I've got a Tikka CTR 6.5 creedmoor that needs a scope. I will be using the scope for hunting and and shooting out to 600 yards. I would prefer a ffp in mil with illumination and a zero stop. I've been looking at the Burris XTR 2 and Nightforce SHV. The Burris seems like the way to go but i'm a little worried about the glass. What is the best scope in this price range?
Rifle Scopes 1200.00 Scope Budget
- Thread starter Nosler243Shooter
- Start date
I’m currently using a Burris XTR II 4-20. So far I like it a lot. It’s built like a tank, great reticle, great turrets with positive clicks, and it tracks perfectly. I read a lot of reviews saying the glass isn’t very good, and I guess I was pleasantly surprised. It’s certainly not the best glass I’ve ever looked through, but I I’ve never felt hindered by it, especially considering the price and other features. I haven’t had to use Burris’ customer service, but I did use Vortex’s customer service once and it was outstanding.
Another option close to that price range is the Bushnell LRHS, or used DMR or DMR II.
Another option close to that price range is the Bushnell LRHS, or used DMR or DMR II.
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Between my wife and I, we have 2 Burris XTR2s. She is more of a target shooter and runs the 8-40x F-class scope. I run the 3-15x50. As far as the glass quality goes, I don't notice any lack of clarity/definition until I dial my wife's scope up to 25x or more. Its not an issue at all for my 3-15x. Both scopes track perfectly.
I have both the Vortex Viper and Burris XTR ll, neither one have been an issue. I wouldn’t stress the quality of glass on the Viper gen 2, XTR ll, or the SHV, as all three have quality glass in that price range. I personally prefer the XTR ll over the Viper, which works out excellent because the better half of me likes the Viper on her rifle.
Reasons I prefer the XTR are:
1. Reticle
2. Adjustment/Travel of the 34mm tube vs 30mm
3. Availablility
The third reason is subjective. I didn’t feel like waiting on another Viper for the new rifle and picked up the XTR.
Reasons I prefer the XTR are:
1. Reticle
2. Adjustment/Travel of the 34mm tube vs 30mm
3. Availablility
The third reason is subjective. I didn’t feel like waiting on another Viper for the new rifle and picked up the XTR.
I just bought a Gen II viper PST, bought it and had it three days later. Very nice optic, I think it was $1100 with my military discount.
IMG_9042 by hd_rolling, on Flickr
oogf by hd_rolling, on Flickr
IMG_9042 by hd_rolling, on Flickroogf by hd_rolling, on Flickr
There's a DMR II in the PX for $1,200.00. I think it's worth considering. Also, some of the Sig Sauer tangos might be good.
I'm suprised no-one has mentioned this yet: 5-20x50 SS ? That's my next scope... if they track like their cheaper line of scopes with better glass it's seems like the best bang for the buck going; Jap glass to boot. The reticle kind of sucks but I've learned to use it well enough.
Buy used and get more for your money. Buying a PST GenII at $1100 or a XTRII at $900-1000 is going to leave you wondering "what if?" Get a Steiner T5Xi 5-25 for $1300-1500 or a Vortex Razor Gen I 5-20 for $1200-1300. Both have bomb-proof warranties and are significantly superior scopes to the aforementioned alternatives in this thread.
The Steiner has the best glass this side of 2k and has the best second revolution indicator available. If you like the SCR reticle I think this is a no brainer purchase.
The Razor GENI has a proven track record and is more or less indestructible.
I was in the same boat as you a couple months ago and decided to go with the T5Xi. I have compared it to the Razor GENII, K624i, ATACR, DMR and it is on par with those scopes.
The Steiner has the best glass this side of 2k and has the best second revolution indicator available. If you like the SCR reticle I think this is a no brainer purchase.
The Razor GENI has a proven track record and is more or less indestructible.
I was in the same boat as you a couple months ago and decided to go with the T5Xi. I have compared it to the Razor GENII, K624i, ATACR, DMR and it is on par with those scopes.
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I would agree if the 5-20 had a better reticle and had zero stop...this is where it falls short
Thanks for the replies. I guess I will be going with the XTR2. I like the PST gen 2 because its looks similar to my gen 2 Razor but I can't find a 5-25 mil in stock. I also like the SHV but the ffp model is only a 14x. I think I need at least a 20x. Is there any down side to getting the 5-25 XTR2 over the 4-20?
