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A few scopes compared for resolving detail.

December 20, 2014 misty and overcast about 3PM

Today I compared several scopes on the new �eye chart� I stapled to the pump house 127 yards from the porch. The �eye chart� is about 8 ��X11� part of a red line 1� grid target with some bullet holes in it I laminated for weather protection. I think they are .25 caliber holes. The scopes compared are listed below.

Son-in-law John (about forty-eight years old) and I (seventy years old) checked the scopes at 127 yards. Also I checked them at 200 yards by myself . Everyone knows, or should know anyway, everyone�s eyes are different. Most certainly I have discovered mine are at the lower end of the angle of acuity spectrum while John�s are closer to the upper end. With corrective lenses, though, I was tested at 20/15. John said the Bushnell 6500 4 �-30X50 and Leupold VX-6 were the easiest to get a full picture. We were adjusting the scopes as best we could and marking the magnification at which we could see the red lines.

Here are the results:.........John...............Rich
Swarovski z5 5-25X52 SF........6X...............5 1/4X
Bushnell 6500 4 �-30X50 SF.....4 1/2X...........4 3/4X
Bushnell 6500 2 �-16X42 SF.....5X...............6X
Bushnell 4200 4-16X40 A.O.....4 1/2X...........5X
Tasco W. C. Trajectory 6-24X40..6X..............6X
Ezekiel 3-30X56.................--..............6 1/4X

When John saw that I came up with a lower number than he did with the z5 he rechecked. Again he came up with 6X. He left before I brought out the Ezekiel.

This morning about 10AM I took the scope to the range to check them on the new �eye chart� at 300 yards. There was a �3 gun� shoot on the long range so I had to settle for 200 yards. The weather was totally overcast and sprinkling. On the 200 yard comparison I decided to compare three things. There is a red �dot� about 1/32� smaller than 1/2� on the chart. That was the first thing I checked. Next was when could I see the lines and then when could I positively identify the bullet holes? Here are the results:

.............Red Dot.........Lines..........Bullet Holes
Ezekiel.......6X..............11X..............17X
Tasco.........5X..............13X..............15X
Swarovski.....5X...............9X..............14X
Bush.2 �-16X..5 1/2X..........8 1/2X...........12X
Bush. 4 �-30X.4 1/2X..........10X..............14 1/2X
4200..........5 1/2X..........8X...............16X
VX-6..........5X..............8X...............13X

I will return the Leupold to the company for customer service before I even mount it. Both the side focus and magnification adjustments are very stiff. The side focus is almost not usable.

Have you ever had any of the Bushnell's out testing in the rain ? If so, what were your thoughts as to how they performed compared to scopes w/o Rainguard type coatings. In other words, does Rainguard perform for you as advertised ?

Just get some Kroil per jgraider

What was the temperature during these test?

Moon phase?

I call the entire test invalid. Everyone knows you never test optics the day prior to the winter solstice

If you wait till the day after, there will be enough light.

Is it possible that you are only testing how accurately the "real" magnification corresponds to the scopes marked magnification?

If not that, possibly you are only testing resolution, focus, and adjustable parallax.

I appreciate all the time and energy you put into tests but I would like to hear about a lot more aspects than just what power it took to see what at X yardage. I'm interested in tracking,reticle,and eyebox a lot more than what power I'll need to make out a bullet hole.

slg888,

Temp was about 45 degrees. Since the sky was totally overcast I don't know about the moon phase. You probably can discover that by googling.

The two that were "tested" for tracking were the Tasco and the Swarovski. The Tasco worked everytime for years. The Swarovski went back to customer service within 200 rounds. To make sure it is in good shape I sent it in for a check up the other day before I sell it so I guess it is okay.

R_H_Clark

Both of these scopes have a simple plex. The Tasco's is

slightly heavier than the Swaovski's. The 4200 also has a simple plex. It was on the .375-.416 and was never "twisted" so I have no idea if it could stand the test of time. Both the 6500's have milldots so don't need to be adjusted for range.

For eyebox I will check them later today. I did notice the VX-6 seemed easiest to get a full picture, but that was just the first impression. It may not have the best eyebox when that is what I am actually checking.

Thanks for that Ringman.

I don't think you "get it".
Ringmans posts are a parody.

He was shooting a full moon as he sat on the bench.

Manic_Hunter,

Recently I posted here requesting suggestions for comparing and testing scopes. You didn't respond. I think we "get it".