In this article, we will see the comparison between Leupold Ultimate Slam vs Nikon SlugHunter, two weapon scopes specially designed for slug guns and shotguns. It is very important for such scopes to be very tough and durable in order to withstand the mighty recoil. So, which one is actually better? Find out below!
Continue reading below to learn about:
– The available magnification levels of the weapon scopes
– The size and weight of each weapon scope
– The features of Leupold Ultimate Slam and Nikon SlugHunter
– The performance of Leupold Ultimate Slam vs Nikon SlugHunter
– Which slug gun scope is more recommended
Magnification Levels
First of all, let’s take a look at the magnification levels of these weapon scopes. Consider carefully how much magnification that you actually need. Slug guns do have limited ranges. Although slug guns are able to shoot further than shotguns, they are still not like real rifles. Slug gun scopes are ideally designed for medium ranges. See also: Leupold VX1 vs VX2.
Leupold Ultimate Slam provides more options for you. It has two different variants with different magnification levels. The first one is 2-7x33mm, and the second one is 3-9x40mm. While the first variant is already sufficient for many hunters who shoot in medium ranges, the second variant is certainly great when you need to shoot from a distance. The higher magnification levels can help you see your target more clearly.
On the other hand, Nikon SlugHunter is only available in one version. It is 3-9x40mm. Well, it is definitely usable and reliable in a variety of situations. It is handy when shooting a relatively small target from slightly over 200 yards. However, if you prefer smaller magnification levels, Nikon SlugHunter doesn’t have them.
Size and Weight
Leupold Ultimate Slam vs Nikon SlugHunter are fairly light. Between the two, Leupold Ultimate Slam is the lighter model, as it only weighs 11.2 oz. However, its body is actually a little bit longer. The total length is 12.6 inches. So, it will take more space on the top of your gun.
Nikon SlugHunter is slightly heavier. The weight is 14.7 oz. The higher weight may make it less preferable when you want to travel light. But the body is more compact, as the total length is only 11.4 inches. It will take less space on your gun.
Build and Design
Both Leupold Ultimate Slam and Nikon SlugHunter are incredibly tough and durable. They are designed specifically for slug guns and shotguns, so they are made to withstand the heavy recoil. They are highly shockproof. Both scopes here are nitrogen-filled and sealed with O-rings for waterproof and fogproof performance, so you can use them in even the most demanding conditions.
Leupold Ultimate Slam comes with a lightweight yet tough 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum construction. The compact and durable one-inch maintube fits various legacy rings. It has a generous eye relief distance, which is between 3.70 inches (high magnification) and 4.20 inches (low magnification). The long distance ensures that your eyes will not get hurt by the recoil, even when using a heavy load.
Nikon SlugHunter features a metallic housing that feels really sturdy. It also has a one-inch maintube, so it can also fit legacy rings. What sets this model apart is the very long eye relief distance, which is 5 inches. This is really great. You can put your eyes in a very safe distance, and you can comfortably use more powerful loads on lightweight shotguns.
Reticle Pattern
Leupold Ultimate Slamvs Nikon SlugHunter come with different reticle patterns. However, different people may prefer different types of reticle pattern. It depends on your needs and purposes. So, we can’t really say that one reticle pattern is better than the other.
With Leupold Ultimate Slam, you can choose one of the two available options, which are Sabot Ballistics Reticle and FireDot SA. B. R. Reticle. Actually, these two reticle patterns are similar. Each of them has six aiming points designed for 50 – 300 yards. The difference is that the Sabot Ballistics Reticle has a black cross at the center (can be more accurate), whereas FireDot SA. B. R. Reticle has a small red dot at the center (easier to see).
Nikon SlugHunter comes with the company’s patented BDC 200 Reticle. This is a trajectory-compensating reticle that has multiple easy-to-see ballistic circles for instant aiming points at longer ranges. There are four ballistic circles in total. The nice thing is that the open circles don’t obscure the target, so you can aim to a small target easily. However, these circles aren’t that great when shooting above 150 yards.
Adjustment
Both Leupold Ultimate Slam and Nikon SlugHunter have ¼ MOA reticle adjustment and 75-yard parallax setting. Both models have excellent quality knobs. You can feel and hear a small click on every stop, so you can always be certain of the precision. Both scopes are also able to hold their adjustments properly without moving, even after repeated recoils.
Leupold Ultimate Slam has a slightly smaller adjustment range. The maximum elevation/windage adjustment is only 52 MOA. On the other hand, Nikon SlugHunter can be more flexible and versatile, as the maximum elevation/windage adjustment is 60 MOA. In addition, it has an instant zero-reset turret for making quick adjustments easily.
Performance
In terms of performance, both scopes are great for shooting under 150 yards. They both provide clear images with good brightness. You can easily distinguish your target from the surrounding and aim with very good precision.
However, when shooting from 200 yards or above, Leupold Ultimate Slam is better. This is mostly because of the reticle pattern. You can aim with good precision, and many users have praised it because it hasn’t missed a shot. On the other hand, Nikon SlugHunter is less accurate when shooting from such distances.
Leupold Ultimate Slam Vs Nikon SlugHunter
Conclusion
Both products here are good scopes. However, we recommend you to choose Leupold Ultimate Slam. This model provides some options for the magnification levels and reticle patterns. The performance is better when shooting from above 150 yards. The build quality is excellent, thanks to the lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum construction.