Have you tried eurooptic.com, they had them in stock when I called and ordered.
I do not think you will regret your decision to go with the XTRII. IMHO the only thing it lacks to the PST GEN II is "glass" but the pro's defiently outweigh the cons on the XTRII vs PST GENII.
For hunting the x14 will be fine in the SHV, but it will hinder you when you are just shooting and want to zoom in. I almost always shoot at 12-15 with the occasional shot at x20. I don't always use it but I am very happy I have the extra magnification. I almost never use the x21-25 power.
If you want to be extremely disappointed in optical quality get a burris XTRII. Can't speak for the PST Gen II's as I've never looked through one before. BUT for the price a guy can find a used Bushnell HDMR or Athlon Cronus there would be absolutely no reason whatsoever to buy either of those optics at a "new" price. When my customers look through a cronus gen 1 compared to a Burris they almost all immediately dismiss the burris.
I don't have the new PST but I've looked through them, I did have an XTRII for several months, turrets and reticle are nice, didn't like the glass, my old PST is clearer.
^^^This. I have a CTR that I have shot matches with and have deer hunted with. I had a XTRii 4-20 and I switched to a 4.5-18 LRHS. I moved the LRHS to my Grendel and have a LRSTi 4.5-18 on the CTR now. The glass on the Bushnell is definately better than the XTR. My son has that scope on his RPR and he agrees. I was spotting hits and misses on a plate past 1100 yards with the LRSTi last Saturday.
used vortex gen 1 razor or bushnell dmr. i think the pst II is nice as well and should be inside your budget, but it won't be as good as the razor. and with vortex's warranty, i wouldn't worry at all about getting a used scope
We did have the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP EBR-2C MRAD in stock last week but just sold out again, we do have the Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 FFP, EBR-2C MOA models in stock! http://bit.ly/2xIIKWu
Currently I am playing in this ballpark and have been for most of the last year. In the stable currently I have a Bushnell HDMR1 with H59, an LRTS 3-12, an xtr 2 3-15 scr and I just picked up a 3-15 t5xi.
The t5xi is the best of the bunch all around. The turrets are good, the rev indicator is genius but I fear it may give out at some point. Glass is the best in the group. The SCR is nice but I am becoming more of a minimalist when it comes to reticles and prefer a hash every half mil instead of .2 mils. This is the only scope I have with illuminated reticle. Not a big deal for me. I hunt and target shoot. If I can't see the reticle without illumination I'm probably not going to be able to see the coyote either.
lrts has the G3 reticle which has become my favorite. I like the thin center. The zero stop is easy to set and the glass is impressive for the price. I will never sell this scope.
The xtr 2 is a fine scope. I have no hesitation recommending it. The glass isn't quite as good but it's hard to notice in practice. I can see my target and I am able to put my reticle where it needs to be in relation to said target and make hits. The zero stop is easy to set and as long as you set the screws tight enough on the turret it will remain where you set it. I prefer the scr to the g2 mil reticle due to the finer dimensions on the scr. Best bang for the buck in precision rifle scopes in my opinion.
The Bushnell hdmr is a fine scope too. It is the best way to get into a horus reticle on a budget if that's your thing. The scope itself is no frills and simple. The turret are only 5 mil and no zero stop. I always used this scope in a pure holds with the reticle technique so I didn't worry about the turrets too much. Mine is on the gasgun and serves that purpose well. These are a little dated but still a viable option. Glass is between the xtr 2 and lrts.
Hope this helps.
The t5xi is the best of the bunch all around. The turrets are good, the rev indicator is genius but I fear it may give out at some point. Glass is the best in the group. The SCR is nice but I am becoming more of a minimalist when it comes to reticles and prefer a hash every half mil instead of .2 mils. This is the only scope I have with illuminated reticle. Not a big deal for me. I hunt and target shoot. If I can't see the reticle without illumination I'm probably not going to be able to see the coyote either.
lrts has the G3 reticle which has become my favorite. I like the thin center. The zero stop is easy to set and the glass is impressive for the price. I will never sell this scope.
