Rifle Scopes Athlon Cronus or Burris XTR/Veracity. Can't decide, appreciate any help.

[Bri223]

Alright, so my last scope was purchased around 1986 and I haven’t shot a rifle in a while so I am a bit out of the loop. However, I have done a ton of research and I have (hopefully) narrowed it down to these few. I would really appreciate input from anyone that has used both, or, any other helpful advice from knowledgable people on which would be the best choice for my type of shooting.

Burris: Veracity or XTR II, 4x20 or 5x25 (I don’t think I’ll use illumination, don’t mind removing caps and prefer lighter if possible. Not sure on the magnification)

Or

Athlon Cronus 4.5x29x56

I realize the Cronus is a much better scope but I’m wondering if I really need it for my intended use?

1. A big part of my shooting will be doing what I used to do when I was a kid. Bench or prone shooting from around 100 yards (I did it at 25-50 yards back then) at small sized objects: acorns, bottle caps, dimes etc. I want to make sure I can see them clearly and have enough usable magnification.
2. Shooting paper at 100-200 yards for tight groups.
3. Shooting from 25-300 at steel plates. (the 25 yard part is important)
4. Maybe someday shooting out to 1000 yards if I move somewhere where that is an option.

Pros and cons (for me):

Athlon Cronus:

Pro’s:

1. Way better glass (So I can see those small targets and I just appreciate quality)
2. More range of zoom (I’m assuming the full range will be fully usable. More so than the Burris)
3. Parallax Adjustment from 25 instead of 50
4. Better field of view at shorter distances

Con’s:

1. Quite a bit heavier (half a pound or so)
2. $500-$700 more (ouch)

Burris:

Pro’s:

1. Cheaper
2. Lighter
3. They have been in business longer so warranty issues down the road might be covered better verses a newer company that may go out of business.

Con’s:

1. Lesser glass
2. Less range of zoom
3. Parallax Adjustment from 50 instead of 25
4. Lesser field of view at shorter distances

Thanks guy's. Any input would be really appreciated!

 

[Sharpened Graphite]

At 100 to 300, save your money and go with a Sightron SIII; if it's known distance and you don't mind doing a little math/book-keeping, you can save even more money going with their SFP versions. Get the 1,000 yd scope when you actually have the location to shoot. They run about $700~$800.

The Cronus glass is excellent, while the XTR II has a little color-shift at high mag (reddening/yellowing). IMO the XTR's optical quality isn't the selling point.

 

[DXT_Shooter]

I have a Sightron SIII 10-50x60 and it parallax down to 10 Yards I really like it. I had the 8-32x56 but it only went down to 40 yards and I struggled with it on my .22 shooting matchsticks, toothpicks and playing cards at 25 Yards.

Glass is great and tracks awesome.

 

[Bri223]

At 100 to 300, save your money and go with a Sightron SIII; if it's known distance and you don't mind doing a little math/book-keeping, you can save even more money going with their SFP versions. Get the 1,000 yd scope when you actually have the location to shoot. They run about $700~$800.

The Cronus glass is excellent, while the XTR II has a little color-shift at high mag (reddening/yellowing). IMO the XTR's optical quality isn't the selling point.

Thanks SG, I really appreciate your help. I was considering the Sightron SIII but the only drawback for me was the 6x minimum magnification. I'd think I'd like it to be a little less.

 

[Codiekfx400]

The Cronus gets my vote by a large margin in the two scopes you mentioned. Weaver tactical 3-15x50 is what I would be looking at for your purpose it is a excellent scope and the price is great. Also there is a 4-20x50 weaver tactical for $200 more if you need more magnification. https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-tactical-rifle-scope-3-15x50mm-sf-mil-dot-reticle-matte-black.html

 

[Bri223]

The Cronus gets my vote by a large margin in the two scopes you mentioned. Weaver tactical 3-15x50 is what I would be looking at for your purpose it is a excellent scope and the price is great. Also there is a 4-20x50 weaver tactical for $200 more if you need more magnification. https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-tactical-rifle-scope-3-15x50mm-sf-mil-dot-reticle-matte-black.html

Wow, $500, that pretty cheap! I'll check it out, thanks.

