I'm heading to CO this fall for my first elk hunt. For the occasion I picked up a Browning silent stalker 7mm mag. I am currently in the process of scoping the gun.

A few weeks ago, I came across a Weaver Grand Slam for a price I couldn't pass up, so I picked it up. The catch is that it is a fixed power 4.75 X 40. The good part is that it is probably the clearest scope I've ever owned. The other day, a co-worker offered a trade for a Bushnell Trophy 4-12 X 40.

I know the Weaver is a higher quality scope (I wouldn't make the trade without some boot). I'll probably keep the weaver for another gun, and buy another scope that is right for the hunt. But, if I had to choose, which is more important on an hunt...quality or the right power?

There is a reason this "co-worker" is wanting to get rid of the trophy!!! there are three Bushnell’s I would trust on an expensive out of state hunt, the two Elite models and the Banner. I include the Banner because of all of the great things that have been written about it here.

So go to:

https://www.dnrsports.net/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=DSC&Category_Code=bannerscopesbsn

Pick out the Banner you like (3-9 X 40 mm) with the reticle of your choice and you’ll be all set for under $100. Be sure to get Stainless rings with that Black scope, you know, for that “Pimp” look.

Cause if you get out here with that Trophy on that gun, and the reticle has become detached (like it did on the Sportview I had) I won’t be loaning you my A-bolt, with the Leopold on it, cousins or not….

Seriously Neal, there are A LOT of better options, even if you want to trade the Weaver, trade it for “the right scope”. Heck, for less that $100 you could get a Cabelas Pine Ridge, and if it’s broke when you get here we’ll be able to drive over to the store and have it replaced, mounted, and bore sited for free, if that Happens with the Trophy where is your co-worker gonna be???

Trade smart, see ya soon

Nater

Get the best you can afford and don't cut corners with your optics, it cost me once and I learned a hard lesson. I agree with the above...IMO Bushnell has a couple of good scopes and some of less than desirable quality so stay away from their low end stuff. Lots of good scopes that don't cost a second morgage. Maybe get to a sporting goods and look through a few.

...IMO Bushnell has a couple of good scopes and some of less than desirable quality so stay away from their low end stuff...
Exactly the same advice applies to Tasco. I have a new Tasco Silver Antler 2.5-10 x 44mm that's bright and clear. Have a very old 4-9 x 40mm that's clear, but a little dim & greenish, yet shot some very good .30-06 groups. Their lenses have improved a lot in the last 30 years.

I have a Simmons "8-Point" 4-12 x 40mm with parallax adjustment from 10Yds-¥. Came mounted on a Savage model 12 .223 heavy barrel. Looking at it, it looks great; looking thru it is like looking in a carnival mirror. Gotta replace it.

Have a Weaver Challenger 4-9 x 32mm that's horrible. 32mm is not big enuf to support 9x; exit pupil is just too small, have to position my head exactly right, and the image is still too dim.

.

first off any fixed power scope will be clearer /sharper than most adjustable scopes of the same quality. that's why a lot of target shooters use just a fixed power scope. as far as the bushnel advice given those Elites are one fine scope but i differ on the banner, i would put the legend above it. the legend series boast better light transmitsion than the 3200 elite for 100.00 less. as far as what you need for your hunt i'll have to let the elk experts chime in but i would think you would be fine if you used the weaver scope and just got a good pair of bino's to take along.

I'd put the Weaver on the rifle, and spend the money you were going to spend on another scope on a good pair of binoculars.
Weaver Grand Slams are excellent, IME.
Getting lots of features/power range for small $'s always makes cheap scopes tempting. The trouble is, once you have them, they are still cheap scopes-not as clear,not as rugged, etc.

Good glass is worth it. Stick with that Weaver. Avoid the Tasco trade. I agree with the guys, get a pair of good binos to go with you.

If your not going to be shooting much past 200 yards, I would just stick with the Weaver. I have shot many smaller game(groundhog) with an older Weaver K6 in the 300-400 yard range. You will have fewer things to go wrong with a fixed power, and as was mentioned before it will be clearer.

...first elk hunt... Weaver Grand Slam... a fixed power 4.75 X 40.

There is no doubt in my mind that I would feel well equipped with that scope and rifle for the trip you plan.

High magnification can make you feel closer to the critters but it sure won't help you shoot any better. A fixed 4 to 6 is plenty of power and the scope should be ideal for the trip. And it will be a much sturdier sight than any varible too. You fell into a puddle and came up smelling GOOD, keep it!