Rifle Scopes Choices: Vortex, Trijicon...Kahles, Sig, or save.

DJL2

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Oct 16, 2013
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I'm looking to transition into the bottom of high end glass as I think of it. Generally, I want something that’s 3x to 5x on the low end, 18x or more on the high end, mil-mil, FFP, Christmas tree...you know...THE tactical/PRS archetype. I've been pondering options and note that, right now, I could get a:

- used Vortex Razor HD2 here off the Hide PX for $1700 or so;
- new Trijicon AccuPower for $1800 or so;

Looking at the MSRP on the Trijicon, it seems like they want to play in the $2500-3000 end of the pool...but, can they? (Or will the price move downwards permanently). It looks good on paper. The Vortex is well regarded, a known quantity and can double as a club. I’m curious as to the preference among the group here at nearly the same price point.

Alternatively, if I am feeling more frugal, there’s a Hide Vendor offering the Sig Tango 6 for $1400 or so. There’s also a NIB Kahles K624i for something like $2300 - a jump up in this group, but a deal that might mean it’s already sold. I can always bide my time, stash cash away and look for Pro-deals (I am normally happy to pay retail, but I’m not too proud to explore a discount when this much cash is involved).

It’s a shame it’s so hard to find high end stuff in person (regardless of shooting genre) - it’s like anyone serious about shooting eventually gets to a point where 99% of the LGS out there don’t stock much of interest.
 
If this has to be a once in a year or three purchase, I'd recommend driving somewhere to get behind as many of the scopes listed as possible (outside if at all possible).

Then make your choice based on your perception of glass clarity, resolution and feel (turrets, construction etc).

But if you have the ability to save a couple hundred extra ($2500ish) it puts lots of options on the table. S&B PMII (used), NF 5-25 ATACR used, Kahles, possibly Minox, Revic, USO used plus all the lower options you mentioned.

I have a decided preference for NF scopes but S&B is high on my list as well as Revic for future purchases. I own a Signed 4-24 and it's a very good scope and would recommend for cost savings. Can be had for 1200-1400 (pm me if interested in 4-24 MOA).

However, I'm most interested in the upcoming Burris XTR3 with better glass (TBD). Should be in the 1500-1600 range.
 
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The XTR3 has my interest as well...it’s a shame I’m not more patient. :D
Sound advice for sure, I might yet get lucky and find these around to actually get hands on.

Aside: Being an introvert is hard sometimes - I ran into a guy a while back that let me use his magnetospeed when he saw my chrono was having trouble (bright day). We both wanted to shoot 200m, so we lasered it and made up our own shooting line. He was a PRS enthusiast (among other things) and all around nice guy...all I had to do was ask for a phone number and I’d probably have all the hands on I could want.
 
Man honestly out of those I'd go with the razor. None of the other have ever impressed me for the coin. I'd hate to recommend you being a new product guinea pig with the Trij.

The razor is proven and proven to take a beating. If you're willing to sacrifice either illum or the Xmas tree I'd take a hard look at the NXS 3-15F1 and the leupy mk5.

Don't discount a Bushy LRHSI 4.5-18x44 either. You can pick one up here on the PX for less than $800 very regularly. These scopes compete with optics 2x the price. (nightforce 3-15F1, razor) With that being said the DMR2 from bushy is a great option in the $1500 range as well. Perfect feature set with glass that's OK.

Your perfect scenario in my opinion? Save and get the ATACR 4-16F1 with the new mil-XT. Will it make you a better shooter than any of the above optics? No. Except the sig.. ;)
 
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Only thing I'll add is that it's quite doable to find high end scopes for rather crazy prices. Samplelist.com is a great source of such things. Eurooptic tends to have some fairly ludicrous sales, too. Red Hawk Rifles has demo scopes that could pass for new at some serious discounts.

I've gotten some pretty expensive Zeiss Victory scopes for almost half off on a few occasions. Eurooptic has had some insane sales on S&Bs and others. Cameralandny.com has some crazy sales, too. If you call them they even go lower.

-Stooxie
 
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I think the most value would be a Tango 6. Between some of the hide vendors and other online sites, they are ridiculously cheap, and imo don't give up anything to a Razor Gen2. Althernatively, I would keep an eye out for Bushnell DMR Pros or XRS2s...I've been interested in them for a while and periodically, they will be on sale for the price of a used Razor Gen2.
 
My advice would be to make your life easier and decide if you want used or new. Otherwise, way too many choices, and personally I rather have a new $1,800 scope than a used $1,800 scope but ymmv.

Don't pay attention to Trijicon's MSRP. I don't think it's ever going to be sold for $2,500. I got one from EO (FFP MRAD) for $17something and it is very nice scope. It's right there with my Minox MR4 with everything except maybe the Minox glass looks more natural. Idk i'm not a glass expert but they both look nice.

I know you said you don't want to wait but the XTRIII looks promising. I have an early XTRII 5-25 and besides the glass it's been solid. Even the glass is not that bad unless I have the Minox or the Trijicon with me that day too :)Between the XTRIII, BTR with the new reticle, Trijicon etc... the $1500-$2000 market is/going to be flooded with high quality scopes. Pick a reticle and go with it.
 
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My advice would be to make your life easier and decide if you want used or new. Otherwise, way too many choices, and personally I rather have a new $1,800 scope than a used $1,800 scope but ymmv.

I think that's a good recommendation, although I would add a third category: the "used" scope. There a lot of "used" scopes that are dealer demos that are in 100% condition and can be registered as new for the vendor's warranty. Many of the vendors have lifetime no-questions-asked warranties anyway. Such scopes are usually clearly indicated as dealer demos.

You're right, though, absolutely comes down to personal preference.

I tend to decide first what product I want and then see if I can find it for a lower price via some mechanism. It's amazing how often things can be found for half price or 2/3s from somewhere (and no, I don't mean Ebay scams).

-Stooxie
 
I'm looking to transition into the bottom of high end glass as I think of it. Generally, I want something that’s 3x to 5x on the low end, 18x or more on the high end, mil-mil, FFP, Christmas tree...you know...THE tactical/PRS archetype. I've been pondering options and note that, right now, I could get a:

- used Vortex Razor HD2 here off the Hide PX for $1700 or so;
- new Trijicon AccuPower for $1800 or so;

Looking at the MSRP on the Trijicon, it seems like they want to play in the $2500-3000 end of the pool...but, can they? (Or will the price move downwards permanently). It looks good on paper. The Vortex is well regarded, a known quantity and can double as a club. I’m curious as to the preference among the group here at nearly the same price point.

Alternatively, if I am feeling more frugal, there’s a Hide Vendor offering the Sig Tango 6 for $1400 or so. There’s also a NIB Kahles K624i for something like $2300 - a jump up in this group, but a deal that might mean it’s already sold. I can always bide my time, stash cash away and look for Pro-deals (I am normally happy to pay retail, but I’m not too proud to explore a discount when this much cash is involved).

It’s a shame it’s so hard to find high end stuff in person (regardless of shooting genre) - it’s like anyone serious about shooting eventually gets to a point where 99% of the LGS out there don’t stock much of interest.

Don't forget about the Mark5HD. Awesome optic.