Accidentally bought a new rifle...now I need glass.

Scooter1942

Scooter1942

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Dec 7, 2013
33
12
Dallas, Texas
#1
Howdy,

I realize there's a bunch of threads on here about what glass to get, but given that people's price range and intended uses are different, the suggestions differ considerably. So here goes...

A couple of days ago I was meeting a guy to buy an old Remington 700 mountain gun. He was running late, so I dropped into Scheel's to look for a cheek piece for one of my Tikka's. While in there, I stroll over to the Tikka island and mixed in with all of the new Tikka rifles was a T3x Tact A1. At first glance, I thought it was new and didn't bother looking at the price tag because I knew it was out of my price range. Eventually I worked my way over to it and picked it up. It was a 24" .308 model...then when I flipped the price tag over and saw that it was used, with two CTR mags ( I happen to have 3 other CTR mags, so I have 5 now). Price after military discount...$1329 + tax. Admittedly, I would have done back flips if it had been in 6.5 Creed, but I still thought it was a pretty smoking deal given the near perfect condition. Needless to say, the credit card came out and I snagged it up along with another SilencerCo mount and bipod.

jvajfV7.jpeg


Its been a minute since I've done any significant long range shooting and back then it was either a M24 with Leupold fixed 10X and briefly a Mk13 with Nightforce 3.5-15x. I currently have two "precision" guns...one is a M40 ish thing in .308 that wears an old US Optics 1.8-10 MR-10 TPAL. The other is a LMT MWS in 6.5 Creed that wears a Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x50.

So now I have this new stick and there's a mess of new optics and reticles available and names I've never heard of along with prices for optics that have become astronomical. My plan is to temporarily move my Nightforce over to the Tikka just to make sure it shoots and isn't a dog before I drop money on glass. If it shoots, I'll then look for something to put on top. If it doesn't...I may get it rebarreled in 6.5, but now I'm nearly back to the price of a new one.

My use is really paper and steel. I don't really hunt and my days of military competition have long since passed. I haven't explored the PRS game but I'm interested to learn more. My budget is about +/-$1,500. I'm fine buying used/demo provided the scope is in like new condition. I've been eyeing the PX and there's certainly some good deals, but I just don't know what the "go to" is these days for my use and price point. Given that I'm shooting .308, I think something up to the 20x magnification should be plenty but I'm open to suggestions.

What says the hive?
 
Last edited:
  • Love
  • Like
Reactions: Dendro and Redlion
#9
I’ve had and used about all the optics available ZCO, athlon, to vortex, to tangent. For my use of banging steel, hunting, and PRS club matches. The NF 4-16x42 ATACR is my favorite. Find one used or hit up a company that offers pay over time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ronws
#11
Scooter1942 said:
Howdy,

I realize there's a bunch of threads on here about what glass to get, but given that people's price range and intended uses are different, the suggestions differ considerably. So here goes...

A couple of days ago I was meeting a guy to buy an old Remington 700 mountain gun. He was running late, so I dropped into Scheel's to look for a cheek piece for one of my Tikka's. While in there, I stroll over to the Tikka island and mixed in with all of the new Tikka rifles was a T3x Tact A1. At first glance, I thought it was new and didn't bother looking at the price tag because I knew it was out of my price range. Eventually I worked my way over to it and picked it up. It was a 24" .308 model...then when I flipped the price tag over and saw that it was used, with two CTR mags ( I happen to have 3 other CTR mags, so I have 5 now). Price after military discount...$1329 + tax. Admittedly, I would have done back flips if it had been in 6.5 Creed, but I still thought it was a pretty smoking deal given the near perfect condition. Needless to say, the credit card came out and I snagged it up along with another SilencerCo mount and bipod.

jvajfV7.jpeg


Its been a minute since I've done any significant long range shooting and back then it was either a M24 with Leupold fixed 10X and briefly a Mk13 with Nightforce 3.5-15x. I currently have two "precision" guns...one is a M40 ish thing in .308 that wears an old US Optics 1.8-10 MR-10 TPAL. The other is a LMT MWS in 6.5 Creed that wears a Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x50.

So now I have this new stick and there's a mess of new optics and reticles available and names I've never heard of along with prices for optics that have become astronomical. My plan is to temporarily move my Nightforce over to the Tikka just to make sure it shoots and isn't a dog before I drop money on glass. If it shoots, I'll then look for something to put on top. If it doesn't...I may get it rebarreled in 6.5, but now I'm nearly back to the price of a new one.

