I would get away from the notion that your gun can always shoot "one hole groups". Just because your gun has "done it before" doesn't mean it is the norm. I believe this is where most of your "misery" is coming from. Unrealistic expectations for this type of rifle.
In reality (and this is...
This video by Area 419 does an excellent job at comparing some of the top scopes currently on the market:
The video allows you to see the large advantage in FOV the 540i has over it's competitors
Buy it!
Try to talk the price down, since its an older model and not as popular now?
With your background story and nostalgia, you should definitely get it. Especially if you got the money to spend. Can even slap one of the newer revised SWFAs on it too
To be fair it is HIS money and time; he's free to spend it how he wants... But OP, there is a very good reason everyone is trying to get you to go to a heavy steel barrel
Reiterating:
Carbon-Fiber barrel on a magnum target rifle/range toy makes little sense. You WANT heavy weight, it is your friend in this use case.
Unless you want to spend more money for a less enjoyable/effective experience.
What did you end up getting OP??
I'll reiterate what others have said about Howa and Tikka.
If you have the time/skills, getting a Howa barreled action and bedding it in a laminate stock from Boyds or Richards Micro Fit stocks is my favorite "lowest cost" option. For the mini actions you may...
I personally would still rather use phone/kestrel for ballistics. Maybe a new Fury will be released eventually.
But being able to laser range, spot a shot, and then give a measured correction (via reticle) all from one optic would be nice (without spending over $2k)
As is the Solus (if you can find the bolt face you're looking for). However not sure if they have all the options as the Origin does currently (PPC face etc..)
Either action would likely serve you well. Most will recommend the Origin as there's concerns with Aero's financial status and support.
I wouldn't take any conclusions from this.
Run the exact same test again, change up the order in which you fired them from the first time. Even doing this just one more time, you'll likely see that the results will be different.
Ideally you would also be blind to which sample you are shooting...
+1 for Kelblys.
Unfortunately I haven't played with a Terminus, but I'd doubt either option would be bad. On the higher end, I have owned an Impact, Aero Solus, AI ATX, and the Kelblys is my personal favorite.
Is there additional difficulty in manufacturing binos with an etched reticle? Seems like something that would be more common.
I am trying to avoid having a spotting optic and a range finder as two separate devices.
Seems like Vectronix Vector X is the only option. About double my preferred...