Rifle Scopes Good Optics Under $1,700

[El Guapo]

Well I’ve been looking through a bunch of posts and the more I look and research the more I’m confused.

I’m building a .260 Rem. on a Defiance Tenacity action with 20 MOA base. Bartlien 26” barrel. Will be mounting it in an MDT LSS XL gen2 chassis.

Will be shooting varmints from about 50yds out to about 400yds and coyotes 600+ is my hope. With an occasion target session to see how far I can max out. I’m guessing 1,000yds.

So now some questions. Which choices und about $1,700?

I like Mil just because it seems easier for me and my lack of quick math abilities.

How much elevation adjustability should I be looking at? 20 mils, 30, or more?

What mag range? Will 20x do or should I be looking at 25 or 30x?

Reliable tracking and return to zero. Tree reticle preferred, I think. Zero stops seem important.

I would like to think image quality at this price range should be pretty good. I probably need it since I’m getting older and my eyes aren’t as good anymore.

I’ve been looking at Sig Tango6
Burris xtr, Nighforce (if I can find a deal) Vortex, leupold, Swiss, Steiner, Tract looks decent also. Not sure what others might fit that price range of $1,700 or less.

Seems to be a lot of choices out there that are all decent quality.

Any advice is apreciated.

 

[C_R_Slacker]

I wouldn't worry about elevation, you'll have plenty for 1,000+ yards. (should only take about 8 mils with that gun) 20x magnification will be plenty, and i see no reason to go over 25x for your purposes. What you have to remember for a hunting rifle is having good field of view on the low end. Personally, i would rather have a 3-15 or similar for a hunting/range crossover than a 5-25 or similar because of the field of view. You can shoot a lot further than you think you can with a good 15x scope. You mentioned zero stops. In my opinion those are a must have, and almost any new scope in your price range will have one.

You have a good price range, so anything you get should be good to go. Seems like you have most of the top brands listed, but i would add bushnell to the list. Just look at all available reticles in the scopes you're interested in and pick one that your eye likes. Also keep in mind any other specific features like illumination or locking turrets to help you decide.

One other thing. Don't be afraid to buy used from the optics post exchange here on snipershide. You might find a good deal that will get you into the next tier up in quality for the same price as something else used.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Used vortex gen 2, leupold mk5, Vortex razor gen 1

Maybe a vortex amg if you find a deal on a used one.

 

[WeisGuy]

If weight isn't a concern than I'd look at a gen 2 razor. In my shop we just dropped the retail on them to $2000. If you wanna stay lighter, then for 2k you can get a leupold mk5 5-25, and for 1800 you can get the mk5 Shorty 3.5-18 (both in mils). The gen 1 razor is under your budget by a few bucks and is a solid scope to but I'd pinch pennies for a few more weeks and go with the Gen2 or MK5.

 

[stello1001]

Razor gen II
Cronus BTR
Leupold mark 5

 

[RidiculousMetacarpus]

Have you considered the Cronus BTR? Keep seeing them for <1500 right here.

 

[krumfola]

What is the consensus on a 3.5-15x50 NXS???

Several vendors have the discontinued mil/mil versions for around $1550 and I've even seen demos with the mil-r for roughly the same price?

 

[Badfinger]

Can't go wrong with a Cronus, I have one on my 260 and really like it. I've seen them on here for around $1300.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Second hand NF ATACR 4-16x42's and Vortex Razor Gen II's are a good option around the 1700 +/- a hundred.

 

[psychosniper]

Razor Gen II 4.5-27 EBR-1c
Razor Gen I 5-20 EBR-2b
Steiner P4Xi 4-16 SCR
Nightforce SHV 4-14 F1 Mil-r

I have used all of these for the exact operations you described. Can’t say I have a favorite because they all fit different scenarios quite perfectly but all have given me the same results- robust reliability and dead coyotes.

If you plan to hunt predators during the dark hours, without the aid of thermal, I would lean towards the P4Xi or SHV. These perform awesome in low light and the illumination on these two have been much better to my eyes when hunting behind artificial red or white light than any other scope under $1,500.

I picked up the SHV 4-14x50 Mil-r F1 from MHSA , blemished for $1,050. Couldn’t pass that up and glad I didn’t. The SHV is the only one in the pack that doesn’t have a zero stop which to me is not all that important because I always check my turrets before touching the trigger.

