Rifle Scopes Bushell Elite, wow!!

[enkry]

I found a couple of pics on the net of the reticles of Bushnell Elites. I'm very surprised how nice they look. I had no idea that they had glass like that. Also, I remember reading somewhere that the 4200 had better glass than the 6500 but dont recall where I saw that. I realize its just a pic but in person do they look that good?

Thanks.

 

[USACS]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I've been curious to look through the 6500 and see how it really compares to the other Elite scopes, as well as to other scopes on the market. Ever since Bushnell took over Bausch&Lomb, their scopes have gotten much better.
The major deal-breaker for Bushnell is that they only warranty their scopes for ONE YEAR. That's it. I don't care what quality the optics are of if the warranty is "no questions asked". If a company won't warranty the optics for a long time, then they won't get my business. I don't think I'm being hyper-critical about this either. I need to know that if, two or three years from now, my scope gets attacked by an angry Wolverine or if Rosie ODonnell just mistakes it for a bearclaw donut and tries to eat it, that the scope company will take care of me.

 

[enkry]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

on their website it says the Elite scopes have a Limited Lifetime warranty

 

[DirtyRod]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

Bushnell stands behind the Elite lifetime warranty. I've purchased used Elite scopes that had minor issues and Bushnell replaced the scopes without question. I've also seen them replace a 3 year old Banner scope that was out of warranty.

http://www.bushnell.com/resources/warranty-information/

 

[Tomcat088]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

Bushnell Elite glass looks better in person that those pictures do, I assure you. For the money, I've always thought finding a brighter, clearer scope was hard to do. They're really good glass for the money. I have not looked through an Elite 6500, so I can't compare it to a 4200, but the 3200 and especially the 4200 are very nice glass for the money.

 

[USACS]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I think I was put off by the whole "replacement" portion. I'm blaming it on the ADD.

That said, I can appreciate a company that will replace their optics, but I still have questions when they list it as a limited lifetime warranty and then they put in the following on their website:
"No Questions Asked One Year Warranty ELITE Replacement Policy"
(This offer is limited to one original purchase refund per address. For additional information about this offer, please contact Customer Service)

If they'll cover it, then why not just say so. Maybe I'm just being too hyper-critical??

 

[DirtyRod]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

Perhaps just a bit. Taken from Optics Planet ...

The Bushnell Guarantee.

Not only does the Elite series come with Bushnell Elite Bullet-Proof Warranty against defects during normal use, Bushnell is confident the Elite will be the best scope you'll ever put an eye to. To prove it, Bushnell is offering a "No Questions Asked" garantee. It works like this: If you're not convinced it's hand down the best scope you're ever hunted with, Bushnell will replace it free or give you a full refund. It's that good. (U.S. only)

 

[hpic55]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I have the option to get a Bush Elite 4200 3-12X44 with illum mildot for a bit under $600 new. It seems like a lot of scope for the money but I have no exp with them. Can anyone comment on this scope?

Thanks

Semper Fi
1*

 

[flounderv2]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I have an Elite 4200 6-24x50 and it definitely has some quality glass. Only complaint about them is the lack of total elevation and reticle thickness.

 

[enkry]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

how much elevation does it have?

 

[ceylonc]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: USACS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been curious to look through the 6500 and see how it really compares to the other Elite scopes, as well as to other scopes on the market.</div></div>

The glass & coatings used in the 4200 and 6500 lines is the same. Main differences between the two models is the 6500 uses a 30mm tube, has greater adjustment and magnification ranges, and the availability of their DOA reticle. The tube bodies are different (some longer, some shorter, than the most closely comparable 4200 model) as well.

Bottom line, they're great scopes & good deals can be had if you buy them used online.

 

[DirtyRod]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Enkry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">how much elevation does it have? </div></div>

The 6-24x50 Tactical has an advertised 50MOA but mine really has 44 so you need a 20MOA base if you are going out far. A few of the others, such as the 6-24x40 have as little as 29MOA so you have to make sure you check before buying. The adjustability is the only real limitation I've seen across the line.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Main differences between the two models is the 6500 uses a 30mm tube, has greater adjustment and magnification ranges, and the availability of their DOA reticle. The tube bodies are different (some longer, some shorter, than the most closely comparable 4200 model) as well.</div></div>

The 6-24x50 Tactical has a 30mm tube. The ther 4200s use a 1 inch tube as stated.

 

[pazzo]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

50 MOA is useless for the longer ranges, even with a 20 MOA base. I had an Elite 4200 Tactical 6-24x50 and sold it for a Nightforce 5.5-22x56. The glass is better in the NF and the 100 MOA of adjustment is crucial for the shots beyond 1000 yds (.308).

