Another help me pick a scope thread...ugggh

[Blackdirt Cowboy]

I would recommend looking at all of the variables when considering a scope. I understand saving weight on a hunting rifle. But a Sendero rifle chambered in 338 RUM is not exactly a lightweight rifle. When I built my 1st long range hunting rifle I did so on a sendero rifle. I ended up going with the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x50. With the scope and a bipod the rifle weighs just over 18#. And it has been used as a backcountry pack rifle for a lot of years. The reason I went with the Nightforce for a hunting rifle is the internal adjustment of 100 MOA, Zero-Stop, tracking, and glass/build quality. I put a Nightforce 40 MOA rail on the gun and have yet to run out of elevation. I decided that I would be the limiting factor in how far I can shoot instead of having my gun or optics limit me. You have a rifle capable of shooting a LONG ways! Don't put a scope that will limit the rifle or yourself. I would highly recommend the Nightforce NXS or ATAC-R for a hunting scope!

This right here makes a lot of sense. It's what my gut is telling me, I guess I just needed someone to confirm it.

There's a gen 1 nxs for sale in the classifieds. If I can get it at a decent savings, I may go that route. It has 120 moa of elevation. If not, I'm leaning towards the gen 2.

 

[BJH]

I think you will be happy with that decision. There are a lot of great scopes out there and many that do a fine job. I personally am not a fan of Vortex stuff (I own 4), but when I need a scope that I know I can count on and need it to track perfectly I always mount up one of my Nightforce scopes. I really like Ziess and Leupold and own each. But when it comes down to a hunt I have waited for and don't want to worry, Nightforce is my ONLY option. As far as the "buy once, cry once" goes, I have cried a lot more over the scopes I have bought trying to save money and not getting what I wanted than the Nightforce purchases I have made.
Check the demo optics section on Redhawks. Last week they had some deals on NXS scopes. Or, keep an eye out for a good used one.

 

[Toolhand]

A lot of really good suggestions on here. I have a 8-32 NXS nightforce on a dedicated bench gun. It was one of the first long range scopes I purchased. It tracks perfectly and is built solid as a rock. That being said to me my swaro and HD 2 blow it away opticly. There are so many good options that track true and are well built. I would recommend putting your hands on as many as possible. Everyone's eyes are different and glass is subjective.

 

[bkillion28]

Imo whatever scope you pick make sure it's FFP, it will sell better than SFP if you decide to get a different one in the future, also IMO for a hunter and casual shooter (and that's all it is my opinion ) you can get to the point where you are picking names not scopes, yeah cosmeticly they will look a bit different but your basically picking whether you want it to say nightforce, s&b ect... on the side, it might make a bit more different to someone in a competition but even that I'm not sure of, but with all of that said if I was going to spend that kind of money and could get over not having a warranty it would be a Nightforce ATACR I like their reticle better than some of the others, I throw this out there too a Lot of people seem to like a Vortex AMG it's a lighter version of the razor 2 or as mentioned a high end Bushnell is a good scope I have a XRS2 and love it,and a friend of mine has a DMR2 that I really like also, the Burris XTR 2 that was mentioned I think I would wait till 3 is out I think it is supposed to have better glass.

 

[Blackdirt Cowboy]

Does anyone have experience with the athlon etr 4.5-30x56? It has a 34mm tube with 110 moa elevation adjustment. Cost is only $1199, so that kind of concerns me about glass quality and tracking. The guy at cameraland says the glass on these is on par with vortex razor hd, but they're made in China, so there's that. It's awful tenting, but I feel like I should stick with German or Japanese glass.

 

[Good]

I don't know why I didn't think about it earlier but the new Kahles 5-25i is what I would get in your situation. I'm actually considering replacing my gen 2 Rzr with that exact scope. It will do everything you are looking to do and the glass is top notch. Kahles is swaros tactical line

This. Excellent scope all around. But, a little heavy for my current want. You could also save a few ounces and go with a Vortex AMG. When next it's time for me to purchase, the AMG is near the top of the list, but lack of funds may dictate the Athlon Ares BTR. I looked through one the other day and it was similar to the Razor HD gen1 I recently sold.

To sum, Kahles, if you don't mind the weight, then AMG, etc.

 

[geo4061]

Just get you an NXS and never look back.

 

[Jjlo63]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned the huskamaw it should be as good as any scope mentioned

 

[lancetkenyon]

Tangent Theta TT525P 5-25x56. The end-all top of the line scope.
S&B PMII 5-25x56 MTC LT (or DT).

 

[Good]

Tangent Theta TT525P 5-25x56. The end-all top of the line scope.
S&B PMII 5-25x56 MTC LT (or DT).

Not sure if I wouldn't go Hensoldt just for giggles over the TT, but I am right there with you otherwise, money no option!

 

[Deleted member 107666]

If it were my money, I'd buy an S&B. NF builds great, durable optics, made with the SF community in mind. Kahles has nice glass as well, but has had issues with CA. Vortex is good value, but weights a metric ton more than any of the 3 above. But just not sure you can argue with S&B at their new price point.

You'd be hard pressed to find a bad review on any S&B optic. And they have recently dropped about $1k off their MSRP to compete with new pricepoints for NF and kahles premium glass offerings).

 

[BJH]

I agree with you guys above about the Tangent, Hendsoldt and S&B. If i had money falling out of my pockets faster than i could pick it up and price was no concern, I would have at least one of each to find out for myself which one is really the best. Maybe one day.

 

[bplumcrazy]

No one mentioned MARCH except you, but I love mine. Great glass, tracks, highest mag range and light weight. What else do you need????

 

[lancetkenyon]

I have a March 3-24×52 too. Great lightweight option for a hunting scope.