My use is really paper and steel. I don't really hunt and my days of military competition have long since passed. I haven't explored the PRS game but I'm interested to learn more. My budget is about +/-$1,500. I'm fine buying used/demo provided the scope is in like new condition. I've been eyeing the PX and there's certainly some good deals, but I just don't know what the "go to" is these days for my use and price point. Given that I'm shooting .308, I think something up to the 20x magnification should be plenty but I'm open to suggestions.

What says the hive?
Click to expand...
With a $1500+/- budget... a Bushnell Elite Tactical ERS 3.5-21x50mm, Steiner Military 5-25x56mm MX5i or NF ATACR 5-25x56mm should get the job done. I have all three pre-owned for sale in that price range if interested.
 
#12
In my limited experience, a rifle does a specific job better than other rifles.

Will this just be PRS? Or just plinking? The latter can be a heavy gun with a big and heavy scope on it.
 
#14
Rpatton73 said:
www.snipershide.com

SOLD - Vortex Razor Gen III HD 1-10 Brand New

Brand new Vortex Razor Gen 3 HD 1-10x24. The popup / locking turrets are excellent. Glass and sight picture are outstanding and very, very bright. Never mounted it, only took it out of the box to photograph. $1699 + split the shipping (should be no more than ~$15 CONUS for 1/2 shipping). No...
www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com
Click to expand...
He’s looking for 20X mag at least. That’s not really an optic suited to this setup
 
#16
I second or third the Athlon Cronus BTR, especially at $1100 new. That’s close to the used prices you’ll see here around $900.

If you don’t want that big of a scope, look at the Athlon Ares ETR 3-18 from Europtic for $583 I think. They are a great deal too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ronws
#17
Scooter1942 said:
Howdy,

I realize there's a bunch of threads on here about what glass to get, but given that people's price range and intended uses are different, the suggestions differ considerably. So here goes...

A couple of days ago I was meeting a guy to buy an old Remington 700 mountain gun. He was running late, so I dropped into Scheel's to look for a cheek piece for one of my Tikka's. While in there, I stroll over to the Tikka island and mixed in with all of the new Tikka rifles was a T3x Tact A1. At first glance, I thought it was new and didn't bother looking at the price tag because I knew it was out of my price range. Eventually I worked my way over to it and picked it up. It was a 24" .308 model...then when I flipped the price tag over and saw that it was used, with two CTR mags ( I happen to have 3 other CTR mags, so I have 5 now). Price after military discount...$1329 + tax. Admittedly, I would have done back flips if it had been in 6.5 Creed, but I still thought it was a pretty smoking deal given the near perfect condition. Needless to say, the credit card came out and I snagged it up along with another SilencerCo mount and bipod.

jvajfV7.jpeg


Its been a minute since I've done any significant long range shooting and back then it was either a M24 with Leupold fixed 10X and briefly a Mk13 with Nightforce 3.5-15x. I currently have two "precision" guns...one is a M40 ish thing in .308 that wears an old US Optics 1.8-10 MR-10 TPAL. The other is a LMT MWS in 6.5 Creed that wears a Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x50.

So now I have this new stick and there's a mess of new optics and reticles available and names I've never heard of along with prices for optics that have become astronomical. My plan is to temporarily move my Nightforce over to the Tikka just to make sure it shoots and isn't a dog before I drop money on glass. If it shoots, I'll then look for something to put on top. If it doesn't...I may get it rebarreled in 6.5, but now I'm nearly back to the price of a new one.

My use is really paper and steel. I don't really hunt and my days of military competition have long since passed. I haven't explored the PRS game but I'm interested to learn more. My budget is about +/-$1,500. I'm fine buying used/demo provided the scope is in like new condition. I've been eyeing the PX and there's certainly some good deals, but I just don't know what the "go to" is these days for my use and price point. Given that I'm shooting .308, I think something up to the 20x magnification should be plenty but I'm open to suggestions.

What says the hive?
Click to expand...
I would avoid Leupold... They're overrated, and old tech at new tech prices. Same with Schmidy & Bender.

For your budget, this scope will not be beat...

www.eurooptic.com

Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR III 5.5-30x56mm 34mm SCR 2 Mil Riflescope 201214

FREE SHIPPING on Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR III 5.5-30x56mm 34mm SCR 2 Mil Riflescope 201214
www.eurooptic.com www.eurooptic.com
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: DeathBeforeDismount and nrspence
#18
#19
Rpatton73 said:
Better than the Bushnell Elite Tactical ERS 3.5-21x50mm for $1200?
Click to expand...
Yes. I wouldn't own a Bushnell if it was given to me. I would never open the box, and sell it to buy something else.

Bushnell's warranty also sucks now, too, after RCBS acquired them (not sure who bought who, but they're now owned by the same investment firm).
 
