New Scope Dilemma

[rdramsey8]

I’m currently running a SWFA 10x42, but I’d like to replace it with a variable. My number one priority is durability/reliability. I’d replace it with a SWFA variable, but I don’t know what the deal is with them, they’re selling everything off and saying new things are coming, but without any updates or timeline, I’m moving on.

I’d LOVE to get a Nightforce, but I’m a dad with a family and saving up for one will take some time. I could say fuck it and buy one now, but that would mean no ammo budget and no shooting for a bit…that’s not an option, I’ve been really enjoying improving my skills with a rifle and view this hobby as therapy.

I just purchased a Arken EP5 5-25 based on the feature set and Japanese glass, but now I’m second guessing that decision based on some mixed reviews. It hasn’t shown up yet and I have 30 days to return it if it shows up and doesn’t seem like a good value with solid build quality. I’m normally not a Chinese scope guy, I owned multiple Leupold VX3 HD’s with the CDS turrets, but they just didn’t track well and drop tests even on the higher end models caused me to completely loose faith in those scopes. That led me to SWFA, although the glass is no where near the quality of my Leupold, I trust the scope in the field.

I’m really hoping the EP5 build quality is legit, but I’m open to additional suggestions.

Use: Hunting/Field matches/Local PRS (not looking to compete to be competitive, just improve skills)

Rifle:
Bergara B14 Wilderness 6.5 Creedmoor
Magpul Pro 700 Lite chassis

Wants:
Durable/reliable
FFP
Mil reticle/turrets
4-16 minimum, 5-25 maximum

Budget: $600’ish

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or feedback on the Arken quality for my use! I will ultimately save up/use next years bonus for a better scope, but I want to keep shooting, so simply saving up and not purchasing a place holder is not an option. Also…the SWFA 10x42 has already been donated to my daughters 22lr, so sticking with that is not an option either.

 

[Huskydriver]

I'm a euro glass snob ... Think you are going to like that Arken

@m1ajunkie console this man

 

[Todc]

Viper pst 2 3-15

 

[rdramsey8]

I'm a euro glass snob ... Think you are going to like that Arken

@m1ajunkie console this man

That’s really great to hear, I appreciate the response.

 

[rdramsey8]

Viper pst 2 3-15

Appreciate the response! Looks like the euro optic price on that scope is pretty damn close to the Nightforce SHV 4-16. Do you feel Ike the Viper PST competes well in the $800-$1000 category?

Having no experience with either scope, I’m inclined to lean towards the Nighforce SHV based on the companies reputation, but shit at the point I feel like I either need to be happy with that scope long-term or I need to suck it up and just get an NXS or NX8…and potentially a divorce, ha. I guess ultimately I feel like stretching my $600’ish budget too much for a place holder is a slippery slope.

 

[white_rushin]

If you hit up Otto from Steiner you should be able to get some very good deals on the T6xi

 

[Shanerbanner10]

Grab a Gen 2 razor from the classifieds here.

 

[rdramsey8]

Viper PST is out. At that price I’d prefer something not made in the Philippines. From listening to the podcast about optics with Frank and Jim, it sounds like the Philippine manufactures are not keeping up with even some of the Chinese scope manufactures. I’m sure it’s a fine scope, but for $1000 (eurooptic price), I think I’d spend a little more and get the Nighforce SHV.

The Steiner T6i looks awesome. I don’t know who Otto is, but he’d have to hook me up with a screamin deal to bring that scope into my price range. Again, I could pull the trigger on a badass long term scope, but that is going to hit my budget pretty hard this year and limit my shooting/ammo budget significantly.

Same as above goes for the Razor…in the first 10 pages of the PX I didn’t see a Razor for sale, but on ebay it looks like I’m looking at $1600-2k used.

If I stick around my $600 budget, I can shoot as much as I want and easily spend $2k December/January next year on glass. If I stretch that and spend $1k-$1200 on the SHV, that’ll hurt but I could still shoot a little and maybe buy a better scope a couple years from now. If I say fuck it and spend $1500-$2500 now there is no way I’ll be able to shoot even close to as often as I want to…basically I’d be limiting myself to a couple boxes of ammo before next hunting season and skipping putting in for limited quota tags this year.

 

[rdramsey8]

I hope my response doesn’t come across like I’m shitting on the suggestions so far…I really appreciate the input and advice. I’m just trying to clarify my situation (yes I’m a poor) and ask the community if high end glass is worth taking a year off from developing my skills. Thank you all for taking the time to respond and help me make this decision.

 

[Chickentoast]

PX for any Japanese glass - a Gen 1 Athlon Ares should hit your price point while you save for a used G2 Razor, and you should get most of your money back on the Athlon when you upgrade. You might be able to find a used US made XTR3 for close, and then you won't need to upgrade.

Re: your question above, no, it is much better to shoot more with "lesser" glass.

 

[Shanerbanner10]

be patient and you’ll have no problem grabbing a razor. It’s twice the quality of the rest of the scopes mentioned.

 

[rdramsey8]

PX for any Japanese glass - a Gen 1 Athlon Ares should hit your price point while you save for a used G2 Razor, and you should get most of your money back on the Athlon when you upgrade. You might be able to find a used US made XTR3 for close, and then you won't need to upgrade.

Re: your question above, no, it is much better to shoot more with "lesser" glass.

Thank you, this is very helpful. Do you think the Ares is enough of an improvement over the Arken to return the Arken and look for an Ares?

I’m looking around for an XTR3 now, do you think that scope would be a better built scope than the Nightforce SHV?

 

[Im2bent]

@gr8fuldoug may havesome input

 

[rdramsey8]

be patient and you’ll have no problem grabbing a razor. It’s twice the quality of the rest of the scopes mentioned.

I will definitely add the Razor to my list for my big purchase, I hadn’t given this scope much thought because Nightforce always gets so much love for durability (especially in the hunting community), but the Razor appears to be an extremely nice scope.