Removing until I edit it with the new optics..
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Rifle Scopes 11 mid power Optics review...
- Thread starter MOUNTIC
- Start date
Some more pics. May be missing a few optics but this is what I have currently on my computer.
Thank you for taking the time to write this up. You helped me narrow down some things and brought up some points I had not considered.
Awesome review. I am building a new hunting rig and was debating on what to top it with. I was really leaning towards the Mark 5, but this gave me some other choices to ponder.
Maybe I'm blind, but where is the LRHSi in your ranking for glass, turrets, and reticle? You talk about them, but don't rank them in your list at the end of each section...
Otherwise, a good, simple, and to the point breakdown of your preferences for each. Nicely done!
Otherwise, a good, simple, and to the point breakdown of your preferences for each. Nicely done!
I was actually not going to review this optic with the rest and it was the only "dedicated" hunting labeled optic. But I ended up putting it in there as it does a lot of things well that the others do. I have never used the LRTSi but seeing the LRHSi are similar, I decided to put it in after all.
But You are right! I added those on after I typed it all out. I'll update it when I get a minute.
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Never been behind one. Closest thing I own to it is a k624i skmr3. Hear that the 3-18 is nice but because of the cost it never made it to my list to purchase. If it was in the 2200-2300 range then I would have considered one.
I also want to mention... Just because one or two if these scopes is at the bottom of the list doesn't mean they are bad options. All of these scopes are excellent. And some are not a fair comparison between each other. I think most understand that as some of the MSRP on these are double or even more vs. the other options.
https://www.steiner-scopes.com/steiner-t5xi-scope/5112-t5xi3-15x50mm-scr-riflescope
Drop ships from Burris / Steiner in Greeley, CO. Free rings is on the promo. Have to print it out and send it in.
Kahles 3-18 my guess would be either 2 or 3
Possible. Just depends on the price vs value/features/usability. Not sure how the Skmr3 would do on 3x. 6x on my 624i is about as small as I like to see it. But until I have hands on one, I just don't know.
Just so many good options these days really. Everything on the list is a good scope and has it's pros and cons. Can't go wrong really. Just when you start to get picky is where things start to get interesting.
Just shows how everyone sees things differently. If you don't see it, that's awesome! Some see it and some don't. Here in CO with snow it's almost hard not to instantly see it on almost every optic with patches of snow going from white to the brown dirt. Going from light blue sky to dark roof is another that comes to mind.
That's why glass is so subjective. Everyone is different and sees things differently. So for those that don't see it, then that part of optic selection doesnt apply. No need to go looking for an issue that doesn't exist in your eyes.
Great review. I have a Mark5 HD 5-25, and echo much of your opinion on it. The H59 reticle is indeed too small at the low end, but for my purpose, it works very well. I find the tracking excellent, and the positive feedback from the turrets is amazing. It's not as positive (hard to describe, maybe it's just easier to move from click to cick) as some other scopes I've felt up, but I never doubt if I went one or two clicks, or more. I can count each with ease and confidence without feeling it necessary to come off to verify. It's amazing even in very low light. I think it's intended to stand out in these moments.
I love my MK5 5-25, and the sight picture is so good and I've never once seen anything I would call a CA distortion; maybe it's just the longer design of the larger optic? I think Lowlight speculated the shorter version suffered here but that the longer larger cousin would not. There are few comparison's between the 3.5-18 and the 5-25, and those I've seen don't happen to compare this particular bit. Lots of speculation, but I've never seen anyone actually directly mention any noticed differences between the two regarding CA directy. I don't notice the CA here in KS, chalk it up to the lack of snow... I don't go looking for it either though.
I have a new LRTSi G3 4.5-18 I'd trade for a non illuminated MK5 3.8-18 anytime. I think it's just a personal preference, call it what you will.
Correction: It was Ilya's review, not LL. Sorry LL.
