Rifle Scopes Scope for a Tikka T3x CTR around $2000.00?

[dtl8686]

First post here. Thanks in advance for help.

Just got a Tikka t3x ctr in 6.5 creed. Now optics are the big question. Have about $2000 to spend. The options are dizzying. My use is as follows. I have a LRP 1 rifle class in June. We will be learning to shoot to 1200 yards...farthest for this class. Looking at great scopes for this price range. Locally here in IL., i only have 600 yards to shoot and may even use the rifle to predator hunt.

NF, BURRIS, BUSHNELL, VORTEX, ATHLON, ETC.....? Help!! ?

I want a scope that i will not regret buying in a month. Mostly recreational shooting, but have thought about competition on an amateur level in the future once skills improve.

Help is definitely appreciated.

Frank, if you are reading this....your opinion weighs in heavily....mostly because you've tried most of these scopes and have more experience than most. I enjoy your reviews and instructional videos immensely.

Thanks for the help.

Dave

 

[BallisticPrimate]

Hard to do much better than a NF ATACR 4-16 or a Vortex AMG - can be found for that $ second hand in excellent condition. The new Bushnell XRS is also pretty impressive

 

[Dthomas3523]

What kind of reticle do you like?

 

[vh20]

For 2K?? You can buy a NEW Gen II Razor HD 4.5-27x from Euro Optic for 2499.00, but with a 13% discount code being offered right now you are just over 2K (2174.99). There might be even better deals out there, I just happened to see this one. I don't own one, but it gets universal love around here. I run SB PM IIs, (5-25x) and they have come down pretty close to your budget lately, but not quite. Some models can be had in the 2400.00 range depending on reticle. Regarding your statement about buying a scope you won't regret buying in a month, the best advice I can give is to buy the one that's one step above the one you can afford.

 

[IanHusaberg]

You'd be better off with the Vortex AMG (7B MIL/MOA) if you want the rifle to be light for hunting and walking around. If your going to just do competition go Razor gen 2 (2C MIL/MOA) for the added weight and more stable recoil absorption. Either way by a spuhr mount. Buy from EuroOptic with the Code SCOPE13 ?

 

[vh20]

I think it's OPTICS13

 

[el_cazador713]

I'm building a custom Tikka 6.5 and I'm going with a NF. The CTR is a great weight scope and I don't think it'll be too heavy with the NF.

 

[wareagle700]

A NXS 3.5-15x50 F1 would be my pick. They are around the EE for $1300-1800 depending on reticle, knobs, and condition. Don't think you could find anything tougher.

 

[man32ahan]

What part of IL you in? If you’re close to me I got a few scopes you could look through/try out to see what you like.

 

[dtl8686]

What part of IL you in? If you’re close to me I got a few scopes you could look through/try out to see what you like.

I am in Frankfort. South west suburbs.

That would be cool to do!

Thanks.

 

[dtl8686]

What kind of reticle do you like?

Well, that's just it. I don't have an opinion on that. I have not done enough shooting to form a good opinion on it. My you should be long-range targets from a fixed position and coyote hunting, likely off of bipod or shooting sticks and maybe a prairie dog shoot or two if i get out west.

other than the hunting scenarios it would be mostly punching paper from either a bench or prone position and ringing Steel.

I've seen some impressive Horus reticles. However, I'm not sure how much better they are for the extra price then another company who has a similar Christmas tree style display for wind hold often hold over?

Suggestions?

 

[Dthomas3523]

Start looking through optics in person, or find every reticle image/sub-tension guide you can find online for all scopes that are within your budget. Keep scrolling through. Either one or a few will keep catching your eye. Then start narrowing down your search based on that style of reticle.

If you find your eye doesn't like the christmas tree reticles, then something like the AMG is out of the equation. If you find that you like floating center dots, then a lot of nightforce scopes are out.........etc, etc.

For a 2k price range, as you already know, the options are exhausting and will literally stress you out looking. Finding ones with reticles that your brain is drawn too from looking at a ton of reticles will start narrowing down that list substantially.

