Rifle Scopes SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

[plong]

I hope this question isn't too newbish: I have an SS 3-9 and I was planning to use it on my 700 SPS-T but I've been intrigued by the closeout pricing being offered on the Elite 4200 FFP models but I'm unsure how much improvement I can/should expect (if any).

Would one the Bushnell Elite 4200 3-12 x 44 currently on close-out be a significant upgrade optically over my SS 3-9 HD? (I do realize it offers an Illuminated reticle)

Greatly appreciate your thoughts!

 

[eleaf]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

I have both.

No. There is not an appreciable upgrade in glass.

The extra power and illumination are nice, however. Turrets are as good as the SS 3-9x.

 

[HD1911]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

I'd go with the Bushy over the 3-9 SS

 

[JRose]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

The 3-9 is not HD. I dont know about the new Bushy's, but I do have a 3-9SS right now that I will say is better than the old Elite 4200 I had. I've heard they have changed them up though so I can't say about how the SS and the new Elite 4200 compare.

3-12 is a little bit nicer mag range though.

 

[plong]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

Thanks for the input Guys! I'm kinda leaning to keeping the SS ...just been captivated by the current 4200 FFP close-out deals but I think I'll keep the SS and save until I can get some really good glass some day...

Any other thoughts?

Best;

PLong

JRose: I was under the impression that the 3-9 and new 10 x 42 were both HD; is it just the 10 x 42 and the new 1-4s?

 

[JRose]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

Yeah. The HD glass is nice too....

Something else to consider, SWFA has great CS. A close out Bushy that needs to be repaired might be problematic...

One of my friends was recently told that his older Bushy, that had a problem, was no longer made and he was SOL...

 

[eleaf]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

Bushnell has lifetime warranty.

Never fear.

 

[steve123]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

Before you make a decision you should see what scopes all the scope manufacturers are coming out with for 2011.During the SHOT show or shortly after us regular folks will start to see what's available.

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

Only the 10x42 is HD.

However I love my 3-9 ffp.

 

[Flyingbullseye]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only the 10x42 is HD.

However I love my 3-9 ffp. </div></div>

They both have the same glass.

In regards to the bushy, I've noticed on the SWFA site the new elites have what is called Ultra-Wide Band Coating on their listing of features while the old ones don't. Since they are the same scopes by and large anyone know if that is new or did the old ones have that coating as well?

Flyingbullseye

 

[JRose]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Flyingbullseye</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only the 10x42 is HD.

However I love my 3-9 ffp. </div></div>

They both have the same glass.
</div></div>

No they don't.

 

[KE5MUJ]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

I have had both. I like the glass in both. The turrets feel a little more solid in the SS and its built very well.

I sold the SS to try the bushy and I don't regret it. Turrets aren't quite as solid IMO, build quality is solid.I gained magnification, side parallax adjustment, and illuminated reticle.

Natchez has/had them for $540 so I went ahead and picked one up for my AR.

 

[-=boone=-]

Re: SS 3-9 x 42 HD or new Bushnell 3-12 x 44

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JRose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Flyingbullseye</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Only the 10x42 is HD.

However I love my 3-9 ffp. </div></div>

They both have the same glass.
</div></div>

No they don't. </div></div>

It's not like this topic hasn't been coverd before. The 10x42 has HD engraved into the objective bell. The 3-9 FFP does not. Nor has SWFA ever stated that the 3-9 has HD glass. The glass is very nice in my 3-9FFP but it is not the HD glass.