Best Budget (under $2k) non Chinese made 34mm FFP 5-25x range scopes?

[booger hunter]

what are some of the best budget (maybe $2k and under) non Chinese made 34mm FFP scopes in the 5-25x mag range? ive been out of the loop for many years and looking to scope up a few LR builds that have been in the safe for a while. I have been a huge fan of Japanese made Bushnell Elite tactical scopes years ago. not sure if they are still leaders in this area anymore?

*uses are for plinking/target practice 500-1500yds and non competitive fun
*Deer Hunting 100-800 yds (occasionally more)
*LR pig & Varmint hunting 100-1500 yds

Calibers 6.5CM, 308, 300WM

ive gotten used to FFP now and having the ability to quickly range estimate at any zoom range. no plans to do any competitions or anything.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Take a look at the Element Nexus Series, Athlon Cronus BTR Series, Steiner T6Xi Series there's also some great options from Sightron. It's our pleasure, as a long standing supporting vendor here, to discuss the different available options and special opportunities with you. Please give a call, 516-217-1000, when you have the time. Thanks

 

[jetjock07]

I’d say the Zeiss S3 6-36 when it’s onslale which would put it around the 1850 mark.

 

[Taylorbok]

Super happy with my Cronus. I also have an Apex Rival that I am very impressed with.

 

[Glassaholic]

what are some of the best budget (maybe $2k and under) non Chinese made 34mm FFP scopes? ive been out of the loop for many years and looking to scope up a few LR builds that have been in the safe for a while. I have been a huge fan of japanese made Bushnell Elite tactical scopes years ago. not sure if they are still leaders in this area anymore?

$2k and under puts many scopes in this bucket. Here's some the pop to mind (in no particular order):

• Nightforce NX8
• Leupold Mark 5HD
• Leupold Mark 4HD
• Vortex Razor LHT FFP
• Vortex PST II
• Burris XTR IIIi
• Steiner T6Xi
• Element Nexus
• Delta Stryker
• Tract Toric
• Zeiss S3

The Japanese made Bushnell Elite Tactical scopes are OEM'd from LOW, many other companies now use LOW as well including Vortex, Element, Delta, Tract just to name a few.

What would help is if we knew more specifics about what you intend to use the scope for because there are dozens that could be a good fit and many more that probably are not a good fit.

 

[Fret]

$2k and under puts many scopes in this bucket. Here's some the pop to mind (in no particular order):

• Nightforce NX8
• Leupold Mark 5HD
• Leupold Mark 4HD
• Vortex Razor LHT FFP
• Vortex PST II
• Burris XTR IIIi
• Steiner T6Xi
• Element Nexus
• Delta Stryker
• Tract Toric
• Zeiss S3

The Japanese made Bushnell Elite Tactical scopes are OEM'd from LOW, many other companies now use LOW as well including Vortex, Element, Delta, Tract just to name a few.

What would help is if we knew more specifics about what you intend to use the scope for because there are dozens that could be a good fit and many more that probably are not a good fit.

How would you rank the ones on your list that you've had a chance to review by pure optical performance?

 

[Milf Dots]

what are some of the best budget (maybe $2k and under) non Chinese made 34mm FFP scopes? ive been out of the loop for many years and looking to scope up a few LR builds that have been in the safe for a while. I have been a huge fan of japanese made Bushnell Elite tactical scopes years ago. not sure if they are still leaders in this area anymore?

In no particular order:

Zeiss LRP S3 -when on sale
Athlon Cronus BTR Gen2
Tract Toric
Leupold Mark 4
Leupold Mark 5

 

[rothgyr]

Adding a few:

• Maven RS.4
• Burris XTR Pro (eurooptic for $2k)
• US Optics B-17 (eurooptic prices are ~$2k) or DeathBeforeDismount is apparently offering a free US Optics 50% cert - brings the FDN 17X down to $1400 or 25X down to $1900
• Zeiss S3 if you can stretch a couple hundred bucks

 

[b6graham]

Razor Gen 3 from Liberty Optics

/s

 

[rothgyr]

/s

Oh my gosh, I almost died of a heart attack, like "where u been lately?", but saw the /s

Well played. And RIP amazing deals on Vortex.

