Rifle Scopes Options to Cronus BTR under $1300

[Imabballer]

I have a friend willing to sell me a used but excellent condition Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56 FFP Mil/Mil for $1300. I would be putting it on a tikka tac a1 in 6.5 Creedmoor. Currently I am using a Leupold vx3i LRP FFP 6.5-20x50 with their CCH reticle.

My question is for $1300 is there any other scope out there that would be a better deal than this Cronus BTR? Anything in that price range that would compete with it in glass quality and features? Also I haven’t been able to look through the Cronus yet but what type of glass uprade am I looking at over the Leupold I have now?

Thanks!

 

[supercorndogs]

That is about the going rate for a used Cronus. Some of the Sigs are going around that price too. I am waiting on one now. I will see how it compares to my Cronus when it gets here. I don't think you will be disappointed with the Cronus BTR.

 

[skatz11]

I bought a used Cronus BTR for a little more than that. I’m happy with the scope. I really like the floating cross hair reticle. I think it’s the best value going right now.

I debated Razor Gen2 vs Cronus for over a year. No regrets so far. I saved some money, a little weight and prefer the reticle. Optically they appear very close to my eye after comparing side by side.

 

[BlackFenix]

You can sometimes find a used Steiner 5-25 T5xi for about $1350. The glass is said to be not as good but I like the turrets a lot.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

IMO, you'd love that scope

 

[Kickin45]

Go with the Cronus. You won’t be disappointed

 

[Cotay]

You can find new ones online for that price if you look hard enough. Check your PM; I sent you the link.

 

[jinxx4ever]

You can find new ones online for that price if you look hard enough. Check your PM; I sent you the link.

send me the link also, thanks

 

[DannC]

TTT

 

[fvalmostthere]

I was stuck between cronus btr for 1200 used or ares etr new for a little over 1000. I was also looking at used razor gen 1's in that price range but ended up getting a used sig 5-30 for just a few hundred more.

 

[Tunnuh]

The cronus btr is excellent and has an excellent warranty which I've never had to use. I think for that price you're good to go with the Cronus.

 

[bjay]

Bought nib here for 1225 shipped..still waiting to arrive..ill be back

 

[padom]

No. I have an Ares ETR, Gen1 and Gen2 Razor HDn Gen1 and Gen2 PST (now sold) and Cronus BTR. For the money, nothing beats the Cronus BTR

 

[jcollins0001]

You can find new ones online for that price if you look hard enough. Check your PM; I sent you the link.

send me the link also, thanks

 

[Poorboyr]

You can find new ones online for that price if you look hard enough. Check your PM; I sent you the link.

Can you send me that link too? Thanks.

 

[patriot07]

I only owned the original Cronus, not the BTR. But if the BTR makes the turrets better and adds a floating dot reticle, then it's a silly value at $1300. I thought the original cronus I had was fantastic.

The only thing that compares to it in value IMHO is the SWFA HD 5-20. It has better turrets than the original Cronus, similar glass, a more outdated reticle, and less magnification. But it's also a little cheaper.

Bottom line - $1300 isn't a steal for the BTR, but the BTR itself is a great value compared to other optics in that price range.

 

[Tunnuh]

I only owned the original Cronus, not the BTR. But if the BTR makes the turrets better and adds a floating dot reticle, then it's a silly value at $1300. I thought the original cronus I had was fantastic.

The only thing that compares to it in value IMHO is the SWFA HD 5-20. It has better turrets than the original Cronus, similar glass, a more outdated reticle, and less magnification. But it's also a little cheaper.

Bottom line - $1300 isn't a steal for the BTR, but the BTR itself is a great value compared to other optics in that price range.

BTR is better on the mentioned accounts, but still has the floating small cross hair...unfortunately no dot yet.

 

[Skok3y]

Cronus at that price range all the way. It’s features are better compared to scopes above its price range unlike others just cheaper.

 

[Roo_man]

I agree. Cronus all the way.

 

[Silversaver]

You can find new ones online for that price if you look hard enough. Check your PM; I sent you the link.

Can you pm the link? Thanks

 

[Focusrs22]

You can find new ones online for that price if you look hard enough. Check your PM; I sent you the link.

Can you send me link also. Thanks much!!