The xtr 2 is a fine scope. I have no hesitation recommending it. The glass isn't quite as good but it's hard to notice in practice. I can see my target and I am able to put my reticle where it needs to be in relation to said target and make hits. The zero stop is easy to set and as long as you set the screws tight enough on the turret it will remain where you set it. I prefer the scr to the g2 mil reticle due to the finer dimensions on the scr. Best bang for the buck in precision rifle scopes in my opinion.
The Bushnell hdmr is a fine scope too. It is the best way to get into a horus reticle on a budget if that's your thing. The scope itself is no frills and simple. The turret are only 5 mil and no zero stop. I always used this scope in a pure holds with the reticle technique so I didn't worry about the turrets too much. Mine is on the gasgun and serves that purpose well. These are a little dated but still a viable option. Glass is between the xtr 2 and lrts.
Hope this helps.
I'm late to the party, but my vote goes to the Burris XTR-2. Tough, well established by now, great prices. I've looked thru the 4-20 and 5-25, I bought the 4-20.
As far as the XTR-2 line goes, I don't know why some people don't like the glass, and others (including me) think the glass is great. I have decent 20/20 vision, and I think the XTR has great glass, especially for the price. It doesn't compare to a Vortex Razor Gen 2, but from what I've seen in the PST Gen 1 and 2, it's pretty much the same. I know that sounds IMPOSSIBLE!... But I'm being completely honest when I say I didn't notice a difference in glass. I've pretty much formed the unpopular opinion that all the "around $1000 scopes" have about the same quality glass. YMMV.
I grabbed my 4-20 for a sweet price, they've been out for a while now and since the PST Gen 2 came out the prices are better than ever it seems. I went with the XTR 4-20 because I never needed to turn my magnification up past 18x or so. Figured I'd save the dough. I also do notice that the image darkens and gets a slightly more fuzzy above 20x (but this is also apparent in the PST line for me) but it's still usable for sure. Honestly I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of the choices though.
Burris and Vortex have kickass warranties (I've used both companies warranties, but was very happy with the service both times).
As far as the XTR-2 line goes, I don't know why some people don't like the glass, and others (including me) think the glass is great. I have decent 20/20 vision, and I think the XTR has great glass, especially for the price. It doesn't compare to a Vortex Razor Gen 2, but from what I've seen in the PST Gen 1 and 2, it's pretty much the same. I know that sounds IMPOSSIBLE!... But I'm being completely honest when I say I didn't notice a difference in glass. I've pretty much formed the unpopular opinion that all the "around $1000 scopes" have about the same quality glass. YMMV.
I grabbed my 4-20 for a sweet price, they've been out for a while now and since the PST Gen 2 came out the prices are better than ever it seems. I went with the XTR 4-20 because I never needed to turn my magnification up past 18x or so. Figured I'd save the dough. I also do notice that the image darkens and gets a slightly more fuzzy above 20x (but this is also apparent in the PST line for me) but it's still usable for sure. Honestly I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of the choices though.
Burris and Vortex have kickass warranties (I've used both companies warranties, but was very happy with the service both times).
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I am the opposite, I absolutely love the horizontal subtensions on the SCR and wish they would have made the vertical subtensions like that. For me it is always easy to find half mil subtensions.
I'm a minimalist when it comes to reticles, too. I have a plain ole G2B mil reticle in my XTRII 3-15x.
I agree with FireShooter, AFD77, blbennett1288 and a few others on this page. Buy used and get more for your money. If you're interested in a Horus the Bushenll HDMR II is one of your best options at that price point. If not for what your looking to spend Steiner's have good glass. They had some issues with tracking when they first came out but anyone who did a tracking test and found a problem could have it fixed for free as they make good products and stand behind them.
I still haven't bought a scope. I just can't get everything I want with what I want to spend. The Bushnell LRHS is a nice scope but the reticle seems more busy than I want and it cost a few hundred more. I don't want a Christmas tree reticle either so the PST gen 2 is out. I'm sure the Burris would be fine but I'm still not sure what to get. How does the XTR2 glass compare to a classic SWFA super sniper or one of the older Leupold vari x 3's?
