Which one of these scopes is the best?

SDCoyoteCaller,
If I were choosing from the list of scopes you mention, I would go with the Nikon. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
"I recently put the Burris 6.5X -20X -50M Fullfield scope with Military Dot ballistic plex reticle."
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Possom,
You put that on a calling rifle? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif Sorry Al, I couldn't pass that one up. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
I recently had basically same decision to make. As a matter of principle, I wanted to get something OTHER THAN a Leupold since that is what is on most all of my hunting rifles (this was to outfit a dual purpose all weather deer/yote rifle -Rem 700 in .260).
I looked at everything, talked to everyone who had everything I could find and wound up with..... another Leupold. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif
The Burris owners I spoke with (or the ones that spoke up anyway) had some nightmare customer service stories. Not an issue with Leupold.
Clarity and brightness are of course item one but oddly enough, for me, it came down to scope physical SIZE. I did not want a mile long scope (OK 15 inches....) sitting atop my rifle and Leupold was the only one offered in something reasonable (12 inches) in the magnification scope I wanted of the ones I considered comparable (Nikon, Burris, even Zeiss).
FYI - I got a VXIII 4.5-15 x 40 with AO for about $20 more than you listed for the VXII. The non AO model was about that price. Find someone with a distributor account who likes you. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Good luck.
 
Of course, whenever you ask a question like this you're going to get a bunch of different answers. Here's mine.

I give Leupold the edge. Here's why. When I first started calling every other serious caller was using Leupolds or Redfields with Leupolds having the edge in numbers. The Leupold VXII 3-9 I bought was one of the first scopes to come out with a self centering reticle. Last fall I took the scope off an old Remington to put it on another rifle and noticed it didn't have much adjustment compared to a newer scope so I took it in to Leupold over in Beaverton. They took the scope and at no charge upgraded it to match the newer scopes. I bought that scope sometime about '64 or '65 and they still stood behind it.

A friend of mine found a broken Leupold in a pawn shop a few years ago and bought it for a song. He sent it in to Leupold and they fixed it at no charge. The damage was to the internal mechanism not to the tube or lenses. That scope retails at about $400 and he got it for about $40 and Leupold didn't ask any questions. They just fixed it. Also, Leupold doesn't make a profit on repairs even if the do charge you for damage caused by your negligence. Another friend broke a lense on his scope and they only charged him the cost of the replacement lens.

Two things about your list. If you're looking for a 4-12X40 why not take a look at the VXI? I have one and it's a terrific scope plus it's a lot less money. If you really want a VXII then spend the extra money and get the 4-12X50. You'll get a much wider FOV at under 100 yards. I bought one for my 22-250 this spring and I love it.
 
I have at least 2 of each of the brand scope you listed and Leupold for $40 more is the best. The Burris Black Diamond or Sign. Series are VERY NICE!!!!! Now on the Nikon.......I personnaly hate them. I have owned a buckmasters and a Monarch and neither one was half as clear as the other two at 15 minutes until dark. The Nikons recticle selection is crap and the scope just feels very cheap in your hand. I will say when you pick one up and look through it in a store it is clear but I wasnt anywhere close to being happy with mine. I personnaly would choose a Bushnell Elite 3200 or 4200 before I bought a Nikon.
 
leupold makes poor scopes,they don't hold zero.my gunsmith only uses the tactial ones and they are real expensive,i have zeiss,mueller,burris,bushnell elete,nikon,kahles.they have all been good.i sold all my leupold's.because of trouble with a target scope that they would not help with,they told me on the phone that it would hold zero while riding in my truck.a friend dropped his gun about three feet,it did not land on the scope or even make a mark,but the objective end fell off.the scope was three months old they charged him 60.00 to fix it.[sold]immeditaly.never to buy another.we have more stories from peoples guns we sight in.
 
You will never go wrong with the leupold's in my book. I have some that have been on guns for over 7 years and have traveled tens of thousands of miles in a pickup and I have never ever had to move the scope adjustment when I shoot them. Just my opinion though. Also the light gathering ability is awesome.
 
Normally I would have said the Leupold as I have owned them for most of my life. I have since changed to NightForce for my longrange guns. Recently I purchased a Nikon and I just love it!! Not to sure about the BDC but I opted for the Nikoplex very clear scope and a great price.

Burris on the other hand has Pentax glass which I am not a fan of. My shooting partner has one on his 308 and the edges are not clear.

So if you want a great scope at a great price I would opt for the Nikon.
 
Out of the three you mentioned I would buy the Burris. If I were you though; in your price range, buy the Bushnell 4200. That is the best scope on the market for the money.
 
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