mid power scope $500-1k

[penguinofsleep]

Looking for a FFP mid power scope around 3-15, 4-16, or 3-18 to put on a 6.5 grendel. Will be for plinking paper and steel, possibly hunting. Think of a typical SPR / DMR-ish "accurate enough" and not a trying to make a gas gun hit sub MOA targets consistently out at 1000 yards build.

Priorities will include a useful mil reticle at low and high power but moa reticle is acceptable if needed, forgiving eye box and parallax, not too narrow FOV, good clarity / transmission at dusk / dawn, <32oz ideally, ideally with illumination but not absolutely necessary.

Right now it's most likely going to be a Meopta Optika 6 3-18x50 mrad or Athlon Ares ETR 3-18 but am wondering if I'm missing anything else that may work in this price range. Other options I saw but haven't looked through before would be a 3-18 Strike Eagle or a Toric 2.5-15 although just looking at the reticle on paper I would prefer the meopta mrad reticle designed by DLO here.

I would also consider a(nother) Burris XTR3 (probably the non-ilum given the budget here) if I can find one for around or under $1k. I know the 3-18 Trijicon Tenmile was available for about $1100 a year or two ago but I missed that - not sure if either of these can be found for <$1k anymore. Also have an ATACR 4-16 (and a few other similar optics) and definitely acknowledge it's "better" than the above but not worth the $ to me here.

 

[vash522]

Just saw #6 in the below, might just fit the bill:

Optics - Huge Scope Purge Element/GPO/Maven/Athlon/Burris/Trijicon

Selling a bunch of scopes, all as new minus the Trijicon and come in the original boxes with all paperwork and accessories as shipped new. 1) Element Nexus Gen 2 4-25x50 FFP APR-1C MOA reticle. $1150 shipped 2) GPO Centuri 3-12x44I C super compact G4I reticle. Brand new $350 shipped SOLD 3)...

www.snipershide.com

Good Luck with the hunt!

 

[brazz04]

I would go with #4 on that list without a doubt. The helos 4-20 is on my 6 ARC and its a killer scope in that price range.

 

[FuhQ]

Looking for a FFP mid power scope around 3-15, 4-16, or 3-18 to put on a 6.5 grendel. Will be for plinking paper and steel, possibly hunting. Think of a typical SPR / DMR-ish "accurate enough" and not a trying to make a gas gun hit sub MOA targets consistently out at 1000 yards build.

Priorities will include a useful mil reticle at low and high power but moa reticle is acceptable if needed, forgiving eye box and parallax, not too narrow FOV, good clarity / transmission at dusk / dawn, <32oz ideally, ideally with illumination but not absolutely necessary.

Right now it's most likely going to be a Meopta Optika 6 3-18x50 mrad or Athlon Ares ETR 3-18 but am wondering if I'm missing anything else that may work in this price range. Other options I saw but haven't looked through before would be a 3-18 Strike Eagle or a Toric 2.5-15 although just looking at the reticle on paper I would prefer the meopta mrad reticle designed by DLO here.

I would also consider a(nother) Burris XTR3 (probably the non-ilum given the budget here) if I can find one for around or under $1k. I know the 3-18 Trijicon Tenmile was available for about $1100 a year or two ago but I missed that - not sure if either of these can be found for <$1k anymore. Also have an ATACR 4-16 (and a few other similar optics) and definitely acknowledge it's "better" than the above but not worth the $ to me here.

The new Vortex Viper HD is always a solid option.

 

[brazz04]

I have the viper HD 3-15, and would take the Helos 4-20 over it as well. Also the Viper HD 3-15 is SFP only.

 

[FuhQ]

I have the viper HD 3-15, and would take the Helos 4-20 over it as well. Also the Viper HD 3-15 is SFP only.

I have the Viper HD 5-25x50 FFP model, and it's pretty solid. The glass is nice for the price, too.

 

[Sossa]

I have successfully shot steel at 500 and mule deer out to 300 with the SWFA 6x on multiple rifles. This season, I witnessed my hunting partner shoot a mule deer at 400 yards with a single shot while carrying the SWFA 6x on his rifle. Based on my personal experience the SWFA 6x would be a great choice. No personal experience with the other choices you listed.