 

[b6graham]

I'd check out the ares etr which is due out this summer. Specs look great if you don't mind the wait or being the first to get one. No word on the glass but everything else about it is equal or better than the original cronus. Center dot and high mag for shooting small groups. 25y parralax

 

[Codiekfx400]

Yes sir it is a super value but don’t let that fool you it’s made in Japan at LOW and has a awesome zoom range and field of view.

 

[Codiekfx400]

I'd check out the ares etr which is due out this summer. Specs look great if you don't mind the wait or being the first to get one. No word on the glass but everything else about it is equal or better than the original cronus. Center dot and high mag for shooting small groups. 25y parralax

Is this ares etr you speak of made in China? I believe the Cronus is made in Japan at LOW.

 

[b6graham]

Is this ares etr you speak of made in China? I believe the Cronus is made in Japan at LOW.

Cronus is at LOW. The rest are indeed China at factory where they "used to make Elite scopes" according to an email I read from Athlon rep. The only Elite I know is Bushnell.

 

[Bri223]

I'd check out the ares etr which is due out this summer. Specs look great if you don't mind the wait or being the first to get one. No word on the glass but everything else about it is equal or better than the original cronus. Center dot and high mag for shooting small groups. 25y parralax

That is a long wait! I do really like the center dot. Another option to add t the confusion! I appreciate it though and will check it out.

 

[reich10]

Just purchased a Burris XTR II in 5-25 Mil and have had it out to the range and have been dry firing with it. So far I love it. Thing is built like a tank.
Positive clicks, easy to use SCR (Steiner Competition Reticle), and I can see through the glass. Eye box at 25 is a little tight but i am already use to it. Mounted on my 6 Creed RPR. I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[Bri223]

Just purchased a Burris XTR II in 5-25 Mil and have had it out to the range and have been dry firing with it. So far I love it. Thing is built like a tank.
Positive clicks, easy to use SCR (Steiner Competition Reticle), and I can see through the glass. Eye box at 25 is a little tight but i am already use to it. Mounted on my 6 Creed RPR. I don't think you will be disappointed.View attachment 6892887

 

[reich10]

Forgot to mention that I believe my next rifle scope purchase will be a Nikon FX1000 MRAD. They have everything the Burris does, minus 34mm tube, at a lower price. I have had good experience with Nikon in the past. Might check them out.

 

[Bri223]

Nice. Sweet looking set up!

 

[jwhjwh54]

I have two buddies that have the Cronus and love them. I haven't gotten to get behind them but from their reviews I'm definitely wanting one. I was looking at biting the bullet on a NF but after hearing their reviews on the Cronus I think it'll do what I want for now.

I've been shooting my whole life but never PRS and didn't want to drop 3k on a scope on something I may get bored of but wanted something that was 20x + mag with good tracking and the Cronus from what I'm hearing has both. Now just waiting on the right deal to get one!

 

[patriot07]

Hard to reply to these kind of threads because the question isn't which is the better scope. It's clear that the Cronus wins that one. The question is whether the improvement is worth the money, and only you can answer that.

The XTR would probably satisfy all of your needs. The Cronus would probably be a little more pleasant to use. If money is tight-ish, go with the XTR. If not, grab the Cronus.

 

[fdkay]

From what you have described, I don't see a need for FFP.
Take a good look at the Sightron S Tac 2.5-17.5 minimum parallax is 10 yards.
The only real downside is the 56mm objective lens as it ends up being mounted quite high.
I would take a good look at the capped turret ones.

 

[pineoak]

If budget is an issue, get the SWFA 10x42 classic at the April 17 tax day sale for $250-275
or
the GA Precision deal on the Bushnell LRHS 4.5-18x for $750 (pay $800 and get the Leatherman tool with it)
call them by phone for details (shipping in July)

Cronus > Veracity

but for your current needs I'd go with one of the ones above and upgrade when/if you need to shoot farther than 600 yards often

don't skimp on rings/mount

 

[Birddog6424]

Believe me, the Burris will do everything you need it to do with flying colors. And the non-illuminated version will allow you to save a pretty decent chunk of money in the process.

