Hey shooting friends, I think I have decided on my $1,000 budget "starter rifle". After much research I am leaning, heavily, toward the Begara-14 HMR. My budget also allows for a $1,000 scope. Here are my candidates: Vortex Viper HS-T, NightForce SHV, Bushnell Elite Tactical G2DMR reticle, Shightron 25003 SIII, Burris 201032 SIII, Athlon Ares. However, if any of you have what you consider a better option, please let me know, and thank you in advance for your recommendations.
Rifle Scopes I could use some feedback on $1000 rifle scope
- Thread starter Rio2019
- Start date
Why are you considering a vortex viper HS-T which is only like a 350 dlr scope? Did you mean to say vortex viper PST II?
The PST II is going to be a decent candidate. The HS-T, not so much...
The PST II is going to be a decent candidate. The HS-T, not so much...
No problem...
Another option you can look at in that price range is the Bushnell DMR II. They hover around the $1000 price tag. Be sure to look at the PX here as you can find good options there.
Another option you can look at in that price range is the Bushnell DMR II. They hover around the $1000 price tag. Be sure to look at the PX here as you can find good options there.
I have the Burris and Sightron you mention above. Brother in law has the Ares. I had the vortex HS and PST models. Have several NF but not the SHV model. Haven’t used the bushnell.
NF- Japan
Sightron - Japan
Burris - Philippines
Ares- China
In that order of recommendation based on what I’ve used
The Burris XTRII really shines in the 3-15 model. The higher power models aren’t very good glass.
The Sightron (owned 4 of the SIII) and all have been solid with great glass. They lack some of the features tho. At least the ones I have do
Ares is most feature rich of those mentioned. Great all around but not enough time using to say it’s going to hold up etc. only had for a short period of time. If this model holds up I’d rank it above the Sightron
Bushnell stuff I’ve owned has always seemed to be worth the price
Vortex- both my HS and PST failed and got sent in for warranty then sold. So I don’t recommend vortex in those models
NF- Japan
Sightron - Japan
Burris - Philippines
Ares- China
In that order of recommendation based on what I’ve used
The Burris XTRII really shines in the 3-15 model. The higher power models aren’t very good glass.
The Sightron (owned 4 of the SIII) and all have been solid with great glass. They lack some of the features tho. At least the ones I have do
Ares is most feature rich of those mentioned. Great all around but not enough time using to say it’s going to hold up etc. only had for a short period of time. If this model holds up I’d rank it above the Sightron
Bushnell stuff I’ve owned has always seemed to be worth the price
Vortex- both my HS and PST failed and got sent in for warranty then sold. So I don’t recommend vortex in those models
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OP, I will advice you not to buy anything 'Made in China' I have a bunch of reasons for my statement but who has the time to list them all one after the other.
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Thanks Kane for your response. I will train myself to long range shoot again. It’s been a long time since the military and my Remington M21. Beyond that, competition will come later.
I really would like to have at least 5-20X40. Thanks.
The NightForce SHV 5-20X56 has Great glass. Have owned this one as well as several nxs models as well. Tracks well for being half the $$ of its big brother nxs. Will not regret the purchase.
I Have a HS-T, a PSTGen 2, HDMR or ETR is a big jump ahead of the HS-T.
Bushnell DMR2 would cover your mag range and be a very good scope in your price range
Yup, that's why I was clarifying that they would serve him much better while still staying within budget...
I would also consider the Brownells MPO, especially if you think you'll do any hunting with this rifle. It's a good hybrid scope for a good hybrid rifle.
The Ares ETR is made in china. The scope is good for the money. My bitch about it is the floating dot reticle in the MILS model. Check in the PX here. For a couple of hundred more you can find a Cronus BTR that is made in Japan.
Doug at cameralandNY has an awesome deal on the Cronus right now.
In the end, spend $200-300 more, that Jap glass make you happy long time.
I have a first gen Cronus and love it. I'd recommend it over everything else on the list if you're willing to buy a used scope or spend another 300 for the one at cameralandny
I second this.
GA Precision is running a special right now for a couple of the Bushnell models. you can get the DMRII, a kestrel, and Havalon knife kit for $1199.99 with a 10% off that code. https://www.gaprecision.net/ga-store/optics/bushnell-dmr2-kestrel-deal-1.html I just picked up the XRS2 version.
If you are former military I would recommend you buy directly from the mfrs. Just about all of them have discounts that will get you at least 10% below the best street prices. Check out ExpertVoice for many. Tract has good MIl/LE discount and since you can only buy from them the discount is a good one. With that discount this scope is the one I would recommend:
TORIC UHD 30mm 4-20X50 FFP MRAD PRS Long Range Rifle Scope
The TORIC 30mm FFP 4-20X50 MRAD PRS scope will change the way you approach extreme long range (ELR) shooting. Featuring an MRAD “Christmas tree” style reticle with a floating center dot and .2 MRAD windage correction hold points, experience the ultimate in accuracy and precision. It also...
tractoptics.com Thanks very much Mike, it's very kind of you to think about me, but I pulled the trigger on a Vortex Viper PST Gen 2 and saved a few dollars through Europtics.