 

[Hondo64d]

Looking for a FFP mid power scope around 3-15, 4-16, or 3-18 to put on a 6.5 grendel. Will be for plinking paper and steel, possibly hunting. Think of a typical SPR / DMR-ish "accurate enough" and not a trying to make a gas gun hit sub MOA targets consistently out at 1000 yards build.

Priorities will include a useful mil reticle at low and high power but moa reticle is acceptable if needed, forgiving eye box and parallax, not too narrow FOV, good clarity / transmission at dusk / dawn, <32oz ideally, ideally with illumination but not absolutely necessary.

Right now it's most likely going to be a Meopta Optika 6 3-18x50 mrad or Athlon Ares ETR 3-18 but am wondering if I'm missing anything else that may work in this price range. Other options I saw but haven't looked through before would be a 3-18 Strike Eagle or a Toric 2.5-15 although just looking at the reticle on paper I would prefer the meopta mrad reticle designed by DLO here.

I would also consider a(nother) Burris XTR3 (probably the non-ilum given the budget here) if I can find one for around or under $1k. I know the 3-18 Trijicon Tenmile was available for about $1100 a year or two ago but I missed that - not sure if either of these can be found for <$1k anymore. Also have an ATACR 4-16 (and a few other similar optics) and definitely acknowledge it's "better" than the above but not worth the $ to me here.

Bushnell LRHS-2 4.5-18 x 44 G2H reticle | G.A. Precision

New feautures for LRHS2

www.gaprecision.net

John

 

[Magnetic]

I've been very pleased with my new 3-18 MP ED.

Bushnell Match Pro ED MRAD 3-18x50mm Illum FFP Black Riflescope MP31850DMI For Sale | SHIPS FREE - EuroOptic

FREE SHIPPING on Bushnell Match Pro ED MRAD 3-18x50mm Illum FFP Black Riflescope MP31850DMI

www.eurooptic.com

 

[Rob01]

I have a Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18 on my .308 AR and it works great. Good solid optic in that price range. If you like the reticle you can save a couple hundred over the Meopta.

 

[penguinofsleep]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

So far, it looks like I would still prefer the Meopta with the DLO mrad reticle, especially at lower mag. I do like the reticle enough that I'm willing to spend the $100-200 extra for it. It looks like there are no more Ares ETR 3-18 with mil reticles at this time (which makes sense given that the ETR 2 is supposed to be coming out soon-ish). Would have bought the XTR3 above immediately if it wasn't their SCR MOA reticle (not just b/c MOA, I just don't like the differences in the MOA reticle).

I've been very pleased with my new 3-18 MP ED.

Bushnell Match Pro ED MRAD 3-18x50mm Illum FFP Black Riflescope MP31850DMI For Sale | SHIPS FREE - EuroOptic

FREE SHIPPING on Bushnell Match Pro ED MRAD 3-18x50mm Illum FFP Black Riflescope MP31850DMI

www.eurooptic.com

How's the reticle working out when actually looking through the glass at the lower and upper ends of magnification?

On paper, it looks like a blend of the NF mil XT and APRS series of reticles. Both are well done Christmas Tree reticles IMO, but I have a few minor dislikes with each reticle: With the NF mil XT, the "big" 1 mil dots on the tree are slightly too big and obstruct ability to see impact slightly or downrange conditions at times. With the APRS, I like it slightly more than the XT at higher magnification, but I don't know how much I would like the reticle as a whole at lower / middle magification for something that I may want to be able to "shoot faster" sometimes (i.e. same reticle would be fine for a bolt action for me). Are you able to "roughly" use the entire top half of the illuminated reticle as a "giant red dot" if you turn the brightness up (knowing that you may not hit dead center in the reticle if you do such a thing).

 

[WeR0206]

Looking for a FFP mid power scope around 3-15, 4-16, or 3-18 to put on a 6.5 grendel. Will be for plinking paper and steel, possibly hunting. Think of a typical SPR / DMR-ish "accurate enough" and not a trying to make a gas gun hit sub MOA targets consistently out at 1000 yards build.

