MPVO Opinions

[buyobuyo]

I'm putting together a new 16" 6mm ARC gas gun, and I'm trying to decide on what optic to get for it. Main use for this rifle will be for plinking and hunting (varmint/deer). Locally, I only have access to 100 yd, and I can shoot 200 yd (possibly 400 yd) at my parents' property. I'm also considering leaving this gun with a friend for when I'm on work travel where the local range is 550 yd and beyond out in the desert.


In the 2.5-15/20 range, I'm looking at the Athlon Ares BTR Gen 2 HD, Steiner T6XI, GPO GPOTAC 8X, and NF NX8. In the 3-15/18 range, I'm looking at the Swampfox Warhawk, Bushnell Match Pro ED, Athlon Ares ETR UHD, and Element Titan.

There are some 44mm objective options in those magnification ranges, but they seem to be more the outlier than the norm. Maven RS1.2 MIL, Vortex Viper PST Gen II, Vortex Venom, Vortex Strike Eagle, and Primary Arms Glx.


Just wondering what SH thoughts are on those options. Any that should be definitely be avoided? My primary concerns are a good eye box and decent glass and not too stiff turrets. The turret detents on my 1-8x GPOTAC are so stiff that it usually jumps 2-3 clicks when it first moves, which is really annoying.

 

[jbuck88]

What is your price range? We can help point you in the right direction but once you get past the mechanical reliability you start down the subjectivity scale which is harder to recommend. Everyone's sees different and what bothers one person won't even register as a detractor to you.

 

[buyobuyo]

What is your price range? We can help point you in the right direction but once you get past the mechanical reliability you start down the subjectivity scale which is harder to recommend. Everyone's sees different and what bothers one person won't even register as a detractor to you.

No real budget per se. I was originally thinking $1k-ish or less. After going down the rabbit hole, I'm not opposed to going a bit more, so let's call it sub-$2k. So far the NF, Maven, GPO, and Steiner are the only ones breaking $1k with pricing I've found online, and the NF is the only one over $1500.

 

[jbuck88]

A used ATACR 4-16x42 would be my choice I think. Well regarded as a great scope for the mid range power. Although you can find demo's that pop up under the 2k mark. Every demo scope I've bought has been factory sealed, just sold as a demo to get around the minimum advertised price requirements put on them by manufacturers.

Personally my favorite mid range scope is the NXS 2.5-10X42.

 

[buyobuyo]

A used ATACR 4-16x42 would be my choice I think. Well regarded as a great scope for the mid range power. Although you can find demo's that pop up under the 2k mark. Every demo scope I've bought has been factory sealed, just sold as a demo to get around the minimum advertised price requirements put on them by manufacturers.

Personally my favorite mid range scope is the NXS 2.5-10X42.

I've never tried anything over 3x for the minimum mag, but I know I get lost trying to find the target if I have the scope set at too high of a power initially. Maybe 4x wouldn't be an issue though, but I don't know. I have a Swampfox 2-10x44 on one of my 5.56 guns that I've enjoyed the couple times I've had it out. Took my first deer with it this year. I was mainly looking at the 15+ max mag because I'm not exactly sure how much magnification is needed for the 500+ yard ranges.

 

[Glassaholic]

Wait to see if something comes out at SHOT. Cheap option would be Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 2-12x42. Mid option is Steiner H6Xi 2-12x42, higher end is NF NX8 2.5-20x50, premium is NF ATACR 4-16x42. Those would be my first choices but lots of good options just not many good options with reticles that work at bottom mag.

 

[Kickin45]

It’s not ultra high end, but the reticle glass and size I am in love with. US Optics T12X
Perfect for my AR-308 out to 600yds easily.
Only drawback so far is I wish it had illuminated center dot.

 

[HaydenLane]

If I had a 16” 6 ARC and $1000 for optics it would get an Bushnell LRHS2. The mag range is fine for whatever you would practically do, the glass is good enough, and the reticle is useful for a crossover scope. It won’t hold a candle to an ATACR 4-16 and the price reflects that.

 

[Glassaholic]

If I had a 16” 6 ARC and $1000 for optics it would get an Bushnell LRHS2. The mag range is fine for whatever you would practically do, the glass is good enough, and the reticle is useful for a crossover scope. It won’t hold a candle to an ATACR 4-16 and the price reflects that.

Loved the LRHS/LRTS scopes.

 

[Rancid Coolaid]

No budget constraints: 1.5-15x42 March and done. That scope is titties.

I also run the NF 2.5-10, but the March is easier to get behind and a prettier view when there. Both run with a thermal clip-on at times and the March is perfect for that application.

 

[wcoats]

They are at the low end of your budget range but the Ares BTR 2.5-15 and Ares ETR 3-18 are great scopes for your application. I would recommend the Ares ETR 3-18 as I like that it has a locking windage and it's a step up form the BTR for not much more in cost. It's a surprisingly well executed scope for the price point. Eurooptic recently had them on sale but the Mil version is sold out.

 

[smcfarland]

Recently bought a Helos BTR 2-12 and gotta say I’ve been impressed for the price. It’s on my do all 11.5 MCX SBR with a piggy back RMR at 12 o’clock. Great for critters out to 400 and no issues ringing steel out to 600m. For the price it’s almost worth testing as a proof of concept first. If fits your needs then can upgrade quality of glass or other needs later.

 

[roon775]

I have a Viper Gen2 PST 3-15, w/ parallax adjust and FFP. Very nice but pretty heavy. I have gravitated toward using the lighter weight scopes more often.

 

[nickw]

I picked up a Leupold Mark 4HD 2.5-10x FFP to try on a gas gun. Man I’m enjoying this little scope. Even with no illumination or parallax adjustment it’s worth considering. It is easy to get behind with a descent eye box. Reticle is very usable at 2.5x and not too large at 10x. Clarity and DOF are pretty impressive. C_Does had one in a review and I agree with his thoughts.

 

[LeftyJason]

@gr8fuldoug site is showing an ares gen3.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brands/athlon-optics/athlon-optics-ares-btr-gen3-hd-2-5-15x50-aprs13-ffp-ir-mil-212015/ae8e9150-acf9-013d-c216-00163e90e196?variation=3910478

 

[steve123]

@gr8fuldoug site is showing an ares gen3.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brands/athlon-optics/athlon-optics-ares-btr-gen3-hd-2-5-15x50-aprs13-ffp-ir-mil-212015/ae8e9150-acf9-013d-c216-00163e90e196?variation=3910478

??? I wonder if Athlon made the reticle a little thicker, maybe like .06 mil or so. Or perhaps daylight bright illume?

I like the lower profile turrets.