Looking for the best budget optic for my sniper rifle

[ueb_30]

Hey guys! So ive just started getting into shooting. Im still not sure if I want to go with an FFP or SFP scope yet. Right now I am torn between the Athlon Argos and the Vortex. Is there a big difference between the 2? Any recommendations would be appreciated! My budget is around 1k but these seem like really good deals! Also, I have a Tikka T3X Tactical chambered in .308 winchester

Athlon Argos BTR 6-24X50mm Direct Dial Side Focus 30mm ATMR FFP IR-MOA Riflescope 214060

FREE SHIPPING on Athlon Argos BTR 6-24X50mm Direct Dial Side Focus 30mm ATMR FFP IR-MOA Riflescope 214060

www.eurooptic.com

Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24x50 with EBR-4 MOA Riflescope SE-1627

All time low pricing on the Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24x50 with EBR-4 MOA Riflescope SE-1627 at EuroOptic!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[CDrill97]

Eurooptic had pst gen ii’s on sale for 650+shipping and taxes. 704total for me the other day. 5-25x50.

 

[b6graham]

neither.

don't get MOA

save up and get a strike eagle 5-25

 

[KYAggie]

Definitely go MIL/MIL, read up on FFP vs. SFP and get the one that fits your desired use, most here use FFP unless the use is hunting, then it’s mixed, consider saving a little more money and getting a used Athlon Gen II BTR or a used Vortex Razor HD on the exchange on this website, they come up for sale often in the $1200-$1500 range. Depending on your use and the range you are shooting, you can’t go wrong with a Super Sniper from SWFA; they are bulletproof, but have dated reticles.

 

[ueb_30]

neither.

don't get MOA

save up and get a strike eagle 5-25

what is wrong with MOA?

 

[b6graham]

what is wrong with MOA?

everything.

kidding aside

98% of people you will me at matches or at the range shooting precision rifles shoot mils. everyone will talk in mils, make corrections in mils etc

there are several reasons for this
more elevation adjustment in scope
base 10 is way easier (6.4 versus 23.75)
wind calls are easier

 

[308pirate]

what is wrong with MOA?

Technically nothing.

It's an angular measurement just like milliradians and from the shooter's POV they are used the same way to describe and control trajectory.

Milliradians have some practical advantages:

• It's more common than MOA in precision rifle shooting circles, so communicating with other shooters is much easier
• There are some trajectory (drop and wind) rules of thumb that are very easy to remember and use with milliradians, not so easy with minutes of angle.

 

[hafejd30]

what is wrong with MOA?

There’s nothing wrong with MOA. Many of us still use MOA and have no issues. If you need just start a Mil vs MOA thread. Those are always jam packed with information posts

I’d take Athlon over Vortex. But wouldn’t buy either option you mentioned. Do some searching in the optics section here as Athlon and Vortex come up in many discussions

Go Mils if you plan to shoot prs and what not as mentioned above. If you plan to shoot fclass or something like that then go MOA. If it’s just you and your buddies shooting then get whatever they have already or convert them over to what you choose. Make calling corrections easier

 

[b6graham]

apples to apples how do you get more elevation in mils vs moa...?

Razor Gen 3

Total
36.1mil
120 moa

Per Rev
10mil
25moa

 

[avidflyer]

check my math but isnt 120 moa around 36 mils or close to it?

 

[b6graham]

check my math but isnt 120 moa around 36 mils or close to it?

yeah pretty close, within a mil or so

the big difference is what you get per rev. doesn't matter as much for most shooting, but ELR or 22lr when it's not uncommon to get past 20mil you're spinning a lot more

 

[JBoomhauer]

You are getting $6.50 change back. They only have Quarters or Dimes to give you.

How many dimes do you get back?

How many quarters?

Which made you think longer?