You won't regret getting an XTR II. It's a great performing scope.

Good luck with your choice

 

[Blackedout12v]

Just purchased a Burris XTR II in 5-25 Mil and have had it out to the range and have been dry firing with it. So far I love it. Thing is built like a tank.
Positive clicks, easy to use SCR (Steiner Competition Reticle), and I can see through the glass. Eye box at 25 is a little tight but i am already use to it. Mounted on my 6 Creed RPR. I don't think you will be disappointed.View attachment 6892887

Did you recently buy those Burris rings, and If so where did you order them from. My last two sets have been made in China.

 

[samnev]

I have 2 5-25XSTR'S with the SCR reticle

Believe me, the Burris will do everything you need it to do with flying colors. And the non-illuminated version will allow you to save a pretty decent chunk of money in the process.

You won't regret getting an XTR II. It's a great performing scope.

Good luck with your choice

I have 2 XRT II 5-25X50 scopes with the SCR reticle and been very pleased with them. No complaints with the glass quality. Are they as clear as my Nightforce 5-22X50 scopes? No, but more than adequate for my eyes at least

 

[cumminsdsl]

I recently sold my cronus to pick up a Burris XTR II. I have only been precision shooting for a few years, so maybe my eyes are untrained, but I fail to see a lot of optical quality difference between a $1000 scope and a $2500 scope. Only sub $1k optic I have owned is the Athlon ares and there was a noticible difference with it.

That being said I am just as happy with the Burris as I was the cronus, and it was considerably cheaper.

 

[GeoffatBurris]

Thanks for short-listing a couple of the Burris scopes. We're proud of both the Veracity and the XTR, and think they both deliver a big bang for the buck.

I'd respectfully disagree with the above suggestions to go SFP. It sounds like you want to be involved with precision shooting, even if you are range-restricted right now. I think getting the front focal plane scope now will make you enjoy it more, and be better training. That's honest feedback: Burris has some nice SFP scopes I could plug.

The XTR will get you more adjustment range than the Veracity. I think you go from 70 MOA of elevation to 90 MOA (from memory, so might be wrong) Not an issue for your current shooting, but could play a role if you get out to some serious distances. I like the knobs on the XTR better as well, but you already said you didn't mind the Veracity.

Lots of great scopes on the market these days!

-Geoff
(who obviously gets paid by Burris)

 

[jwhjwh54]

Ooo the Burris does look nice too

 

[Bri223]

Ooo the Burris does look nice too

LOL, I didn't list that in the "Pro's" for the Burris because it really shouldn't matter (and it doesn't). However, I agree. I have looked at like 100 different scopes and the Burris by far wins in that category IMO.

 

[Bri223]

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions. It's very much appreciated.

Two more questions (For now lol):

1. I have researched some more and have found some say that the reticle is kind of hard to see when on the lower magnification for both of these. I will be using it on 5x for shorter 25-50 yard standing shoots. If I can't see the reticle very well on 5x I don't think I'll be happy.

2. I may have over estimated how much magnification I need. I want to be able to clearly see a dime sized object at 100 yards and put it in the cross hairs (I may not be good enough to hit it yet but that is a moot point). Could I do that with say 20x? I know it depends on the glass but say we are talking Burris XTR quality glass.

Thanks a lot guys.

 

[pell1203]

My answers to above questions.

#1 - Only you can determine if the reticle is too hard to see for you.
#2 - Yes, 20x power is plenty enough to see a dime sized target at 100 yards.

 

[Birddog6424]

Any reticle in the first focal plane that is designed with finer lines and subtensions can become very fine at minimum magnification. But too fine to use? For me personally, I don't think so. I've used mine at 4 and 5x in hunting situations and could still pick up the reticle.

