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Please Help Choose Between 4 Scopes

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30rd View Drop Down
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    Posted: November/28/2007 at 21:18
Hi,
I've narrowed it down to 4 scopes for my new RRA Varmint rifle.  Please help with advice.  For pricing, I'm using the first scope as a baseline and others are the cost above the baseline:
 
Bushnell 4200 6-24x40 AO mil dot 1" tube
+$100 for a Bushnell 4200 Tactical 6-24x50 side focus mil dot 30mm tube
+$160 for a Leupold VX-III 6.5-20x40 side focus varmint hunter's reticle 30mm tube
+$170 for a Monarch 6.5x20x40 AO illuminated mil dot 1" tube
 
Seems like the Leupold has the best reticle because mil dots may obscure the target at the 600yd range and varmints at 400yds.  The Monarch's illuminated reticle is so tempting.  I'm new to varmint hunting but I know from other hunting that most of the action is dawn and dusk.  I asked a guy who just sold his Bushnell tactical why he didn't like it and he said it wasn't as clear as a the regular 4200.  He thought the side focus might be the reason.  I don't like the orange and green markings on the regular Bushnell's bell.  Thanks for the help!  I want to purchase by the weekend.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cyborg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/29/2007 at 07:02
I'm liking the Leo here, But the 4200 glass is hard to passon.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris II Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/29/2007 at 09:05
The 4200 Tactical has the most power, not much, but take the most you can get for varmints without going overkill. The glass is amazing for the price and the 30mm tube gives more adjustment for longer ranges. Bushnell Elite 4200 Tactical it is.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guesty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/29/2007 at 12:38
If funds will allow, stretch for the Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20x50. It has significantly better optics than all of the above.
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30rd View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 30rd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/29/2007 at 16:39
I could handle a used one but the new ones, even the closeouts, are just too much money.  I've got kids!  I saw the used one on this site that sold in July and e-mailed him.  He let me know it's gone.  Same thing with a used one I saw on another site.  Both sold in a day so they were under priced at $625 and $640.  I bought the monarch illuminated mil dot from SWFA today.  It ended up being $54 over baseline instead of $170 so it was an easy decision.
 
No offense to anyone who loves optics because I understand that (I bought a high end 160x Leica microscope at work), but my friends buy middle of the road equipment and they'd consider me to be a snob if I bought a Zeiss.  I'm already going to get the needle for having this Monarch.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/29/2007 at 18:52
what the hell do they use bsa's? monarch is a cheap scope if you look at the whole picture.
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30rd View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 30rd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/30/2007 at 15:04
Yes, my close friends use Banners and Trophys and Buckmasters.  We pay daycare.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cyborg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/30/2007 at 15:13
You've got a better scope than your friends do.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/30/2007 at 17:12
i pay day care x 2 and only work 9 months a year, i use buckmasters monarchs and fullfields so you dont have to tell me about it, a lot of the guys i hunt with use cheapo bushnells as well and i tell them they miss because there scopes are older than me and are junk. so in your case who cares if you look like a snob, get a scope you dont have to worry about.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dogger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/01/2007 at 07:32
Know where your coming from.  By the way I use a Trophy 1.5-4x32, fine scope works well and I'm not apologizing to anyone!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cnwrobb Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/03/2007 at 06:40
Do your self a favor and consider the Bushnell 3200 5-15x40 model 32515T. Own a Double Star 24" flattop varmint myself with the above mentioned scope.  Optically, can't tell difference between this scope and Nikon Monarch 6.5-20x44 except at extremely long ranges. Difference between  3200 and 4200 will add $200 dollars to your pocket which you can use to accessorize your RRA which seems to be a passion amongst AR15 owners as I am finding out myself. Bought the 3200 from the fine folks at SWFA which has IMHO one the best support staffs in the optic world.  Use high rings as medium rings won't give you proper face to stock fit unless you use riser blocks with medium rings.  There is nothing wrong with scopes you have picked out.  All are great scopes but I feel you have another option.  I get caught up with "Bigger is Better" and have overscoped guns for their capabilities and have expected more from that firearm that can be achieved.  Take this for what it is worth because I am the kind of guy who orders hamburgers at steak houses.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote medic52 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/05/2007 at 14:09
I have a REM 700 Sendero 22-250 it is top of with the Bushnell Elite 4200 6x24x40 mostly to PD hunt with. To be honest with you I am tickled to death with it, I have amazed myself at some of the shots that I have pulled off. I also have a Leupy 6x18 on a Ruger #1 220 swift varminter. If I had to do it over again I would of put a 4200 on it. In my personal opinion I think the 4200 is alittle better glass
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ServiceRifle Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/05/2007 at 17:34
Bushnell Elite without a doubt
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Legs in the Air Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/15/2007 at 18:17
Originally posted by cnwrobb cnwrobb wrote:

Do your self a favor and consider the Bushnell 3200 5-15x40 model 32515T. Own a Double Star 24" flattop varmint myself with the above mentioned scope.  Optically, can't tell difference between this scope and Nikon Monarch 6.5-20x44 except at extremely long ranges. Difference between  3200 and 4200 will add $200 dollars to your pocket which you can use to accessorize your RRA which seems to be a passion amongst AR15 owners as I am finding out myself. Bought the 3200 from the fine folks at SWFA which has IMHO one the best support staffs in the optic world.  Use high rings as medium rings won't give you proper face to stock fit unless you use riser blocks with medium rings.  There is nothing wrong with scopes you have picked out.  All are great scopes but I feel you have another option.  I get caught up with "Bigger is Better" and have overscoped guns for their capabilities and have expected more from that firearm that can be achieved.  Take this for what it is worth because I am the kind of guy who orders hamburgers at steak houses.
 
I've read elsewhere on this forum guys that have had a bad experience with the 5 - 15 3200 elite, something to do with the focus.
 
I've been considering this scope myself for a 22-250. Hows the low-light performance with your scope?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cnwrobb Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/03/2008 at 16:18
The 5-15x40 Bushnell 3200 is quite bright even in low light situation both at sunrise and sunset.  Wouldn't hesitate a second to purchase another.  Compared to Nikon Monarch 5.5-16.5 x44, it takes a better man than me to see much difference.  Sighted son's rifle in at 100 yds. @ 1" high dead center and can shoot clay targets out to 300 meters with no difficulty.  Like to be able to shoot further but limited to space at local gun club.
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