AusVarmint

Hi im in the market for something to try and cover both bases;

Out of these what would you go for and why?

Leupold VXIII 6.5-20x40
Burris Balck Diamond 6-20x50
Burris Black Diamond 8-32x50
Burris Signature 8-32x44
Sightron SIII 6-24x50
Sightron SII SS 6-20x50
Weaver Grand Slam 6-20x40
Ziess Conquest 6.5-20x50
Bushnell Elite 4200 8-32x40

If there are others you guys can recommend that would be handy too!

Leupold VXIII 6.5-20x40

The VXIII only cause I havent tried any of the others

I have a vx3 in 3-10x40 with tactical adj. and I'm extremely happy with it. Im currently in the process of replacing all my old scopes with new leupy's. Maybe someone else can comment on the other brands?

dave,

Leupold VXIII 6.5-20x40 because they are good quality and have a lifetime warranty. The only down side is depending on class you have a max of 6 x scope but as I recall you are looking at HV so unlimited and that fine.
PS I have 2 of these scopes that should tell you what I think of them. 1 sits on my 25.06 and is ideal for varmit work.

Ziess Conquest 6.5-20x50 because I have never seen one with bad glass..same issue as leupy with magnification.

Weaver Grand Slam 6-20x40 I have 2 x weaver T 36 scopes and find them to be quite good the G/Slam will do the job. 6 x means it will be able to be used in Hunter class but then if you dont shoot Hunter it dont matter.


Sightron SIII 6-24x50 / Sightron SII SS 6-20x50
I have looked at the 36 Target version and can see no difference between this brand and Weaver. 6 x means it will be able to be used in Hunter class but then if you dont shoot Hunter it dont matter.

Bushnell Elite 4200 8-32x40 IMHO not as good quality as those above but is adequate for needs.

Far too long since I saw a Burris to make any comment.

My advice Leupold is the name everyone wants to beat, Ziess are great but expensive, Weaver / Sightron will do the job no problem and are probably the cheapest options.

cheers

Rinso

All the ones with a max of 20x will be too small even though most are good quality.

Out of the 32x's i would go the Bushnell first, it has the best quality.

After that i would look at the burris black diamond, i have one myself and its good but could be better for the price.

Depending on the type of shooting you want to do most likely a nightforce 12-42 would be best.

A weaver fixed 36x is an excellent choice for the money.
cheers,
Shane

The name nightforce sends shivers down my spine and makes my wallet tremble What are they worth these days? Comparable to the IOR line of scopes?

dave,

Night Force between $1100 and $1400 2nd hand and around $1600 or higher new.

Shane said,

All the ones with a max of 20x will be too small even though most are good quality.

A weaver fixed 36x is an excellent choice for the money.

I agree with both the statements for a Benchrest only comp gun..but for a dual purpose varmit / benchrest gun, well you have to lose out somewhere, and I would say high fixed power scopes would be problematic for varmit work. So 36 x out then you look at 32 x in bushnell against leupold/zeiss in 20 x ????? maybe sightron ?????

You can see .22 bullet holes at 200metres with a 24 x Leupy so a 20 x should be able to cover the 6mm, yes its marginal but hey nothings easy.

I think the Night Force might be a bit pricey to be running around the scrub with....
But its not my money so ..good luck

Rinso

My current price for a 12-42 nightforce is $1580 inc.

Money very very well spent.

cheers,
Shane

Dave,
I have a Leupold 4.5-14X40 and a Weaver Grand Slam 6-20x40. I find the Weaver an all round fantastic scope. I use it for 100.0 mt BR and rabbits. I find that 200.0 mts is a bit far for it, but I do occasionally compete in the 200.0 events. For what it is worth I can see 6mm holes at 200 with the Weaver.
Pete

I think the Night Force might be a bit pricey to be running around the scrub with....

Hell yes, was just thinking that. Well when i get into benchrest flat out i will go the NF but maybe something that wont make me cry if i ding it once or twice might be a good start.

I agree shane its money well spent as they seem to be the scope which all other br scopes are compared too buuuuuut i might just see what intrest rates do first

Leaning towards the Bushnell 4200 at this stage. Anyone got one???

Dave,

Whatever you decide on will be dictated by the weigth of your rifle, if you want to shoot serious benchrest you will need to build it to suit the different classes.

Sporter - 8lbs 13oz
Light Varmint - 10lb 8oz
Heavy varmint - 13lb 8oz

If you are into long range bench shooting like Fly and 1000yrds anything under 17lb will get you into "light" gun class. So is no problem then.

Likewise if your local club are not fussy about weigths as well.

While the Nightforce is a beautifull looking glass, at 2.2lb it will probably be too heavy for sporter or LV events. But is the top of the heap IMO. I think if you buy one you will be pedantic about NOT dinging it

You will also find the thinner the crosshairs and smaller the dot a real benefit in shooting tiny groups as this gives you a much finer aiming point. So maybe check them out first

Cheers
KY

If you can afford the 12-42 Nightforce go for it. I got one this year and am extremely pleased with it.

Worth every cent.

Good Luck in your choice!

I'm one of those in the "saving for a Nightforce" category. What's the difference between the Benchrest and NSX models other than reticle choices and price?
Cheers...
Con

If i start saving for a nightforce i could be shooting br with open sights for say 10 years

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