Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics need help choosing scope

I want to replace my simmons blazer 3-9x scope that came
with my savage package 30-06. Though this scope is considered cheap quality, it has given me consistent 1" groups, and point of impact for the last 2 years. I have been suggested to upgrade since even though these scopes can work well at first, they may break down internally quite quickly!
I'm a frugal guy and want to budget $200-300 range max, and have
come down to either the elite 3200 @ about $239, or the burris fullfield @ $259.
Both are rated very well for the money, and rugged longevity is as important as clear optics, any comments or experience with these two choices?

Earl.

Check out the Pentax Pioneer at Cameraland. They are a clone of the Burris. The only ones left are the 3-9x40 duplex for $89. You won't beat that price anywhere.

I have an Elite 3200 3x9-40 on my ML and really like it. Crisp pictures and IMHO a good value for the money. I've not dealt with Burris before so couldn't tell you on them.

For the same money as the 3200, you could look at the Leupold VX-I or go to your max range for the Leupold VX-II. I have 3 Leupold VX-II's...I like the Leupold's variable eye relief.

Anyway of the two you have listed, I'd go with the Elite 3200.

I would rate the Burris scope easily on par with the VX-II...maybe even a touch better optics. It will last through years of abuse, as well.

I haven't used the 3200 in the field but do notice it being a little less-forgiving in terms of eye relief vs. the Burris. It would come down to the Rainguard on the 3200 vs. slightly better eye relief on the Fullfield II...optically, to my eyes, they're pretty darn close.

I just ordered a Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9 as an upgrade for my son's 30-06, I bought one for myself last year. If you dig a little here, you'll find lots of good things said about the 4200/3-9 combo.

Bear Basin Outfitters has them for $265, they also have the 3200 3-9 version for $180.

Dale

DaleK has it nailed.....the elite 4200 3-9x40 is fantastic and very, very tough.

Hard to beat a Burris for the money, but if you pay retail your crazy. I picked up my last FFII for $139 NIB on one of the auction sites. As others have stated mine are as good or better than my VX-II's and the Ballistic Plex seals the deal for me. If the Pentax really is a clone that would be hard to beat....though I would pay the extra not to have "Pentax" etched on a scope...or "Bushnell" for that matter.

If it aint broke, don't fix it.

Burris is good stuff. If it were me I would go to Ebay and buy a used Leupold 3X9X40 or 3.5X10X40 and NOT one with an AO. That is if you do not want to pay new prices They have lifetime warr no matter if you are the second or 50'th owner and the only scope I will put on a hunting(non-varmit) rifle I will use in any weather. I have bought at least a dozen that way for $200 or less(usually less). I just bid up to my price and sooner or later I end up with one. It may take 20+ auctions but I am in no hurry and I do get them that way. I have about 5 left in my safe just waiting for rifles doing this. Never had one with a problem.

i like burris fine untill sent one back the forever warrenty sucks real bad had 50.00 tasco that were bad that had better service as far as 3200 rain onesa they can't be beat also the swift permire are great also and service exelent

I like the Leupold VX-III 2.5-8s. Compact, light, tough. If you keep your eyes on the "Classifieds" you'll see them in the $300-$350 range.

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