 

[Guest]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pazzo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">50 MOA is useless for the longer ranges, even with a 20 MOA base. I had an Elite 4200 Tactical 6-24x50 and sold it for a Nightforce 5.5-22x56. The glass is better in the NF and the 100 MOA of adjustment is crucial for the shots beyond 1000 yds (.308). </div></div>

Odd you say that, as with my 17X SN-3 on a .308win (shooting 175smk's) if I'm shooting long I'll dial 50 IPHY with the 1/2 IPHY EREK then use the retical(MDMOA) for anything more, why you ask? 50 up is a easy number to remember, read/dial, and add to. I can't tell you how many times I've seen folks get lost while dialing rev's in daylight, let alone night.

 

[mrwiggins]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

for the money you can do better. thats all i'll say about this

 

[BgBmBoo]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pazzo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">50 MOA is useless for the longer ranges, even with a 20 MOA base. I had an Elite 4200 Tactical 6-24x50 and sold it for a Nightforce 5.5-22x56. The glass is better in the NF and the 100 MOA of adjustment is crucial for the shots beyond 1000 yds (.308).</div></div>

Really? Hmm...I used a NF 12-42X BR scope on my 1000 yard BR rifle and had no issue with enough elevation travel...and the Night Force only had 40 MOA total adjustment.

Having owned the Bushy 4200 6-24 Tactical I can tell you the glass in the 6500 is just as good if not brighter then the 4200. I believe they use the same glass.

The 6500 has 80 MOA elevation travel and the Tactical model I just received actually has 81.25 MOA stop to stop.

The Bushnell's are not a NF, S&B, PR,etc....but at $550 to $650 price range for what I use them for...hunting yotes...they are just about right.

Take care,Stan

 

[z71rat]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I personally prefer the 4200 6-24 30mm tube. I really like the glass, and I prefer the exposed turrents. The 6500 doesn't suit my tastes in this regard. The glass is nice though. I was not aware it was the same glass until now.

DK

 

[enkry]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

mrwiggins, please elaborate!!

 

[BgBmBoo]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

zRa<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: z71rat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I personally prefer the 4200 6-24 30mm tube. I really like the glass, and I prefer the exposed turrents. The 6500 doesn't suit my tastes in this regard. The glass is nice though. I was not aware it was the same glass until now.

DK</div></div>

You do know that the 6500 Tactical does have the SAME "exposed" turrets right?
And that it also has a 30mm tube. And you can get it in a 4-30X ?

Take care,Stan

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

We just got the Bushnell 6-24x50 Elite 4200 30mm FFP and the Bushnell 3-12x44 Elite 4200 30mm Rifle Scope in on Friday. Here's how the mil dot reticles look:

Bushnell 3-12x44 Elite 4200 30mm Rifle Scope

Bushnell 6-24x50 Elite 4200 30mm FFP

Thanks,

Mason @ CST

 

[CK_32]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I have a Bushnell 3200 Elite Tactical 5-15x and haven't looked back. They are really clear i was surprised when i looked through it also. Haven't used a High end scope like a night force or Ziess but for the price of a Bushnell 3200 you cant complain at all.

I was looking to use mine for a temp scope and move up to a NF but after using it and being as happy with it over all I'm thinking of keeping it on there for good no need for better glass as far as im concerned.

 

[dragonlvg]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

right now am using a 3200 fixed 10x mil-dot and have no complaints, although after a fall down a hill/cliff i think its going to have to be repaired/replaced its still clear and holds zero but adjustments are now jerky andf require some fiddling to make it move

 

[BERTMAN77MK2]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

the 6500 2--16x is my new favorite hunting/varmint scope
very pleased with it thus far--(1 YR)

 

[Big Bo]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

You get what you pay for. I bought a Bush 4200 6-24x40sf to put on my .223. I payed $500 for the scope. Glas is crystal clear. I bought a Bush Legend 5-15x40 mildot, happy with it also. I don`t have a problem buying what "I" can afford. The glass is good, others who look through the scopes are surprised at their clairity.

If I had over $1000 to spend on scopes I probably would buy "one".

 

[dar1246]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I bought one year or so ago. Very clear on the lower power but when I turned it up to 32 power. The scope got not as clear. Called Bushnell They said No Problem, We have a (no questions asked guarantee). They did give my money back.

This is one scope I wouldn't have a problem buying. If you don't like it. Send it back. Call them and ask.

 

[Snakum]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was looking to use mine for a temp scope and move up to a NF but after using it and being as happy with it over all I'm thinking of keeping it on there for good no need for better glass as far as im concerned.</div></div>

That's exactly what I bought my 3-12x44 mil/mil for ... a solid mid-range scope to serve until I can afford a mil/mil NF. But I was able to look thru and play with an NF 3-12 (iirc) twice over the past week and I'm now sorta wondering what I'd gain. I mean, "clear" is "clear" ... the NF was not <span style="font-style: italic">more </span>clear than the Elite 4200 and the turrets were not <span style="font-style: italic">more </span>positive. And I've calibrated/checked the spacing of the 4200 and it's dead on. What's to gain by the extra $800?

