New PRS shooter

[Basiccon]

I've been doing my homework on building a PRS rifle. Well I will be building two as my wife caught the itch as well. I'm midway through build number one and its been educational. Caliber, action, trigger, barrel brake, optic, bipod, and try and find a deal or make a good choice on buying new. Anyhow I know there are a lot of recipes for setting up these rifles but here's what I have done so far. Whisky 3 stock bought used, terminus Zeus action, proof barrel chambered in 6 dasher, area 419 brake, trigger tech. So aside from optics, some shooting bags and the reloading supplies I should have one done. Now I'm writing this to get input on glass and I know everyone has a different view and the question has probably been beat to death but I want to try and throw a little twist to the way it has been asked. I have narrowed the choice down to 3 that I am actively looking at.
OPT 1 Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 with Tremor 3
OPT 2 K525i CCW SKMR3 or SKMR4
OPT 3 Burris XTR III SCR 2
The question I am going to ask is directed more at the reticle. I have only viewed the reticle on Strelok Pro for these with the exception of the Tremor 3. Price isn't the issue I'm having in the decision but more mental with "Nightforce" in my head as the king. I am a buy once cry once type person. So here goes, I find the Tremor 3; to be busy but how much can I; as I progress, come to love that or have it confuse me as I am going to be turning away from MOA to MIL? Would it benefit me to save the money and go against my personality to learn on say the Burris. I do know that nightforce makes other reticles but have what I would call a deal at 3k on a barely used one. Any way to make a choice without being behind them physically?

 

[T-TurtleWang]

Get a Razor Gen2 for half of what those nightforces will run you and get out and shoot. The scope is not going to be holding you back. The Vortex Gen2 will do everything you need and you have a great company that will fix your scope years down the road.
I've been eyeing a nightforce myself but after reading the post on the NX8 that the guy had to send back multiple times to be told it wasn't broken, Ill stick with my Gen2 which when it does break, will be fixed no questions asked in a timely manner.

Out of those 3 options you listed, I would go with the K525i, but what do I know.

 

[HousePlant]

I do PRS with a Sightmark Pinnacle (which is made in Japan) and I will assure you my scope is not the thing slowing me down... haha.

A Viper PST Gen II or similar is all you need in the first year. If you start achieving 70% of your shots... okay, get a snazzy scope.

 

[T-TurtleWang]

A guy in town uses a .223 with a vortex scope that doesn't even have exposed turrets and I think the tube size is maybe 30mm. He uses 5 round mags and sometimes has to do multiple mag changes on 12rd stages. His rifle is in a tiny wood stock that is probably 10lb+ lighter then the other rifles and still gets it done just as good as the dude with the Nightforce and AI setup.

 

[TangoSierra916]

3 solid choices, when you say the T3 is busy it is a lot of data in your view compared to other reticles that's for sure. However, once you learn how to use the data in the reticle, to me, it cleans up. You're also not going to be looking at the entire reticle while shooting, usually a smaller section of the reticle. Horus has an online virtual demo for their reticles that I'd recommend messing with to see if the mental steps click with you. You can also calculate the wind dot value now before you buy that scope (if you do) to see if the wind dot values make sense for your round.

I would recommend getting behind as many scopes as you can before buying, maybe you already have, but reticle is a personal preference and sometimes a flat reticle image looks good on paper and crap on glass to someone's eye/perception. The mental confidence thing is a big deal, so if NF gives you warm and fuzzies roll with it, its a damn nice scope. Factors like eye fatigue, edge to edge clarity, reticle familiarity and overall comfort of shooting are important too and some of these are hard to discover without getting behind the actual scope. For example, I've found my eyes dont mesh with Kahles glass, they prefer ATACR glass, but I wouldn't have known that without seeing a few scopes. You mention cost isnt an issue, but if you wanted Tremor 3 and wanted to save some $, there are other brands that offer it for cheaper, like Vortex and Horus which would allow for more ammo and the same reticle.

 

[King_beardsly]

I shot a part of a season with a Primary Arms 4-14 FFP mildot scope and did alright. Then last year I picked up a Nikon FX1000 for my budget build and that held its own when I did my part. Then this year I picked up a Gen2 RZR for the build I should have just done from the beginning and it’s definitely better then the Nikon and leaps ahead of the PA.

Now they all have been used out to 1k and the PA held its own out there for the price, the Nikon track beautiful with good clarity and the RZR was workhorse doing everything like it was it’s job. Each one has its respective rifle system they live on, and they all do what they are supposed to.

 

[Basiccon]

A guy in town uses a .223 with a vortex scope that doesn't even have exposed turrets and I think the tube size is maybe 30mm. He uses 5 round mags and sometimes has to do multiple mag changes on 12rd stages. His rifle is in a tiny wood stock that is probably 10lb+ lighter then the other rifles and still gets it done just as good as the dude with the Nightforce and AI setup.

I did not get it close to done trying to use a Howa .308 hunter and Vortex diamondback tactical. I wasn't dead last but close. Not that it mattered as I had fun and am looking to shoot more and hopefully get better gear the next time.

 

[T-TurtleWang]

Its all about having fun and getting better as a shooter in my option and the Gen2 I think is the best value for PRS. You can smack the hell out of it all season and vortex will get you fixed right up. You might as well be sponsored by Vortex when you use their scope lol

 

[Gustav7]

IF you're just wanting an entry level scope to start with, then for the $800-1000, I'd look at the Steiner PX4i, hell of a scope for the money.

