Talk me out of an Athlon Cronus 4.5-29
- Thread starter couch000
- Start date
I have two Gen 2 Cronus scopes in possession/use. Really don’t have any complaints to speak of (afterall why would I have purchased and mounted a 2nd one) other than to offer a very minor nitpick that they ‘look’ better/more balanced with the sunshade.
Other than that- great glass at the price, solid warranty, and turrets that are audible and track correctly. I like the reticle too.
Pretty hard to go wrong in my experience and for what it’s worth- I don’t have any plans on ‘upgrading’ the scopes on the rifles I have the Cronus mounted on.
I wasn’t as smitten with the Athlon branded scope mount however. But the Cronus Gen 2’s Ive been quite happy with my collection of two.
Other than that- great glass at the price, solid warranty, and turrets that are audible and track correctly. I like the reticle too.
Pretty hard to go wrong in my experience and for what it’s worth- I don’t have any plans on ‘upgrading’ the scopes on the rifles I have the Cronus mounted on.
I wasn’t as smitten with the Athlon branded scope mount however. But the Cronus Gen 2’s Ive been quite happy with my collection of two.
I’ll definitely purchase a sun shade- either the Athlon one or NF one as the Athlon ones seem a little hard to find. I like the look with the sun shade as well. Looks more like a cool sniper rifle.
I wish I knew?!
That's about the only reason I'd sell one or both of my CG2's.
In other words it'd need to be a substantial step up because as it stands right now I'm fine as is in value per dollar.
I'd rather have a TT 7-35 but I'd have to sell three scopes plus $$$$ to get one. Am I into scopes that much anymore, I guess not??
But I could sell one CG2 and come up with another $1500-ish to get a CG3.
That's about the only reason I'd sell one or both of my CG2's.
In other words it'd need to be a substantial step up because as it stands right now I'm fine as is in value per dollar.
I'd rather have a TT 7-35 but I'd have to sell three scopes plus $$$$ to get one. Am I into scopes that much anymore, I guess not??
But I could sell one CG2 and come up with another $1500-ish to get a CG3.
On a side note- I need a mount for the Cronus. I was looking at the MDT one piece mount. Seems like an easy button but I haven't researched all the mounts out there. But it's $400. I'm not averse to spending that much- I typically use Badger or Reptilia so I don't mind spending money on mounts. What's the point in having a good scope but a crappy mount?
Any other mounts I should consider? Is one piece the way to go? Seems like a lot of top prs shooters use one piece?
Thanks!
Any other mounts I should consider? Is one piece the way to go? Seems like a lot of top prs shooters use one piece?
Thanks!
I mostly use ARC rings which have been stellar. The Seekins rings are great too and more sleek.
Vortex PMR rings are built like a tank and rock solid for many years if you want to save some coin.
I did just get a set of Area419 Rings and they are REALLY nice!
I did just get a set of Area419 Rings and they are REALLY nice!
ARC are the best - the way they torque down, they don't twist the scope, so mounting is easier. I can take scopes off for rifle cleaning and it's zeroed within 1 click after putting it back on. And they don't slip or come loose.
So most of you are using rings? Any advantage/disadvantage to using rings over a one piece? I guess scope placement is more flexible with rings since they're not fixed? Are they any less secure than a one piece mount or does it matter?
I was looking at a one piece because it's simple and seems like a more "solid" option.
I was looking at a one piece because it's simple and seems like a more "solid" option.
ARC makes both - I have both - I don't notice any difference in terms of repeatability although intuitively it does make sense.
I prefer one piece mounts. Save yourself some $ and shop in the sale section here. $400 mount will be way cheaper there.
Badger max are really nice among many others. I don’t think spuhr is worth the coin in todays market as they have issues with cracking and are expensive in comparison
But mdt, 419, badger etc are good to go. Rings are just fine as well. Mounts can give you more options to use the accessories
Badger max are really nice among many others. I don’t think spuhr is worth the coin in todays market as they have issues with cracking and are expensive in comparison
But mdt, 419, badger etc are good to go. Rings are just fine as well. Mounts can give you more options to use the accessories
Definitely cantilever on an AR because of the rail space. I'm still up in the air on rings vs one piece and strongly leaning towards one piece. Either an MDT or Badger probably. I've had a lot of luck with Badger mounts on my ARs.
I've read a lot of good things about the arc and area 419 mounts so I'm definitely going to consider those. I see the area 419 mounts are 1.26 and 1.54. The MDT mounts are 1.18, 1.34, and 1.50. And the arc mounts are 1.26 and 1.50.
I know there is a calculation to determine scope clearance (which I'd have to go back and find) but I assume you want the scope as low as possible but still have clearance from the barrel to at least put scope caps on. The cronus is a 56mm objective so will the area 419 1.26 mount work for that or is it something I have to measure before purchase?
Thanks!
Idk you really don't want to be contorting your neck/head to get down low to see through the scope..