The only things I can think of are perhaps a little more ruggedness and zero-stop dialing. Now I gotta decide if that's worth it.

 

[steve123]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

One of the biggest differences I can see as an advantage with the NF is the approx 27 mils of total elevation.If someone plans on shooting extreme ranges then having enough elevation in the scope becomes critical.

But I agree that the new bushnell 3-12FFP is a scope that is hard to beat for it's price point and regardless of price it's desirable.If it had a zero stop,a Horus type reticle and more elevation.....I'd have a tough time parting with my money for the more expensive scopes.

Steve

 

[stickboy]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I have several of the Elite products, range finder, binos, 4200, and now the 80 mm spotter. I think for the money they are hard to beat. I have abused everything except the spotter while hunting for over the last 4 years. Solid products for the money.

Snakum you ask what you might be gaining for NF? I haven't spent much time with NF but where I think the Bushy is laking is reticle choice, mildot only. That is what is holding me back from pulling one.

My $.02

 

[Snakum]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

The reticle is a bit of an issue, even with my limited experience: I wish I could hold over more than 600 yards. I don't know if my ideal scope is yet made, but I'm going to start looking this Summer:

4-14x50 (or 55)
30mm tube
80/40 MOA travel
Mildot with .5 mil hash marks (but no more than this; too 'busy')
Thin reticle lines like my 4200 (nice)
Windage/lead lines similar to Rapid-Z
10 mils of holdover a la IOR Valdata
Zero stop like the NF
mil/mil like my 4200
Illuminated reticle that doesn't bleed even on high settings
Bullet proof construction all around like NF
Lifetime no questions asked warranty a la Leupold
Costs less than $2000 (Yeah ... <span style="font-style: italic">right</span>!

)

 

[CSTactical]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snakum</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The reticle is a bit of an issue, even with my limited experience: I wish I could hold over more than 600 yards. I don't know if my ideal scope is yet made, but I'm going to start looking this Summer:

4-14x50 (or 55)
30mm tube
80/40 MOA travel
Mildot with .5 mil hash marks (but no more than this; too 'busy')
Thin reticle lines like my 4200 (nice)
Windage/lead lines similar to Rapid-Z
10 mils of holdover a la IOR Valdata
Zero stop like the NF
mil/mil like my 4200
Illuminated reticle that doesn't bleed even on high settings
Bullet proof construction all around like NF
Lifetime no questions asked warranty a la Leupold
Costs less than $2000 (Yeah ... <span style="font-style: italic">right</span>!

) </div></div>

It doesn't hit your entire wish list, but the new M5's from Leupold are in the ballpark (especially price wise). We should be getting them in towards the end of the week.

Leupold Mk 4 ER/T M5 4.5-14x50mm FFP

Thanks,

Mason @ CST

More Info:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1741174#Post1741174

 

[Basher]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snakum</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The reticle is a bit of an issue, even with my limited experience: I wish I could hold over more than 600 yards. I don't know if my ideal scope is yet made, but I'm going to start looking this Summer:

4-14x50 (or 55)
30mm tube
80/40 MOA travel
Mildot with .5 mil hash marks (but no more than this; too 'busy')
Thin reticle lines like my 4200 (nice)
Windage/lead lines similar to Rapid-Z
10 mils of holdover a la IOR Valdata
Zero stop like the NF
mil/mil like my 4200
Illuminated reticle that doesn't bleed even on high settings
Bullet proof construction all around like NF
Lifetime no questions asked warranty a la Leupold
Costs less than $2000 (Yeah ... <span style="font-style: italic">right</span>!

) </div></div>

Save up a bit more and you can build a 3.2-17x58 SN3 from USO that matches those specs:

-3.2-17x58
-30mm tube (or 34mm if you prefer)
-Unsure of the travel, but with an EREK knob I'm sure it's at least 80MOA
-Mil GAP or Gen2XR reticles will get you close to what you're looking for regarding .5mil marks, 10mil hold over, etc
-Properly set, the EREK acts as a ZS
-Mil/mil if you spec it that way
-Illumination, if you want it
-Built like tanks
-Amazing warranty, per what other owners have reported

The only problem is that you'd be over budget some.

Or you could make it easy and cut the waiting out of the equation by picking up a Vortex Razor 5-20x50. Right at your budget (minus rings), and meets pretty much all of your specs.

There, that was easy, huh?

I suppose other companies will follow Vortex's lead in the future and produce similar scopes, perhaps even Bushnell at some point? Your call.

As for the Elite line, I've only looked through 3200 fixed 10x models, and they did, indeed, appear to be great scopes for the money. Reticle seemed a tad thick, but easily workable.