IF you want something nicer, then by all means, go for it. I love my RZR Gen 2 3-18. It has the EBR-2C reticle and its nowhere near as busy as the Tremor 3 but allows it to be used in a somewhat similar way. I know some guys prefer the EBR-7 reticle for the more abundant 0.2mil marks.

Hard to go wrong with a Nightforce, but personally I don't think they're worth the extra cash. Not that the scope itself is not worth that much, but for me, they don't have that much cost to benefit ratio over something like the RZR Gen 2 series or even the NX8 2.5-20. A buddy has the 2.5-20 and its pretty sick, and $1000 cheaper than the ATACR

 

[DisplacedTexan]

Out of those three I would stay away from the Kahles (only because the glass is not up to the price), I have the NF 7-35. Mil-XT (and love it) and I'm thoroughly impressed with the XTR III.

Vortex Razor gen II turrets (LTEC) are my most hated turrets on a scope.

I started with some meh scopes and I'll give you my 2 cents: buy once, cry once and save yourself some frustration with subpar equipment.

 

[Basiccon]

3 solid choices, when you say the T3 is busy it is a lot of data in your view compared to other reticles that's for sure. However, once you learn how to use the data in the reticle, to me, it cleans up. You're also not going to be looking at the entire reticle while shooting, usually a smaller section of the reticle. Horus has an online virtual demo for their reticles that I'd recommend messing with to see if the mental steps click with you. You can also calculate the wind dot value now before you buy that scope (if you do) to see if the wind dot values make sense for your round.

I would recommend getting behind as many scopes as you can before buying, maybe you already have, but reticle is a personal preference and sometimes a flat reticle image looks good on paper and crap on glass to someone's eye/perception. The mental confidence thing is a big deal, so if NF gives you warm and fuzzies roll with it, its a damn nice scope. Factors like eye fatigue, edge to edge clarity, reticle familiarity and overall comfort of shooting are important too and some of these are hard to discover without getting behind the actual scope. For example, I've found my eyes dont mesh with Kahles glass, they prefer ATACR glass, but I wouldn't have known that without seeing a few scopes. You mention cost isnt an issue, but if you wanted Tremor 3 and wanted to save some $, there are other brands that offer it for cheaper, like Vortex and Horus which would allow for more ammo and the same reticle.

Out of those three I would stay away from the Kahles (only because the glass is not up to the price), I have the NF 7-35. Mil-XT (and love it) and I'm thoroughly impressed with the XTR III.

Vortex Razor gen II turrets (LTEC) are my most hated turrets on a scope.

I started with some meh scopes and I'll give you my 2 cents: buy once, cry once and save yourself some frustration with subpar equipment.

Thanks for the advice I have heard a couple times about the Kahles glass so will be scratching that from my list. I also appreciate the insight from that virtual demo. I will be playing around on that a little more and like the vote on buy once cry once.

 

[sleeplz]

Go zco

 

[Basiccon]

Its all about having fun and getting better as a shooter in my option and the Gen2 I think is the best value for PRS. You can smack the hell out of it all season and vortex will get you fixed right up. You might as well be sponsored by Vortex when you use their scope lol

I think my hunting season is sponsored by vortex glass...

 

[King_beardsly]

Go zco

That’s a baller piece of glass

 

[sleeplz]

That’s a baller piece of glass

So is his 1st option though.

 

[T-TurtleWang]

Out of those three I would stay away from the Kahles (only because the glass is not up to the price), I have the NF 7-35. Mil-XT (and love it) and I'm thoroughly impressed with the XTR III.

Vortex Razor gen II turrets (LTEC) are my most hated turrets on a scope.

I started with some meh scopes and I'll give you my 2 cents: buy once, cry once and save yourself some frustration with subpar equipment.

I wouldn't buy the K525i at full retail, If he can find one around $2600 then maybe its a better option.

What is wrong with the LTEC turrets? I haven't had any issues. Pretty easy to use I think.

 

[HousePlant]

A guy in town uses a .223 with a vortex scope that doesn't even have exposed turrets and I think the tube size is maybe 30mm. He uses 5 round mags and sometimes has to do multiple mag changes on 12rd stages. His rifle is in a tiny wood stock that is probably 10lb+ lighter then the other rifles and still gets it done just as good as the dude with the Nightforce and AI setup.

Well that guy’s just cheap, haha.

 

[T-TurtleWang]

Well that guy’s just cheap, haha.

HAHA He gets a lot of hits though. Shows that the equipment is only a small factor. Someone still has to slap that trigger.

 

[OopsWetWedgie]

Razor Gen 2 - 4.5X27 in mills. Good Scope for the price and the reticle is pretty good. Top tier scopes will perform. Many have better quality with turret feel, glass, and weight but it's non-functional. Meaning it does not make a difference other than being super nice to have. One thing with the razor research how you zero it. Some love it, some hate it. Do a simple Christmas tree reticle for PRS. You don't need the tremor, its overkill for PRS, by alot!

 

[tlsmith22]

I have a 7-35 ATACR Mil-XT and love that reticle. I also have a Razor 4.5-27 with the EBR-7C reticle and like it as well. I agree with the posters above that said to get the Razor and spend the rest on training or ammo. I don’t see a shortcoming in it even as much as I love my NF. I much prefer the Mil-XT reticle to the T3 though but that is just my personal feelings.