Best optic under $800

I’m going with a Athlon Helos for a 6mm ARC truck and 1000 yd gun due to locking turrets and 30mm tube. In that price range would-also look at The Stike Eagle over a PST G2, XTRII and definitely an Arken.
 
I think you're thinking of one of Arken's older reticles they put out initially, the EP-4's EPR reticle: it was dumb as fuck (big combat-style rangeing nonsense right in the way)..? The SH-4 Gen2's have a newer VPR reticle that is actually kind of nice and free of that BS, to me it looks sort of like a homage to the Kahles SKMR3 reticle.
maybe. i didnt see a reticle listed when i checked their website. only know from the scopes i've looked through
 
Clarification: dang comma, I would look at the SE, XTR3 and the Arken
I got u......the arken is ordered...:it should be a while so if an Athlon Aries Etr shows up for a good deal gonna just cancel the arken order and go with that! Cheapest I’ve seen them at the moment is $1100 new for the x30 and around $850 for the x27 btr
 
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Best optic under 800 is the LRTS 4.5-18 for 750. The other best thing you will pick up regularly under 800 is going to be an XTRII. You will see some ERS and XRS Bushnells sometimes around 800 now also. I am not sure why you think ou need 25x on the top end, but a quality 18x is going to be better than a crappy 25x all day every day.
 
Best optic under 800 is the LRTS 4.5-18 for 750. The other best thing you will pick up regularly under 800 is going to be an XTRII. You will see some ERS and XRS Bushnells sometimes around 800 now also. I am not sure why you think ou need 25x on the top end, but a quality 18x is going to be better than a crappy 25x all day every day.
It’s weird I’m reading this while eating a corn dog but any ways I like the higher mag for longer range and spotting impacts. I don’t always use it but I like having it there just in case. As for the xtr2 &3 Burris makes a great scope as does bushnell in their higher end scopes.
 
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It’s weird I’m reading this while eating a corn dog but any ways I like the higher mag for longer range and spotting impacts. I don’t always use it but I like having it there just in case. As for the xtr2 &3 Burris makes a great scope as does bushnell in their higher end scopes.
If you would had focused on the content, instead of the corndog, you might not have missed the point. :ROFLMAO:

Ares BTR.
 
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I'm in the same place, I run a xtr-2 3-15 but would like a little higher mag for 1100yd and small plates at 350-500.

I really want a Razor G2, but a Cronus seems like the best option for the money even though I'd have to save more still.
 
If I am breaking 1500, I am taking a good look at the Tango 6, and XTRIII. Tango 6 huge FOV, level plex, push pull locking turrets. XTRIII also big FOV, diopter adjustment lock ring. The 3.3-18 is only a few ounces heavier than the 4.5-18 LRTS.
 
I have a Burris XTR2 SCR 5-25 and a Ares BTR gen 2, 4.5-27. The glass is pretty close , but on everything else the Burris is just better. I will take the XTR2 every time over the Ares BTR. But they both work.
 
What sucks is buying without using them. Everyone around here only has NF, S&B, lower Vortex, maybe a razor, or garbage.

I'd consider a bigger xtr2 but I'd want to see one first, also want to see a Cronus.
 
What sucks is buying without using them. Everyone around here only has NF, S&B, lower Vortex, maybe a razor, or garbage.

I'd consider a bigger xtr2 but I'd want to see one first, also want to see a Cronus.
That’s not necessarily true. I have NF, used vortex, have XTRII and have the Cronus

Cronus glass is on par with my NF ATACR. XTRII has been reliable but the higher mag scopes suffer in glass on the upper ends.

From what I’ve used that is closer to the OP $800 mark. I’d take a,

- Burris XTRII if you want reliability but are not concerned about the glass as much.

- Athlon ETR if you want similar to the Cronus BTR but with slightly less glass and made in China vs made in japan

- Get the Vortex if you want decent glass, decent features but aren’t so concerned with the reliability
 
Since I haven't seen it mentioned, the 4.5-27 Meopta Optika6 should also fit your requirements. I don't have one, but they seem to be spoken of positively here.
 
Bolt gun build!
Well here is another optic question, and before you crap on my post there is so much junk and other post to sift through by the time I actual found anything conclusive the product would be obsolete,
I’m looking for the best you can get for the money!

