I was wondering if anyone has compared a new Bushnell Elite 3-9x40 to the now discontinued Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9x40. Are the new Optical coatings that much better or am I better off getting the discontinued 4200s for less money?

Im not convinced the Elite is a better scope.You can get the 3-9 Elite at SWFA for $199 and the 4200 for $229.It may be a mistake but thats what I saw.

Cabelas has the Elite 3-9x40 4200 for $199. I own one other Bushnell and it was junk. That said I had heard LOTS of good things about the 4200.

I went to Cabelas(RichfieldWI) and bought one. I am impressed to say the least. The scope is extremely clear and if I had another 200 bucks in my pocket I would have bought the only other one they had. I am glad they did not show the sale price on the store sticker as I am guessing there would have not been any left.

Bill/WI

There are Bushnells and there are Bushnells. They make something for all market level. The only Bushnells that interest me are the 4200 and 6500 Elite series. They're top Japanese glass and are chasing the Euro makers. They're innovative and are always improving their offerings. I have glass from the big three Euro brands (no S&B). They're great, but do NOT blow the high end Elites out of the water.

IMHO,

DF

I was told the new elites have argon gas instead of nitrogen and newer lens coatings. Two of the new elite models with side focus are cheaper than the rest of the series because they are made in china instead of japan.

That must have been the ones I saw.They had the side focus.

When the "model change" took place, I jumped on 2 of the 4200's in 4-12x50 SF's--couldn't be happier.Looked thru one of the new 3-9x40 Elites at the range yesterday--personally couldn't "see" any difference, but it was a nice clear bright glass. Got a "new to me" Weatherby .300 coming in a few days, might try one of the lower powered ones on it--if so will report back how it takes the .300 stompin!!

When I hear "China" I get real nervous. I hope the bean counters haven't screwed up a nice line of scopes...

RKR

You couldn't pay me to use either of the Chinky made 3-9 SF models. I'm hoping consumers send that message loud and clear to the powers to be at Bushnell's brain trust.

I didn't know the new Elites were available, I think I will give SWFA a call a try a 3-9x40, I will compare to my other 3-9x40 4200's and see if my uneducated eye can tell any difference................Hillbilly.

My new 8x32x40 Elite with the argon gas and the tougher lens coating they call Rainguard HD is definitely a upgrade over my older 4200.