 

[hafejd30]

With budget around 1K this is the best deal going currently. No illumination if that matters,

Product Description

Product Description | Camera Land NY

cameralandny.com

 

[ueb_30]

Its a bit over my budget but how is this one? Im thinking Steiner, Nightforce, and Schmidt and Bender are the best ones?!
Also what about Leupold Mark IV

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[Dot3]

I don’t own any of the top tier optics that many others do. If I wasn’t a poor, I’d be clamoring for some of that $3k stuff. I’m also not a top tier shooter so take this with a grain of salt: there comes a point at which you will achieve diminishing returns. Glass that is “good enough” is good enough. Reticle choice is very subjective. The true grit of a scope is the internals. Knowing they’re robust and that they track like they’re supposed to is the main ingredient of a quality optic. I have an Athlon Ares ETR and am extremely pleased with it. At $1200ish, it checks all my boxes and will stay on top of one of my rigs til the end of time. YMMV

 

[ueb_30]

I actually had ordered the Athlon a few days ago. It just arrived! Looks great however not too fond of the "made in china" stamped on the bottom...I guess Ill use it to train on and save up for a Nightforce or a Steiner! i want something military grade!

 

[b6graham]

 

[hafejd30]

I actually had ordered the Athlon a few days ago. It just arrived! Looks great however not too fond of the "made in china" stamped on the bottom...I guess Ill use it to train on and save up for a Nightforce or a Steiner! i want something military grade!

Although your approach to seeking advice and buying a scope based on said advice is a bit backwards that scope will likely hold you over non the less. Even the more expensive Athlon Ares ETR are made in China

If you want to save up for proven designs then look into

S&B
NF ATACR
NF NXS (bit outdated vs atacr)

Those are just a couple with good track records. Although most will point out you don’t “need” $3k + scopes in this day and age

Lowest I’d recommend would be made in Philippines (like burris XTRII) otherwise Japan or USA optics are good to go. German as well but if your looking into Steiner the M series is what I would be choosing over the T

 

[ueb_30]

Although your approach to seeking advice and buying a scope based on said advice is a bit backwards that scope will likely hold you over non the less. Even the more expensive Athlon Ares ETR are made in China

If you want to save up for proven designs then look into

S&B
NF ATACR
NF NXS (bit outdated vs atacr)

Those are just a couple with good track records. Although most will point out you don’t “need” $3k + scopes in this day and age

Lowest I’d recommend would be made in Philippines (like burris XTRII) otherwise Japan or USA optics are good to go. German as well but if your looking into Steiner the M series is what I would be choosing over the T

Thanks for the feedback! Thoughts on this Steiner compared to that Burris?

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[Mooseknuckles]

Midway usa has killer deals right now on Burris xtrii 4-20. The glass is decent, turrets track very well and the reticle is simple.

Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II Rifle Scope 34mm Tube 4-20x 50mm Side

This is serious, state-of-the-art technology for competitive shooters and tactical operators. The XTR II 2-10x42mm riflescope features a 5-times zoom...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[b6graham]

Thanks for the feedback! Thoughts on this Steiner compared to that Burris?

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

you could get a razor gen 2 for that price basically

 

[hafejd30]

Thanks for the feedback! Thoughts on this Steiner compared to that Burris?

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

The Burris has a reputation for tracking well. I’ve owned several of those. 1-8 (made at LOW) then the 3-15 and 4-20. The higher mag on the 4-20 suffers just a touch on 18-20. The 5-25’s are supposed to be worse. Just darker and what not. Still usable. But they do track and are reliable. Which for me trump best glass.

I’ve not used the Steiner but was looking at them before purchasing my first atacr. Was told be members who owned Steiner that the T had some tracking issues. The real deal ones are the M series. But someone more Steiner experienced can comment on those

 

[Jumper]

I have the Steiner T5 and an M7. The M7 went back to Steiner for evaluation and they are replacing it with a new one. Its difficult to tell the difference in the T5 and the M7. Both have the same reticle and their respective optics quality is extremely close. Perhaps with the new M7 I will notice a greater difference. I like the turrets better on the T5.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

those are all competition scopes, what you need is a sniper scope for your sniper rifle.

Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope, Color: Black, Tube Diameter: 34 mm — Free 2 Day Shipping w/ code 2DAYAIR — 6 models

Shop Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope | 5 Star Rating on 1 Review for Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope Free 2 Day...

www.opticsplanet.com

 

[b6graham]

those are all competition scopes, what you need is a sniper scope for your sniper rifle.

Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope, Color: Black, Tube Diameter: 34 mm — Free 2 Day Shipping w/ code 2DAYAIR — 6 models

Shop Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope | 5 Star Rating on 1 Review for Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope Free 2 Day...

www.opticsplanet.com

for when your reticle needs a reticle

 

[hafejd30]

those are all competition scopes, what you need is a sniper scope for your sniper rifle.

Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope, Color: Black, Tube Diameter: 34 mm — Free 2 Day Shipping w/ code 2DAYAIR — 6 models

Shop Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope | 5 Star Rating on 1 Review for Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope Free 2 Day...

www.opticsplanet.com

Unless your counter sniping

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Unless your counter sniping
View attachment 7840992View attachment 7840993

while wearing your sniper hat.

 

[ueb_30]

I know its a bit late but just got paid. The Athlon glass is too cloudy once it goes out past 10x. Thoughts on this one? Is the 5-25 better than the 6-24x ? And is the gen ii really that much better than gen i ..sorry for all the questions

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2C MRAD Scope PST-5258

Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50 EBR-2C MRAD Scope PST-5258 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[beetroot]

I know its a bit late but just got paid. The Athlon glass is too cloudy once it goes out past 10x. Thoughts on this one? Is the 5-25 better than the 6-24x ? And is the gen ii really that much better than gen i ..sorry for all the questions

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2C MRAD Scope PST-5258

Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50 EBR-2C MRAD Scope PST-5258 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Yes the PST Gen2 is much much better than the Gen1 and will be much better than the cheaper Athlon scopes.

For the price you can getfrom Euro Optic it's hard to go wrong with the PST Gen 2.

 

[ueb_30]

sorry meant this gun..it just says picatinny

Tikka T3x Tactical .308 Win Rifle JRTXM216

Tikka T3x Tactical .308 Win Rifle JRTXM216 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[b6graham]

sorry meant this gun..it just says picatinny

Tikka T3x Tactical .308 Win Rifle JRTXM216

Tikka T3x Tactical .308 Win Rifle JRTXM216 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Tikka T3x CTR .308 Win Rifle JRTXC316

Tikka T3x CTR .308 Win Rifle JRTXC316 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

ignore the extra $600 for the word 'tactical'

the CTR mags are better anyways

 

[Beachhead192]

for when your reticle needs a reticle

And when you need a third hand to adjust the parallax on the objective.

 

[308pirate]

i want something military grade!

For your "sniper" rifle?

 

[308pirate]

Thanks for the feedback! Thoughts on this Steiner compared to that Burris?

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

That line of Steiners is made at Burris' facility in Greely, CO.

In case you don't know this, Burris and Steiner are both part of the Beretta Group and there is crossover in design, engineering, and manufacturing between the two divisions.

 

[308pirate]

The Burris has a reputation for tracking well. I’ve owned several of those. 1-8 (made at LOW) then the 3-15 and 4-20. The higher mag on the 4-20 suffers just a touch on 18-20. The 5-25’s are supposed to be worse. Just darker and what not. Still usable. But they do track and are reliable. Which for me trump best glass.

I’ve not used the Steiner but was looking at them before purchasing my first atacr. Was told be members who owned Steiner that the T had some tracking issues. The real deal ones are the M series. But someone more Steiner experienced can comment on those

The T series tracking issues were solved years ago.

 

[308pirate]

those are all competition scopes, what you need is a sniper scope for your sniper rifle.

Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope, Color: Black, Tube Diameter: 34 mm — Free 2 Day Shipping w/ code 2DAYAIR — 6 models

Shop Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope | 5 Star Rating on 1 Review for Shepherd Scopes Sniper Series DRS 6-24x50 Dual Reticle Rifle Scope Free 2 Day...

www.opticsplanet.com

 

[502Chevelle]

 

[308pirate]

View attachment 7863493

So fucking true. When I was in the Navy I used to look at maritime safety gear (boats, helmets, flotation devices, rescue equpt, etc) that civilians could get with nothing but envy

 

[502Chevelle]

And I looked at all the shitty overpriced equipment that I was issued. Some of it was so bad that we bought our own gear to carry.

 

[TurboTrout]

Eurooptic had pst gen ii’s on sale for 650+shipping and taxes. 704total for me the other day. 5-25x50.