I regularly use the 4-20 on several rifles. I use 1" orange dots with a .25" black diamond center at 100 yards to confirm zero. I have no issue seeing the quarter inch black diamond on the orange backdrop. The only thing that negates that is heavy mirage.

 

[Bri223]

Any reticle in the first focal plane that is designed with finer lines and subtensions can become very fine at minimum magnification. But too fine to use? For me personally, I don't think so. I've used mine at 4 and 5x in hunting situations and could still pick up the reticle.

I regularly use the 4-20 on several rifles. I use 1" orange dots with a .25" black diamond center at 100 yards to confirm zero. I have no issue seeing the quarter inch black diamond on the orange backdrop. The only thing that negates that is heavy mirage.

Looks like you have a lot of experience with the XTR.....

Do you find the illumination turned on high helps at all to see the reticle on 4 and 5x during the day?

Some have said on the 5-25 model above 20x or so wasn't so great. Do you agree?

 

[Iron Worker]

Many reviews rate the Athlon Cronus big step on top in glass quality over the Burris XTR . But the thickness of the lines in scope reticle varies from one scope maker to the next.

 

[Birddog6424]

Looks like you have a lot of experience with the XTR.....

Do you find the illumination turned on high helps at all to see the reticle on 4 and 5x during the day?

Some have said on the 5-25 model above 20x or so wasn't so great. Do you agree?

High powered optics rarely have a daylight bright illumination. In the XTR II's, like many optics, the illumination is useful if the reticle is washed out against a dark backdrop. Then you can see it better illuminated. But in other more normal conditions the illumination isn't very visible. You can tell it's on but it isn't very bright. As I have mentioned in the past here on the boards, in all my years the only time I have turned on my illumination was when I was trying to follow a black bear at first light in shaded timber. It made the reticle pop pretty good against the very dark backdrop. I could have made the shot if I had known he was a boar and not the sow with cubs we had seen in that area a couple days earlier.

I've seen a few people over the years who felt the 5-25 glass diminished after 20x, and I've seen folks say just the opposite. Glass is something that is very subjective based on the individual, along with some variation from scope to scope. None of the 25x scopes I have owned gave me any difficulty. The pair I have now look pretty good still at 25x. I can see my target, my hits, my misses. My scope on my Norma is my hunting scope and it scratches my extended long range itch, so it sees conditions other than just shooting steel in daylight, and it's performed without flaw.

 

[Bri223]

High powered optics rarely have a daylight bright illumination. In the XTR II's, like many optics, the illumination is useful if the reticle is washed out against a dark backdrop. Then you can see it better illuminated. But in other more normal conditions the illumination isn't very visible. You can tell it's on but it isn't very bright. As I have mentioned in the past here on the boards, in all my years the only time I have turned on my illumination was when I was trying to follow a black bear at first light in shaded timber. It made the reticle pop pretty good against the very dark backdrop. I could have made the shot if I had known he was a boar and not the sow with cubs we had seen in that area a couple days earlier.

I've seen a few people over the years who felt the 5-25 glass diminished after 20x, and I've seen folks say just the opposite. Glass is something that is very subjective based on the individual, along with some variation from scope to scope. None of the 25x scopes I have owned gave me any difficulty. The pair I have now look pretty good still at 25x. I can see my target, my hits, my misses. My scope on my Norma is my hunting scope and it scratches my extended long range itch, so it sees conditions other than just shooting steel in daylight, and it's performed without flaw.

Thanks for the detailed reply Birddog. Very helpful.

 

[jram]

I have a 3-15 xtr ii with the illuminated SCR reticle and really enjoy it. I recently had warranty work on it and Burris customer service is top notch.

Now I have pretty bad vision and wear glasses, On occasion in less than ideal lighting (indoor 84 yard range) it’s hard for me to get a crisp reticle and a focused image of the target. I attribute this to eye fatigue but I find I don’t have the same problem with my other scopes.

Outdoors I don’t have this problem and don’t feel like the scope was a hindrance at all out to 1125 yards.