Sub $1000 scope suggestions

[Josh06]

I currently have a Viper HS-T 6-24 on a 280ai that I use primarily for target/plinking/steel. I don't really like the viper and looking to get something different. I want a zero stop, moa adjustment, exposed elevation and windage can be capped or exposed, doesn't matter, max magnification 15 or more and side focus. I want something in the same price range of the HS-T or up to $1000 max. I have VX-3 HD, NF SHV, Sig Whiskey 5 and 2 Veracity's on other rifles and glass all seems at the same level and want glass that is comparable. The Leupold Mark 3HD I feel would be perfect but aren't MOA. I don't care about weight, I have another 280ai I hunt with and it has the vx3 hd 4.5-14. I like the vx3i LRP but can't find an MOA anywhere, plenty of MIL. Any other suggestions....other than Vortex, i've had several and I just don't like them.

 

[Reelamin]

I'm a Burris and Leupold fan boy for my hunting food I will eat guns. Leupold VX5 has some good MOA reticles and hits your magnification max. I really like mine and as others have said. Glass is the exact same, and your not paying for the bling bling on the VX6.

 

[jessej]

Leupold VX5 has some good MOA reticles and hits your magnification max

This.

 

[huntinghuasna]

VX5-HD

 

[cantfixstupid]

Sightron SIII in any magnification range, I have 4 of them, I also have 2 Nightforce and 2 Schmidt&Benders, I can't tell any difference in glass quality or zero stop/return quality. Best bang for the buck IMHO.

 

[jessej]

Now I'll hafta check a sightron out.

 

[cantfixstupid]

Now I'll hafta check a sightron out.

They had em on sale at Christmas at Optics Planet. I would have bought one but I need another scope like I need another hole in my head.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

There's a few great options worth considering:

Sightron SIII's

Burris XTR II's

Element Titan

As a long standing supporting vendor on this forum it would be our pleasure to discuss options and special opportunities with you. Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, if you have a few minutes

 

[Josh06]

Sightron SIII in any magnification range, I have 4 of them, I also have 2 Nightforce and 2 Schmidt&Benders, I can't tell any difference in glass quality or zero stop/return quality. Best bang for the buck IMHO.

Thanks! I had been eyeing sightrons at the same time I got the viper, but got the viper from optics planet on a good deal. I had a Si on one of my kids rifles for years and it was great so I just bought a Sightron Siii 8-32 model 25149 on ebay for $671.14 total. Used but came with bubble level, extra turrets and flip up caps.

 

[Josh06]

There's a few great options worth considering:

Sightron SIII's

Burris XTR II's

Element Titan

As a long standing supporting vendor on this forum it would be our pleasure to discuss options and special opportunities with you. Please give us a call, 516-217-1000, if you have a few minutes

Sorry, I was already completing my impulse buy when you posted, lol. I appreciate the offer!

 

[Calvin45]

Interesting thread, will be watching.

I have a vortex too, and for the money can't really find fault EXCEPT that the light transmission isn't so great. I know guys have vortex and other cheaper scopes claiming there's no difference…whatever you need to tell yourself. I don't regret my vortex, it was at the limit of what I can afford right now and at that price-point no one else touched them for what you get in my opinion. But when my budget allows for more it's getting switched.

It holds zero just fine, the lifetime warranty is a vote of confidence, it's sure better than the truly cheap Walmart scope (lookin at you bushnell! ) but in low light hunting, which is when most hunting shots are taken, it's no leupold or Zeiss!

 

[gohring3006]

Athlon has some pretty good stuff in that price range.

 

[waveslayer]

I would save up some more money, maybe come babysit my kids for extra cash and then find a used NXS scope. NightForce has been reliable and plenty of MOA versions out there. Check the used market, for 1200 you can find some or even something else you feel that are out of your price range.

 

[stbbo]

I can't believe I'm going to endorse this scope but the Arken EP5 Gen 2 that just arrived in the mailbox is probably the Best Buy for a NIB sub $1k scope