I'm looking for a scope for my RRA Coyote 20". It is for target shooting. 100 to 300 yards to start. Maybe 600. No hunting. Here are the ones I'm considering.

Bushnell Elite 6500 4.5-30X50 mm
Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20X50 mm
Leupold VX-III 8.5-25x50 mm
Sightron SIII 8-32x56 mm

I'd be interested on any feedback, particularly the 6500 and the SIII. I can find the other two scopes locally, but I doubt that I will be able to find a dealer who has the 6500 or the SIII in stock.

I'm open to other suggestions, but the Zeiss is the top of my budget.

You can't go wrong with the Leupold or any of the ones you mentioned for that matter. I have always trusted Leupold, but have a Elite 4200(Bausch and Lomb) and 3200, they are both very nice scopes, the 6500 looks even better.

I have only heard good things about Sightron and Zeiss. Sounds like you have a tough choice ahead of you. I wish I could be more help,but I would also have a hard time with this decision. Are they comparable in eye relief? Do they have the same type of finish? Can you find any reviews?

The Elite and Sightron have more magnification, and the Elite also has the widest variable.

The Elite seems like it is a winner, I starting to convince myself as I type

Good Luck

I don't think you realize just how powerful 30X is my friend... thats sighting scope levels of magnification...

Of your options I would lean towards the Bushnell or Leupold myself


Oh and to the site!

I have some idea about 30X - I have a Burris Signature 8-32X44 and a Bushnell Elite 4200 8-32X40. My Meade spotting scope has interchangeable eyepieces, one of which is over 120X!

I'm trying to find out what sort of improvement I'll get by going up a price point. Although it is only 20X, I was immediately impressed by the Zeiss Conquest that I handled the other day.

I learned today that Leupold has an new line, the VX-3 - http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13709

More shopping to do.

It is not going to be easy. I spent a few minutes with the Zeiss Conquest. I compared it to a Nikon Monarch and a Leupold. I was immediately impressed. It was bright and clear, and I really liked the reticle. The only complaint I've seen on the Zeiss is that it has plastic turrets. Most owners like them a lot. There are some short reviews of several scopes here - http://www.6mmbr.com/optics.html - including the Leupold and the Zeiss.

From what I've gathered from the web, the Bushnell 6500 has the same glass as the 4200. I've added it to my list because it is a little less expensive than the Zeiss or the Leupold. I have not seen enough comments to come to a conclusion yet, and Bushnell offers a one-year "No Questions Asked" replacement, so I can take a chance if I want. There is a review of the 6500 2.5X-16X here - http://www.americanhunter.org/HW_O_BushnElite1.html.

I added the Sightron based on another review - http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2008/...-8-32x56-scope/

I agree with jchtrh, Leupold is top notch.

Spend an extra $100 and get the target turrets put on for you @ Zeiss.

I have the Conquest 4.5x14 and it's pretty much awesome.