New scope?

[muley]

Hi,

I am trying to decide between these two buckmaster scopes.

Nikon Buckmasters Rifle Scope 4.5-14x 40mm Side Focus

Buckmasters 4-12x50 side focus

I am wondering whether to go with more power or the bigger objective. I shoot out to moderately long ranges. Coyotes and antelope out to 500 would probably be my upper limit. I might target shoot further for fun, but not very often. I know that the larger objective would be better for low light, but there is a slight trade off in power. Is there much difference between 12 and 14 power? I haven't messed with anything above 3-9 power before. This will go on my Savage 6.5x284.

Thanks for the help.

 

[mt Al]

I'd take them outside of a store and see for yourself on the difference in 12x vs 14x. Personally I see very little difference and would go for the larger objective for light gathering. Going from 40mm to 50mm is a HUGE difference in overall light gathering area, over 50% more square milimeters if I have my "pie r squared" math right.

I've never put a 40mm next to a 50mm at dusk or dawn so I honestly don't know the real difference in what the image would look like with the larger objective. However, I assume it's more noticeable than the change in power.

 

[trebark]

I would agree to go with the 4-12x50 not only because there is little difference between 12x and 14x but there is a big difference in exit pupil.

Exit pupil is the size of the image being transmitted to your eye. Calculate exit pupil by dividing the objective size by the maximum magnification.

50/12 = 4.17mm
40/14 = 2.86mm

Optimal exit pupil is 5mm. When it comes to shooting at fast moving varmints like coyotes, having a large exit pupil allows you to acquire your target faster.

Also, remember scopes do NOT gather light. They transmit it and a larger objective will generally transmit more light than a smaller one.

 

[muley]

Thank you for the information. As always, you guys are very helpful.

 

[trebark]

On a final note, have you really made your mind up to go with the Nikon Buckmaster? I ask because my cousin had one at one time and he was rather frustrated with the scope as the adjustments were not reliable/repeatable.

For the same money as the Buckmaster, you could get a much better scope like a Super Sniper. SWFA Riflescopes SWFA SS Rifle Scopes SWFA SS Scopes SWFA SS MOA Scopes or some other alternative.

 

[muley]

I don't really have my heart totally set on a Nikon. I have just had good luck with them in the past. I had a Bushnell 3200 that I really didn't like because the eye relief was awkward for me. I have a Leupold 3-9x40 that is pretty good. The hard part is all the stores around me seem to have the same scopes in stock, so it is hard to look at any others.

 

[trebark]

I don't really have my heart totally set on a Nikon. I have just had good luck with them in the past. I had a Bushnell 3200 that I really didn't like because the eye relief was awkward for me. I have a Leupold 3-9x40 that is pretty good. The hard part is all the stores around me seem to have the same scopes in stock, so it is hard to look at any others.

Completely agree that the eye relief on Bushnell scopes is awkward. whenever looking at a scope online though, they will give you the specs on the scope including the eye relief. Knowing you like the Leupold eye relief (so do I), look up the specs on your scope, then go find a scope that matches that eye relief.

Like you, I am hesitant to buy something that I haven't put my hands on. But when it comes to optics, most retailers do not carry the top end optics. So it's tough to see them. Fortunately, most online retailers will take a scope back if you don't like it. So I will continue to recommend to you that you explore other options besides the Buckmaster. And I can say that I have put my hands on several Super Snipers and they are all very nice.

 

[muley]

Thanks again for the help. That info. is very useful.