Scope dimension question

[jmw]

So what would be the next step up from a Nikon? I'm not trying to break the bank either. How can you tell the "glass quality" y'all keep mentioning?


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[Mike D]

Some glass is better than others a high end 40 gathers better than a low end 50 but same exact scope if there is an option I always buy bigger if it's for hunting...nothing sucks more then being able to see a deer outline with your naked eye and your scope can't.
For paper it doesn't matter to me. I'd rather have good clear class that gathers light in a 2-7,3x9 etc then one that doesn't in a much higher power I don't shoot a whole lot of animals at noon in the middle of a field. The light gathering is what's important to me, gets dark quick under tree cover

While there is no denying good glass makes a huge difference, there's no getting around exit pupil size. You can have the best glass in the world, but with an exit pupil smaller than 4mm, you are wasting money.

Also scopes don't "gather" light, they transmit light through the exit pupil. Keep the exit pupil at least 4mm and have decent glass and you'll be able to see fine at reasonable distances.


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[Mike D]

So what would be the next step up from a Nikon? I'm not trying to break the bank either. How can you tell the "glass quality" y'all keep mentioning?


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IMO a Leupold VX1 at minimum, VX2 even better and if you could swing it a VX3i would be preferred. It's a scope you can keep forever and in the future if you decided to upgrade, you could recoup most of your money from it.


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[txfireguy2003]

Midway USA has a bunch of Bushnell Elite and Legend scopes on clearance, and ArrowSmith on here might be able to get you a good deal on Vortex optics. Either option would allow you to stretch your budget into a grade higher than normal.

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[jmw]

I was under the impression that Nikon was better than Vortex. I'll check those sites out though. Thanks.


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[crash8005]

If you decide you want to stick with Nikon let me know. I've got a 4-12x40 I'll sell you.


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[txfireguy2003]

That all depends on the model you select. Each manufacturer has various lines. I'm not super familiar with Nikon, but they have some models that would blow a low end Vortex out of the water, but those won't come close to your price point. Vortex also has models that blow the Nikons away, again at well above your desired budget. At your price point, most will be similar and all will be serviceable.

I've been in your shoes and everyone told me to "keep saving and get a.....whatever model they liked and thought was the best"......for literally two or three times what I wanted to spend. I know they were trying to help, but I also know it's irritating to be told that I shouldn't even try if i couldn't afford to spend a $1000 on the scope. That's why I suggested some clearance sales and a dealer who gives a TBH discount on Vortex, so maybe you could get a $350-400 scope for right around your desired price point. At $200 MSRP, I don't think you're going see a huge difference in any of them, but stepping up to the $400 range gets you into some much better quality offerings. Look for sales or used ones and you can get way more bang for your buck. A $400 Vortex or Bushnell Elite that you got on sale for around $200 is going to beat a $200 Nikon that you paid retail for, that's all I was saying.

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[jmw]

That all depends on the model you select. Each manufacturer has various lines. I'm not super familiar with Nikon, but they have some models that would blow a low end Vortex out of the water, but those won't come close to your price point. Vortex also has models that blow the Nikons away, again at well above your desired budget. At your price point, most will be similar and all will be serviceable.

I've been in your shoes and everyone told me to "keep saving and get a.....whatever model they liked and thought was the best"......for literally two or three times what I wanted to spend. I know they were trying to help, but I also know it's irritating to be told that I shouldn't even try if i couldn't afford to spend a $1000 on the scope. That's why I suggested some clearance sales and a dealer who gives a TBH discount on Vortex, so maybe you could get a $350-400 scope for right around your desired price point. At $200 MSRP, I don't think you're going see a huge difference in any of them, but stepping up to the $400 range gets you into some much better quality offerings. Look for sales or used ones and you can get way more bang for your buck. A $400 Vortex or Bushnell Elite that you got on sale for around $200 is going to beat a $200 Nikon that you paid retail for, that's all I was saying.

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Makes sense


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[jmw]

If you decide you want to stick with Nikon let me know. I've got a 4-12x40 I'll sell you.


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Pm me if you don't mind. Tapatalk isn't letting me start one right now.


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[crash8005]

Pm sent.

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[LWD]

For $200, I'd buy a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 with a plex reticle. Site in 2" high at 100 yards and hold dead on out to 250 or so. Most people simply aren't good enough shots or know enough ballistics or don't practice enough to shoot further or try to shoot more precisely. Shooting beyond 300 yards is a whole nother world that you shouldn't be trying on a game animal unless you're really good or have practiced a lot. Heck, I've only taken a handful of shots at critters 200+ yards away. The longest shots I've ever taken on game were 238; I missed one and made the other.

LWD

[txfireguy2003]

For $200, I'd buy a Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 with a plex reticle. Site in 2" high at 100 yards and hold dead on out to 250 or so. Most people simply aren't good enough shots or know enough ballistics or don't practice enough to shoot further or try to shoot more precisely. Shooting beyond 300 yards is a whole nother world that you shouldn't be trying on a game animal unless you're really good or have practiced a lot. Heck, I've only taken a handful of shots at critters 200+ yards away. The longest shots I've ever taken on game were 238; I missed one and made the other.

LWD

Agreed, except for the Pro staff part, but only because Nikon isn't my go to, although the p-300 I put on my wife's AR is fairly nice for the money.

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[txfireguy2003]

Here's another smoking deal that will blow any lower end Nikon out of the water. Zero it 1.5" high at 100 yards and go kill stuff.

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[jmw]

Here's another smoking deal that will blow any lower end Nikon out of the water. Zero it 1.5" high at 100 yards and go kill stuff.

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What is it?


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[txfireguy2003]

Vortex Viper HS which is an upper mid range scope, for just over your budget.

I forgot to post the link I guess.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=http%3A%2F%2Fdiscussions%2Etexasbowhunter%2Ecom%2Fforums%2Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Fp%3D11643599&share_tid=607822&share_fid=1255&share_type=t&share_pid=11643599

Cabelas Deal Alert- Vortex Viper HS

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