Taller mounts provide a more natural position to see through the scope imho
Taller mounts provide a more natural position to see through the scope imho
I know taller mounts are the trend for ARs and I've run a 1.70 with my NX8 1-8 but I think for me a 1.50 or 1.54 is perfect on an AR. I'm about 5' 9" and like to have some sort of cheek weld instead of a chin weld. lol
I've just never built a PRS type rifle so I wasn't sure if a 1.50 mount would be too tall or not? I just know you have to have enough clearance. I'll try to do some searches on here and see what I find out. But yeah, I don't want to have to be contorting my neck either.
Depending on the barrel contour, 1.1" is minimum for a 56mm bell. The 1.26 should be perfect, but get the ARC's. They are the only ones that torque in that unique way, and it makes all the difference.
I agree. The single high torque screw and the way they close really makes setting them up nice.
O gawd no, PLEASE do yourself a HUGE favor and forget this old-school bullshit. You're building a modern precision bolt-action "system," not a 1950s hunting rifle with a 4x one-inch-tube Weaver stuck on it.
If anything, you want rings (or a one-piece mount, if you must) HIGHER than you "need." Your chassis will have an adjustable comb (cheek piece). USE IT. You want your head upright and comfortable. With higher rings, you have plenty of latitude up and down. You enter the scope height in your ballistic solver and that's that. As you gain experience, you may well decide you like a height different from where you started.
Mount that scope in old fudd fashion damn near touching the barrel, you're stuck there. Trust me - as one ages and neck range of motion decreases, low-mounted scopes become an anathema. I have a couple of buddies who are comfortable with shorter rings; I can't really shoot their rifles because the scopes are so low I can't get behind them. And they're 10+ years younger than me, babes in their 50s and 60s.
All but one of my bolt rifles, past and present, centerfire and rimfire, wear 1.26" Vortex PMR rings, which gives me enough height to raise the comb 1/4-1/2 inch. The one that didn't started with 1.1" rings. They went away in short order.
Better to have adjustment you don't need than to need adjustment you don't have.
Last edited:
For a future very occasional match shooter with a Tikka CTR 6.5CM. Obviously the Cronus is the best but how good do we think the BTR Gen 3 will be? Probably need to do give Doug a call or someone that's seen the Gen 3 in real life. I'm leaning toward just doing the cronus but these prices on the ETR and BTR are making me look twice
I've had a gen 1 ETR, nx8 2-20, ATACR 4-16, none of them made me shoot any better than the other. Because I won't be using it a lot, saving a couple hundred bucks for something that will work is something I'm interested in.
I only bought and sold because of Gear Acquisition Syndrome When i should have just stopped with the ETR or the nx8
I've had a gen 1 ETR, nx8 2-20, ATACR 4-16, none of them made me shoot any better than the other. Because I won't be using it a lot, saving a couple hundred bucks for something that will work is something I'm interested in.
I only bought and sold because of Gear Acquisition Syndrome When i should have just stopped with the ETR or the nx8
LOL- I hear you and use 1.50 and 1.54 on my ARs. I've even used a 1.70 mount with my NX8 1-8. I am 55 and love being called a fudd.
I just want to get this stuff right the first time and not have to sell and buy another mount down the road.It sounds like you're using 1.26" rings. I was looking at the MDT which comes in 1.34, the Area 419 and ARC which are both 1.26" so I assume that somewhere around there will be fine. I'm not a tall dude (5' 9" on a good day) so I don't want something too tall. I've read posts where they say too tall of mount made the rifle feel top heavy and less maneuverable so idk.
I'll probably get my chassis next and do the "penny" thing and see what feels comfortable for me and go from there. But being a shorter dude I bet a 1.26 or 1.34 is going to suit me just fine but I don't know what I don't know at this point.
I'm also fully aware of ballistic calculators and how mount height doesn't really matter. You just plug in your chrono data (I have a Garmin Xero) and mount height (along with a few other things) and it will spit out everything you need. Always good to verify though.
Thanks! As I mentioned in my post above, I think I'll get my chassis next and do the penny test and see what is most comfortable. But I'm with you. I think a 1.26 will probably be good for me.
Man, everyone is suggesting the arc and maybe I'm shallow but I don't like the way they look. LOL
I think I'm leaning area 419 at this point. I see nothing but glowing reviews on their mounts as well.
Looks great to me
Attachments
I have a MDT one piece mount that's really nice also if one piece mounts are your thing. Just another one to look at...
Looks like you have an origin and an mdt chassis? What height is your mount? 1.5? Any pics of your full setup? Thanks!
The MDT mount was the first one I looked at. Seems like it’s a 1.34 so in between the 1.26 and 1.5 options.
Only downside is the price at $400. I was just gonna go the MDT route with the chassis, mount, and muzzle brake and call it a day but I like to punish myself by over analyzing things.
Borrowed picture I found for reference when deciding if I would order a mbrace this round or not. Pretty sure it is 1.26 though.
