This will be my first decent optic purchase. I'm getting my tax return soon and would like to purchase a scope. This scope will live on a sort of "Do it all" 18 inch Ar-15 in 6.5 Grendel. I never get to hunt often, but would like this to be my hunting gun/scope. I have looked around and really like the idea of a 3-18 or 4-20x scope for that purpose. I know of the Leupold vx6hd and the Zeiss that fit the bill, and i think can be had used in that range possibly, but would like other suggestions if anything fits the bill, or just anyones thoughts and feedback on those two scopes compared.
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Rifle Scopes Best 3-18 or 4-20 for the money($1200ish budget)?
- Thread starter Jmbarrus
- Start date
Look at the Bushnell Forge 3-18. 25+ MILs of adjustment range (mine is over 28), you get your choice of FFP or SFP, MIL or MOA, and plenty of reticle options. I put one on my 22 trainer, and I have been really impressed with the quality for the money. Even better, it's well under your $1200 budget.
This will be the chevy/Ford argument for sure. You should list everything you need on the scope. IE FFP, Sidefocus, Obj Bell, mil or moa and so on.
I agree that you need to state your intended use for it, but if it's the "usual," you might check out the new Burris XTRIII 3.3-18x.
Sorry i thought i went pretty in depth but forgot a couple points like you guys pointed out. I don't mind either ffp or sfp but would like side focus and illumination of some kind if possible in my pricepoint. As its going on an AR I'd prefer 50mm objective or less if possible, and i can use both MOA or MIL so i don't really care there. I'm pretty open to ideas. I think the new Burris's (because they are BRAND new) would be hard to come by used so they might be a bit over my price point from what i've seen.
My vortex razor 3-18 is a great optic. Bomb proof, the legendary vortex warranty, lit reticle. It is a little on the heavy side, which I prefer. With the msrp on these optics heading down, u should be able to pick up a used one for around 1300-1500
the new ones are listed at $1500 now with ebr-2c reticle
but i'd look at something lighter since it's going on an 18" grendel, like the midas tac 4-16
I'm sure it's still months out, but the Meopta Optika6 looks pretty nice and priced reasonably. Also, the brownells 3-18 is interesting.
That is good news about the razor pricing. I’ve considered picking up another one but yes u are correct, this thing probably is a little to heavy for that AR
I haven't put any time behind the Leupolds you mentioned, but the Forge glass is pretty damn good - it's not far behind the ED Prime glass in the DMR2 Pro and XRS2. I was really surprised how clear it was for an ~$800 optic.
Granted, I only played with the forge 4-27 in the store, but the glass seemed pretty far behind the Nikon FX1000 and vx5hd.
I haven't played with the 4-27, and I can say from experience that looking through optics in a store rarely reflects what you'll see in the real world. I've put that 3-18 side by side with my DMR2 Pro and XRS2s, though, and while there is a difference (advantage to the XRS2 and DMR2 Pro, obviously), the 3-18 looked damn good. I'd even argue that the glass is better in the Forge I have than in the standard DMR2, but the DMR2 has some better mechanical features.
LRTS 3-12 or 4.5-18, DMRII, and XTRII are also worth mention here, but the Sig has been significantly marked down, and I have seen some 3-18s and 4-24s new for less than 1200. The Sig doesn't get much love in this crowded market, but its a really nice scope. The level plex is really nice too. I thought it was the biggest gimmick, but after using it, its one of my favorite features.
I would recommend a Burris XTR-II 4-20X. If you buy a used one it will leave some money left for a good set of rings.
I’m a huge fan of the Tract Toric HD in that price range. I own quite a few optics in that price range and the Tract is hands down the best. In fact I would compare it to scopes in the $2000-2500 range instead of the $1000-$1500 range.
Check out the classifieds on here....i’ve seen some scopes listed that i’d buy in a heartbeat if i was on the prowl. There have been some SCREAMING good deals on there lately. Without listing specific posts, i’ll just say it is worth your time to check that out. You’ll be able to get a whole lot more scope for your money. It’s a great resource; especially this time of year when folks are upgrading.
If you can live with the 3-15x44, I would lean toward Vortex PST Gen 2 3-15x44.
If you can tolerate a little weight, Sig Tango6 3-18x44 is a nice scope and it can be often found in the right price range.
ILya
If you can tolerate a little weight, Sig Tango6 3-18x44 is a nice scope and it can be often found in the right price range.
ILya
I have 4 Huskemaw 5x20 x50's and for a hunting scope there hard to beat, there lite, clear and easy to use, just follow the directions, you have an issue give the folks a call and someone has always been there to help. But this is a hunting scope, 1/3 moa clicks, I have a range next to the house 800 yds and there is no issues, it works
dont forget about the quigley ford QF520
in all seriousness. SIG tango 6, razor gen 2, pst gen 2, midas tac, NF SHV, burris/bushell options. any of those will serve you better.
i'd pick a reticle/reticle type first then your choices will get much smaller
