I have a Springfield Armory National Match M1A that I want to put a scope on.  When I bought the rifle 12 or so years ago I also bought a 4-14X56mm Springfield Armory Second Generation Government Model Scope.  A few years later I took it off.  I never really liked the scope all that much, and it's huge size and weight didn't help matters.
Today I went to the local fun shop and looked at several scopes looking for new glass to top my M1A.  There was a Leopold 3-9X40mm Mil Dot that I really liked, but it was a little outside of my price range and seemed set up for a 5.56 (.223 55rg @3100fps was marked on the dials).  There was also a Leopold 3-9X40mm VX-1 that I liked which was inside my price range, but was a regular Duplex reticule.  The other scope I was considering was a Bushnell 4-14 power scope that was significantly less expensive than the other two.  It also had a Duplex type reticule.  





I really liked both of the Leopold scopes and wound up buying the cheaper of the two - the VX-1.  Now I'm having second thoughts.  I don't like the fact that the windage and elevation knobs aren't finger adjustable, and it doesn't have the parallax/focus objective that the Bushnell has.





I'm wondering if for the hundred dollar or so difference I wouldn't have been better off getting the Bushnell.  I know the Leopold is a much higher quality scope, but the extra magnification on the Bushnell would probably be a good thing, the reticule is the same, and I'm pretty sure it had finger adjustable windage and elevation knobs.  
Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!
-K

 

What model bushnell?

The VX1 is a good scope with a lifetime warranty. You can send it in for the target turrets if you want.

Save and budget more money for the scope.  Then find a Leupold scope that fits your specific needs.  

Look around at the quality dealers and see if any offer scope and mount packages with Bushnell scopes.  You won't find any!  For example, look at LaRue's site and you will see lots of Leupold scopes.  There is a reason for that, they are worth the price!

In the Leupold lines, if you're considering the VXI or VXII scopes, there are lots of better alternatives for the money.  How much did you spend anyway?

Ha ha ha!  It costs more so it must be better!  Every company makes scopes at each price point.  Some are better than others.  Leupold does make good products and stands behind them however you are also paying for that name.  Bushnell, Burris, Nikon and Vortex make scopes just as good as Leupold for less money shop around before you buy.

Sounds like you want a Leopold MK2.. It has adjustable turrets (finger) and you can get several different reticles. There also reasonably priced.

I just picked up the Bushnell Trophy Xlt (for my slug gun) with the 250 DOA "plex"..
Its very clear and bright, says it will withstand .375 magnum recoil (which my slug gun is brutal in that regard...)
Has lifetime warranty..3x9x40 blah, blah..
finger adjustable reticle
$140
downside...it is Korean

I'll find out how tough it is over time, the Slugger already ate 2 other scopes.

Bushnell makes some good stuff, and some bad stuff....I'll find out which I have in time.
I still have a couple of Bushnell's  on my hunting rifles...over 2 decades and way more abuse than my Slugger sees (or an AR typically will) and they still keep going.

Thanks for the info!  



Another factor I forgot to mention, is that the Leopold is made in USA while the Bushnell is made in China IIRC.
-K

What's the deal with sending it in?  How much will it cost and what is their customer service like?





The Bushnell scope was a Banner Dusk-Dawn model.
I'm kind of thinking about taking the Leopold back and exchanging it for the Bushnell right now, but I'm not really sure.  I'm really bad at making decisions.....  
-K



 

The Banner series are pretty low on the totem pole in the Bushnell line....
Consider:
Trophy or 3200 series in the Bushnell lines;
Burris Timberlines or Fullfields
Nikon Prostaffs
Redfields Revolutions

These are a few of the better budget optics for $100-$200 that will last probably forever on a plinking/target AR

I have 2 Leupold scopes (VXII 3x9x40 and VXIII4.5x14x40) as well as a Bushnell Elite 4200 1.25x4x20.  Bushnell can make outstanding optics but usually their price is reflective of the quality.  In the $300 and under range I would strongly encourage you to take a look at the SWFA Super Sniper 10x fixed power scope.  They are an outstanding value.

Keep the one you got. Send it off for target turrets.

Are you shooting past 500m? Start reloading for accuracy...  If yes you will need a 30 mm tube scope. And A 20moa new base.

Skip the frills. Hunkerdown. Shoot what ya got until you can out shoot the rifles capability.

OP will probably need that warranty too

Mil Dot - says it all right there.  Drop on .308 is pretty good from 200m out.  Amazingly, my .308s are closely aligned with one Mil Dot hold over per 100m with a 200m zero - out to 500m.

Could you elaborate?
-K



 

I didn't have a chance to call them today.  Any idea on the cost and turnaround time for getting new turrets installed?
-K



 

you can buy the leupold mark ar and have them make you turrets for the 308 for 60.00 . I own several leupold scopes and have never needed the warranty. call the custom shop they will help you out.

You are in a spot for not getting your shit together 1st then buying. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but thats the way it is. We have all been there at least once if not several times.  

Good news is you can fix this quickly by simply shelving your current stuff and shopping the Leopold or SWFA site for what you need. Get it and worry about your other stuff later. If you are in no rush than call Leopold and they will set you up. Due to there tendency  towards quality they dont do many things in a hurry. Its counter productive to the whole quality thing. I have 9 Leopold optics and have never had to send anything back for repair.

From Elk in Colorado, Deer and Hog in TX, AL, MN, FL, MO. Too Prairie dogs in multiple states. Leopold scopes, binocs and spotting scopes have served me, my brother, 2 brother inlaws and my 2 sons very well. If you dont get it right with Leopold its pretty much cause you bought in a hurry and got what you wanted instead of what you needed. Been there done that at least twice. live and learn brother. Good luck..