Picked up the P4Xi with Steiner ring promo for $985 from DSG Arms in Dallas, Tx. I live in Tx so $75 of that was sales tax. They had the Steiner rings on hand which made things much easier than having to send in for them separately to acquire them from Steiner.

I seriously doubt you’ll be unhappy with any of the optics suggested in this thread so far.

 

[El Guapo]

Thanks everyone.

I haven’t even looked at Cronus.

Seems like everyone is pretty much indicating 20x mag should be sufficient for our to 1,000? I get a chance on occasion to try and whack nutria out beyond 400. Have had some success with it with my 264 WM with Sierra Matchking 107s. Cheap Nikon 18 power. Not consistent but it has happened.

 

[jpspeeddemon]

+1 on a Cronus. I have one a 6.5cm and used it in matches and long range hunting. It works very well in all aspects

 

[6xcKY]

The Vortex Gen2 Razors are starting to come way down especially with new models getting released. You can find used ones in the $1600 range and new ones for $1800. I personally don't care to get something like that used in good condition especially with a no questions asked Warranty which I have taken advantage of MANY times over...

 

[TheMammoth]

Used vortex gen 2, leupold mk5, Vortex razor gen 1

Maybe a vortex amg if you find a deal on a used one.

This.

 

[pmclaine]

If you were quick on the "Ill take it" and willing to spend another $50 this would have been ideal....

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/schimdt-bender-4-16x42-h37.6924361/

Crap even if you didnt like it you could have sold it for $3K and started a new thread - "Good optics for under $3000"

Dont be afraid of buying used.

 

[strike33]

Brand new Razor Gen 2s can be had between 1,400 for 3-18 and 1,850 for the 4.5-27. I don't think there's a better deal in optics.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Sig Tango6
Athlon Cronus BTR or Ares ETR
Steiner p4Xi
Give a call and we can discuss what would be best for you

 

[stello1001]

I have a tango 6 and it's pretty clear and resolves good. Maybe another decent option you could consider...

 

[bman940]

You definitely need to add Nikon's BLACK FX1000 4-16 MOA/MRAD scope to your list. FFP, Zero stop, 30mm tube, great glass, and a great price. You can get an illuminated reticle if you so desire. I have purchased 3 of these and I know numerous guys on the hide using them as well. No complaints. You can spend a lot more but for the tasks you describe you will be very happy with the BLACK FX1000. Here are 2 on 6.5CM
s I own.

 

[skatz11]

Used Razor Gen2 or Athlon Cronus BTR would be my choice.

 

[Mach U]

Get a vortex razor, theres never been a better time .

 

[KrazyKowboy]

Lucky for you Razors are trading hands like mad right now. Vortex is dropped MSRP and people are selling "old" Razors. As long as you don't mind getting a good lift in while your humping it around.

 

[wade2big]

Razor Gen II 4.5-27 EBR-1c
Razor Gen I 5-20 EBR-2b
Steiner P4Xi 4-16 SCR
Nightforce SHV 4-14 F1 Mil-r

I have used all of these for the exact operations you described. Can’t say I have a favorite because they all fit different scenarios quite perfectly but all have given me the same results- robust reliability and dead coyotes.

If you plan to hunt predators during the dark hours, without the aid of thermal, I would lean towards the P4Xi or SHV. These perform awesome in low light and the illumination on these two have been much better to my eyes when hunting behind artificial red or white light than any other scope under $1,500.

I picked up the SHV 4-14x50 Mil-r F1 from MHSA , blemished for $1,050. Couldn’t pass that up and glad I didn’t. The SHV is the only one in the pack that doesn’t have a zero stop which to me is not all that important because I always check my turrets before touching the trigger.

Picked up the P4Xi with Steiner ring promo for $985 from DSG Arms in Dallas, Tx. I live in Tx so $75 of that was sales tax. They had the Steiner rings on hand which made things much easier than having to send in for them separately to acquire them from Steiner.

I seriously doubt you’ll be unhappy with any of the optics suggested in this thread so far.

The night force SHV F1 4-14x50 does have a zero stop.

 

[psychosniper]

The night force SHV F1 4-14x50 does have a zero stop.

The SHV 4-14x50 F1 has Zero Set, not Zero Stop. Quite different than the other 3 optics I mentioned.

 

[wade2big]

The SHV 4-14x50 F1 has Zero Set, not Zero Stop. Quite different than the other 3 optics I mentioned.

