I've been interested in getting into the long range game for a while now, and finally made the decision to buy a Bergara HMR 7 PRC for the job. I live on our cattle ranch so I have the ability and land space to shoot a mile plus once I develop my skills. I want to spend around $1,500 ish to get a nice scope. I was looking at either an Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56 or a Leupold Mk4hd 6-24x52. What would be the better scope between these two, and do yall have any other suggestions within this price range?
Looking for recommendations for a long range scope
- Thread starter TexasArcher77
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I've had really good luck with Cronus, I've never used that Luepold specifically but I'm sure you'd be happy with it as well.
I don't think there's a wrong choice here.
Be sure to get a mount with enough elevation to max out the optic, things drop off quick after a mile
I don't think there's a wrong choice here.
Be sure to get a mount with enough elevation to max out the optic, things drop off quick after a mile
For a mile shot, I don't know that the 29x vs. 24X top magnification matters much. I typically shoot a mile at ~16X so I can spot my (many) misses.
I like the image quality through the Leupold Mk4 6-24x52. It has great, subtle contrast. I've seen it in the $1500 range and believe it is a good scope in that price range. I've only looked thru the Chronus you mention very briefly, so I can't compare. In general, I think of Athlon as being a high bang per buck brand.
I like the image quality through the Leupold Mk4 6-24x52. It has great, subtle contrast. I've seen it in the $1500 range and believe it is a good scope in that price range. I've only looked thru the Chronus you mention very briefly, so I can't compare. In general, I think of Athlon as being a high bang per buck brand.
for someone that's just getting in to it, and youre starting off with a factory system. I'd look at the PX and find something used. You'll get WAY more bang for your buck, and you'll have less risk of loss if you decided you don't like it and want to buy something else.
Lots of superior options can be had for around 1500 bucks
Lots of superior options can be had for around 1500 bucks
Everyone I know who's relatively decent at it shoots in this range.
Well the wife and I are currently ranked 1st and 2nd in the country using an Athlon Cronus. It's not holding us back.
Leupold vx6 HD is awesome and you can find deals on the earlier generation ones.
7PRC, VX6 3-18x50 Idaho spring bear backcountry test shot
7PRC, VX6 3-18x50 Idaho spring bear backcountry test shot
I have a Tract spotting scope, and a friend of mine, after using said spotting scope, bought one of their rifle scopes for his 6 BRA. He really likes it - as I do the spotting scope. Very good glass for the money, and a solid company.
People will say it is old tech and it is definitely second focal pain, but you could pick up a night force 5 1/2 to 22 x 56NXS for probably 1000 to 1200 bucks and that scope was awesome 20 years ago and it remains so today
Of those two I’d pick the Cronus. I’ve got both mk4hd’s and mk5hd’s as well as multiple Cronus scopes.
They win for me in every category but zero stop. The mkhd series has the easiest zero stop on earth but the Cronus has better reticle options, turrets, illumination (I use it frequently in PRS or PRS22 matches, might not be a deal breaker for you but I use it a lot), and the glass is equal quality wise but I find the coloring better in the Cronus (also subjective).
The Cronus is the point of diminishing returns, unless you’re going to spend 3k or more, you aren’t going to get a massive improvement in quality.
They win for me in every category but zero stop. The mkhd series has the easiest zero stop on earth but the Cronus has better reticle options, turrets, illumination (I use it frequently in PRS or PRS22 matches, might not be a deal breaker for you but I use it a lot), and the glass is equal quality wise but I find the coloring better in the Cronus (also subjective).
The Cronus is the point of diminishing returns, unless you’re going to spend 3k or more, you aren’t going to get a massive improvement in quality.
I have seen used Vortex 4.5-27X56 for $1500 or less here on the hide. If anything were to wrong with the scope Vortex will stand behind it!!
On my 375CT has a Zcomp 5-27,338LM S&B 3-27 and 300NM has S&B 5-25.
On my 375CT has a Zcomp 5-27,338LM S&B 3-27 and 300NM has S&B 5-25.
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