  • Haha
Reactions: vh20
#21
FuhQ said:
I would avoid Leupold... They're overrated, and old tech at new tech prices. Same with Schmidy & Bender.

For your budget, this scope will not be beat...

www.eurooptic.com

Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR III 5.5-30x56mm 34mm SCR 2 Mil Riflescope 201214

FREE SHIPPING on Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR III 5.5-30x56mm 34mm SCR 2 Mil Riflescope 201214
www.eurooptic.com www.eurooptic.com
Click to expand...

Burris which has been awarded not one single military contract ever is better than luepold and S&B?? That's delusional and crazy (now i remember why I had your dumbass blocked)

OP please don't buy a stupid Athlon when you can buy a leupold, vortex, nightforce or other legitimate long-standing optics brand.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mcgivro, nrspence and stanley_white
#22
Maurygold said:
Burris which has been awarded not one single military contract ever is better than luepold and S&B?? That's delusional and crazy (now i remember why I had your dumbass blocked)

OP please don't buy a stupid Athlon when you can buy a leupold, vortex, nightforce or other legitimate long-standing optics brand.
Click to expand...
Steiner is owned by Burris, and they've been awarded MANY military and gov contracts over the years. You must have never heard of a Dbal laser, and IR illuminator... 😂

And I never said the Burris was better than S&B, I just said S&B and Leupold are overpriced Fudd scopes only hanging onto any sort of relevance in today's market solely because of a legacy name. They put out the same old tech every single year, change up minor cosmetic things, and then jack the prices up.

No, you had me blocked because I wasn't afraid to call you out on your stupid shit-talking based on things you've never even had in your hands or had personal experience with, but every chance you got, you tried to tell people they were garbage. Stop trying to make yourself look smart.

I will agree with you on telling the OP to NOT buy an Asslon scope.
 
#23
I've had a few Jap glass Athlon's and still have an old Midas on a rimfire. That Cronus deal is great if he wants to stay new and under budget. I'd still stick with my original recommendations, but wanted to chime in re: Athlon.
 
#24
My go to is the Vortex Razor G3. Really heavy and runs about $2k used on the PX, but it's worth the price over a Leupy MK5 in my opinion.

That being said, the MK5 is a capable optic in your price range and will save you like 2 lbs.

Skip the OEM Asian glass garbage.
 
  • Like
Reactions: YotaEer
#25
DairyDictator said:
My go to is the Vortex Razor G3. Really heavy and runs about $2k used on the PX, but it's worth the price over a Leupy MK5 in my opinion.

That being said, the MK5 is a capable optic in your price range and will save you like 2 lbs.

Skip the OEM Asian glass garbage.
Click to expand...
You do know the Razor Gen3 is made by LOW in Japan right? Same folks who build NF scopes and glass, Zeiss V4, V6, & the LRP S3 scopes, Burris' glass, DNT's glass, and many many others.

I do have a Razor Gen3, and I agree, it's a hell of a scope. It is also quite a pig at 3.5 lbs. but a solid scope.
 
#30
FuhQ said:
You do know the Razor Gen3 is made by LOW in Japan right? Same folks who build NF scopes and glass, Zeiss V4, V6, & the LRP S3 scopes, Burris' glass, DNT's glass, and many many others.

I do have a Razor Gen3, and I agree, it's a hell of a scope. It is also quite a pig at 3.5 lbs. but a solid scope.
Click to expand...
Yes I'm aware. I should have been more specific but Japan is pretty much the only place in Asia I would buy glass from.
 
  • Like
Reactions: FuhQ
#32
Ronws said:
I just want to state what someone once told me, in this very forum (not this thread.) Just because something was approved and used by the military does not mean it is the best. It means someone kissed enough ass to get the contracts.
Click to expand...

I sincerely doubt the mk22 was selected without robust testing for reliability and function.



IMG_7692.jpeg
 
#33
FuhQ said:
Steiner is owned by Burris, and they've been awarded MANY military and gov contracts over the years. You must have never heard of a Dbal laser, and IR illuminator... 😂

And I never said the Burris was better than S&B, I just said S&B and Leupold are overpriced Fudd scopes only hanging onto any sort of relevance in today's market solely because of a legacy name. They put out the same old tech every single year, change up minor cosmetic things, and then jack the prices up.

No, you had me blocked because I wasn't afraid to call you out on your stupid shit-talking based on things you've never even had in your hands or had personal experience with, but every chance you got, you tried to tell people they were garbage. Stop trying to make yourself look smart.

