Rifle Scopes What scopes have all these features?

Rodney65 · Wednesday at 7:36 PM

I am not familiar with every scope on the market. I have been searching butnthought I would also ask here. I am looking for a new scope that has as many of these features as possible:

-FFP/MRAD (obviously).
-Magnification minimum 5x, maximum 20x (preferably higher).
-Minimum fous distance of 25 yards (preferably 10 yards).
-Max weight around 36oz (preferably lighter)
-Low profile turrets that aren't too tall (will obscure rangefinder screen.)
-Locking turrets (locking or capped windage a must.)
-Illuminated reticle.
-34mm tube (35 or 36mm seems to limits mounting options.)
-About $2500 USD max price (could go a bit higher or look for a used one.)

The reticle itself should have:

-Christmas tree design (preferably a bit narrow and not really a grid.)
-Elevation numbers close to the center and lots of them.
-Minimum 4 mil of "hold under" marks above the cross hair (for use with weapon mounted LRF and holding under for close range targets at matches.)
-Markings not overly thin.
-Staggered intermediate hash marks between full mil marks.

This is the probably the best reticle I have seen for my uses, the ZCO MPCT3X:

These aren’t all deal breakers necessarily but I would really prefer to have all those features. Some scopes that almost meet the criteria are:

-Razor G3 (too heavy, I already own one)
-Leupold Mk5 (only 2 mil hold under with PR2 and no illumination. Also 35mm.)
-ZCO 527 (near perfect except for the price and 36mm tube.)
-Bushnell DMR3 (reticles are a bit lacking. No illumination. DMR-IIi I have is not the brightest or sharpest but not a disaster)
-Nightforce NX8 (heard complaints about the eyebox. 30mm tube.)
-Nightforce ATACR (ocular housing rotates. A bit pricey. Not crazy about the reticles.)

I may be incorrect about some of these features as that was just off the top of my head.

Thanks in advance.

Rob01 · Wednesday at 7:47 PM

How much of a rush are you in? If not needing it super fast then keep an eye out in the next couple months for the Razor Gen III 4-24 that will be coming out.

xpshooter · Wednesday at 8:05 PM

Think a Burris XTR Pro would be close to what you want, capped windage but elevation doesn't lock

Rodney65 · Wednesday at 8:06 PM

Rob01 said:
How much of a rush are you in? If not needing it super fast then keep an eye out in the next couple months for the Razor Gen III 4-24 that will be coming out.

Not a huge rush. One of the reasons for a new scope is I'm at max weight for NRL hunter and want to add other widgets but that's for next year.

Rodney65 · Wednesday at 8:13 PM

xpshooter said:
Think a Burris XTR Pro would be close to what you want, capped windage but elevation doesn't lock

That looks quite promising. I will look into them a bit more, thanks.

Hennig · Wednesday at 8:30 PM

4.5-28 March?

Rob01 · Wednesday at 8:48 PM

Rodney65 said:
That looks quite promising. I will look into them a bit more, thanks.

Look at the reticle in person before you buy. The scope has good features but the reticle is very light. I had two and ended up selling them. Just look before you buy.

Rodney65 · Wednesday at 9:15 PM

Rob01 said:
Look at the reticle in person before you buy. The scope has good features but the reticle is very light. I had two and ended up selling them. Just look before you buy.

Light as in thin or light as in a light shade or color? Either way I would probably have to pass as I am using the scope hunting in low light and against a variety of backgrounds where it has to stand out as opposed to just paper and steel where it wouldn't be as big a deal.

Rodney65 · Wednesday at 9:20 PM

Hennig said:
4.5-28 March?

They are interesting. I don't think I have ever actually seen one in person but I will look into them.

Hennig · Wednesday at 10:20 PM

Rodney65 said:
They are interesting. I don't think I have ever actually seen one in person but I will look into them.

I have a couple of them now. I think they’re a great doitall scope. Not too heavy, good mag range, great glass, compact.

Kickin45 · Wednesday at 10:24 PM

Not sure these check all your boxes….
Zeiss S3
Delta Stryker
Steiner T6Xi

JerkyFreak · 2025-08-14T00:59:46-0400

Rather get yourself a good scope for competition and another scope for hunting. That will allow you to get everything you want for NRL without sacrificing anything to make it hunting friendly. A true "do it all" scope does not exist.

Rob01 · 2025-08-14T02:39:14-0400

Rodney65 said:
Light as in thin or light as in a light shade or color? Either way I would probably have to pass as I am using the scope hunting in low light and against a variety of backgrounds where it has to stand out as opposed to just paper and steel where it wouldn't be as big a deal.

Shade/color. It is illuminated which helps but it really didn’t stand out enough for me. Try and take a look at it if you can.

Rodney65 · 2025-08-14T05:43:02-0400

JerkyFreak said:
Rather get yourself a good scope for competition and another scope for hunting. That will allow you to get everything you want for NRL without sacrificing anything to make it hunting friendly. A true "do it all" scope does not exist.

I guess I should have specified predator hunting, especially spot and stalk type coyote hunting. I don't think a scope that meets these criteria and works for NRL will have any drawbacks for me.

