Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Bushnell Elite 6500 What do you think about it?

I'm in need of a long range scope but kind of want to keep the price down on this purchase. Of coarse there are usual candidates, Leupold VX...., Zeiss Conquest etc. but when you get into the higher powers on these the price gets pretty high. I'm wondering about if there aren't any gems hiding that I haven't considered.

For some reason every time I think of Bushnell scopes I think about the Banner and all those other "blister pack" scopes at Walmart. In reality Bushnell does make a nice scope in the 4200 line.

Anybody use an Elite 6500? If so how does it compare to other brands you own?

I'm looking at the 4.5-30X50 model. Something for a "beanfield" type rifle.

Thanks,
Terry

I've owned about 6 Bushnells and Bosch & Lombs, mostly Elite 3000s, and have never had a single problem with them.

Had a look at a 6500 Elite, 2.5x16x42 a couple months back, and was very impressed. I particularly like the Rainguard, as I've had the lens on my Leupold fog up a number of times from breath in sub-freezing weather. One of these times it's gonna cost me a shot...probably Mr. Big, 'cause that's how it always goes, eh? (Me and Murphy's Law have a close relationship...)

IMHO, Bushnell Elite scopes are as good as any, and better than many for the same buck.

TC1,

I will give you a little positive feedback.

When I compared my 4 1/2-30X side by side with my 12-42X NightForce with both set on 30X, I couldn't decern which was clearer.

The side focus is very handy.

That's pretty positive!

Wow.

This is not surprising since both are made by Light Optical.

They aren't cheap, though.

I looked through one today, just in a store. Don't remember the exact specs; some sort of big side-focus version. It was very clear. It did have a bit of that "rolling" sensation when panned across the field of view though. I think that refers to what people call a "flat field".

I saw pluses and minuses, and unless I'm confused about which Bushnell we are talking about (possible!) it cost more than the VX-II 6-18AO, which I own and which has it's own pluses and minuses, to be sure, but is a nice scope...

They're not cheap, but they're not horribly expensive either; you can get one for $750.00 on eBay.

I bought 2-2.5x16x50's last year and am very pleased with them.VERY GOOD CLEARITY,POSITIVE ADJUSTMENTS,SIDE FOCUS IS DEFINATELY A PLUS AND THE EYE RELIEF IS EXCELLANT.I got them for $630.00 each,not a bad price.

I've used these people several times for scopes and rifles and have had EXCELLANT service with them.They're usually $75-$150 cheaper than anyone.
Send a email to (sportsmanssafarigmail.com),attention JD,list full description of item you want,tell them your zip code for freight charge,if you're going to use credit card and he will send you an invoice will total charges,item description and if they have it in stock or not.If you like the deal send him an email back and it's a done deal.They have a phone number but are so busy most of the time emails are faster.

In a sea of Nevada sage on a sunny day a specific Coyote didn't like my 6500 2.5x16x50MM.

TC1,
If you're looking for a good long range scope and the price range for the Bushnell is what you are willing to spend, I think anyone would be happy about the 6500.
Went to the range with it yesteday on a SSK .223 Encore barrel and I am more than happy with what it is designed to do. Just think about squeezing out 30x on a 50mm objective and if you are expecting 6x claity then forget it. Granted at 4.5x it is just as clear as my Pentax, Leupold, Nikon, Sightron and Zeiss (I'm not a loyal consumer) at similar magnifications. Color is excellent. But when you start getting into the mid 20x you'll have a little color diffusion and at 30x the black squares on paper turn dark navy blue. But the clarity is more than acceptable at 175yds you can still read the print on the target. Provided side focus is adjusted.
The magnification ring is smooth, but very quick near the end of adjustment.
Windage and elevation adjustments are resettable, which is nice. Though clicks are noticeable they are a bit soft.
Adjustment range could be improved upon in my opinion, especially with a scope that has 30x mag. I believe it tops out at 50in from bottom to top (25in from zero each way).
The reticle and choice of reticle could also use some improvement. A bit thick for 400yrds+. The milradion are expressed at 12x (1) 24x (2) and 30x (2.5)
Overall I'm very pleased, almost bought the SIII Sightron 6-24x50, but ignorance is bliss.
There have been some not so good reviews here and there. And maybe there are a few rotten apples in the bunch. But I'm happy with it.

Casey

Have one on my 338 Lapua and no complaints what so ever.

I had 2 0ne 42mm and one 30mm and paid less than $1200 combined from Ebay.