Upgrade recommendation from Elite 4200?

[2seventy]

I've been using the Bushnell Elite 4200 on my Tika T3 .270 WIN since both were new and both are my first. Love the rifle and scope is clear however with a few layers on the eye relief is just not enough for me. This year I want to upgrade, nothing fancy. 3x9 or 4x12 would work for me, a BDC reticle, multi-coated lenses and better eye relief 4"+ and decent warranty. Budget is $300-$400 or so

I've been looking at a Redfield scope (link), but I'm not sold on it yet.

And a friend swears by Vortex scopes that I've yet to check out. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[bobcat]

If you want the best eye relief, go with Leupold. A VX-2 in 3-9x40 is a lot of scope for the money. Probably won't be any better than your 4200 though, except in the eye relief.

[2seventy]

Leupold is definitely in the running but VX2 seems like a good scope but starts to creep up to the upper limit of my budget, if all I get from them is Eye relief than it's kind of step backward. Also Redfield is owned and made on Leupold assembly lines for half the price, thus one of the reasons I'm looking at it.

[bobcat]

The. Leupold is only $299. The Redfield would be a BIG step backwards.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1362147251/leupold-vx-2-rifle-scope-3-9x-40mm

[bobcat]

Another thought- have you considered moving the scope back a little and/or shortening the stock, to get the scope closer to your eye?

That Bushnell 4200 is a tough scope to beat in your 3-4 hundred dollar budget.

[2seventy]

Moving the rings might give me a chance, will definitely try that first. I don't like messing with the stock, got used to it already.

You're right might have to increase my budget, the vx2 with bcd reticle is $50 higher and I won't feel like I upgraded. It's a nice hunting scope still and will be just fine, when I'm out there.

[bobcat]

Here's some good reading for you:

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/4664769/1

[Angry Perch]

You might also gain some relief with offset rings, like these.

[2seventy]

Interesting... never seen this type of rings before. Thanks!! 

You might also gain some relief with offset rings, like these.

[thinkingman]

Another thought- have you considered moving the scope back a little and/or shortening the stock, to get the scope closer to your eye?

That Bushnell 4200 is a tough scope to beat in your 3-4 hundred dollar budget.

True
Your idea of a Leupold or Redfield would be a downgrade in terms of optics and construction.

[Piscatory_5]

If you want the best eye relief, go with Leupold. A VX-2 in 3-9x40 is a lot of scope for the money. Probably won't be any better than your 4200 though, except in the eye relief.

3-4 oz lighter too.

[Piscatory_5]

I've been using the Bushnell Elite 4200 on my Tika T3 .270 WIN since both were new and both are my first. Love the rifle and scope is clear however with a few layers on the eye relief is just not enough for me. This year I want to upgrade, nothing fancy. 3x9 or 4x12 would work for me, a BDC reticle, multi-coated lenses and better eye relief 4"+ and decent warranty. Budget is $300-$400 or so

I've been looking at a Redfield scope (link), but I'm not sold on it yet.

And a friend swears by Vortex scopes that I've yet to check out. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I'm confused, after RE reading it seems you're saying that with more clothes on eye relief decreases? Maybe I misread.

I made this move a few years ago. I have used Leopold scopes for many years and tried a few other brands. Had a 4200 4x12 for many years but got rid of it for a vx2 3x9. Only thing missing is the coating on the lens that helps vision through water drops. Rainguard I think it's called.

[jrebel]

Buy a used leupold vx iii or vx 2 in a 4-12x40 or 50 and you will never go back.  You can find a lot of nice leupold for your budget.   

[2seventy]

Guys thank you all for the feedback and unanimous support for Leupold optics. I've looked through a few nice scopes today and could not pass up a good deal on a Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10 x 44 w/ BDC. It's a bit heavier than I would have wanted but the optics are indeed great on it like touted by a few of my friends. $374 out the door. Leupold is the gold standard but this quality scope would have put me in close to $600 range for a vx3 with BDC reticle. Maybe next time.

[thinkingman]

You did fine.
Hold onto that Elite 4200.
 You may realize how good it is later.