Bad Choice?

[tiswell]

I have been hanging around here for a couple of months to learn what I can in preparation for a first ever elk hunt. It will be in Colorado's last gun season this fall. I plan to upgrade the scope on my rifle. I have been considering two models. A Vortex Viper PST 4-16X50 and a Bushnell Tactical Elite 2.5-16X42. There may be more elk hunts in the future but most of my hunting will be in the eastern hardwoods. As a result, I like the lower mag setting of the Bushnell and the 42mm obj is somewhat less obtrusive to carry, but wish it would come with a zero stop. Everything that I have read about the Vortex makes it sound very appealing. The zero stop and MOA reticle are nice features, and their customer service sounds great. The rifle that I am going to mount it to is a 7MM-08 with a 26 inch barrel. I plan on shooting the 168 grain Berger VLD's and limiting my shots to 500 yards. We know the guide personally and he said the longest shot a client has ever taken with him was 550 yards

Will I be making a mistake if I choose the Bushnell over the Vortex? Am I missing the importance for certain attributes like the additional light gathering of the 50mm obj? Does Bushnell stand behind their products adequately?

Thanks, Tiswell

 

[Russ Hatch]

Three years ago I was asking myself the same question. I went with the Vortex and was so impressed that I have bought 2 more Vortex Vipers, one for my 6.5x47L and they other for my 280R.

 

[heelerx2]

I had one of the Bushnell 6500s. I found the scope was unable to maintain a clear image when shooting at paper. Probably not noticeable on a hunt but it bothered me enough to sell it. If you can look through both at the range before buying, all the better! Good luck.

 

[ADMIN]

Test post

 

[heelerx2]

I've never had a Vortex but had a Bushnell 6500. The Bushnell would not maintain clear image resolution when looking at paper targets. I sold it. Hope this helps.

 

[heelerx2]

I had the Bushnell and was not impressed with it. I would have to try the Vortex if it was me.

 

[heelerx2]

sorry for multiple replys. Kept getting error messages.

 

[mackgee]

I don't think you'll go wrong with either choice. I think you're right on track with your thoughts about using the lower magnification. I like the magnification range offered by the Bushnell. Good luck!

Mac

 

[D.ID]

I have the bushnell's older big brother in the 4200 6-24x50 and love it.... clear and precise............. but my next scope will be a vortex.

 

[sp6x6]

Both would work fine. If you start pushing that 500 mark, I would go with a bigger 7mm.I mainly hunt elk.

 

[tiswell]

Thanks for the replys. At this point I may lean toward the Vortex. I have read good and bad about Bushnell's optical quality and service, but only good about Vortex. Are there any better considerations in the $700- $850 and 3 or 4-16 power range? I do want to stay with tactical turrets.

Thanks again, Tiswell

 

[Sami]

Thanks for the replys. At this point I may lean toward the Vortex. I have read good and bad about Bushnell's optical quality and service, but only good about Vortex.

Vortex PST has excellent features but you pay for them in glass quality. If low light performance isn't a concern it is a good choice, otherwise I would look elsewhere.

Are there any better considerations in the $700- $850 and 3 or 4-16 power range? I do want to stay with tactical turrets.

Minox ZA5, Zeiss Conquest, Weaver Tactical.

 

[tiswell]

So the conquest 4.5-14x50 AO MC looks promising. I apologize for being a pain in the bottom, but can someone tell me how they track and what Zeiss customer service is like?

It looks like the Minox doesn't offer tactical turrets. I have read some good things about Weaver recently but the name still scares me some.

 

[Sami]

It looks like the Minox doesn't offer tactical turrets.

There is no zero stop but they aren't far from being tactical turrets. 4-20x50 comes with 1/8 MOA turrets and the rest come with 1/4 MOA turrets. If you can live without the other "tactical" features you will get the best glass for the money with Minox, there is no question about it.

Below are turrets from 4-20x50 and 6-30x56 ZA5's. Then Viper PST 4-16x50.