Must be at least
1. 25x or more
2. Ffp
3. Zero stop
4. Useable reticle for competition and hunting
5. At least 30mm tube
6. Great glass
From my searching through the interwebs
I have found a couple the have sparked my interest
1. Bushnell forge 4-27 $699
2. Athlon ares
3. Vortex pst
4. Crimson trace
5. Riton
And so on...
just really seeing what people think is the best bang for the dollar $800 and below, please let me know what you all think!
You may want to checkout TRACT OPTICS. They are a little above the $800 mark but worth a look. The 30mm is $1,294 and the 34mm is $1,694. If you're LEO or Mil they give a discount. I personally own the 34mm and love it.
 
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The strike eagle is great on paper but I’d look around. I’m a former vortex junkie but what good is a car if it’s always broke down in the shop? (I’ve sent back a strike eagle, two diamond backs and a viper the last 3 months) but the bushnell is a great value. Arken is awesome but i ordered the SH-4 in November and STILL DON’T HAVE IT. So I bought a Riton conquer X5 5-25 and haven’t looked back. Around $665 with Leo or mil discount. Have done 5 matches with it and hasn’t failed me. IMO almost on Par in value with Athlon ares. I love the reticle, the glass is by far the clearest in its price range no doubt, turrets are great and everything functions smooth. Great optic.
 
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My vote would be for the Athlon Ares ETR. Or possibly find a Gen 1 Cronus BTR just a touch more $$
I agree with both of these choices but doubt you will find either for under $800. Try the Athlon Midas Tac 5-25x56. It is as good as the other upper end Athlon offerings, has capped windage, and I think MSRP is under $800. I have an Ares ETR and the Midas Tac both are great scopes.
 
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I picked up a new Burris XTRII FFP 5-25x50 MIL Illuminated for less than $800 regularly when DVOR puts them out. Usually the ugly sand camo but once a black non-illuminated.
 
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I think the best quality for the $ in what you're looking for is offered by either Athlon or Element Please feel free to give us a call, 516-217-1000, which would be best for you
I gotta give it to you guys you exceeded my expectations, ordered Athlon ares on Monday and they had it here on Wednesday! Great customer service I look forward to buying most of my optics through you guys in the future! Keep up the great service and thanks again! Great prices too by the way 🤙🏻
 
Please don't take offense, but you are making a CLASSIC rookie mistake. You are shopping for a fixed budget, which isn't a problem, but looking for new with high magnification, but don't really have an intended purpose spec'd or a caliber, etc. I have purchased both SWFA HD 5-20 and Bushy DMR 3.5-21 glass used in the equipment exchange here used for $800 years ago and champion them to the world in that price range.
 
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Please don't take offense, but you are making a CLASSIC rookie mistake. You are shopping for a fixed budget, which isn't a problem, but looking for new with high magnification, but don't really have an intended purpose spec'd or a caliber, etc. I have purchased both SWFA HD 5-20 and Bushy DMR 3.5-21 glass used in the equipment exchange here used for $800 years ago and champion them to the world in that price range.
No offense taken,
All this was listed earlier in the thread, 6.5 Creedmoor, local tournaments (not trying to win prs championships yet lol) target shooting 100-1200 mostly around 600.... it’s all good! I’m just glad there is a resource like the hide to glean intel from...and to everyone that posted on this thread...thanks! I appreciate it!
 
Jonny come lately/

First thing to understand; you will never get great glass for $800. Many people may never even notice the difference between ok, good snd great until you zoom in under the wrong conditions, to low of light, to much mirage.

The more magnification you chase the more obvious the flaws. Good scope have way more going for them than magnification, it’s often feel. A ZCO might have the same specs as another top tear scope; but the image might appear more edge to edge; thus seem wide screen or somewhat larger FOV than it is.

Go on the PX and pic something up used . Shoot the shit out of whatever you get, learn the wind and the reticle. Then when you have a better idea how to even qualify your question, sell it for near the same and get more dialed. Everyone love to tell others how great their budget scope is; the truth is it’s only good if you don’t know better or it simply fits your personal preference. Sadly, it may be crap to someone else.
 
Jonny come lately/

First thing to understand; you will never get great glass for $800. Many people may never even notice the difference between ok, good snd great until you zoom in under the wrong conditions, to low of light, to much mirage.

