consumer decide.