I will agree with you on telling the OP to NOT buy an Asslon scope.
Click to expand...
Steiner and Burris are owned by Beretta. Most Steiner optics are assembled just an hour north of me in Golden, CO. A lot has changed in the last year. Steiner still uses Schott glass which will always be top tier and rival Burris. Just because they’re owned by the same company doesn’t mean they use the same quality materials. Honestly though, in the modern era of glass the difference has become negligible. The eye can only differentiate a reasonable degree of clarity. And most of today’s top tier glass isn’t distinguishable from second tier glass by the naked eye. Generally only lab testing can distinguish between modern era top tier and second tier glass. It’s more about confidence in the product and the comfort level that accompanies that confidence. Buy what makes you feel warm and fuzzy and you’ll be happy.

For me, and IMHO, leaning into the optic that offers your most comfortable eye relief and parallax adjustment will achieve that warm and fuzzy.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: FuhQ
#37
Stick with the good dealers that support this place whatever you decide to go with.
www.snipershide.com

Calling all Hide Optics Vendors /brand list where to buy what from Commercial Supporters

Let's have a thread of who carries what scope brands. Scope/ optics related is very loose here. Rds, lpvo, magnified, night vision, thermal, laser range finders, tripods, you name it. Some are easy because you're all posting in that brands threads (@CSTactical with ZCO). Will update next to the...
www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com
 
  • Like
Reactions: CSTactical and nrspence
#42
FuhQ said:
I’m really surprised we’ve gotten this far without the usual “I know you said your budget is only $1500, but if you could bump it just ever so slightly to around…Oh, I don’t know, about $4,500…You can have a TT or ZCO…” 🤦🏼🤦🏼🤦🏼
Click to expand...
Ahem… Post 29…
 
  • Haha
Reactions: FuhQ
#47
Maurygold said:
you implied it was the cheapest option, which means it's no good...... I don't think that's true of the premier sniper program that awarded the Leupold for the mk22 after years of use.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily cheap, either. The example that pops up in my mind is Eugene Stoner's AR-10 getting passed over for the T44 (AKA the M14.)

Granted, he was successful later with the AR-15 basis for M-16 and other rifles. And he joined up with KAC for the Stoner Rifle SR-25, which became the Army's Mk 11 Mod 0.

It just seems to me that often there are more considerations than just quality and precision.

I also understand, for example, why SOCOM would like the .300 NM and .338 NM for their MRAD kit because the Norma Mag, is doing some things better, obviously. But how many people are making and stocking that round, as opposed to the availability of .300 WM, which has been in use for decades.

And yes, they all go through testing. And one is not necessarily cheaper. But who you know matters a lot, at least as much as what you know.
 
#48
#50
There is some good advice and some really shitty advice in this thread. Im gonna lay it down so take it as you will.

The tac a1 is a poor PRS gun and it's going to really suck in 308. I started with one and quickly realized how bad it's setup for the game. To shoots few matches and have fun go for it, but it's really not ideal.

Right now the best scope under 1500 is the MK4HD and it's not really close. It's essentially a 34 mm mk5 without a coating except it's half price.

I shoot TT and ZCO mostly but since I need about 10 optics I need cheaper options for hunting and gas guns. The MK4HD to 6-24x52 is the best balance of weight, eyebox, reticles, elevation, price and glass quality out there. The xtr3 is not a terrible option but it's not the same quality as the Leupold and it has some drawbacks. A gen 2 razor is a pig with not so great glass. Stay away from Bushnell, the company is in its death throws and has been obsolete for almost 10 years. The t6x is not a terrible option but glass and reticle and turrets are suspect on them. You may be able to find an older used kahles 6-24 but they also don't have great glass and will probably have an outdated reticle. You can get a used minox zp5 for around 2 k...and it's glass is up there with tangent and ZCO...but warranty work is measured in months not days and it generally has to go back to Germany. You might be able to find a used s&B pm2 for around $2k with a less desirable reticle but they still hold their own at that price point. A gen 3 razor is very solid and punches above its weight class but you are looking at about 2200 used or 2500 new .You could also find a used mk5 but it will still be 5-800 more than a mk4hd and I don't think it's worth the premium.
 
  • Like
Reactions: YotaEer and Maurygold
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Scooter1942
Pristine NXS or well used ATACR?
Replies
16
Views
429
K80/6.5
K
Scooter1942
Can't decide which scope/rifle combo I have makes the most sense
Replies
5
Views
213
Simonsza1
Simonsza1
T
Thermal Clip on/Rifle scope role swap question
Replies
1
Views
119
Old Man with Gun
Old Man with Gun
W
Spotter or no spotter?
Replies
3
Views
264
flyfisher117
flyfisher117
Scooter1942
Advice for hunting scope: Nightforce SHV 3-10 or older Swarovski 1.5-6?
Replies
4
Views
319
Rancid Coolaid
Rancid Coolaid
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Merch
Alerts