Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Quality of Bushnell Elite 3500

I'm looking at getting the 2-7x32 model. The reviews seem pretty fair on them.

I was wondering if they're worth the 150 bucks or so, and make a good set and forget scope.
The tweener scopes are my cup of tea so thats why I'm asking.

Currently I have a Meopta meopro, two leupold vx2 scopes, a swarovski Z3, a couple older weavers and a Vortex razor hd lh.

How will it compare? My use would be northern Michigan whitetail, out to about 200 or so yards.
Would potentially go on a savage 10 in .308

First hand info is appreciated!

My 3200 held zero for 12 yrs with no problems, just sold it.

I've had 3200's, not 3500's but my experience has been that they are great scopes for the money.The difference in low light performance will definitely be noticeable compared to the Meopta and Swaro.

I've got three 3200's, a couple of 4200's, and one just plain Elite. I started using them when they were first badged Bausch and Lomb. My personal opinion is they are well worth what you pay for them and compare well with more expensive glass. The newer one are very bright with crisp images. I have a 3500 that I picked up on sale last year but haven't found a rifle to mount it on yet.

No experience with the newer Elite's, but I have 3 of the 3200 5X15's, and think they are the best scopes I own.

Excellent glass clarity, rainguard really works, crappy eye relief.

Probably dollar for dollar some the best glass you can get. I have 2 (2-7 3200 and 2.5-10 4500) and the 4500 is the clearest, brightest variable power scope I own. Only downside is the the eye relief. Mine are on a 243 and a 7mm-09, so it's not an issue.

Thanks guys, I see the eye relief is pretty short but that shouldn't be a problem.

I'm a stock crawler anyway and this 308 is easy shooting.

Think I'll take the plunge and give it a chance.

Are these still made in Japan?

the shorter eye relief isn't a bad thing. its just bushnells optical formula which is one of my favorites. if long eye relief was so awesome we would just use scout or pistol scopes on our guns. the image will appear larger because its closer to your eye, the scope is easier and more forgiving to get behind as a result. love bushnell elites. its too bad the company has been run into the ground by private equity horse trading back and forth.

I just got a new 3-9x40 Elite 3500. Made in Japan. Overall quality is noticeably better than the 3-9x40 FFII, from fit & finish to image.

Jason

on sale now at Natchez's.

My recently bought 2-7x32 Elite is made in Japan. Haven't had the chance to sight it in yet but it is nice and clear. Eye relief is a tad short but usable, heard great things about Rainguard since it's wet here I'll be seeing how that feature works come spring time.