Priorities will include a useful mil reticle at low and high power but moa reticle is acceptable if needed, forgiving eye box and parallax, not too narrow FOV, good clarity / transmission at dusk / dawn, <32oz ideally, ideally with illumination but not absolutely necessary.

Right now it's most likely going to be a Meopta Optika 6 3-18x50 mrad or Athlon Ares ETR 3-18 but am wondering if I'm missing anything else that may work in this price range. Other options I saw but haven't looked through before would be a 3-18 Strike Eagle or a Toric 2.5-15 although just looking at the reticle on paper I would prefer the meopta mrad reticle designed by DLO here.

I would also consider a(nother) Burris XTR3 (probably the non-ilum given the budget here) if I can find one for around or under $1k. I know the 3-18 Trijicon Tenmile was available for about $1100 a year or two ago but I missed that - not sure if either of these can be found for <$1k anymore. Also have an ATACR 4-16 (and a few other similar optics) and definitely acknowledge it's "better" than the above but not worth the $ to me here.

Im looking for a similar type of optic for a 6 arc gas gun build…what did you end up going with?

Here’s what I’m currently considering, strongly leaning towards Midas TAC Gen2 UHD 5-30x56:

MPVO: Bushnell Match Pro ED 3-18X50 (# MP31850DMI) (28oz) ($580), Ares BTR GEN3 HD 2.5-15x50 (27oz) ($692) , US Optics 3-18x50mm TXH EMCR (35oz) (too heavy) ($620), Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50mm (# 201204) (30oz) ($964) (don't like the reticle), Element Titan 3-18x50 (34oz) (too heavy) ($780)

HPVO: Athlon Midas TAC Gen2 UHD 5-30×56 (30oz) ($585), Vortex Viper HD FFP (VMR-4) 5-25x50 (25oz) ($850), Athlon Midas TAC Gen2 HD 6-24X50 (26oz) ($540), Athlon Helos BTR GEN2 4-20×50 (27oz) ($540), Arken EPL-4 6-24x50 (24oz) ($350)

 

[fdkay]

Im looking for a similar type of optic for a 6 arc gas gun build…what did you end up going with?

Here’s what I’m currently considering, strongly leaning towards Midas TAC Gen2 UHD 5-30x56:

MPVO: Bushnell Match Pro ED 3-18X50 (# MP31850DMI) (28oz) ($580), Ares BTR GEN3 HD 2.5-15x50 (27oz) ($692) , US Optics 3-18x50mm TXH EMCR (35oz) (too heavy) ($620), Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50mm (# 201204) (30oz) ($964) (don't like the reticle), Element Titan 3-18x50 (34oz) (too heavy) ($780)

HPVO: Athlon Midas TAC Gen2 UHD 5-30×56 (30oz) ($585), Vortex Viper HD FFP (VMR-4) 5-25x50 (25oz) ($850), Athlon Midas TAC Gen2 HD 6-24X50 (26oz) ($540), Athlon Helos BTR GEN2 4-20×50 (27oz) ($540), Arken EPL-4 6-24x50 (24oz) ($350)

If you are considering an HPVO, Midway currently has the PST II 5-25 on sale for 600 bucks. Not the best reticle, but it is such a damn good scope, it is hard to pass up.

Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen 2 Rifle Scope 5-25x 50mm EBR-2D MOA

The Vortex Viper PST Gen II hands an unfair advantage to shooters who seek to keep the upper hand in every situation from close quarters to long-range...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[penguinofsleep]

Im looking for a similar type of optic for a 6 arc gas gun build…what did you end up going with?

