Rifle Scopes Looking for Scope Suggestions for $500 +/-

[Maestro]

Hello

I have a R700 build that double duties as a range toy and a blind hunting rifle. The longest range around me is 600 yards so that's what I'm limited to. As for hunting, my lanes are around 250 yards.

Thinking a VX3i or a Viper PST. Thoughts? I have a 3-9x40 Leupold VX2 on my rifle right now and I'd like some more magnification, wouldn't turn down MOA/MIL turrets either.

 

[kswaterfowl]

There is a gen 2 viper pst 3-15x50 for sale in the classifieds for around $650. I have one and it is a great scope with a lot of features. It has solid turrets, zero stop, illuminated reticle. And I would say the glass is comparable to my nightforce nxs.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

https://www.natchezss.com/weaver-tactical-rifle-scope-3-15x50mm-sf-mil-dot-reticle-matte-black.html

 

[chasedeer]

PST viper was my thought before reading through I will go for the PST

 

[steve123]

Athlon Midas Tac

 

[supercorndogs]

Nikon FX1000, Athlon midas tac, SWFA 3-15

 

[flyer]

If GAP has any left, the $800 Bushnell LRHSi 4.5-18x44 with Leatherman Mutt multi-tool is a very nice deal. I think the Mutt is probably worth $100 by itself so it's more like a $700 scope, nicely made in Japan (LOW I believe), FFP, side focus, illuminated reticle and good glass. It's built on a 30mm tube so not quite as much internal elevation adjustment as a 34mm tube scope but plenty for most cartridges inside 1,000 yards.

 

[TheGerman]

Sell a kidney and/or a child and just get a 7-35 ATACR.

 

[Maestro]

Thanks for the info so far guys. I like that Midas Tac a lot.

Lol my friend has an ATACR...I wish. Just can’t justify it for a few range visits a year.

 

[jakelly]

SWFA fixed 6x or 10x, MQ reticle.

 

[Poorboyr]

In that price range, nothing competes with the Midas TAC. If you just wanted it for hunting, go the leupold vx3i.

 

[hypno02]

If you want reliable tracking and a legit history of robustness the 3-15 SWFA is impossible to beat for the price. The Athlon has nice features but the build quality doesn’t compare.

 

[Maestro]

If you want reliable tracking and a legit history of robustness the 3-15 SWFA is impossible to beat for the price. The Athlon has nice features but the build quality doesn’t compare.

This seems to be what I keep reading.

 

[steve123]

The build quality in the Midas TAC is easily as good. The glass is a step up for sure.

I've had 5 SWFA scopes, 3 of which were the 3-15's. I still have one now to compare. BTW, my friends 3-15 was sent back because the side focus parallax knob fell off onto the bench one day when he went to turn it.

The Argos BTR, yes I'd put the build quality above with the SWFA.

 

[Maestro]

The build quality in the Midas TAC is easily as good. The glass is a step up for sure.

I've had 5 SWFA scopes, 3 of which were the 3-15's. I still have one now to compare. BTW, my friends 3-15 was sent back because the side focus parallax knob fell off onto the bench one day when he went to turn it.

The Argos BTR, yes I'd put the build quality above with the SWFA.

Thanks for the info. I think I'll do some looking still but for sure the SWFA, Midas Tac, and PST are bookmarked.

 

[jakelly]

I don’t think the 3-15 swfa is made in the same place or as rugged as the 3-9. Under $500 I’d put that 3-9 against all comers where it really matters.

 

[Glassaholic]

If you can sacrifice and spend an extra $250, there is nothing that comes close to the Bushnell LRHSi 4.5-18x44 deal from GA Precision, you're paying $750 for a scope that competes with scopes that cost quite a bit more. Here's a link to the deal:
http://www.gaprecision.net/ga-store/optics/bushnell-lrhs-4-5-18x44-g2h-illum.html

 

[jakelly]

LRHS scopes at $750 punch a ways above thier weight class

 

[Maestro]

If you can sacrifice and spend an extra $250, there is nothing that comes close to the Bushnell LRHSi 4.5-18x44 deal from GA Precision, you're paying $750 for a scope that competes with scopes that cost quite a bit more. Here's a link to the deal:
http://www.gaprecision.net/ga-store/optics/bushnell-lrhs-4-5-18x44-g2h-illum.html

Good point out. That looks promising. Is this deal disappearing anytime soon?

 

[steve123]

The build quality in the Midas TAC is easily as good. The glass is a step up for sure.

I've had 5 SWFA scopes, 3 of which were the 3-15's. I still have one now to compare. BTW, my friends 3-15 was sent back because the side focus parallax knob fell off onto the bench one day when he went to turn it.

The Argos BTR, yes I'd put the build quality above with the SWFA.

Uh, looks like there's something wrong with my SWFA 3-15 now. A few hours ago it wouldn't focus past 180Y and the glass looks like a Barska??!!
Crap, now I have to send it in.

 

[spife7980]

Good point out. That looks promising. Is this deal disappearing anytime soon?

Whenever they run out its done. Last I heard they had something like 60 left?

 

[Maestro]

Whenever they run out its done. Last I heard they had something like 60 left?

And they’re worth the upcharge over say a Midas Tac? I don’t want to miss out but I don’t want to jump the gun either. I have little experience but buy once cry once so I’ll ask anyways; is 18x enough to effectively shoot plates at 1000 yards?

 

[want2ride]

And they’re worth the upcharge over say a Midas Tac? I don’t want to miss out but I don’t want to jump the gun either. I have little experience but buy once cry once so I’ll ask anyways; is 18x enough to effectively shoot plates at 1000 yards?

18x is plenty to shoot to 1000 yards. My very first time out to 1000 was last year, and I used my 3-15 XTR2 and was never thinking I needed more, I went 7 out of my last 10 shots on a 12" plate. My brother-in-law had a 12x SWFA SS and went 5 out of 10 on that 12" plate.

 

[CJS-6.5]

If you can spend a little more, the Athlon Ares has nice glass and zero stop turrets. Also really nice reticle choices for 1000 and closer.

 

[patriot07]

If you can get a PST2 for $650, that's a great option.

 

[Maestro]

If you can get a PST2 for $650, that's a great option.

Where can you get a PST gen 2 for $650?

 

[Bender]

Swfa 3-15 on Black Friday is $500 new. Tough and reliable as a red brick.

 

[patriot07]

Where can you get a PST gen 2 for $650?

Someone above me said there was one in the PX for that. I haven't looked to confirm.