Rifle Scopes Bushnell Elite - 40mm vs 50mm

[rockhouse66]

Sorry if this has been asked & answered, but is there really $400 difference in the real world between the Bushnell Elite 6-24 X 40 and the 6-24 X 50? I note that the 50mm weighs a good bit more, so I assume this means the glass is better? Really a newbie here, and not ready to spend $1K on a scope for my new Savage FCP-K.

I am comparing the Bushnell E6241 (40mm, about $400) to the ET6245 or ET6245F with illuminated reticle (about $800).

Be gentle please.

FYI, I can only shoot 100 yds at my local range but would like to be equipped for 500 yds or so, shooting targets. I'm old, and my eyes are getting weaker, if that factors into the decision.

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

Bushnell makes you go digging to figure out the differences between their scopes, but yes, those two scopes are quite different in terms of intended use, ruggedness, and glass, and the first focal plane reticle availability in the ET ($800) model. They are basically from different model lines at different price points. If a scope in the over-$600 range is a reasonable option, there are many good options to choose from, not just Bushnell (though it is on the list).

 

[rockhouse66]

It would be nice to think that because both are in the Bushnell Elite line, they are similar, but I hear what you are saying. I know you get what you pay for in optics (in most cases) but wonder what I will actually SEE that is different for this large difference in price. I think the $800 price point is my top and I would prefer to spend $600 or so and have some money left for rings.

 

[silentheart]

I actually own 2 et6245f. The ffp, mil/mil, glass clarity and click are worth the extra $400 if you have it. I find the illumination function is not needed in 95% of the time. Just nice to have. Just like others said, they are from 2 diff lines for diff purposes and price point.

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

I think the $800 price point is my top and I would prefer to spend $600 or so and have some money left for rings.

Do more reading here and elsewhere on other brands and models, then come back and post a discussion thread when you have it narrowed down to 5 or fewer. Be sure to read other threads here, your request is fairly common so you may get a lot of good ideas from others. Off the top of my head I would look at the Weaver Tactical 3-15x50, SWFA SS 3-15x42, Vortex Viper PST 6-24x50 (but not the 4-16x50, it has mediocre glass), Sightron SIII 6-24x50, and others.

 

[delixe]

Sorry if this has been asked & answered, but is there really $400 difference in the real world between the Bushnell Elite 6-24 X 40 and the 6-24 X 50? I note that the 50mm weighs a good bit more, so I assume this means the glass is better? Really a newbie here, and not ready to spend $1K on a scope for my new Savage FCP-K.

I am comparing the Bushnell E6241 (40mm, about $400) to the ET6245 or ET6245F with illuminated reticle (about $800).

Be gentle please.

FYI, I can only shoot 100 yds at my local range but would like to be equipped for 500 yds or so, shooting targets. I'm old, and my eyes are getting weaker, if that factors into the decision.

I'd recommend the ET6245FG (G2DMR reticle FFP) over the F (illuminated FFP mildot).
The G2DMR reticle is far more useful than the illumination for most.
Liberty has the FG for just under $800 shipped.
You have to add it to the cart to see the price.
Specials, Demos, Trades

 

[rockhouse66]

Thanks for all the input. It is easy to get lost in all the opinions and reviews on rifle scopes, so I was trying to keep it simple by asking for input on two Bushnell's with widely separated price points. I now understand that the more expensive scope is in a different league. Of those other scopes mentioned, the Vortex is appealing. I think my weak eyes might like the illuminated reticle, and you can always turn it off. The Bushnell 6-24 X 50 Tactical is still very appealing to me. I know there is a debate about FFP vs SFP, and until yesterday I didn't even know there was such a thing as FFP, but it is also now appealing to me.

At the end of the day, I would value great glass over great controls (or even great customer service). With this value system, is the Vortex a better purchase than the Bushnell?

 

[SomeOtherGuy]

Thanks for all the input. It is easy to get lost in all the opinions and reviews on rifle scopes, so I was trying to keep it simple by asking for input on two Bushnell's with widely separated price points. I now understand that the more expensive scope is in a different league. Of those other scopes mentioned, the Vortex is appealing. I think my weak eyes might like the illuminated reticle, and you can always turn it off. The Bushnell 6-24 X 50 Tactical is still very appealing to me. I know there is a debate about FFP vs SFP, and until yesterday I didn't even know there was such a thing as FFP, but it is also now appealing to me.

At the end of the day, I would value great glass over great controls (or even great customer service). With this value system, is the Vortex a better purchase than the Bushnell?

With $800 as your price limit and glass quality as your priority, the Sightron SIII 6-24x50 is by far the best choice. Sightron does two things great - glass quality and adjustment precision. Their scopes are not made for extreme ruggedness and don't have a zillion features, but they are solid for glass and adjustments. There are a number of reticle options, here is just one example:

Sightron Riflescopes SIII Series SIIISS624X50LRMD-CM

If you don't like the Sightron but you want relatively high magnification, the Bushnell and Viper PST are both good options, with the Bushnell probably having slightly better glass, but otherwise they are very similar.

 

[rockhouse66]

As suggested, I did some studying, including responses to similar questions on this Forum and other Internet opinions. It does seem generally agreed that the Sightron has better glass, but it also seems to be agreed that the Bushnell, Sightron and Vortex are all very close. I am intrigued by the illuminated reticle and the FFP design of the Bushnell, either of which are quite a bit more money in either the Sightron or Vortex, so I am full circle back to the Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24 X 50. Thanks for the help here folks.

 

[Dinosaur Jr]

I'd recommend the ET6245FG (G2DMR reticle FFP) over the F (illuminated FFP mildot).
The G2DMR reticle is far more useful than the illumination for most.
Liberty has the FG for just under $800 shipped.
You have to add it to the cart to see the price.
Specials, Demos, Trades

I have the Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x50 FFP G2DMR on my R700 precision build. It's some really decent glass without going over a grand. Love the reticle.
Reticle illumination is a highly overrated feature and I almost never use it on a 5x prism sight I own.

Buy the best glass you can afford and cry once. PS - I'm an older guy too.

 

[jimmykm21]

I get where you're coming from having old eyes. You already have some great responses from members that have owned or have some great mid priced scopes they use.
The only thing I'll add is my eyes at 52 have gotten to the point where I will use high magnification even at a 100 yards if the conditions allow it .
At the 500 yard limit where you might be shooting you will appreciate spending as much as you can on a scope. Trust me on that

On a side note I'm looking in buying a log home in Western NC , Murphy area

 

[rockhouse66]

I have the Bushnell Elite Tactical 6-24x50 FFP G2DMR on my R700 precision build. It's some really decent glass without going over a grand. Love the reticle.
Reticle illumination is a highly overrated feature and I almost never use it on a 5x prism sight I own.

Buy the best glass you can afford and cry once. PS - I'm an older guy too.

View attachment 52022

Thank you for your input on this. I can see where the illumination may be more of a gadget than a tool for my intended use. I'm not doing twilight shooting - though sometimes it looks like twilight when my eyes get tired!

JimmyKm21 - Murphy is a nice area. I am further North - above the Waynesville & Lake Junaluska area. Cold & windy here today BTW!

 

[GotGoodGroups]

I will vouch for the Sightron Scopes also. I own the 10-50X60. The 24X will be roughly the same in image quality. You won't be disappointed for that price range.