Here’s what I’m currently considering, strongly leaning towards Midas TAC Gen2 UHD 5-30x56:

MPVO: Bushnell Match Pro ED 3-18X50 (# MP31850DMI) (28oz) ($580), Ares BTR GEN3 HD 2.5-15x50 (27oz) ($692) , US Optics 3-18x50mm TXH EMCR (35oz) (too heavy) ($620), Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50mm (# 201204) (30oz) ($964) (don't like the reticle), Element Titan 3-18x50 (34oz) (too heavy) ($780)

HPVO: Athlon Midas TAC Gen2 UHD 5-30×56 (30oz) ($585), Vortex Viper HD FFP (VMR-4) 5-25x50 (25oz) ($850), Athlon Midas TAC Gen2 HD 6-24X50 (26oz) ($540), Athlon Helos BTR GEN2 4-20×50 (27oz) ($540), Arken EPL-4 6-24x50 (24oz) ($350)

Ended up moving a 4-16 ATACR over for now as that rifle isn't going to be in use for a bit and moved this search to the back burner for now.

I haven't seen the Match PRO ED 3-18 yet but looking around it looks like that optic has very good feedback for the $. I also didn't realize a new ARES BTR was out and I haven't got to look through it yet. But it's going to between one of the 2 above or the Optika 6 when I eventually get an optic for this. Will need to see if I can find the two above and take a look through them.

Was happy enough with the Optika 6 3-18 the 2 times I looked through one and played with it if that helps. Had a little bit of CA to my eyes but it wasn't anything bad, especially not for the price range. Nothing else stood out in a bad way. Main concern with an Optika 6 is they're somewhat uncommon here so I haven't been able to find much "IRL" data about what % of them have problems and how bad the problems may be, how they hold up over time, and similar stuff (IIRC glass is Schott, assembled in CZ, but most of the small parts are from China and the other 2 are made in China. While Chinese optics have come a long way and Athlon strongly supports their products - I know there's more variability with stuff coming out of China and I don't want to be out of luck with Meopta or Bushnell as I hear mixed stories about their current support).

 

[WeR0206]

Ended up moving a 4-16 ATACR over for now as that rifle isn't going to be in use for a bit and moved this search to the back burner for now.

I haven't seen the Match PRO ED 3-18 yet but looking around it looks like that optic has very good feedback for the $. I also didn't realize a new ARES BTR was out and I haven't got to look through it yet. But it's going to between one of the 2 above or the Optika 6 when I eventually get an optic for this. Will need to see if I can find the two above and take a look through them.

Was happy enough with the Optika 6 3-18 the 2 times I looked through one and played with it if that helps. Had a little bit of CA to my eyes but it wasn't anything bad, especially not for the price range. Nothing else stood out in a bad way. Main concern with an Optika 6 is they're somewhat uncommon here so I haven't been able to find much "IRL" data about what % of them have problems and how bad the problems may be, how they hold up over time, and similar stuff (IIRC glass is Schott, assembled in CZ, but most of the small parts are from China and the other 2 are made in China. While Chinese optics have come a long way and Athlon strongly supports their products - I know there's more variability with stuff coming out of China and I don't want to be out of luck with Meopta or Bushnell as I hear mixed stories about their current support).

Optica 6 wasn’t even on my radar but it looks very nice. Def adding it to the list. Trying to see if they make a FFP one without the donut in the reticle. That kinda kills it for me

 

[flogxal]

I have a pair of 6.5 Grendels, 16" and 20". Have used these MPVOs & liked them.

Trijicon Credo 2.5-15x w/ MRAD Center Dot reticle SFP
Trijicon Credo 4-16x w MRAD Center Dot reticle SFP
Trijicon Credo 3-9x w/ MOA Precision Hunter reticle SFP
Delta Stryker 3.5-21x FFP

I've run the Credo 4-16x in regional PRS, and had a few times where I forgot the SFP multiplier changes at different magnification. But that's on me for lack of pressured training on it.

I've run the Stryker 3.5-21x in regional PRS as well. But on a 6ARC not 6.5 Grendel. FFP easier to manage for me under time pressure and the reticle wasn't too busy for me in tough contrast targets.

I like the Credo 3-9x with offset RDS for utility rifle.

Credo 2.5-15x I ran on a .223 Wylde 18" with offset RDS for a Ridgeline Scoped Carbine course and the setup worked very well. Just had to be aware of that SFP multiplier changing at different mag settings. Which of course I forgot when later shooting that regional PRS match with the 4-16x.