I love my MK5 5-25, and the sight picture is so good and I've never once seen anything I would call a CA distortion; maybe it's just the longer design of the larger optic? I think Lowlight speculated the shorter version suffered here but that the longer larger cousin would not. There are few comparison's between the 3.5-18 and the 5-25, and those I've seen don't happen to compare this particular bit. Lots of speculation, but I've never seen anyone actually directly mention any noticed differences between the two regarding CA directy. I don't notice the CA here in KS, chalk it up to the lack of snow... I don't go looking for it either though.
I have a new LRTSi G3 4.5-18 I'd trade for a non illuminated MK5 3.8-18 anytime. I think it's just a personal preference, call it what you will.
Correction: It was Ilya's review, not LL. Sorry LL.
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Yes the 5-25 H59 is a great scope. I would have it over a LRTS for many things. The only 3.8-18 I have used is a CCH reticle and I can't recommend it for any low light or practical use on the lower end or hunting.
I left out the 525 scopes on this review other then the Vudu because of it's size. A comparison between the 525 mk5 would go up against other 525 scopes for more of target shooting / PRS / LR optics. So I wasnt trying to go down that road, by gearing the review towards low light / hunting / lower power usability. The long range hunting scope Illuminated from Bushnell for 750 bucks on the gap deal is a completely different scope then the mk5 525 with H59 and are not a good comparison.
But I would also do the same trade as you said. The mk5 H59 is in another price bracket and intended use.
The mk5 turrets are nice. I think your comment of easier to turn is spot on. They feel good and nice positive adjustments.
I left out the 525 scopes on this review other then the Vudu because of it's size. A comparison between the 525 mk5 would go up against other 525 scopes for more of target shooting / PRS / LR optics. So I wasnt trying to go down that road, by gearing the review towards low light / hunting / lower power usability. The long range hunting scope Illuminated from Bushnell for 750 bucks on the gap deal is a completely different scope then the mk5 525 with H59 and are not a good comparison.
But I would also do the same trade as you said. The mk5 H59 is in another price bracket and intended use.
The mk5 turrets are nice. I think your comment of easier to turn is spot on. They feel good and nice positive adjustments.
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I don't need another scope, but the T5xi deal from Steiner is pretty damn tempting.
Thank you so much jwknutson. Superb review. What do you think about the Steiner P4Xi 4-16X56 with SCR. Seems like it can also qualify for free rings, no covers or throw lever though, best price I found was 999 at DSG. Do you think that it would be better to spend the additional for the T5Xi (same reticle) at the link you provided for 1270.
Can the LRHSi still be purchased? The GA link I see is for an August preorder, was that last summer? Hard to tell. Any link for where this can still be bought would be greatly appreciated. http://www.gaprecision.net/bushnell-lrhs-4-5-18x44-g2h-illum-1.html
I do not have any experience with the P series of scopes so I can't say. I would think 270 bucks would be well spent for the T series. I believe you don't get TT caps and a sunshade or throw lever on the P series. Right there is a 150-200 dollar value maybe? So the scope cost difference is very little factoring in those things. I've never looked through the P but seems to me I would go for the T series if the price was that small of a difference.
They are no longer available from GAPrecision. You would have to find old stock somewhere or pick one up on the Exchange.
Thank you so much jwknutson17 again for your incredible review. Too bad re: the GAPrecision deal ending on the LRHSi that sounds like a sweet scope. As of today the Steiner P4Xi 4-16X56 is on sale at DSG for $899 (have to log in to see that price) including the T series rings (which they send with the scope, no need to mail Steiner for the rings). I just bought one at that price, I think that it may be quite similar to the T5xi 3-15 that you reviewed so highly. I will try and make a review once I receive it. I was inspired to look into Steiner thanks to your review, I had not considered them before.
Anyone else drooling over the Q with the Minox on it?
That's one of those guns that bring crowds at the range
That's one of those guns that bring crowds at the range
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