That

 

[SmolPP]

Thanks for the feedback! Thoughts on this Steiner compared to that Burris?

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122

Steiner T5XI 5-25x56 SCR Riflescope 5122 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

While I haven't shot the Burris, I really like my T5xi-5-25x56. It has pretty good glass and very tactile adjustments.
I got mine back in '18 (I think) and I'm sure that the price was much less than what it would go for right now. It's a great optic.
It's not Nightforce ATACR nice, but still nice nonetheless.

 

[wb00757]

I ordered an optika6 3-18x56 rd mrad from sportsman's warehouse last weekend for $399. (Should be delivered to me tomorrow). They are out of stock online but look like they still have some in store if you are lucky enough to live close by.

It's hard to imagine a better deal than that!!!

 

[ueb_30]

And I looked at all the shitty overpriced equipment that I was issued. Some of it was so bad that we bought our own gear to carry.

is vortex milspec? I see some of the guys fighting in ukraine are using it

 

[ueb_30]

I ordered an optika6 3-18x56 rd mrad from sportsman's warehouse last weekend for $399. (Should be delivered to me tomorrow). They are out of stock online but look like they still have some in store if you are lucky enough to live close by.

It's hard to imagine a better deal than that!!!

would this one be a good buy?

Meopta MeoPro Optika6 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope - MRAD 1

Meopta's Rifle scope combines a powerful and broad zoom magnification range with a versatile reticle design and easy-to-use turrets to produce a scope that is optimized for long-range shooting and hunting in all light conditions.

www.sportsmans.com

 

[ueb_30]

or https://www.sportsmans.com/hunting-...ka-6-5-30x-56mm-rifle-scope-mrad-rd/p/1646674

 

[hafejd30]

is vortex milspec? I see some of the guys fighting in ukraine are using it

Speaking of Mil spec

 

[beetroot]

is vortex milspec? I see some of the guys fighting in ukraine are using it

Don't worry about something being Mil Spec, it means absolutely nothing in any context for civilian shooters.

Since you are new to the game just buy this Vortex, to get you started.

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2C MRAD Scope PST-5258

Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50 EBR-2C MRAD Scope PST-5258 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Then you can spend the next 25 years learning/arguing about the nuisances of the sport. As someone who didn't start off going down the easy road, this is the advice I'd give to my former self.

 

[ueb_30]

Don't worry about something being Mil Spec, it means absolutely nothing in any context for civilian shooters.

Since you are new to the game just buy this Vortex, to get you started.

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2C MRAD Scope PST-5258

Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50 EBR-2C MRAD Scope PST-5258 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

Then you can spend the next 25 years learning/arguing about the nuisances of the sport. As someone who didn't start off going down the easy road, this is the advice I'd give to my former self.

Just bought this one! Only difference is the 2D has a closed reticle

Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2D MRAD (FFP) PST-5257

SPECIAL OFFER: Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50 EBR-2D MRAD (FFP) PST-5257 for sale now, only at EuroOptic.com! Best prices on Vortex Optics - call now at 570.368.3920.

www.eurooptic.com

 

[Cameron Baucom]

Hey guys! So ive just started getting into shooting. Im still not sure if I want to go with an FFP or SFP scope yet. Right now I am torn between the Athlon Argos and the Vortex. Is there a big difference between the 2? Any recommendations would be appreciated! My budget is around 1k but these seem like really good deals! Also, I have a Tikka T3X Tactical chambered in .308 winchester

Athlon Argos BTR 6-24X50mm Direct Dial Side Focus 30mm ATMR FFP IR-MOA Riflescope 214060

FREE SHIPPING on Athlon Argos BTR 6-24X50mm Direct Dial Side Focus 30mm ATMR FFP IR-MOA Riflescope 214060

www.eurooptic.com

Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24x50 with EBR-4 MOA Riflescope SE-1627

All time low pricing on the Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24x50 with EBR-4 MOA Riflescope SE-1627 at EuroOptic!

www.eurooptic.com

Hey man you still in the market for one of these optics?

 

[b6graham]

Hey man you still in the market for one of these optics?

hopefully he bought it from @gr8fuldoug

you know an actual site supporter.