Scope for 6.5 Creedmoor AR10 - Mark 4 4.5-18, Mark 5 3.6-18, Stryker 3.5-21, LHT 4.5-22, NX8 2-20, March Fx, or?

[SMTGWKD]

Have a sweet, lightweight AR10 build in 6.5 Creedmoor. I plan to hunt, compete, and shoot ELR (out to 1200 yards). I have a Primary Arms Glx Apollo on it now and though i love the speed of hits with a slaved Radius rangefinder, I have really been disappointed with the glass.

Following are key features I'd like in the scope:
Relatively Lightweight - must be less than 30 ounces, preferably closer to 22

• Tree Reticle
• Great Glass
• 3-5 low end Magnification
• 18+ top end magnification
• FFP
• Ideally, a tiny middle dot
• Prefer to spend less than more, but willing to pay for quality/performance differences - $1k-$2kish
• Zero Stop

Of the list in the Title, I have the LHT on an 18" 6mm ARC and really like it. However, I don't love the shiny finish nor the mushy turrets, or limited elevation after installing zero stop for use on the AR10. Kinda silly reasons I suppose.

Love to know thoughts from those with experience/preferences!

 

[SMTGWKD]

Man - I love that March, but noticed it's back up in price. Bummer. I'm one of the minions that follows the DLO recommendations closely. His insights had me looking closely at the Delta Stryker for this particular rifle, but thought I'd ask more generically here.

Thanks for the insight about the Zeiss and Nexus!

 

[BCP]

Leupold 4hd 4.5-18.

 

[xxflyingturtlexx]

Might as well included your post in the subject lol

 

[dgheriani]

The only one on your list that is close to your ideal weight (22oz) is the LHT 4.5-22. I have one as well and my gripes are the same as yours although the elevation is totally usable (the windage is bad but not a big deal once zeroed) and I rarely run into the 11mil limitation of the zero stop (given 11 mils gets me past 1100 yds and it's on a 24" 6.5 set up as my NRL Hunter rifle). I've also got a bunch of time behind the NX8 2.5-20 and some behind the Mk5 3.6-18. I really like the NX8 and honestly think it's a great option for a large frame gas gun. I don't think the extra 6oz is a deal breaker.

 

[SMTGWKD]

The only one on your list that is close to your ideal weight (22oz) is the LHT 4.5-22. I have one as well and my gripes are the same as yours although the elevation is totally usable (the windage is bad but not a big deal once zeroed) and I rarely run into the 11mil limitation of the zero stop (given 11 mils gets me past 1100 yds and it's on a 24" 6.5 set up as my NRL Hunter rifle). I've also got a bunch of time behind the NX8 2.5-20 and some behind the Mk5 3.6-18. I really like the NX8 and honestly think it's a great option for a large frame gas gun. I don't think the extra 6oz is a deal breaker.

I don't have personal experience behind them, but heard the glass on the Mark 5 is much better than the NX8. Otherwise I like the stats on the 2.5-20

 

[dgheriani]

I don't have personal experience behind them, but heard the glass on the Mark 5 is much better than the NX8. Otherwise I like the stats on the 2.5-20

I honestly can't recall my thoughts on comparing the glass directly but I certainly didn't find the glass on the NX8 lacking. The lack of an illum upcharge on the NX8 (illum being imo a requirement for hunting with a FFP optic) and the fantastic Mil-XT reticle are definitely 2 bonuses for the NX8.

 

[SMTGWKD]

I honestly can't recall my thoughts on comparing the glass directly but I certainly didn't find the glass on the NX8 lacking. The lack of an illum upcharge on the NX8 (illum being imo a requirement for hunting with a FFP optic) and the fantastic Mil-XT reticle are definitely 2 bonuses for the NX8.

Appreciate this insight - thanks!

 

[J-Fonz]

I have 3 NX8s. Definitely the NX8.

 

[YotaEer]

Had them all on a similar application and I’d recommend the element nexus gen 2, 4-25x over any of these. 30 oz, slightly better glass than the LHT, significantly better controls and DOF

 

[SMTGWKD]

I have 3 NX8s. Definitely the NX8.

4-32 or 2.5-20?

 

[SMTGWKD]

Had them all on a similar application and I’d recommend the element nexus gen 2, 4-25x over any of these. 30 oz, slightly better glass than the LHT, significantly better controls and DOF

Hadn't heard of this one. Looks really interesting.

 

[J-Fonz]

4-32 or 2.5-20?

2 4-32 and 1 2.5-20
All mil-xt

 

[SMTGWKD]

2 4-32 and 1 2.5-20
All mil-xt

Thanks - which would you recommend for this application?

 

[NHPiper]

Leupold Mk5 with a Tremor 3 or H59 reticle. I have 3 of them right now and cycled through a few more. The T3 in particular is the perfect gas gun reticle, in my opinion.

I have had several Nx8 2.5-20 and the glass was not as good. Lots of fish bowling. Could have just been mine though. And the zero stop system is prone to binding.

The only advantage of the NX8 is the zero stop system allows you to set a zero stop and use the Speed Drop Factor.

 

[Birddog6424]

The Burris XTRIII 3.3-18×50 checks every box on your wish list. And has the best FOV out of all of those.

The eyebox is very forgiving, illumination comes standard. Tough to beat at its price point.

 

[Kickin45]

I’m a big fan of more magnification than you think you’ll need. And I absolutely love the reticle, function and glass of my Stryker

 

[SMTGWKD]

I’m a big fan of more magnification than you think you’ll need. And I absolutely love the reticle, function and glass of my Stryker

Which Stryker?

 

[Kickin45]

I have both.
For an AR platform, I’d go with the 3.5-21

 

[flogxal]

I have both.
For an AR platform, I’d go with the 3.5-21

I have the 3.5-21, I think it's very good. Used it on an 18" 6 ARC upper at my last PRS match. Glass excellent, reticle very nice. Illumination also very nice.

 

[farwest]

Leupold Mark 5 3.6x18 PR1 or PR2

 

[SMTGWKD]

I have the 3.5-21, I think it's very good. Used it on an 18" 6 ARC upper at my last PRS match. Glass excellent, reticle very nice. Illumination also very nice.

Where's the best place to find a deal on one of these? Seem somewhat boutique.

 

[Kickin45]

You’ll need to search for the best deal. Got mine from Optics Planet

 

[flogxal]

Where's the best place to find a deal on one of these? Seem somewhat boutique.

Annex Defense carries several Delta Optics models and that's where I got mine.

 

[SMTGWKD]

I ended up going with the good old reliable Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 Mil-XT.

We live in an age of incredible options - I may pick up a Stryker for my 6ARC precision AR15.