Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Bushnell 4200 vs.Limited Edition

I got the chance to compare the new Chinese Elite Limited Edition 3-9x40 with the discontinued Japanese Elite 4200 3-9x40.

The brightness seems about the same and I wouldn't be surprised if both don't have the same glass. Internal optical engineering has to be somewhat different due to the parallax side focus feature on the Ltd. Ed. which is lacking on the 4200.

The matte finish on the Ltd. Ed. is duller than the 4200 and it's slightly longer than the 4200. The Ltd. Ed. weighs 16oz on my scales vs. 14.2oz for the 4200.

The turret caps as slightly taller on the Ltd. Ed. and the eyepiece is slightly larger. I put a #11 Butler Creek eyepiece popup on the 4200 and I think the Ltd. Ed. will require a #14. Objectives are about the same size.

The adjustment numbers are on tops of the 4200 turrets and are on the sides of the Ltd. Ed. turrets. Both are 1/4" clicks, the Ltd. Ed. turret is easier to grasp and turn.

Whether or not side focus is needed on a 3-9x40 scope remains to be seen. The Ltd. Ed. has one whether its needed or not. I guess it would be nice for long range shooting, but IMHO, most 3-9 scopes are used for hunting, not target or precision long range shooting. There'll be differing opinions on that, I'm sure.

To sum up, I was impressed with the new Ltd. Ed. Elite, although somewhat prejudiced against the "Made in China" label.

As I wrote earlier on another post, early Japanese stuff was considered junk, but look at what they're making today. I feel sure the Chinese will cycle through a similar learning curve.

Time will tell if the new Elites are as good as the old ones.

Just a few observations, comparing the two, not a comprehensive testing of either.

DF

Forgot to add, the duplex seems slightly heavier on the 4200 than the Ltd. Ed. I like the 4200 duplex better, although the Ltd. Ed. duplex is not so fine as to be a problem.

DF

Excellent report DF and I'm very happy to hear that the scope compares nicely with the older and much loved 4200.

For the price you paid you surely can't go wrong.

Thank you for posting this.

Can you possibly do some side by side pics?

I'm thinking I like the sound of the China turrets.

[img]http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f35/rush2830/BushnellElites008.jpg[/img]

Thanks DF.

I definitely like the look of the LE turrets.

Does the owners manual state that these LE scopes are covered under the Elite warranty?

I haven't read the owners manual. I'll have to check it out.

DF

Owner's manual states that this scope (Chinese Limited Edition) has a Lifetime warranty, registration not needed.

That tells me it's the same warranty as the 4200. And, I would have expected no different. They're catching flack going to China, so they've got to take the position that these scopes are just as good.

They may be as good. Time will tell.

DF

The only difference between the two warranties then is that the Elite warranty has the one year money back no questions asked provision.

I want to hear about how it works when you wring it out.

I didn't see the 1 yr. money back guarantee. I'll go re-read it.

Right after I bought it, a close friend and hunting bud called wanting a better scope for his .22WMR. I think I'm going to pass this one to him at my cost. I hunted with him in the late 60's when I was but a youngster, so we date way back.

I'll be able to keep up with it.

I'm thinking about getting another VX-6 1-6x24 for my .404J. I have one already on the Mauser 9.3x62. I'm just very impressed with that scope.

I already have more scopes than guns. I know, I know. I could get more guns for the extra scopes, but my safes are full and I'd have to start storing them under my bed...

DF

Is it just the one with the side focus thats Chinese or are all elites made in china.

Look on Bushnells website for the current Elite models. The two 3-9 models (one with a 40mm obj and one with a 50mm obj) are no longer Elite models. They are now Legend Ultra HD's.

I don't know about the whole Chinese Elite line. I know Bushnell added some weight, a side focus and some length to their 4200 Elite 3-9x40 when they moved from Japan to China for their manufacturing vendor.

DF

The only Chinese stamped Elite's are the two I mentioned above. Elites are made in Japan.

Thanks, RD.

I wasn't sure how many were Chinese. I guess they're putting a toe in the water...

DF

Roy, do you know if these are made in China like the Conquests, Meopros, and the Minox are made in the USA?

Meaning are the parts sourced from all over and the assembly takes place in China.

That was my concern too. It would be a real shame, at least as far as I'm concerned, for them to switch OEM's after the reputation they have that's been earned by Light Optical Works.

I think the fact that they renamed these scopes the Legend Ultra HD is an encouraging sign that they intend to keep the true Elites made by LOW.

Time and testing will tell I guess.

If an Elite breaks..........it was probably made in China..........

I have four 4200 Elites and one 6500. No breakage or problems after several years of usage.

Time will tell on the Chinese version.

DF