Please help me compare these scopes

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Looking for a high-quality 50mm objective scope with AO/PA for a precision .22lr fun range gun, whose primary use is "noob induction".** Want to compare/contrast some of the final contenders. Trying to stay under $800 or so.

**Noob induction is taking newbies to the range and inducting them into the shooting sports in the most positive possible way. Most shooting will be done at 50 yards, and quite a bit at 25 yards as well. But I want this to feel like shooting fish in a barrel for the noobs.


1. @ $570: Bushnell Elite 4200, 6-24x50, 30mm, side focus. http://www.swfa.com/pc-9847-185-bushnell-6-24x50-elite-4200-30mm-rifle-scope.aspx

2. @ $630: Nikon Monarch 6-24x50, 1", side focus. http://www.swfa.com/pc-8773-2201-nikon-6-24x50-monarch-riflescope.aspx

3. @ $650: Pentax Lightseeker-30, 6-24x50, 30mm, side focus. http://www.swfa.com/c-121-pentax-lightseeker-30-rifle-scopes.aspx

4. @ $700: Meopta Artemis 2100, 3-12x50, 30mm, side focus. http://www.swfa.com/pc-9081-1132-meopta-3-12x50-artemis-2100-30mm-rifle-scope.aspx

5. @ $810: Leupold VX-III, 8.5-25x50mm, 30mm, side focus. http://www.swfa.com/pc-3377-307-leupold-85-25x50-vx-iii-30mm-riflescope.aspx

6. @ $775: Sightron SIII, 6-24x50mm, 30mm, side focus. http://www.swfa.com/pc-12946-1512-sightron-6-24x50-siii-30mm-riflescope.aspx

I'm leaning towards the last one since the Sightron SII's I have are the best value I've ever found in a scope, but don't know if the SIII's have the same value factor. Leaning towards the Nikon Monarch as my #2 choice; also find all Nikons to be excellent values. Leupolds are always appealing because of the warranty and high re-sale value, so that'd probably be tied with the Nikon for 2nd place at this point.

What say you?

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Or should I just up the budget and spring for what I really want:

7. @$1,020. Trijicon Accupoint 5-20x50mm, 30mm. No AO/PA however.... http://www.swfa.com/pc-14516-227-new-trijicon-5-20x50-accu-point-30mm-rifle-scope.aspx

Another dark horse with no AO/PA:

8. @$715. IOR Valdada, 4-14x50mm, 30mm. http://www.swfa.com/pc-10178-291-ior-4-14x50-hunting-30mm-rifle-scope.aspx The IOR is at least tied for the toughest AND for the best glass quality, but lacks a little magnification and the AO/PA.

This one is arguably the ultimate, but I dunno if I can spring for $1,300+

9. @$1,315. IOR Valdada, 6-24x50mm, 35mm, IR, with rings. http://www.swfa.com/pc-10206-291-new-ior-6-24x50-hunting-35mm-rifle-scope.aspx Sorry, just daydreamin.

 

[Jim Watson]

An experienced friend of mine who looked through a lot of scopes at the SHOT show and has studied a lot of match shooters' gear said he would go with the Sightron SIII for anything under a Leupold Mk 4.

Frankly, I think you could get fish in a barrel shooting at 50 yards for half the price with a 1" tube and 40mm objective.

What gun? Something that will shoot up to the resolution of a $800 scope?

What position? Benchrest, prone, or standing?

 

[lipadj46]

The Sightron is the best scope on the list. Toss the pentax off the list and and add the Zeiss Conquest to the top of the list. Also bump off the VX-III and replace with the VX-3. You could probably lose the Meopta too unless you are for whatever reason particular to that scope, it does not really stand out in that group (could be wrong though not too familiar). If I were buying with my own money I would take the Bushnell hands down as the best bang for buck on that list .

 

[KNOCKDOWN]

Add the Zeiss

+1 On the Zeiss conquest. Best glass, great Z-plex BDC & Ranging reticle.

But if we need to stick to your list...

Leupold
Nikon Monarch
Bushnell Elite

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I think it's gonna come down to, "Is the Sightron SIII $205 better than the Elite 4200?"

 

[lipadj46]

I think it's gonna come down to, "Is the Sightron SIII $205 better than the Elite 4200?"

I think the glass is pretty comparable but the Sightron may have more internal adjustment and a little better accurate turrets. I would take the 4200 in a heartbeat though as it is a sweet scope.

 

[arizona98tj]

Is parallax adjustment for .22 rimfire distances important? If this is for noobie shooting fish in a barrel, I assume you would want everything perfect.

I believe Leupold will adjust their scope for $15, if that makes a difference.

 

[lipadj46]

Is parallax adjustment for .22 rimfire distances important? If this is for noobie shooting fish in a barrel, I assume you would want everything perfect.

Most scopes these days worth their salt have a rear or side focus. This really adjust the parallax. I am not sure why anyone these days would buy a scope with a set/fixed parallax. If you are on a budget look at the Bushnell 3200's, Sightron SII's or Nikon Team primos or Nikon Prostaff/Buckmaster.

I believe Leupold will adjust their scope for $15, if that makes a difference.

I am sure they will take your money but see above most Leupolds have at the minimum a rear focus so they would just turn the rear dial and charge you $15 plus shipping both ways. Google around and learn how to focus a scope for parallax yourself.

 

[classcpl]

Sightrons are really great scopes for the money, but I'm huge fan of Nikon these days and that is what I would choose. If you are looking at either Nikon or Bushnell I would check with Bruno Shooter Supply. Their prices are incredible, especially on the Nikon scopes.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I'm with you on Nikons, too. Nikon, more than any other brand with multiple lines including economy ones, is the one brand where you can buy ANY Nikon and know it's a good scope - even their lowest-end ProStaff is an excellent scope.

Thanks for the tip on Bruno.

 

[blakrapter]

Be careful with Bruno. Their prices are great, but they are selling them below the Minimum Advertised Price set by Nikon. I am not sure what Nikon's policy is, but many manufacturers, such as Leupold, will not honor the warranty on a scope that was purchased in violation of their MAP.

 

[ForneyRider]

Pentax is same as Burris Black Diamond I think with that side focus. Pentax is 100$ cheaper.