Rifle Scopes Newbie needs advice on scope for Cross STX 6.5CM

AlphaLeporidae

AlphaLeporidae

LPD: Low Plains Drifter
Minuteman
Oct 13, 2024
5
2
FOB Unalaska
#1
Just purchased an Sig Cross STX and I’m suffering severe paralysis via analysis on finding a decent ‘starter’ scope. My budget cap is probably $1500ish. Application is DMR practice 300-800 yard, maybe 1K on rare occasion. Illuminated reticle is a must.

Contenders I’m considering:

Leupold Mark 4HD 4.5-18x52 M5C3 PR1-Mil

Sig Sauer TANGO-DMR 3-18x44mm MRAD DEV-L 2.0

EOTech Vudu 3.5-18x50 - H59 Reticle MRAD

There’s a few dark horse options I’ve considered (Vortex Strike Eagle, Nightforce SHV) but I keep coming back to the Sig and the EOTech.



I’m experienced with sidearm/carbine - but beyond LPVOs I have next to zero experience. Any help would be appreciated!
 
#6
AlphaLeporidae said:
Leupold Mark 4HD 4.5-18x52 M5C3 PR1-Mil
Click to expand...
Of the ones you've already identified, this would be my pick. I shoot the PR1 in the 5-25 and I like it a lot. Honestly though, any of them would be fine and would get you started.

If you are new to precision bolt gun as a category, though - I'd encourage you to take the steep part off your learning curve with ammo, a course from a local instructor, and a few local club matches instead of trying to get your first scope perfect. Reason being, there will be a lot of new information heading your way at a class or a match, other folks will let you try out a bunch of different options (in the real world, not a showroom) and you may find that you have a different requirement set than you first thought.

If you can swing the scope you want and the ammo/course fee/match entrance all at once? Go for it.
 
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#7
Char'ed Cuterie said:
Of the ones you've already identified, this would be my pick. I shoot the PR1 in the 5-25 and I like it a lot. Honestly though, any of them would be fine and would get you started.

If you are new to precision bolt gun as a category, though - I'd encourage you to take the steep part off your learning curve with ammo, a course from a local instructor, and a few local club matches instead of trying to get your first scope perfect. Reason being, there will be a lot of new information heading your way at a class or a match, other folks will let you try out a bunch of different options (in the real world, not a showroom) and you may find that you have a different requirement set than you first thought.

If you can swing the scope you want and the ammo/course fee/match entrance all at once? Go for it.
Click to expand...
Solid advice, thank you.

I ended up with a Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50. It was the option that kept popping up in everything I read, and it was on clearance for $800 - so it’s the one. For now.
I didn’t see any negative reviews anywhere- just one that was annoyed with the illumination loosening when adjusting the parallax. There was one who commented that the glass just wasn’t there compared to Vortex, but it seems like Vortex people are rabidly loyal.
I realize I’ll probably grow out of it at some point, and move up to something in the 5-25x56 range. But for that price I can save a few $$ to spend on ammo, a decent tripod & some training.
Thanks again for the advice. I appreciate all the insight and look forward to asking a million more newbie questions in the future 😂
 
Last edited:
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#10
AlphaLeporidae said:
Solid advice, thank you.

I ended up with a Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50. It was the option that kept popping up in everything I read, and it was on clearance for $800 - so it’s the one. For now.
I didn’t see any negative reviews anywhere- just one that was annoyed with the illumination loosening when adjusting the parallax. There was one who commented that the glass just wasn’t there compared to Vortex, but it seems like Vortex people are rabidly loyal.
I realize I’ll probably grow out of it at some point, and move up to something in the 5-25x56 range. But for that price I can save a few $$ to spend on ammo, a decent tripod & some training.
Thanks again for the advice. I appreciate all the insight and look forward to asking a million more newbie questions in the future 😂
Click to expand...
They’re good scopes. I have had my XTR-3 5.5-30x56 for a couple years now. Great scope! Great glass for the price.
 
#11
AlphaLeporidae said:
I ended up with a Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50. It was the option that kept popping up in everything I read, and it was on clearance for $800 - so it’s the one. For now.
... But for that price I can save a few $$ to spend on ammo, a decent tripod & some training...
Click to expand...

I helped a buddy mount up that exact optic a few months back, had him out to 1,000 yards two weekends ago with zero issues. I liked how easy it was to get behind (especially on an unfamiliar rifle) and had no problems spotting hits and misses. It'll do great.

One thing I'll say - slipping his turrets after zeroing wasn't intuitive to me, I haven't seen that system in the wild before. I'd consider watching a Youtube video of somebody doing it before hitting the range for the first time. For-sure bring the manual and the allen key.
 
#14
Fret said:
annexdefense.com

Delta Stryker HD 3.5-21x44 Rifle Scope

Introducing the Delta Stryker HD 3.5-21×44 MIL/MIL Compact Tactical Riflescope - your key to unmatched performance in the world of precision shooting. Whether you're a dedicated marksman or a passionate hunter, this cutting-edge optic is designed to elevate your shooting experience.
annexdefense.com annexdefense.com
Click to expand...
That looks like a great reticle.
 
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