I need opinions on these two scopes.

The AETEC would be the 4-14 and the Browning would be the 5-15. I own 2 Simmons 44 Mag's and I have been very happy with them, but I have heard good things about the Browning.

The scope would go on a Bushmaster Varmiter.

I can't tell you about the Browning, but since Meade Optics bought Simmons, Weaver and the Redfield name from Alliant/Blount the quality of the AETEC's have went down and their warrentee policy has went down the tube. Spent six months trying to get a brand new Weaver repaired or replaced that was broken when I got it in the box.

I own two of the AETEC's in the 2.8 to 10 models and a Pro-hunter and one of the inexpensive 3 by 9 by 50's and am really pleased with them all. I wouldn't say don't buy one, but I wouldn't buy one I haven't looked thru first. I've owned a lot of scopes over the last 45 years and like the AETEC's as well or better than anything I've shot. It's sure the dickens Alliant sold out to Meade.

i have had several friends buy the browning and it is the real deal.

The Browning is made by Bushnell, get the Browning.

FWIW......the browning is nothing more than a re-branded Bushnell 3200. I believe I'd choose it over the Aetec.

I went to cabellas scope shopping last week, take a look at nikon's prostaff. It has a bushnell 3200 beat in the paralax department acording to my eyes and it is a little cheaper.

Thanks for the info I think I will try the Browning

The Browning doesn't have the Raingaurd like the 3200's and 4200's.

Rob

Like Bob, I've a couple of the older model Simmons Atec's in 2.8x10 and find them to be exceptional glass for lower tier priced scopes. Never owned a Bushnell 3200 or a Browning, although I've peered through some of the 3200's at the gunrange owned by others. Couldn't see any quality difference as compared to the older Atec.

There's such a derth of scopes on the market anymore, it is really difficult to advise the purchase of one or the other. Just remember, higher prices USUALLY means more material and quality in manufacture. I can't afford the high end scopes, so I'll never know how much difference there actually exists between them and some of the mid-range prices units.

This may not be an apples-to apples comparison but is my observation of the Aetec and Browning scopes that I own.

I have a Simmons Aetec 2.8-10x44 and a Browning 2-7x32. As far as brightness is concerned, I initially though that the Aetec would be brighter than the Browning due to its larger objective lense; 44mm vs 32mm. However, that's not the case. The Browning is brighter. I then compaired the Browning to a Leupold VX-I in 2-7x33 and, as might be expected, the Leupold is brighter. Out of curoisity, I added a Leupold VX-II 3-9X40 in to the mix and observed no difference in brightness between it and the Leupold VX-I, 2-7X33.

My recommendation is that if you can afford the extra $100 or so, get a Leupold VX-I in 4-12X40 and don't look back. That way, you will take "Aetec vs Browning" out of your decision and avoid future regret.