Rifle Scopes Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule

[Gasitman]

Looking at one of these, they run $309 which is in my price range for a scope for my 30-06 for elk hunting. Right now they are running a rebate with a free digital camera. Anyone have experience with these? I have Nikon DSLR stuff, some glass around $2500 for the 70-200vr I have. All is fantastic glass. No clue on their hunting scopes however.

 

[Remsen]

Re: Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule

I have a 3-9 Buckmaster with BDC and just used it antelope hunting. The glass is decent but I am not a fan of the BDC. At 300 yards it wasn't even close. Part of the problem was that I zeroed at 100 yards and didn't have a chance to shoot at greater distances before the hunt, so maybe the BDC can be made to work. My experience was disappointing.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

Re: Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule


I just put that exact scope on my old 1966 Remington 700 ADL in 30-06. Unfortunately, I haven't shot ot yet, but I have reasonable expectations from it. Will let you know as soon as I shoot it...


George P.

 

[JeffP40]

Re: Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule

I prefer the mildot. The BDC gets in the way for me. It seems to obstruct vision of the target. The mildot has a nice crosshair and the mils work quickly and easily. I crank for elevation and hold for windage, so I use both features of the scope.
I seem to recall some mention that the mildot is only available from Midway, but I can't confirm that. I bought both of mine used.

 

[Ballistic Archer]

Re: Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule

To the Op's question: I have 2 od the 4.5-14X40 scopes one mildot one BDC and a 6-18X40 with the BDC. I have been working with them alot this year. They are in my opinion as good as it gets in the price range and I would pay more considering thier quality and performance. I like them better than my Leupolds. Now with that said, the sunshades are expensive and the BDC system takes a little homework to really use to its potential. The guys on this site are pretty 'techy' when it comes to data and such so its no big deal. I have the scopes on a .223 A-Bolt, a .223 Savage and a Weatherby 30-06 an they have been excellent and reliable on all 3, I think you will be happy with it if you get one.

Remsen, Just to clarify, the BDC rings and Nikon MilDots do not corespond to 100, 200, 300, 400 yds etc. The distances they relate to are dependent on a software calculation with Nikons "SpotOn" online software. That is to say, you enter all required data, BC, SD, chronographed speed (they have factory load menus if you dont have a chrony, but clocked speeds are way more accurate), scope to bore measurement, zero range, etc and the software tells you the ranges the reticle rings will be accurate at. In my rifles its been remarkably accurate. For example, my Browning A-Bolt .223 haves out like this set at 10X:

Crosshair 100 yds
BDC#1 277 yds
BDC#2 389 yds
BDC#3 479 yds
BDC#4 552 yds

Pretty nice data sheets can be generated based on magnification and wind variables for each rifle/load combination with a given scope. All in all, I think Nikon has a winner with these scopes and this software. For guys like me who are precision oriented but practical and not professional marksmen it delivers about as much accuracy as I exploit hunting or target shooting.

Hope this is useful to you guys.

Regards,

BA




<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Remsen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a 3-9 Buckmaster with BDC and just used it antelope hunting. The glass is decent but I am not a fan of the BDC. At 300 yards it wasn't even close. Part of the problem was that I zeroed at 100 yards and didn't have a chance to shoot at greater distances before the hunt, so maybe the BDC can be made to work. My experience was disappointing. </div></div>

 

[Remsen]

Re: Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule

Thanks, Ballistic Archer, I had no idea that step was required. I'll check it out. Like I said, the glass is fine (probably better than fine, given the price). Maybe there's hope for me...

 

[rchman]

Re: Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule

I liked mine a lot (Nikoplex reticle though). You can pick one up used for $200 or so. The eyebox is a little smaller than the Monarch's but clarity through the mid-range isn't too far behind. You are definitely getting a lot of value for the price.

 

[Ballistic Archer]

Re: Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule

No problem Remsen, this is the first time I have had an answer for anybody on this site, some pretty savvy dudes here. I am usually the guy asking questions. Just trying to give back a little and this system is something I actually know pretty well.

Set up your BDC and test it, its pretty clever. Good luck bro.

BA

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Remsen</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks, Ballistic Archer, I had no idea that step was required. I'll check it out. Like I said, the glass is fine (probably better than fine, given the price). Maybe there's hope for me... </div></div>

 

[dunes450r]

Re: Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule

i have a 4-16 monarch, and also a 3-9 prostaff, and both have awesome glass IMO

 

[bman940]

Re: Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule

BA is right on with his assessment. I encourage you to utilize Nikon's Spot On Ballistic Program. There are seets you can Generate just for hunting so that you can see the corresponding distances for different magnification settings. Taking all this data to the range before the field will help make you more confident when it comes time to pull the trigger at longer ranges. I have told this story on here before, Aug. 2010 We took 16 writers who were not familiar with BDC and Spot On, in a short amount of time they were blowing up 4 inch jars of Tannerite at 623 yards with stock rifles/ammo. They were believers in Nikon's BDC reticle and Spot On when they were through. Take a look at it and let me know what you think.
Glad you are aware of the Buckmaster Promotion going on right now, great deal on a very good scope.
Bart

 

[Gasitman]

Re: Nikon buckmaster 4-14 with a bdc reticule

I went to order one from Midway and use my $40 off $300 or more but they were out, so I called optics planet and they gave me 10% off, not as good, but still a good deal. They are offering a rebate of a new digital camera. It will be a nice gift for one of my kids.

I looked at one locally and it may not be as nice as a monarch, it is a very good price point for a gun that I may only use once or twice.