I bought a brand new Bushnell Trophy 2x6 pistol scope for my 12" BullBerry 357 Max barrel. Went to site it in and it went fuzzy and wont focus after just 8 round. Doe season opens this weekend and I get to deal with warranty issues... just venting. Rob

p.s. I have been out of handgun hunting for 7 years...but used to shoot them alot and had great luck out of bushnell pistol scopes...the new Trophy series dont look like the old ones I had.

The easy answer is to INSTEAD go with the Bushnell ELITE Series; as they are supposedly better built and heavier duty. I have had 100% good performance on the half dozen Bushnell ELITE scopes that I have on .454's and .375's and .308's, and 30.06 JDJ's and .44 mags; etc.

Although I guess you can get a "lemon" in any product. But do yourself a favor and ELIMINATE some of the variables by starting out with the product that is designed/engineered to be better especially when it has to do with pistol scopes on the heavier recoilers.

southarkrob, let me speak for you and answer "thank you captain obvious!!", but I will say I have often wondered if it was necessary to shell out the kind of coin that the leupies and burris and Elite scopes demand. I have been shooting a redfield on a 35 rem that is probably overstuffed and it has held its zero for twenty years. since then redfield has gone and returned, but I haven't heard what kind of quality they are. I feel your pain, and thank you for the information.
Hogg

I've got a Trophy on my SRH 480R and it has been fine. Even the spendy guys ship lemons now and again.

x2 cap't obvious ;-)

As I said you can get a lemon on any product but if you want to increase your odds of not being left hanging with a breakdown at a critical time then get the better product otherwise take your chances. Your choice.

Hogg,

Necessary is pretty hard to define, as it will different for everyone. Indeed, we all know that when you start lowering your price point on buying optics, and your intention is to place the optic on a gun that will be hard on the scope, you are really starting to roll the proverbial dice. That is why we have these discussions, so folks can get an expectation based on actual user experience.

I remember back when the Elite Series came out by Bushnell, they were quite a bit cheaper than Leupys. Then I saw where JD Jones was using them and recommending them to his customers. You may not know of him as a person, but I figured that no way he would be pushing something on his customers that was not good to go. So in effect, he did change the definition of necessary a little at the time.

I had Rob's experience many many years ago, right before a hunt. man that sucked. Right then and there I decided a couple of necessary things for me when it comes to optics. I try now to buy better, even if I have to save up. I use picatinney and quick release rings on all of my guns, so scopes can be moved around as needed. I never go on a hunt without a spare. And I assume now that all optics can fail, and I try and learn as much as I can about a company's return policy and experiences from what other users report on forums.

Redfield's name was purchased by Leupold. They are making the scopes under the Redfield name, and priced more on the economy side. I think the verdict is still out about exactly how these scopes will fit into the scheme of things. Leupold always has had a stellar reputation for warranty things, so at least that part of necessary is met for me.

Craig

Rob,

If you want to take a step up, but below the Elite try a Weaver. Great glass and a little cheaper than the Elite. Just as tough as any of them.

I second that, nice fine x-hairs too.

Thanks Guys...really frustrated about the scope...I knew I should have went with the Elite...almost bought it... but I had such good luck with the Bushnells in the past. Gotta get on the phone in the morning and see what I can do before Saturday. Rob

Southarkrob, I'm sending you a pm on the subject.

HoggHunter, Redfield handgun scopes were some of the best. I managed to pick up three more besides the one I already owned. Also found a Refield 2X. I lost count of all the full power 454 handloads I shot using the Redfield 2-6X. That scope was mounted on my FA`s 454 when I took my Shiras moose...