 

[264win]

Razor Gen 3 from Liberty Optics

/s

Liberty optics is out as a pretty substantial scam. Do not buy there. Op said he has been out of the game for a while. Might not catch the sarcasm

 

[Rob01]

As mentioned, what is going to be the use of the scope?

 

[DeathBeforeDismount]

Catch a Gen 3 razor on sale. Best optic under 3K IMO and I have owned them all. Happens a couple times a year so just gotta wait for sale.

 

[booger hunter]

$2k and under puts many scopes in this bucket. Here's some the pop to mind (in no particular order):

• Nightforce NX8
• Leupold Mark 5HD
• Leupold Mark 4HD
• Vortex Razor LHT FFP
• Vortex PST II
• Burris XTR IIIi
• Steiner T6Xi
• Element Nexus
• Delta Stryker
• Tract Toric
• Zeiss S3

The Japanese made Bushnell Elite Tactical scopes are OEM'd from LOW, many other companies now use LOW as well including Vortex, Element, Delta, Tract just to name a few.

What would help is if we knew more specifics about what you intend to use the scope for because there are dozens that could be a good fit and many more that probably are not a good fit.

As mentioned, what is going to be the use of the scope?

*uses are for plinking/target practice 500-1500yds and non competitive fun
*Deer Hunting 100-800 yds (occasionally more)
*LR pig & Varmint hunting 100-1500 yds

Calibers 6.5CM, 308, 300WM

ive gotten used to FFP now and having the ability to quickly range estimate at any zoom range. no plans to do any competitions or anything.

 

[1911hombre]

You said you have a few rifles to put scopes on....there's an Elite Tactical in the PX right now. That'll take care of one.

 

[Rob01]

*uses are for plinking/target practice 500-1500yds and non competitive fun
*Deer Hunting 100-800 yds (occasionally more)
*LR pig & Varmint hunting 100-1500 yds

Calibers 6.5CM, 308, 300WM

ive gotten used to FFP now and having the ability to quickly range estimate at any zoom range. no plans to do any competitions or anything.

So you going to buy 3 scopes? Want all the same?

You mil/vet/LE/FR at all?

 

[FuhQ]

what are some of the best budget (maybe $2k and under) non Chinese made 34mm FFP scopes in the 5-25x mag range? ive been out of the loop for many years and looking to scope up a few LR builds that have been in the safe for a while. I have been a huge fan of Japanese made Bushnell Elite tactical scopes years ago. not sure if they are still leaders in this area anymore?

*uses are for plinking/target practice 500-1500yds and non competitive fun
*Deer Hunting 100-800 yds (occasionally more)
*LR pig & Varmint hunting 100-1500 yds

Calibers 6.5CM, 308, 300WM

ive gotten used to FFP now and having the ability to quickly range estimate at any zoom range. no plans to do any competitions or anything.

Amazon has the Zeiss LRP S3 4-25x50 ZF-MRi (MRAD) scopes on sale for $2,069... Close to your budget. Worth the extra cost.

Zeiss LRP S3 4-25x50 ZF-MRi MRAD

If you call @Euro.Connor at EuroOptic, he might can even beat that price and be under your $2K mark...

 

[Euro.Connor]

what are some of the best budget (maybe $2k and under) non Chinese made 34mm FFP scopes in the 5-25x mag range? ive been out of the loop for many years and looking to scope up a few LR builds that have been in the safe for a while. I have been a huge fan of Japanese made Bushnell Elite tactical scopes years ago. not sure if they are still leaders in this area anymore?

*uses are for plinking/target practice 500-1500yds and non competitive fun
*Deer Hunting 100-800 yds (occasionally more)
*LR pig & Varmint hunting 100-1500 yds

Calibers 6.5CM, 308, 300WM

ive gotten used to FFP now and having the ability to quickly range estimate at any zoom range. no plans to do any competitions or anything.

The S3 4-25 is a great option...if not that, I would say the NX8, but that is the 3mm tube.

Message me and I will be glad to send you pricing!

Connor

 

[db2000]

Unless you’re in a hurry or money doesn’t really matter, I’d encourage you to look in the PX. Many of the scope warranties are lifetime, transferrable and no questions asked.
Several of these recommended scopes can be found in “like-new” condition in the PX.
Use the search button if you want to find a thread on which scope brand has the best, no-hassle warranty.

 

[Redlion]

Swarovski X5i 5-25x56 4WX-I+ Riflescope Black - $2,100

 

[DIBBS]

Pick up a Used Gen 2 Razor 4.5 x 27 for 13-1500

 

[Glassaholic]

How would you rank the ones on your list that you've had a chance to review by pure optical performance?

That’s a difficult assessment as there are other variables that make a difference. How important is a forgiving scope to you? Will having a forgiving eyebox, parallax and DOF play a bigger factor for you over things like magnification range?

I’ll also throw in the Nightforce ATACR 4-16x42, this is a fantastic scope and squeaks into your price range from vendors like @gr8fuldoug and @CSTactical

 

[half_duplex]

I'm also shopping for a similar scope. Will be mounted on a Tikka T3x 6.5cm. The last time I bought a riflescope, it was Leupold and everyone else. I am out of the loop.

I'm somewhat in a hurry, trying to beat the head here in Nevada.

Is there a general consensus re Athlon, Vortex and Night Force in terms of reliability and service?

My purpose for the rifle is target/marksmanship, goal of 1000+ yards prone. Maybe some plains hunting.

Is Amazon a bad idea? Any issue with Like New from some of the websites out there?

Thanks!!

EDIT: Also worth mentioning it'll be hiked out most of the time for shooting so durability it important.

 

[jpjulian]

No one has mentioned the Eotech Vudu 5-25. It has good Japanese glass, 34mm tube, FFP Mil illuminated reticle and is reasonably priced. I got mine for $1,700 but have seen them here in the PX for less. It has some advantages over some other optics, mainly the center dot, which is larger than, say, the center dot on the Vortex Razor GIII 6-36. Easier for my eyes to see.

 

[Milf Dots]

No one has mentioned the Eotech Vudu 5-25. It has good Japanese glass, 34mm tube, FFP Mil illuminated reticle and is reasonably priced. I got mine for $1,700 but have seen them here in the PX for less. It has some advantages over some other optics, mainly the center dot, which is larger than, say, the center dot on the Vortex Razor GIII 6-36. Easier for my eyes to see.

You mentioned Japanese glass, but is the scope made in Japan, or China?

 

[Glassaholic]

The ATACR 4-16x42 is going to be one of the best all around at the top of your range. The Burris XTR IIIi 3.3-18x50 is very impressive for the price. The Steiner T6Xi 3-18x56 is a low light hog that is very forgiving. The Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 is very nice optically but pretty finicky and turrets are meh. I do not have experience with the Zeiss LRP’s but the S3 series are made by LOW so I would expect typical LOW quality. The Leupold Mark 5 (and assume Mark 4) are decent scopes. All Athlon’s except for Cronus are made in China which I think youd like to stay away from. The Steiner T6Xi are assembled in USA if that makes a difference.

Stay away from too good to be true sales. Stick to Hide vendors and call for best pricing and you might be surprised at how good of a deal you can get.

 

[jpjulian]

You mentioned Japanese glass, but is the scope made in Japan, or China?

Japan I believe by LOW.

 

[Haney]

You mentioned Japanese glass, but is the scope made in Japan, or China?

Made in Japan .

 

[booger hunter]

i think im swaying towards the NF 4-16x42 Mil-XT or Mil-C used here on SH or through a vender. looks like they can be had $2100-$2200 gonna try to get my hands on one first. ive always liked Zeiss glass so ill try to look through that S3 as well

 

[Glassaholic]

i think im swaying towards the NF 4-16x42 Mil-XT or Mil-C used here on SH or through a vender. looks like they can be had $2100-$2200 gonna try to get my hands on one first. ive always liked Zeiss glass so ill try to look through that S3 as well

The S3 line is made by LOW in Japan, same as NF ATACR but that doesn't mean it'll look the same, everyone specs their glass and usually has proprietary multicoating. 4-25 is a chonk but supposed to be pretty nice.

 

[FuhQ]

i think im swaying towards the NF 4-16x42 Mil-XT or Mil-C used here on SH or through a vender. looks like they can be had $2100-$2200 gonna try to get my hands on one first. ive always liked Zeiss glass so ill try to look through that S3 as well

If you don’t at least go look through the Zeiss S3, you’re doing yourself a disservice. JMO…

 

[Iron Worker]

I’d say the Zeiss S3 6-36 when it’s on sale, which would put it around the 1850 mark. Where at $1850?

 

[Iron Worker]

Where at $1850

 

[jumrobe]

Where at $1850

There was a 25% off sale on Zeiss at the end of last year. Sale is over, but you can probably get better than listed price if you look around at some vendors on this site.

 

[Iron Worker]

There was a 25% off sale on Zeiss at the end of last year. Sale is over, but you can probably get better than listed price if you look around at some vendors on this site.

I saw Devour has them for around 2K,but 3-6 weeks for shipment

 

[FuhQ]

I saw Devour has them for around 2K,but 3-6 weeks for shipment

Just DM @Euro.Connor if you want a great price on a Zeiss S3.

 

[TimResin]

The S3 line is made by LOW in Japan, same as NF ATACR but that doesn't mean it'll look the same, everyone specs their glass and usually has proprietary multicoating. 4-25 is a chonk but supposed to be pretty nice.

I thought the atacr line was US only

 

[JulianD]

NF gers glass from Japan and builds the ATACR in US

I thought the atacr line was US only

 

[tacoman69]

Nf atacr or trijicon tenmile

 

[Glassaholic]

I thought the atacr line was US only

Here’s where things get tricky. The US allows a certain number of parts to be manufactured elsewhere and as long as it is assembled in the USA it can have the “Made in USA” stamp, but that doesnt mean everything was sourced in the USA. NF essentially put LOW (Light Optics Works) on the map as a premier OEM for riflescopes. I have not seen anything concrete that indicates even with ATACR that NF isn't still using Japanese glass and internals. There is nothing wrong with Japanese glass, or glass from anywhere really, its more about the formula and multicoating. Even with ATACR I still think LOW but maybe it’s more realistic to just say Japanese sourced glass.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Look at Sightron (NOTHING made in China)

 

[koshkin]

Look at Sightron (NOTHING made in China)

Not even parts?

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Not even parts?

Sightron is owned by Kenko. Kenko has their own plants in Japan and the Philippines. All their scopes are made in Japan and the Philippines. Is there a spring or a screw in a scope that comes from China? I have no idea. I wouldn't be surprised if the European brands source pieces parts from China

 

[FuhQ]

Sightron is owned by Kenko. Kenko has their own plants in Japan and the Philippines. All their scopes are made in Japan and the Philippines. Is there a spring or a screw in a scope that comes from China? I have no idea. I wouldn't be surprised if the European brands source pieces parts from China

“Well, maybe some small parts” ≠ “NOTHING”…

And yes, I’m sure most big name scope companies all use some small Chinese parts, like o-rings and small screws, and plastic pieces in their scopes.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

“Well, maybe some small parts” ≠ “NOTHING”…

And yes, I’m sure most big name scope companies all use some small Chinese parts, like o-rings and small screws, and plastic pieces in their scopes.

