Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Mule Deer - Simmons new Master Series vs. Leupold VX-1?

Just bought a Ruger 77 MK II in 7mm-08, and need a scope for it. Went to the Midway site and checked out the price on Leupold. A VX-1 3-9X40 is $200.
But I remembered the article by John B. about the new Simmons Master series. He gave it a good rating. The Master Series Aetec 2.8-10 X 44 is $190.
Both are fully multicoated, the Leupold doesn't have click-adjustments on the turrets, but that is not an issue for me. The Simmons has a rainguard-type coating which is a plus.
All my current scopes are Leupolds, and I've never had a problem with one. But the Master Series line is supposed to be new technology.
I want to get the rifle up and running, so need to decide soon. This price range is what I can afford.
And anyone who cares to belittle my choices, I will gladly PM them my home address so they can put their money where their mouth is, and send me a check for $400, and I'll chip in my $200 and buy a Leupold VX-3, or whatever they recommend.
I just need honest opinions.

Beware that the Aetec 2.5-10 that I have is very short on the main tube. It required extension rings on a M70 long action.

For a scope that big I would get a 3-9 Zeiss Conquest for its superior optics. Buy it once and you will always have it on some rifle. That rifle you have a Ziess on is most likely your best gun that you take when you really have to get something. The Conquest line is big and heavy however.

I still want a smaller Conquest. I would buy a half dozen of them for starters.

I would get a Weaver V series. They are around $150 right now at Natchez Shooter Supply. I bought one and it really is a good scope for the money. Worth a look. Otherwise i think i would opt for the Leupold.

why not an elite 3200???

Others have listed some nice choices, but between the two your interested in, I'd go with he VX-I ... for the waranty issues should one arrise. Now if we were talking about a $50-75 difference in price I may lean towards the simmons.

Are you sure the VX-1 is fully multicoated ? I didn't think they was.

The rifle is a short action, nevertheless, the Aetec may limit my ability to set the eye relief properly. I wish scope mfrs would publish the length of the tube for that reason.
The Master series is supposed to do away with bias springs, and is said to have less moving parts. John B. put it on a large caliber magnum rifle, his 'scope destroyer' and it did survive. Wish I could find the issue the story appeared in. I'll search the Wolfe web site later.
Thanks to all for the comments. I have never had to test Leupold's warranty or customer service, and that DOES mean a lot.

Not sure about "fully multicoated". Went to Leupold's website and the VX-1 series has a "standard multicoat lens system" whatever that means. The Rifleman series has a "fully coated lens system".

Leupold Scope Feature Matrix

VX-1s are the old VX-IIs without click adjustments. They are fully multi-coated but they use the old coatings whereas, the new VX-IIs use the MC-4 coatings or whatever they call it. The new VX-IIs are basically the old Vari-X IIIs. The Rifleman is the old Vari-X II without full multicoating and using magnesium flouride coatings. Fully multicoated means all lenses surfaces are coated inside and out. Fully coated means all outside surfaces are coated.

Therefore, the VX-I is fully multicoated with the old coatings, better than magnesium flouride, but not as good as the MC-4. As you note, it doesn't have click adjustments, but otherwise it is the old VX-II.

I think the Leupold VXI is equipped with multicoating only upon the ocular and objective lenses, with standard MgF on the internal ones. Still an excellent scope, and only down a couple of percentage points on light transmission.

John Barsness' article on the new Simmons Master Series scopes appeared in the Nov-Dec 2005 issue Of Rifle, issue# 222. His article covered the 'Simmons Master Series ProHunter 3-9 X 40'. I quote him from page 14:
"The Simmons, however, is a darn nice scope, not only tough but with multicoated lenses throughout. At the moment I do not know of a better scope for the money. In fact, I can't think of one as good, and intend to own one myself as soon as possible." (emphasis mine).
We all know John, and his reputation is impeccable. He knows his optics, and has used most every brand there is. I took his advice a couple of years ago, and bought a Bushnell binocular that he had reviewed. With that, I ordered a Master series ProHunter 3-9 X 40 from Bass Pro Shops today, price was $119.99, and will let you all know what I find. I'm betting I won't be disappointed.

I just got back in town after being away for my son's wedding. The Simmons Master Class Pro-Hunter 3x9 that I ordered was waiting for me. I won't have a chance to mount and test it for quite awhile, but I'll report back when I do. My first impression is that it's ugly with its "Euro" styling and mushroom shaped adjustment covers, but pretty is as pretty does, so we'll just have to see. It seems to be a well thought out design, with good ergonomics, but I wouldn't put it on a "lookin' good" classic rifle. For $100 I'll find something useful for it to do The Simmons/Meade warranty sounds great, but I hope I won't have to use it. I know Leupold's is great because I've had to use it often enough. Hmm, maybe there's a lesson there.

Paul

How long is that scope? Simmons own website doesn't list the length.

Length is about 12" with the eyepiece focus all the way in. Cranked out adds about another half inch. Distance between the bells for mounting spread is a hair under 6", which is a bit more generous than the aforementioned Vari-X III 2.5x8.

Thanks

I have the older AETEC, and I have a new Master Series Prohunter.

The new AETECs may be different, but the old ones suffered from excessive distortion, and the reticle is overly fat. Still, they were a good value for the dollar.

I'm happier with the ProHunter.

I would second the Weaver Classic series of scopes. They are less money and have performed great for me. On a 7mm-08 you could get a really nice 4x or 6x for around $125 or a variable for under $160. Great glass for the money.

I just ordered a Weaver V10 (2x10-38) for $155. I already own a V9 and it is great. If i am going cheap i go Weaver, otherwise it is Nikon etc.

Dogcatcher, Your last post mirrors my feelings exactly. They are both fine scopes.

FWIW:

The warranty issue is a big point.

Overall weight is a big point.

Leupold usually wins on these issues. That's why Leupies are "better."

They are a very good "package" as to optical quality, lightweight, reliability, and warranty service.

BMT