Ok. Same thing
Turret goes .2mils past zero then stops. AKA “zero stop”

 

[highhope]

how about used T5xi 525? under 1300

 

[gr8fuldoug]

I just posted about this yesterday:

We are expecting a delivery early next week (however, we are accepting pre-orders) on some Steiner demo scopes.

We will have:

#5112 T5Xi Tactical 3-15x50 - SCR for $1,099.99

#5005 GS3 3-15x50 - S-1 for only $679.99

#5004 GS3 2-10x42 - S-1 for only $599.99

#5007 GS3 4-20x50 - Plex S7 for only $749.99

#5114 T5Xi 3-15x50 - SCR-MOA for only $1,099.99

We got a great deal on new Steiner #5573 M5Xi 3-15x50 - MSR for only $1,999.99

Give a call if we can assist you, 516-217-1000

 

[chasedeer]

Go for the Athlon Cronus BTR or the vortex razor you can get a good deal for a used one

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

If you can stretch the budget a bit, the Bushnell DMR2 Pro would be my choice.

 

[eldest584]

Gen 2 vortex razors man. dipping down in price a lot. Can get a 3-18 under 1400

 

[Moose]

Vortex Razor gen2 are on sale big time now,If weight is not an issue it is a great scope.

 

[Hondo64d]

Well I’ve been looking through a bunch of posts and the more I look and research the more I’m confused.

I’m building a .260 Rem. on a Defiance Tenacity action with 20 MOA base. Bartlien 26” barrel. Will be mounting it in an MDT LSS XL gen2 chassis.

Will be shooting varmints from about 50yds out to about 400yds and coyotes 600+ is my hope. With an occasion target session to see how far I can max out. I’m guessing 1,000yds.

So now some questions. Which choices und about $1,700?

I like Mil just because it seems easier for me and my lack of quick math abilities.

How much elevation adjustability should I be looking at? 20 mils, 30, or more?

What mag range? Will 20x do or should I be looking at 25 or 30x?

Reliable tracking and return to zero. Tree reticle preferred, I think. Zero stops seem important.

I would like to think image quality at this price range should be pretty good. I probably need it since I’m getting older and my eyes aren’t as good anymore.

I’ve been looking at Sig Tango6
Burris xtr, Nighforce (if I can find a deal) Vortex, leupold, Swiss, Steiner, Tract looks decent also. Not sure what others might fit that price range of $1,700 or less.

Seems to be a lot of choices out there that are all decent quality.

Any advice is apreciated.

Would be a mistake to not consider the Bushnell LRTSi. I’ve had the 4.5-18 and currently have the 3-12. They track well, hold zero reliably and return to zero consistently. Glass is far above their price point and illumination is well executed. Street price is usually a good bit less than the MAP.

https://www.bushnell.com/Products/Riflescopes/Elite-Tactical/LRTS-4-5-18x44/?sku=ET45184GA

I also have the Nightforce SHV F1. Another great scope. Zero retention, tracking and return to zero are all superb. There are features I like better about the LRTSi, but for shear rugged reliability, I don’t think you could beat the Nightforce.

Very tough choice between the two... I’m keeping both for now...

John

 

[patriot07]

Go for the Athlon Cronus BTR or the vortex razor you can get a good deal for a used one

This gets my vote.

 

[5RWill]

Not a mention for the DMR II pro. I'll throw it in the mix. Most of the mentioned scopes are what $1700 would get you and they're great optics.

If weight wasn't a concern the Gen II razor would be my go to of the selected. Then the Cronus, then the DMR II Pro, then the mark 5. All based on reticle preference.

 

[Stooxie]

If you were quick on the "Ill take it" and willing to spend another $50 this would have been ideal....

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/schimdt-bender-4-16x42-h37.6924361/

Crap even if you didnt like it you could have sold it for $3K and started a new thread - "Good optics for under $3000"

Dont be afraid of buying used.

I agree with this as well. It's very easy to find high price optics at significantly reduced prices, either used, on clearance, demo, etc. I recently got a $2,800 S&B scope for $1,550 shipped from Brownells. Brand new, it was on clearance and they had an 11% off with free shipping coupon. I couldn't believe it. Lots of vendors have demo scopes that are essentially brand new with full warranty for prices way below retail. CamerlandNY has some great deals as does RedHawk Rifles. Keeping an eye on the EE is a good way to go as well.

If you have some patience and a little flexibility you can score some crazy deals.

-Stooxie

 

[Danattherock]

Bushnell DMR II, HDMR2, or DMR II Pro.