Let me clarify.
By "Nothing made in China" I meant that their scopes are made in either the Philippines or Japan. I do not know of any other Pacific Rim Optics company that can claim that of their riflescope offerings.

 

[koshkin]

Sightron is owned by Kenko. Kenko has their own plants in Japan and the Philippines. All their scopes are made in Japan and the Philippines. Is there a spring or a screw in a scope that comes from China? I have no idea. I wouldn't be surprised if the European brands source pieces parts from China

For a while, Kenko sourced just about every machined part from China. More recently, they bought a new factory in the Philippines specifically for the machined parts, so they are either pulling out of the Chinese component market or expanding overall.

ILya

 

[CS95]

Here’s where things get tricky. The US allows a certain number of parts to be manufactured elsewhere and as long as it is assembled in the USA it can have the “Made in USA” stamp, but that doesnt mean everything was sourced in the USA. NF essentially put LOW (Light Optics Works) on the map as a premier OEM for riflescopes. I have not seen anything concrete that indicates even with ATACR that NF isn't still using Japanese glass and internals. There is nothing wrong with Japanese glass, or glass from anywhere really, its more about the formula and multicoating. Even with ATACR I still think LOW but maybe it’s more realistic to just say Japanese sourced glass.

Atacr line has both made in usa and made in Japan. Ffp and sfp 7-35 are made in Japan

Here’s where things get tricky. The US allows a certain number of parts to be manufactured elsewhere and as long as it is assembled in the USA it can have the “Made in USA” stamp, but that doesnt mean everything was sourced in the USA. NF essentially put LOW (Light Optics Works) on the map as a premier OEM for riflescopes. I have not seen anything concrete that indicates even with ATACR that NF isn't still using Japanese glass and internals. There is nothing wrong with Japanese glass, or glass from anywhere really, its more about the formula and multicoating. Even with ATACR I still think LOW but maybe it’s more realistic to just say Japanese sourced glass.

All but the 7-35's are marked USA. The 7-35's are Made in Japan. The first 5-25's(the beast and f1 atacr) were using "USA" glass. I have no idea if that is still the case.

 

[Glassaholic]

For a while, Kenko sourced just about every machined part from China. More recently, they bought a new factory in the Philippines specifically for the machined parts, so they are either pulling out of the Chinese component market or expanding overall.

ILya

I would like to see more manufacturers follow suit...

 

[Fret]

These are usually over $3.5k but are heavily discounted now but still a bit over $2k:

March FX Tactical 4.5x-28x52 FML-3 Reticle 0.1MIL Illuminated Riflescope D28HV52WFIML-FML-3

FREE SHIPPING on March FX Tactical 4.5x-28x52 FML-3 Reticle 0.1MIL Illuminated Riflescope D28HV52WFIML-FML-3

www.eurooptic.com

March FX Tactical 4.5x-28x52 FML-TR1 Reticle 0.1MIL Illuminated Riflescope D28HV52WFIML-FML-TR1

FREE SHIPPING on March FX Tactical 4.5x-28x52 FML-TR1 Reticle 0.1MIL Illuminated Riflescope D28HV52WFIML-FML-TR1

www.eurooptic.com

 

[Glassaholic]

These are usually over $3.5k but are heavily discounted now but still a bit over $2k:

March FX Tactical 4.5x-28x52 FML-3 Reticle 0.1MIL Illuminated Riflescope D28HV52WFIML-FML-3

FREE SHIPPING on March FX Tactical 4.5x-28x52 FML-3 Reticle 0.1MIL Illuminated Riflescope D28HV52WFIML-FML-3

www.eurooptic.com

March FX Tactical 4.5x-28x52 FML-TR1 Reticle 0.1MIL Illuminated Riflescope D28HV52WFIML-FML-TR1

FREE SHIPPING on March FX Tactical 4.5x-28x52 FML-TR1 Reticle 0.1MIL Illuminated Riflescope D28HV52WFIML-FML-TR1

www.eurooptic.com

March 4.5-28 still one of my favorite scopes