The more magnification you chase the more obvious the flaws. Good scope have way more going for them than magnification, it’s often feel. A ZCO might have the same specs as another top tear scope; but the image might appear more edge to edge; thus seem wide screen or somewhat larger FOV than it is.

Go on the PX and pic something up used . Shoot the shit out of whatever you get, learn the wind and the reticle. Then when you have a better idea how to even qualify your question, sell it for near the same and get more dialed. Everyone love to tell others how great their budget scope is; the truth is it’s only good if you don’t know better or it simply fits your personal preference. Sadly, it may be crap to someone else.
I think years ago you couldn’t get real good glass for $800 but I think the market is changing (hopefully) people expect more for less and with time also comes knowledge and the technology gets enhanced... bring a scope from the 90s to a comp and even though it was a $1500 or more back in the day...the $400 scopes have caught up and sometimes surpasses it...I do agree on the more magnification you have the more flaws you can see and also great scopes have a lot more than just good glass, but my advice to anybody looking for a good scope wether it be $1000 or a $100 is to buy a scope that you can afford...I believe that there are tons of shooters that have better kit but get out shot at tournaments by others with a lesser load out. And that’s what makes this sport/hobby great! It’s not just the gear!
 
Bolt gun build!
Well here is another optic question, and before you crap on my post there is so much junk and other post to sift through by the time I actual found anything conclusive the product would be obsolete,
I’m looking for the best you can get for the money!

Must be at least
1. 25x or more
2. Ffp
3. Zero stop
4. Useable reticle for competition and hunting
5. At least 30mm tube
6. Great glass
From my searching through the interwebs
I have found a couple the have sparked my interest
1. Bushnell forge 4-27 $699
2. Athlon ares
3. Vortex pst
4. Crimson trace
5. Riton
And so on...
just really seeing what people think is the best bang for the dollar $800 and below, please let me know what you all think!
I bought an Athlon for my wife's bolt gun 5.56 and paid about 550-600. I compared it to my Vortex Razor gen 2 and my Leupold Mark 5 HD. Really a lot of scope for the money. More of a WHITE light but tracks,holds zero.
 
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Only 24x
I agree, but be prepared to wait. I ordered in January. I think my ship date is June. Not complaining, you just need to know going into it. Can't beat the price with the reviews I have seen online. I think it was West Desert shooter or the Utah Long Range Shooters group that had a great test of return to Zero on YouTube.
 
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Sightron... You may not get all of the features that you want in that price range, but you can get most of tem. Also Check out the Bushnell Elite 6-24. They make one with a FFP hold over reticle that you can sometimes find as lo as about $900.
 
You're asking an awful lot for 800 bucks.
I see that reliability and robustness aren't on your list.
There are a few Chinese made scopes that meet your requirements.
How much of a hurry are you in?
Sightron will be releasing a feature packed 6-24 SIII with 10 mil turrets, zero stop etc... later this year.
They have an amazing LE/Mil discount, if that applies.

Don't forget about the Burris RT series. They lack illumination, not a deal breaker as this doesn't appear to be a hunting build, travel IS limited, so that may be a non-starter for you.

Sightmark makes a scope geared towards PRS. They are pretty nice, I believe, but am not certain they are made in the Philippines.
Low end is 6.5, but, for your intended purposes, should be just fine, street price is less:
 
In that price range a Meopta Optika6 4.5-27 MIL/MIL sh*ts all over the Strike Eagle, I've had both. Just hard as hell to find the Meopta.
I 2nd the Meopta. I've been very happy with them.

Sport Optics has a 5-30 FFP in stock for $900, but with a 16% discount. That's going to be damn hard to beat for $750.
 
I really like it. I have it on a Rem 783 on top of a 40 MOA rail, 300 WM. Gives me something like 93 moa on the dial and about 30 more using the reticle. Both my brother and I used it to get hits on the 2010 yard target at Spearpoint the beginning of the month. Nice clear optics. I think you’re going to like it.
Mike
 
For new people that are reading and learning but haven't bought yet...

slightly over budget, but I think they fit the original post description pretty well. If it doesn't track, send it back. Vortex will repair or send you a new scope.

I vote for this one: