Rifle Scopes Upgrading Optics: Help me decide

[charliethetuna]

Hello everyone! I recently built a 6.5 creedmoor and have been having a blast with it. Shot out to 1200 yards today, and it surpassed my expectations. It currently has a Millet LRS on it until I decide exactly what I want. I'm trying to keep my budget around $1300 for the optic. I would like Mil/Mil, FFP, and zero-stops. I'd really like to stay in the 25x range as well, now that I'm used to it on the millet. I am military, so that opens up a few options as well with various discounts. I would love some objective feedback on what might be the best option for me. Intended use will be prs-style club matches and hunting. Here's my list:

Gen II Viper PST (heard some rumors about a shipment this week, so maybe there will be some feedback soon)

Gen I Razor 5-20 (this is what I'm leaning towards)

Bushnell XRS 4.5-30

Burris XTR II

Leupold Variant

Nightforce SHV

Any additions to the list would also be welcome. Thanks for reading!

 

[Senderofan]

I would encourage you to use your military discount.......you've earned it and it will help get you into a nice scope for your rifle. Looks is like you've been doing some research and have a nice list to choose from. FWIW.......I like the first two on your list. I think the Gen2 PST will be a huge hit.....with it's list of upgraded features and upgraded optics package. I'm seriously considering upgrading a Gen1 FFP pst 6-24x that I purchased new a little over a year ago......just for the better turrets alone. With the lower prices offered on the Gen1 Razors.......they are a very solid bargain. I just received my first two Gen2 Razors a couple of weeks ago...the HD optics package in the Razors is extremely nice.....you'd be happy with that choice as well.

Best of luck to you......for the money you have allocated I would encourage you purchasing one of the. Vortex scopes you listed. Nothing wrong with some of the others you listed......but I think with a discount......your money will get you more scope from Vortex.

 

[ICU22250]

I would agree with the statement above, stay with Vortex and use the discount... The gen 2 Razor is an awesome scope but a little pricey, I've heard decent things about the gen 1 Razor but never owned one... Had a XTR II, not a fan, that's all I'll say about that to keep from starting a feud... Never owned the SHV so can't comment on that one either.. Good luck, shop wisely and also watch the PX here for some good used optics as well..

 

[Hardpan]

I've looked though a nightforce shv and it's crystal clear. The reticle is nice. It was a top 3 on my list due to its low price. I have not looked through the others but I was in the same boat as you and ended up with a Razor AMG.

 

[Rerun7]

I've got the xtr ii 5-25. For the money it's a good value. Mechanically it's great but it does leave a little to be desired on the glass. With that said I am very happy with the purchase based on what I could afford.

 

[Cdiver0109]

With your budget I'd give heavy consideration to the vortex gen ii pst line, Bushnell gen ii DMR and possibly the Bushnell ERS. The XRS is unimpressive at max magnification.

 

[Glassaholic]

Charlie, thank you for your service. Based on what you've described I'd highly recommend the Bushnell DMR II-I 3.5-21x50, with your mil discount it fits nicely in your budget and the glass and mechanics are really good for the price. Unless the new Vortex PST II 5-25x50 performs way above its class it's going to to be hard to beat the DMR II-i for its price. The Burris XTR II is a tank with great turrets, but the DMR II has better glass and easier to get behind.

 

[kansas]

With your military discount you can get the Gen 1 Razor and a set of rings pretty close to what you're wanting to spend. Great scope. I've got the Gen II PST ordered but I doubt that I'll see it for several months. I'd buy another Gen I Razor but the scope is going on a .22 and needs to focus to 25 yards. The Gen i Razor only will focus to 50 yards.

 

[supercorndogs]

Charlie, thank you for your service. Based on what you've described I'd highly recommend the Bushnell DMR II-I 3.5-21x50, with your mil discount it fits nicely in your budget and the glass and mechanics are really good for the price. Unless the new Vortex PST II 5-25x50 performs way above its class it's going to to be hard to beat the DMR II-i for its price. The Burris XTR II is a tank with great turrets, but the DMR II has better glass and easier to get behind.

This, especially the thanks for your service.

I am starting to get back to shooting a little more. Mounted my DMRII on my 223 and spent a little time with it. I am pretty impressed with the DMRII. I liked my Gen 1 Razor also, but I wouldnt go back to it or the ERS\XRS over the DMRII. I

 

[steve123]

If you stretched your budget slightly you could get into a Athlon Cronus 4.5-29x56. It has fantastic glass, super reticle .2 mil reticle, 25Y minimum parallax, compact, daylight bright illume and 33 mils of travel.

I saw some on sale around christmas for a little less than $1400.

 

[charliethetuna]

Supercorndogs, will be sending you a PM if you have the time. Would love to hear your opinion on the hdmr vs the razor gen I.

Thanks to everyone for the opinions, and especially for your support.

 

[Glassaholic]

If you stretched your budget slightly you could get into a Athlon Cronus 4.5-29x56. It has fantastic glass, super reticle .2 mil reticle, 25Y minimum parallax, compact, daylight bright illume and 33 mils of travel.

I saw some on sale around christmas for a little less than $1400.

I have been so tempted to check one of these out.