Ronin22 · 2025-08-14T06:41:14-0400

Rodney65 said:
I guess I should have specified predator hunting, especially spot and stalk type coyote hunting. I don't think a scope that meets these criteria and works for NRL will have any drawbacks for me.

Oh the amount of money we will pour into shooting these damn song dogs! LOL

I never thought the day would come I'd recommend checking out a China brand scope, but look at the Athlon scopes. Some of the models check a lot of your boxes.

ironpony52 · 2025-08-14T07:44:43-0400

OK so as usual I will go the opposite direction and say a Vortex Diamondback Tactical

bobby1028 · 2025-08-14T07:50:44-0400

Rob01 said:
Look at the reticle in person before you buy. The scope has good features but the reticle is very light. I had two and ended up selling them. Just look before you buy.

Pretty much the reason I got rid of mine, replaced it with a MK5. Aside from the PR2 reticle which I really like the Leupold is very underwhelming...glass, fov and features the XTR pro is far ahead.

StephenShivers · 2025-08-14T08:37:33-0400

The Leica PRS checks most of the boxes. The glass is really nice, for my eyes anyway. It's right at your price point too. Illuminated reticle.

gr8fuldoug · 2025-08-14T11:12:03-0400

Zeiss LRP S3 Series

-FFP/MRAD (obviously). YES
-Magnification minimum 5x, maximum 20x (preferably higher). 2 choices, 4-25x50 or 6-36x56
-Minimum focus distance of 25 yards (preferably 10 yards). 4-25x50 is 15 meters to infinity / 6-36x56 is 10 meters to infinity
-Max weight around 36oz (preferably lighter). 4-25 is 36.7 oz / 6-36 is 39.1 oz
-Locking turrets (locking or capped windage a must.) Locking windage yes, Elevation does not lock
-Illuminated reticle. Each unit has dual illumination red and/or green – dial selector, daylight visible
-34mm tube. - YES
-About $2500 USD max price. Right on target – $2299.99 and $2499.99

Also has best in class for total elevation travel -46.5 MRAD and 32 MRAD respectively -

ZEISS LRP S3 First Focal Plane Riflescopes for Precision Shooting

The reticle itself should have:

-Christmas tree design (preferably a bit narrow and not really a grid.) YES
-Elevation numbers close to the center and lots of them. – Zeiss' are at the outer tip of the line for MRAD, but centered on the vertical line for the MOA
-Minimum 4 mil of "hold under" marks above the cross hair (for use with weapon mounted LRF and holding under for close range targets at matches.) The Zeiss has 3 Mils “hold under”
-Markings not overly thin. Subtensions range from 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 for most marks that the shooter would use
-Staggered intermediate hash marks between full mil marks. YES, staggered .2, .4 then a .5 dot, then .6, .8 and 1.0 etc all the way to the end of the respective line

lrp_s3_datasheet_reticles.pdf

dscl · 2025-08-14T11:27:36-0400

ZCO is the way

fdkay · 2025-08-14T11:41:52-0400

The Delta Stryker 3.5-21 checks almost all of your boxes, elevation has a zero stop, not sure it is is locking.
Your biggest issue is going to be the low turret height.
The March definitely has low turrets and great glass, but is above your price range.
The new Burris XTR PS might be just the ticket.
Once you have your data loaded into the scope, get your range from your rangefinder and dial that exact range.
Glass is XTR III level, so not incredible, but serviceable.

XTR PS 5.5-30x56mm | Burris Optics

www.burrisoptics.com

fdkay · 2025-08-14T11:42:30-0400

dscl said:
ZCO is the way

Because they are available for less than 2500 every day.

Ikeman83 · 2025-08-14T12:28:38-0400

You can probably get a used Kahles K525i SKMR4 around 2500.

gr8fuldoug · 2025-08-14T12:36:13-0400

There's a few different options from Burris, Sightron, Steiner, GPO, Zeiss, and Element. It's our pleasure to discuss these options with you if you'd like to give me a call, 516-217-1000.
Doug

Rodney65 · 2025-08-14T15:06:05-0400

fdkay said:
Because they are available for less than 2500 every day.

I mean I had like fifteen requirements so that's only compromising on one. They are amazing. I could put off my retirement a bit longer....

I do appreciate all of the suggestions.

Rodney65 · 2025-08-14T15:10:43-0400

gr8fuldoug said:
There's a few different options from Burris, Sightron, Steiner, GPO, Zeiss, and Element. It's our pleasure to discuss these options with you if you'd like to give me a call, 516-217-1000.
Doug

I very much appreciate the offer but until we officially become the 51st state ITAR and duty (that's tariffs imposed on the north side of the border, nothing Trump did) will be difficult to get around.

StephenShivers · 2025-08-14T15:14:27-0400

Rodney65 said:
I very much appreciate the offer but until we officially become the 51st state ITAR and duty (that's tariffs imposed on the north side of the border, nothing Trump did) will be difficult to get around.

Hell, then go Tangent Theta 5-25 pro. It's only a grand more than double your budget.

I'd put off my retirement for one. In fact it's on my list now and I'm at least a decade away from retirement age.