 

[89t295k]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

+1

Have 4200 4-16 40mm, wish it were Mildot/have more adjustment but, the glass is A+. For Hunting it is great.

 

[GN4HIR]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I think I have owned almost every midrange scope around at one time or another and I find the Bushnell 3200/4200 scopes to be a good value. Bright glass, bold reticle (I won't call it thick) and a comfortable eye box. I do wish they had more elevation but they are what they are. I have a 5-15 and 10x now.

I have USO and NF on my best rigs but not every rifle can have $1.5K plus glass. The 5-15 is on a Savage bolt .223 that is my go-to gun for plinking.

 

[CK_32]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

K but now were starting to compare a $400 scope to a $1500 scope..

Bottom line is you cant compete or complain about a Bushnell with the prices they are for the quality of scope you get..

 

[McKinneyMike]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snakum</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The reticle is a bit of an issue, even with my limited experience: I wish I could hold over more than 600 yards. I don't know if my ideal scope is yet made, but I'm going to start looking this Summer:

4-14x50 (or 55)
30mm tube
80/40 MOA travel
Mildot with .5 mil hash marks (but no more than this; too 'busy')
Thin reticle lines like my 4200 (nice)
Windage/lead lines similar to Rapid-Z
10 mils of holdover a la IOR Valdata
Zero stop like the NF
mil/mil like my 4200
Illuminated reticle that doesn't bleed even on high settings
Bullet proof construction all around like NF
Lifetime no questions asked warranty a la Leupold
Costs less than $2000 (Yeah ... <span style="font-style: italic">right</span>!

) </div></div>

I am praying that the new Vortex Viper PST scopes offer the glass quality, as they seem to hit almost all of your requested needs and then some for less than $1K. June will not get here fast enough for a great many of us looking for these requirements. Of course they have the Razor if $2K is not out of your budget range!

 

[Snakum]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I wanted a Vortex PST but couldn't wait. Hence ... the 4200 mil/mil FFP. I'm sure the PST will be stellar. But for my next move up in scopes I'm shooting for top of the line. I like that Leupold M5. That might be the ticket. I have a Rifleman and a Redfield Rev (essentially a matte Rifleman with better turrets) and they're pretty decent hunting scopes. I love the Leupy warranty and customer service, especially. But I really, really want an extended reticle with 10 mils of holdover (15 counting the upper bar). I looked thru JSTGlenn's IOR Valdata with the extra five mils and now that I'm getting the hang of shooting without dialing, that extra 5 mils on the bottom could be a big help, time-wise.

 

[beretta_man11]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I put the 6500 tactical 4.5-30x50 on my .50 and absolutly love it. Just to reiterate what everyone else here has said: the glass is great, the power level is great and warranty/service isn't bad either. I started out witht the push/pull turrets but it got stuck. I called Bushnell and told them what happend and I wanted to upgrade to the exposed tactical turrets. An extra $50 and they shipped it to me super quick. Now I have $700 in a scope that I am very pleased with it.

 

[Downzero]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I have the 6-24x50 and I love it.

 

[Quackaddict]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I have a 4.5-30 6500 with the target turrets on my 308, been a very good scope. I dial up down and around every time to the range from -30 to 90 above and it has stayed true. Glass is very good and the fog guard they put on the lenses has saved my bacon more than once. I wish they had more elevation and reticle choices but I am very happy with the 3 4200 and 6500 scopes I have used.

 

[USACS]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

So, what exactly differentiates between the 4200 and the 6500? Glass?

 

[DirtyRod]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I think ceylonc covered that above.

 

[Carlos0311B4]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

What reticle subs. does it have?

USMC (1 mil = 3.448 moa)
or
Army (1mil = 3.375 MOA)

 

[USMC-SS0317]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

so does the 6500 tactical 4.5-30 have 80 moa of adjustment or 50 im reading the info on the bushnell website and it says 50

 

[enkry]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

i thought 1 MOA equaled 3.6 moa

 

[1000yard]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I have a 3200, 10X (3 yrs) it works great for me, other than a little parallax issue at close ranges. tracks fine and is a really clear scope for the money.

 

[oneshot onekill]

Re: Bushell Elite, wow!!

I've used the 3200 10X on, believe it or not, a Barrett 50cal.(I had to look at pictures of my rifle to confirm that because I never gave the scope any real thought) It came with the rifle along with 80 rounds of ammo as part of a package from Barrett some years back. I think I ran about 500 rounds thru that rifle before I sold it because of ammo prices. I never had any kind of problems with that scope! Paralax was a little bit of an issue at longer distances but I've never really let paralax bother me.

Also, I just bought another one for the LTR I just got in .223. I think, after confirmation from some of the good folks here, I made a good choice.