Last edited:
Well, I just threw a kink in this whole thing last night and bought a Zeiss LRP S3 6-36. I sold my NX8 1-8 and had the extra cash so I went for it. Got a used one from Eurooptic and figured I'd get it just to compare with the Cronus and send back the one I liked the least. As soon as I bought It I was like wtf did I just do? I was supposed to be done with this and moving on to buying my chassis and mount, etc.
I went ahead and bought an MDT Premier Gen 2 chassis, MDT muzzle brake, MDT one piece mount, and a couple other things. Figured while I was at it I'd just deck it out in all MDT accessories.
Should have everything this week. Now I just have to get past my wife signing for the packages since she just signed for the Cronus last week.
Any thoughts on the Zeiss? It's the one I bought originally for this build but returned it because I lost my job and couldn't justify it a few months back. It seems to get really good reviews as well so I guess I'll just have to compare myself.
This hobby is nuts!
I went ahead and bought an MDT Premier Gen 2 chassis, MDT muzzle brake, MDT one piece mount, and a couple other things. Figured while I was at it I'd just deck it out in all MDT accessories.
Should have everything this week. Now I just have to get past my wife signing for the packages since she just signed for the Cronus last week.
Any thoughts on the Zeiss? It's the one I bought originally for this build but returned it because I lost my job and couldn't justify it a few months back. It seems to get really good reviews as well so I guess I'll just have to compare myself.
This hobby is nuts!
Well, I just threw a kink in this whole thing last night and bought a Zeiss LRP S3 6-36. I sold my NX8 1-8 and had the extra cash so I went for it. Got a used one from Eurooptic and figured I'd get it just to compare with the Cronus and send back the one I liked the least. As soon as I bought It I was like wtf did I just do? I was supposed to be done with this and moving on to buying my chassis and mount, etc.
I went ahead and bought an MDT Premier Gen 2 chassis, MDT muzzle brake, MDT one piece mount, and a couple other things. Figured while I was at it I'd just deck it out in all MDT accessories.
Should have everything this week. Now I just have to get past my wife signing for the packages since she just signed for the Cronus last week.
Any thoughts on the Zeiss? It's the one I bought originally for this build but returned it because I lost my job and couldn't justify it a few months back. It seems to get really good reviews as well so I guess I'll just have to compare myself.
This hobby is nuts!
Enjoy! I was at the range with a friend yesterday - felt like ~2hrs... we were there for 7 hrs and wives were calling. Definitely a fun hobby. I also want to try the Zeiss - all the comparison I can offer is with the G3, which is a tier above the XTR3/Cronus/other LOW scopes of the era. It should be a noticeable difference, not necessary, but notable, and you might just want that more than the 1K difference.It was more like a $600 difference based on the price I paid for the Zeiss and that's why I had a hard time resisting. Well, I guess I couldn't resist. I figured this is my only bolt gun (at the moment) so why not at least compare the two and keep what I like the best. I always thought the Zeiss was a great offering in the 6-36 range especially for the prices you can get it for and that's why I originally bought it. It's like $1100-$1200 less than a comparable G3 razor. The only thing, at least on paper, that I don't like about the Zeiss is the backwards magnification ring/rotation.
I figured this is my only bolt gun (at the moment) so why not at least compare the two and keep what I like the best. I always thought the Zeiss was a great offering in the 6-36 range especially for the prices you can get it for and that's why I originally bought it. It's like $1100-$1200 less than a comparable G3 razor. The only thing, at least on paper, that I don't like about the Zeiss is the backwards magnification ring/rotation.It was more like a $600 difference based on the price I paid for the Zeiss and that's why I had a hard time resisting. Well, I guess I couldn't resist.
I figured this is my only bolt gun (at the moment) so why not at least compare the two and keep what I like the best. I always thought the Zeiss was a great offering in the 6-36 range especially for the prices you can get it for and that's why I originally bought it. It's like $1100-$1200 less than a comparable G3 razor. The only thing, at least on paper, that I don't like about the Zeiss is the backwards magnification ring/rotation.It was more like a $600 difference based on the price I paid for the Zeiss and that's why I had a hard time resisting. Well, I guess I couldn't resist.
For 600 bucks, gotta keep the Zeiss.
As much love as I had for the Cronus Gen 1 and 2. I thought the eye box was a little tight.
If you're looking for a sunshade, I think I still have mine from when I sold my Athons. I had shades for all my scopes, do the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Cronus BTR use the same shade? For some reason I thought they changed slightly???
If you're looking for a sunshade, I think I still have mine from when I sold my Athons. I had shades for all my scopes, do the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Cronus BTR use the same shade? For some reason I thought they changed slightly???
I am about to buy a Cronus but I'm a little concerned / curious about the eyebox. How bad is it?
That's what I figure and will probably do. An extra $600 in the big scheme of things is not that much.
It was a used one for $1800 from eurooptic. They have "like new" ones for $1899. Felt like I just couldn't pass it up for that price.
Similar threads