Rodney65 · 2025-08-14T15:26:04-0400

fdkay said:
The Delta Stryker 3.5-21 checks almost all of your boxes, elevation has a zero stop, not sure it is is locking.
Your biggest issue is going to be the low turret height.
The March definitely has low turrets and great glass, but is above your price range.
The new Burris XTR PS might be just the ticket.
Once you have your data loaded into the scope, get your range from your rangefinder and dial that exact range.
Glass is XTR III level, so not incredible, but serviceable.

XTR PS 5.5-30x56mm | Burris Optics

www.burrisoptics.com

That Stryker isn't bad, the turrets aren't too tall, not like this Zeiss or something:

zeiss-lrp-s5-525-56-product-02.ts-1620393422656.jpg

I know I am being picky and whiny and that's because I'm a picky and whiny person. But also have a Tangoinnos Fire4000 WMLRF that will be obscured by a tall turret.

When hunting or shooting unknown distance matches after you dial if the target moves or you're switching to the next target the ability to have your elevation dialled and use the hold under portion of the reticle to aim the laser is very useful.

Also for the laser I need a diving board mount, preferably one that is part of the upper ring half. It weighs almost a pound and gets bumped a lot so one held by two little screws doesn't inspire a ton of confidence. 35 and 36mm options are limited and that also means getting another set of rings or mount and diving board.

I could spend a bit more. One of the reasons I'm being cheap is because a lot of the cost of a scope is glass quality. To me to go from 8/10 optical clarity to 9 or 9.5/10 isn't worth a huge increase in price. If a scope has extra features I find useful I would be more inclined to increase my budget.

I do very much appreciate everyone's suggestions and contributions.

Rodney65 · 2025-08-14T15:28:34-0400

StephenShivers said:
Hell, then go Tangent Theta 5-25 pro. It's only a grand more than double your budget. I'd put off my retirement for one. In fact it's on my list now and I'm at least a decade away from retirement age.

I can not emphasize how much I like that ZCO MPCT3X reticle. The SKMR series are okay but if I'm spending that much I want to *really* like everything about the scope.

gr8fuldoug · 2025-08-14T15:58:42-0400

Rodney65 said:
I very much appreciate the offer but until we officially become the 51st state ITAR and duty (that's tariffs imposed on the north side of the border, nothing Trump did) will be difficult to get around.

In that case reach out to:

Robbie Stewart

Shooting Warehouse Sport Optics

(1) 403-430-1166

[email protected]

www.shootingwarehouse.com

17 Swift Creek Green, Calgary, Alberta, T3Z 0B6, Canada

tell him I sent you. He's a brother from another mother to me, VERY knowledgeable and will do his best to assist you

koshkin · 2025-08-14T17:18:08-0400

Generally speaking, if you really want ZCO... it might be worthwhile to just look around see if you can find a used 4-20x50 ZCO. It is an excellent design.

As far as the more mid-range designs go, you should take a look at Telson Victory 5-32x56. It checks most of your boxes. Ditto for the somewhat more expensive Element Theos 6-36x56.

Element Nexus Gen2 4-25x50 checks all of your boxes, except I do not know what it costs on your side of the border.

March 4.5-28x52 may very well be the best scope of this type, but like ZCO the price is a bit up there.

Conversely, if you want to stay a bit more on budget, Vortex Viper 5-25x50 FFP is very impressive for the money. It checks all of your boxes and is probably the bang for the buck champ here. There isn't a huge amount of elevation adjustment in it, but enough for NRL Hunter.

ILya

supercorndogs · 2025-08-14T17:21:29-0400

Ronin22 said:
Oh the amount of money we will pour into shooting these damn song dogs! LOL

I never thought the day would come I'd recommend checking out a China brand scope, but look at the Athlon scopes. Some of the models check a lot of your boxes.

Oh the barrels burned and lead slung....and splats made.

Rodney65 · 2025-08-14T17:46:48-0400

gr8fuldoug said:
In that case reach out to:

View attachment 8747310Robbie Stewart
Shooting Warehouse Sport Optics

(1) 403-430-1166

[email protected]

www.shootingwarehouse.com

17 Swift Creek Green, Calgary, Alberta, T3Z 0B6, Canada

tell him I sent you. He's a brother from another mother to me, VERY knowledgeable and will do his best to assist you

He sold me the laser on the rifle as well some LRF binos. We chatted at the last NRL match where he made several generous prize donations. Great guy.

Genin · 2025-08-14T21:12:34-0400

Zeiss LRP S3 for the win IMO. I own one and think it checks about all those boxes (the top turret is a bit proud).

DeathBeforeDismount · 2025-08-14T21:21:02-0400

The s5 is under 2500 right now at EO.

Then again not sure how it will work out buying a discontinued scope.

Rodney65 · 2025-08-14T22:05:27-0400

Genin said:
Zeiss LRP S3 for the win IMO. I own one and think it checks about all those boxes (the top turret is a bit proud).

This is what the Razor G3 looks like with the Vortex diving board when you're just looking over the ocular housing:

You have to raise your head just a little higher:

A taller turret is workable but not ideal.

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