Rifle Scopes Need a sub $500 scope recommendation - Update: Scope Purchased- SWFA 3-15x

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kentuckyMarksman

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#1
A friend has asked me to help him find a scope for his PSA PA-65. He doesn't make a lot of money so his budget is fairly tight. He's looking a for First Focal Plane scope that is Mil/Mil. He wants to shoot steel plates out to 800 yards with this rifle. I've convinced him to let me handle the transaction for the scope (so i can find scopes on forums, since he's not on any), and this also lets me pad his budget a little to help him get something a little over his budget (he doesn't know this). His budget is $300, I plan on adding $100 to it, so $400. Trying to talk him into another $100 for a $500 budget.

I'm looking around, it looks like I can find the following under that $500 mark. Hoping some people have experience with some of these and can tell me their thoughts.

Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x FFP
Cabela's Covenant 7 3-21x FFP
Vortex Viper PST Gen 1 4-16x FFP
Athlon Midas Tac 4-16x FFP
Athlon Argos BTR 6-24x FFP
Primary Arms Silver Series 3-18x FFP with Athena BPR Mil reticle
SWFA 3-15x FFP (if I can find one used)

**************
Update: bought a SWFA 3-15x42 FFP that's Mil/Mil
 
Last edited:
#7
koshkin said:
Why not just get a fixed power SWFA SS 10x42?

It has an excellent track record for holding up and will do everything he needs within his budget.

Keep in mind you still need a decent mount.

ILya
Click to expand...
I swear that glass is so much more than $300 worth of performance only wish I'd of done 12x in MIL, but I'll live!
 
#8
koshkin said:
Why not just get a fixed power SWFA SS 10x42?

It has an excellent track record for holding up and will do everything he needs within his budget.

Keep in mind you still need a decent mount.

ILya
Click to expand...

I wish he were open to that, he's not open to fixed magnification, and he believes he needs more magnification than that. If I were to suggest that, then he'll the the Monstrum Tactical scope he saw online, which I believe would be a piece of junk.

Sounds like a used Athlon Midas Tac 4-16x is the way to go, and if that's not an option, then the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x.
 
#9
A used SWFA would be his best bet if he is dead set on FFP and Mil/Mil.

However a decent used 20MOA Mount is going to run him half of his initial scope budget, unless that’s a separate budget pool.
 
#11
kentuckyMarksman said:
I wish he were open to that, he's not open to fixed magnification, and he believes he needs more magnification than that. If I were to suggest that, then he'll the the Monstrum Tactical scope he saw online, which I believe would be a piece of junk.

Sounds like a used Athlon Midas Tac 4-16x is the way to go, and if that's not an option, then the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x.
Click to expand...

That's a shame he is set on a variable and in high mag. Monstrum scope is indeed exactly what it sounds like. Trying to get high magnification in a FFP variable for $300-$400 is usually a recipe for disappointment.

I did like Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44 for the money.

ILya
 
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#13
koshkin said:
That's a shame he is set on a variable and in high mag. Monstrum scope is indeed exactly what it sounds like. Trying to get high magnification in a FFP variable for $300-$400 is usually a recipe for disappointment.

I did like Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44 for the money.

ILya
Click to expand...

Agreed, but his mind is set on those things. I'm just trying to make it less of a disappointment.

He's only ever owned 2 scopes, a 4-12x Redfield with a duplex reticle, and a $30 Walmart special. He's convinced a $300 scope is top dollar...
 
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#18
kentuckyMarksman said:
Agreed, but his mind is set on those things. I'm just trying to make it less of a disappointment.

He's only ever owned 2 scopes, a 4-12x Redfield with a duplex reticle, and a $30 Walmart special. He's convinced a $300 scope is top dollar...
Click to expand...

I've run into people like that. Well, you can only do so much, I suppose. Some people can only learn through their personal experience.

I will probably be selling off some stuff I have had sitting around collecting dust for a little bit (I rotate through scopes I have every once in a while), but I do not think I currently have anything that will be sub-$500. I'll check though.

ILya
 
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#19
kentuckyMarksman said:
Believe me, I know. That's why I'm looking for a used optic, to help him get a better scope for the money.
Click to expand...

I know man, I feel your pain. Went through this about a year ago with a buddy who only wanted to get into LR shooting but refused to ever want to take the time to setup his rifle properly or learn the fundamentals. One of those “of course you can hit it, you have that big ass scope on there” kinda guys.

He ended up going with some box store package deal. Pretty much a Walmart BB gun scope & rings and some random 6.5cm in some super cheap stock that flexed like crazy when you loaded the Harris knock off bipods. I think he spent $700 or something total.

He’ll never admit he fucked up but sure as hell will bitch about how expensive ammo is.

Best of luck with your venture and give SWFA a solid look.
 
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#20
I think these threads with a price ceiling always get away from the point.
He only wants to spend around $400, not $500-$550.

I only have one scope that fits your criteria FFP under $400.
I haven't had enough time behind it to fully recommend it
Yet.

Just my experience, the lower level vortex scopes tend to get cloudy on higher mags.
The cabelas scope has had some different reviews in a thread on SH.

A friend of mine has a weaver 3-15x50 that is VERY nice he got it used for $400.
 
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#23
I started with and shot 5 matches with an SWFA 10x42, damn thing tracks as advertised I have no complaints and I'd recommend it.
If value for your money is what you're looking for a variable power sub $500 scope will only disappoint you. Unless you get a hell of a deal on a good used scope for $500.
 
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#25
I have a 6-24x50 Diamondback in MOA and a PST II. Is the Diamondback as good as the PST II, no. Is it plenty good enough for what he wants to do, YES. Before I bought the PST (could not pass up the blow out price on Euro Optic) I had the Diamondback on my 20" Wilson barreled .223 AR and had no issues spotting bullet splatter on a white painted steel target at 600 yards. SWFA has it with a set of rings for $399. If I was in need of another scope I wouldn't think twice about getting another one.

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www.swfa.com www.swfa.com
 
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#28
Not trying to sound like an ass, but one of my friends sent a Vortex Diamond Tactical back for tracking issues.. I would definitely consider the SWFA, I have nothing but good to say about my 3-15
 
#29
Spoke to him today, I think I talked him into stepping up to $400. With my $100, that's $500. I'm going to keep an eye out for the SWFA 3-15x used. I've seen them for under that, and I bought one for myself for less than that, so I'll just have to be on the lookout. Thanks for the input!
 
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#30
I'm running an Athlon Argos BTR 10-40X56 and it's giving me everything I need and want. Very impressed when comparing it to a $1400 Vortex Golden Eagle...the glass is not as good as the Golden Eagle (the tracking is perfect) but at 1/3rd the price that would be ridiculous to expect that.

If yer on a budget look hard at Athlon offerings.

VooDoo
 
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