pentax gameseeker or bushnell banner?

[fishingnut71]

Im looking to buy a new scope. wondering what everyone thought about these 2. The gameseeker in 4x16x50 with precision plex or the banner 6x18x50. any goods or bads with these 2. Im on a fixed budget and want something bigger than a 3x9. Ive looked at the banner in 4x12 but for 20 to 30 more I can get the 6x18.

[Holg3107]

What caliber of gun is this going on? what is the use of the gun (target, small game, big game, ect...) What is your budget (there may be better options out there)?

[fishingnut71]

Its going on .270 win. It would be for big game. My budget is around 140-160.

[Wazukie]

I have both scopes on two different rifles.  the Banner is on my .243.  It works well and keeps zero, the only complaint I'd have is the 6x min. for hunting, not good if the game is close.  The Gameseeker is on my .300 wsm, it is clear and holds zero with no problems.  I like you am on a limited budget and I like them both.  They allow me to kill milk jugs at 400+ yards all day long.

[superdown]

I had the bushnell banner 3-9x40 on my rem 270win and it held zero just fine and killed deer too. I don't have any experience with pentax products so i can't give any advice there.

[Holg3107]

I'm unsure of the reasoning behind not wanting to go with a 3x9? You can get more scope for your money and it will do everything that you want it to and more. The low end, higher magnification scopes I have had experience with have not performed well at all and I think you would be better off with a decent 3x9. I would recommend something like a Burris Fullfield II in 3x9 (under $200). If you are stuck with wanting "more power" look at the vortex crossfire.

Just curious why are you looking for more magnification? In my opinion when you are looking at budget scopes more is rarely better.  Focusing on the high end tends to be difficult and you get some distortion. I would stick with 3x9 until your budget grows.

[Wazukie]

I'd agree, the 3x9 is about the best for the average hunter.  But I got a screaming deal on both my scopes and they work great for my application

[fishingnut71]

Thanks all. Im thinkin the pentax. I had a 3x9 trophy on it before. Ive passed on 400-450 yard shots because I didn't feel right. Its kinda weird but always wish I had a little more magnification.

[crazysccrmd]

I would say spend the money on ammo and practice a bit more if you aren't comfortable with shooting 400yds on 9x magnification. I think that would be a better overall return on your investment, assuming you already have a 3-9x scope on it.