 

[Imabballer]

So just to follow up. I pulled the trigger on the Cronus btr and got it in today and mounted up on my Tikka. Hoping I get a chance to zero it tomorrow.

 

[Skok3y]

So just to follow up. I pulled the trigger on the Cronus btr and got it in today and mounted up on my Tikka. Hoping I get a chance to zero it

Killing me man! I miss mine and have been looking to down grade. I can’t pull the trigger on the Ares because I remember how much I like the Cronus.

 

[Poorboyr]

The Cronus truly is a remarkable scope for its price. And I would love to see that link for a $1300 Cronus. That price is insane.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

I am back in the store on Monday and we are running our Veterans Day Sale. Call me and I'll do all I can for the members here

Have a great weekend

 

[Zack_va248]

I bought a used Cronus BTR for a little more than that. I’m happy with the scope. I really like the floating cross hair reticle. I think it’s the best value going right now.

I debated Razor Gen2 vs Cronus for over a year. No regrets so far. I saved some money, a little weight and prefer the reticle. Optically they appear very close to my eye after comparing side by side.

I'm in this exact dilemma now. To Razor gen2 or Cronus.... really wanna look through both side by side

 

[b6graham]

I'm in this exact dilemma now. To Razor gen2 or Cronus.... really wanna look through both side by side

I have a gen 2 razor. But. If I were to buy again now(killer deal on razor) id be hard pressed to not get a cronus btr or even more likely ares etr

 

[Zack_va248]

I have a gen 2 razor. But. If I were to buy again now(killer deal on razor) id be hard pressed to not get a cronus btr or even more likely ares etr

Im leaning more Cronus just for the Japanese build quality and glass. Ive looked at pics but you just cant tell in them. gotta really see in person to tell. LTEC turrets feel fantastic though, really tough to beat

 

[Skok3y]

The Cronus truly is a remarkable scope for its price. And I would love to see that link for a $1300 Cronus. That price is insane.

Don’t worry about that link. It is more than $1300 and by the time you add their credit card charge and shipping, you are going to be around Doug’s price. Better to support a supporting vendor who you know is going to deliver and have it in stock. You don’t want to have to deal with the secret vendor that has 100s of terrible reviews.

 

[Poorboyr]

Don’t worry about that link. It is more than $1300 and by the time you add their credit card charge and shipping, you are going to be around Doug’s price. Better to support a supporting vendor who you know is going to deliver and have it in stock. You don’t want to have to deal with the secret vendor that has 100s of terrible reviews.

Yeah, I know. I was being fictitious about that link. Athlon has MAP pricing and I believe it’s around $1799, so I knew something was shady.

 

[Skok3y]

Even with that MAP pricing, they still sell much lower, just not $1300 or lower. I’m sure Doug has a good price considering the pricing I’ve gotten on another scope from him and the quotes I have received from a local dealer. I will call Doug if I buy one or the ETR to compare to my local guy.

 

[flatland1]

I had four of the original, pre-BTR Cronus scopes on three 40X/XB & V-22 22RF repeaters, and one on a Bighorn in 6 Dasher. I actually preferred the heavier reticles of the pre-BTRs, especially when shooting movers. But after selling the newest of the pre-BTRs off the V-22 to a customer who wanted to try a Cronus, I replaced it with a new BTR. I've shot the V-22 with the BTR in a couple of matches, and I guess have gotten used to the thinner, finer BTR reticle. I don't care for the BTR not having the .2 mil hashmarks all the way out like the pre-BTR did, but then I never cared for the pre-BTR hashmarks on alternating sides of the crosshairs.

Whatever - I've never regretted having gotten this heavily into the Cronus line of scopes. Quite the opposite - even compared to the three Kahles K624i AMR scopes I have on Bighorn comp rifles, they're very good scopes. No question that the Kahles turrets are several steps above the Cronus' clicks/detents, but I've yet to have an issue caused by the somewhat less distinct Cronus detents. My 22RF repeaters will likely wear Cronus scopes for as long as I own them...

 

[gr8fuldoug]

My pleasure to assist the members here always. Veteran's Day Sale tomorrow with all special pricing. Just give us a call and we will always do the right thing by you
Have a great day