Both are excellent scopes!!! I would opt for the Leupold, I have many of the VX-2 in 3-9x40 on many of my slug guns without issues. "SHOTGUN ONLY" scopes are a gimmick from the scope makers to add models to their inventory and many times charge more for them. Today's slug guns and today's slugs shoot flat then any other time, a regular riflescope like the Leupold VX-2 will work and be just fine. For the best price, I Google "BEST PRICE FOR A LEUPOLD VX-2, 3-9X40"

 

The Leupold VX-2 normally sells for $300, this is a good deal : http://www.tacticalwholesalers.com/Leup ... p_478.html

 

Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it.

John

 

I have/use both on my slug guns and both are very good although I prefer Leupold myself.
Primarily for 2 reasons: 1) the field of view (FOV) is typically a little wider with the Leupolds versus Nikons in the same power range; and 2) the 'eye relief' is quoted +/- 1/2" (ex, 3" from eye, plus or minus 1/2" 'box') where the Nikons the eye relief is right at 3". This makes it a little easier when I hunt later in the season should I add more clothes and/or do more drives.
Also, I've heard it said some say the Nikons are generally brighter but my eyes can't see the difference, and never an issue seeing game whether it be with the newer Leupolds or the older ones (VARI-X, etc).

 

Ihave used Nikon's SlugHunter 3-9 BDC 200 on numerous 12ga and 20 ga shotguns with rifled slug barrles and I can assure you that the accuracy using Nikon's BDC and SlugHunter scope is some of the best I have ever seen. One shooting event I particiapted in we used Browning 20 ga. rifled slug barrels and I was amazed to go 3 for 3 on 8 inch targets at 187 yards. Using Spot On and the BDc scope lets you dial in your slug gun,scope and ammo for the greatest possible accuracy. Also, this scope offers 5 inches of constant eye relief to protect you from even the hardest recoil. Best of all, for less then $200! I do frrelance PR work for Nikon and help with shooting events, so watching guys pull the trigger on slug guns is always fun, as soon as they see their accuracy the fun begins.

 

So it seems I am picking between 2 pretty good choices. I need to research the Leopold models a little more. I am fairly well versed on the Nikon models and the BDC 200 reticle, but I am not nearly as in tune with the Leopold models (VX-2, Vari-X, ect..)

Thanks for the replys and insight! John

 

FYI: Leupold has one of if not the best warranty and customer service in the business

 

What about bushnell? They have a few slug scopes aswell and now offer a lifetime "no questions asked" warranty. You can even through it out the window or run it over with an atv! Now thats a warranty!

 

Go Leupold

I have a fixed 4X on my slug barrel and it's been on there for almost 20 years with no issues. I have also had two scopes that needed repair due to me being a klutz. Both times Leupold repaired the scopes free of charge when I expected a bill

 

I have both and can say the Nikon is a great value. The Leupold has slightly better optical qualities such as clarity and field of view. If you can afford a Leupold, go with that. But if budget conscious, go with a Nikon. Both have outstanding lifetime guarantees and customer service.

After that, be sure to get solid, high quality rings. I am partial to Burris, but Leupold, Warn, Weaver also make excellent rings. What you are looking for is all steel, fairly heavy rings. My favorite rings are the Burris Signature rings with the plastic inserts for adjusting alignment without lapping, along with windage and elevation. They also keep your scope from getting scratched due to the insert. DONT FORGET THE BLUE LOCTITE ON THE SCREWS. Slug guns have a way of jarring screws loose at just the wrong times and this prevents this from happening.

 

I have both scopes. I'd go Leupold for reasons mentioned previously. Best scope I have for a Shotgun is my Ziess, but that's in a different class, and so is the slug gun it's on

 

Most all the stated above will work just fine. But FJ is on point. I have an older Zeiss Conquest 3-9X42. What really stands out is the mostly constant eye relief thu all magnification ranges. Optics are slightly better than my VXIII's.

 

Leupold service is vastly superior. Nikon service is dreadful.
I own both scopes...my Model 87 Slug gun has a Leupold on it. If I were starting out from scratch I'd likely pick up another...

 

I tried to save a few bucks and went with Nikon (at first). I know what I'm doing with slug guns and I'm telling you it would not hold a zero. After shooting about $100 worth of slugs I contacted Nikon and sent it back in. They "adjusted columnation" and sent it back. Took it out and shot it with the same results. Shot great for 2-3 rounds. It the following was 4' somewhere else. Then the next 2/3 would clover lead it and repeat. Returned it to store and got leupold and it's been problem free for 10 years.

 

Curious what did you end up going with?