Hmm... I never spent much time behind an SWFA or a Leupold, but the XTRs are pretty plentiful in sports/gun stores, maybe you can try and take a trip to one and get a good look thru the glass yourself, that's always the best way to find out.
Bushnell LRTS is another one you should have on your short list. I just got the illuminated 4.5-18 and so far, its great. Reticle doesn't have the donut like the LRHS so is less cluttered. I don't anticipate any issues as I've been running a 3-12 LRHS for the last three years and it's been rock solid.
John
John
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You can find used ERS/DMR’s in that range every now and then. ERS will get you that zero stop. Great quality and the G2 reticle has great potential. Otherwise as others have said, that SCR ret is pretty darn useful on the T5xi Optics. You can find used 5-25 ones that already have turret upgrades in your budget.
I ordered a Bushnell LRHS 4.5-18x44. It was more than I wanted to spend but I think I'll be happy.
For what you want to do with a scope, or what you want the scope to do for you, 'your criteria', every scope mentioned here will do that. I'd venture that any scope priced at $1200, your price point, would do the job for you (though I haven't actually checked). I think, and not trying to be presumptive, that part of your question was left unasked. Which is what if you, later, want more out of your scope. If that is the case I can suggest a scope that could cover that base and one I own. Of course it costs a bit more but, my assumption is later you will want more. That is the Vortex 5-20x50 (35mm tube). If you are a veteran or active duty you can buy it , with a one piece cantilever, Vortex, mount/rings for 1300+. Vortex offers a 40% military discount to prior and active military. Not either? Find a vet friend and have him/her buy it for you. Where? I got mine thru Optics-Planet.
In addition to getting great quality glass (HD & APO) and great warranty and other 'features' mentioned earlier when this scope was recommended, you get the mentioned mount/rings set-up, a sun shade, an anti-cant level (scope mount), front and rear lens flip-up caps all in_the_box. It is FFP and has zero stop. My experience is it tracks perfectly (repeatibility). Very strong scope, and heavy. My reticle is in Mils and the 'christmas tree' under the horizontal is easy to ignore. One commenter mentioned buying it used, and that's a good idea because of Vortex's warranty.
If I were to get a different scope it would be the Steiner M5xi 5-25 x56 (34mm tube). But that was over $1000 more even with their (15%) military discount. Anyway, over a beer, I believe any scope you find for the $1200 in your budget will fill the bill and meet your 'mission requirements' for now. One poster mentioned to go and actually look through the scope(s) you are thinking of buying. Along with some very good choices mentioned, that , to me, was probably the best suggestion. Each of us 'sees' something different when peering thru these things. Does it look clear to you? Do you like the reticle? Is the eye relief / eye box suiting you? Consider what else you might want/need to marry the scope to the rifle.
Finally, at any price point, buy the best quality 'glass' you can get for that money. If you can't see, you can't shoot.
Good luck and have fun.
In addition to getting great quality glass (HD & APO) and great warranty and other 'features' mentioned earlier when this scope was recommended, you get the mentioned mount/rings set-up, a sun shade, an anti-cant level (scope mount), front and rear lens flip-up caps all in_the_box. It is FFP and has zero stop. My experience is it tracks perfectly (repeatibility). Very strong scope, and heavy. My reticle is in Mils and the 'christmas tree' under the horizontal is easy to ignore. One commenter mentioned buying it used, and that's a good idea because of Vortex's warranty.
If I were to get a different scope it would be the Steiner M5xi 5-25 x56 (34mm tube). But that was over $1000 more even with their (15%) military discount. Anyway, over a beer, I believe any scope you find for the $1200 in your budget will fill the bill and meet your 'mission requirements' for now. One poster mentioned to go and actually look through the scope(s) you are thinking of buying. Along with some very good choices mentioned, that , to me, was probably the best suggestion. Each of us 'sees' something different when peering thru these things. Does it look clear to you? Do you like the reticle? Is the eye relief / eye box suiting you? Consider what else you might want/need to marry the scope to the rifle.
Finally, at any price point, buy the best quality 'glass' you can get for that money. If you can't see, you can't shoot.
Good luck and have fun.
Good choice! I have a couple LRHS scopes. Tracking and RTZ have been flawless over thousands of rounds with most shots being dialed. I much prefer it over the SHV’s (I’ve owned 6).
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