[double barrel]

Im looking at buying a good 3-9x40 but don't want to spend too much money, Ive come up with 2 options Elite 3-9x40 and VX-1 3-9x40, Whats best??
Elite made in Japan
VX-1 is made in USA I think,
Please Help

 

[nsb]

I own several of each brand of scope. In my opinion, the Bushnell Elite series of scope is an excellent scope in every way. I have never had one minutes trouble with any of the Elite series of scopes I have owned. I also live Leupold very much. I own a couple of Leupold VX3 scopes and they are even better (by a small margin) than the Elites. The VX1 is not the same as the VX3 scope. Comparing the Elite to the VX1, I'd opt for the Elite in that case. To make a fair comparison, you'd have to compare the Elite to a higher level Leupold to get an apples vs. apples comparison.

 

[mirage243]

Nikon. . . .would never buy anything else unless I was gonna spend the mojey for a Nightforce

 

[Russel]

Elite or VX-1, complete tossup. If you had them both side by side, with some time to compare them, you'd probably like one better than the other. If you buy either one just use it, you'll probably like it just fine.

 

[Tnhunter]

I own several of both types of scopes and I'd say the Elite 3-9x40 would be the better scope. Nothing wrong with the VX1 series, but they are near the bottom of the Leupold totem pole, so have lesser coatings. I believe the numbers used by both manufacturers show 92% light transmission for the VX1 and 95% for the Bushnell Elite series. I've not had a problem with any of my Elite scopes and I like the idea of the Rainguard treatment the Elites have as well.

I'd also say that this is a question where either answer is a good one. They are both quality scopes and should both give many years of quality service.

 

[HarryS]

I own many Elite and dozens of Leupold. Lately, Bushells are more and more made in in China or assembled in the Phillipines... Leupold has better warranty; I've sent 2 top of the line Bushnells back for crosshair or adjustment problems..yes they were older....but Bushnell USA refused to do anything except charge me to shup them back and give me a $20 credit to a new scope at list..So based on better mechanicals and local waranty...I'd say go with Leupold.

 

[nsb]

I own many Elite and dozens of Leupold. Lately, Bushells are more and more made in in China or assembled in the Phillipines... Leupold has better warranty; I've sent 2 top of the line Bushnells back for crosshair or adjustment problems..yes they were older....but Bushnell USA refused to do anything except charge me to shup them back and give me a $20 credit to a new scope at list..So based on better mechanicals and local waranty...I'd say go with Leupold.

I bought a Bushnell Elite 6500 two years ago and had a difficult time seeing the mil dots due to early onset cataracts in my eyes. The scope was as sharp and clear as any rifle scope I ever owned. There was nothing wrong with the scope, it was my eyes that were the problem. I contacted Bushnell and told them about the problem. They asked me to return the scope along with the original sales receipt (I didn't buy it from them, I got it off line at a dealer). In four weeks they refunded the money I paid for the scope 100%. How's that for a warranty? After that I bought three more Elite scopes, just no mil dots. Still got to get them eyes fixed one of these days.

 

[Bear70]

I'd spring for a little more and get a new "old stock" Leupold VX-ll. There is a lot more to a scope than just brightness and clarity as some think. The Leupolds in my opinion are extremely reliable with good repeatability and holding zero. Everyone has different experiences though and all scopes look different to others. Everyone seems to love Zeiss Conquests (for example), but my eyes just don't care for them.

 

[Hair smoker]

I have an Elite series on my .308 Icon and like it. It comes with an over the counter warranty, which dealer says if I have any trouble bring it in and I get a comparable model to slap on at the shop. Not a bad deal if that is how it really is. I've always owned Leupold in VXIII series for my rifles I'm using daily during the hunting season (.358 Win.). Haven't put my Bush. through He!! so can't say how it performs but my Leup. have been flawless. I won't buy a below a VXII for an everyday rifle, just my preference.

 

[double barrel]

I own many Elite and dozens of Leupold. Lately, Bushells are more and more made in in China or assembled in the Phillipines... Leupold has better warranty; I've sent 2 top of the line Bushnells back for crosshair or adjustment problems..yes they were older....but Bushnell USA refused to do anything except charge me to shup them back and give me a $20 credit to a new scope at list..So based on better mechanicals and local waranty...I'd say go with Leupold.

Just inquired to the Australian distributor about the Bushnell warranty and its Unconditional Lifetime Only on the Elite range of scopes I was told. Found a site claiming the same warranty good price too.

https://www.weoptics.com.au/bushnell-elite-rifle-scope-3-9x40/

 

[Bird Dog II]

I bought an Elite 4200 a few years back on a special from Midway. Nice clear scope, but when comparing it at dusk or dawn to my Burris Fullfields and Leupold VX-2, I found the crosshairs much harder to see. Midway let me exchange it for a Leupold FX-3 6x with heavy duplex which I really like for big game in open country. The lesson learned: while all you hear about in boards and ads is light transmission and low light clarity, that does you no good if you can't see the crosshairs. So factor that into any comparison.

 

[HarryS]

Bear 70..right on. "There is a lot more to a scope than just brightness and clarity as some think."

today most scopes over $60 are clear and bright. even Tasco and simmons. But thr mechanicals are not good; so after 100+ shots from a 308+ rifle they are not tight. People often ask why their prize rifle that shot light out has changed....I look first to the scope.

 

[CCAguns]

I'd spring for a little more and get a new "old stock" Leupold VX-ll. There is a lot more to a scope than just brightness and clarity as some think. The Leupolds in my opinion are extremely reliable with good repeatability and holding zero. Everyone has different experiences though and all scopes look different to others. Everyone seems to love Zeiss Conquests (for example), but my eyes just don't care for them.

I agree wholeheartedly. I love my Zeiss Classics and Victories, but the Conquests, while very good, do not appear any clearer than the Leupold III's or even II's. A VX-II is a lot of scope for the money, lifetime warranteed by one of the finest manufacturers in the business and you don't want to be too frugal where scopes are concerned!

 

[Tikka30.06]

Try Clayton Firearms online store for a 3X9X42 Meopta Meopro $399. excellent optics for the price. A better choice than both the VX1 and the Bushnell

 

[langenc]

Could go to eBay and get an old Weaver. They usually have several very nice ones most of the time, K4 or K6s.

 

[2Bits]

Save your money and go purchased the Busnell Elite rifle scope! The last time I purchased scopes they were by Bushnell and were even clearer than the Leupolds I been putting on my rifles for the last 35 years. I also saved a truckload of money doing so. Good Luck to you!