 

[Dthomas3523]

Also...........

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/the-everyday-sniper-podcast-episode-20.6873358/

 

[dtl8686]

Start looking through optics in person, or find every reticle image/sub-tension guide you can find online for all scopes that are within your budget. Keep scrolling through. Either one or a few will keep catching your eye. Then start narrowing down your search based on that style of reticle.

If you find your eye doesn't like the christmas tree reticles, then something like the AMG is out of the equation. If you find that you like floating center dots, then a lot of nightforce scopes are out.........etc, etc.

For a 2k price range, as you already know, the options are exhausting and will literally stress you out looking. Finding ones with reticles that your brain is drawn too from looking at a ton of reticles will start narrowing down that list substantially.

Thanks for the reply. I actually think I like the Christmas tree Style reticle. I have a Burris veracity now in 4-20x it has the varmint ep1 reticle. I actually kinda like. I like the idea of not having to crank or dial every shot. In a hunting scenario, especially for coyote. I will not always have time to reach for the dial. Holdover marks and windage will be key in those scenarios. since coyotes are constantly on the move, I have to do a quick range estimation and that's about all you have time for before they're out of that range.

Steel and paper targets won't matter. all the Time in the World to dial on those. but if I get good with the steel and paper it will help.

 

[Dthomas3523]

There you go. Now, do you like the T/Cross or floating dot? Do you like the numbers near the centerline or off to the side? You've probably just narrowed down your list of possible optics by half or less. Some of the reticles are very busy and others are more minimalist whist still having the christmas tree.

 

[Dthomas3523]

This is a fairly clean reticle that still has holdovers. Its also pretty budget friendly and probably decent resale if you decide to step up to a higher price point. Magnification range is pretty impressive as well.

https://athlonoptics.com/product/ares-etr-4-5-30x56-aprs1-ffp-ir-mil/

 

[dtl8686]

This is a fairly clean reticle that still has holdovers. Its also pretty budget friendly and probably decent resale if you decide to step up to a higher price point. Magnification range is pretty impressive as well.

https://athlonoptics.com/product/ares-etr-4-5-30x56-aprs1-ffp-ir-mil/

Looked hard at that! Won't be out until after my class June 1st! I really wanted that scope! Price is great and I was pretty impressed with just the Argos btr I have in 6×24×50. Nice for the money.

 

[lou400a]

I have tried T5Xi 3-15, LRHS 3-12 and now I'm waiting to get another shorty 18" back from LRI. I'll try XTR II 1-8 on that one as a do all inside 400 yards truck gun.

 

[Dthomas3523]

If you're going to be using the factory CTR stock and may take it hunting......just go with the AMG. If you're planning on swapping to a chassis and want to add weight, gen II. Both will have extremely good resale if you decide you don't like them or want to switch up.

If you're hunting and worried the 6x on the amg won't be that great for closer shots, I'm experimenting with a rmr or venom sight on the side of a spuhr. Its a little tacticool for hunting, but it should make any quick close shots easier.

 

[dtl8686]

If you're going to be using the factory CTR stock and may take it hunting......just go with the AMG. If you're planning on swapping to a chassis and want to add weight, gen II. Both will have extremely good resale if you decide you don't like them or want to switch up.

If you're hunting and worried the 6x on the amg won't be that great for closer shots, I'm experimenting with a rmr or venom sight on the side of a spuhr. Its a little tacticool for hunting, but it should make any quick close shots easier.

So, Vortex AMG or the Gen II....Razor HD or ???

I actually saw the new Leupold mark 5HD in 5-25 x56. Has the tremor 3 reticle.

Any opinions on the tremor 3? Some reading I had done here made it seem gimmicky? Is it too busy or useful? I am going to do mostly longer range steel and targets...but hunting predators at a distance may be in the formula as well. I do like the idea of not dialing shots and just holding over, but If it's too busy.....well, then maybe simplicity is better?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[Dthomas3523]

It’s a bit too busy for me. Also, it’s at least $300 more for the royalty.

The AMG reticle suited me better. But Reticles are mostly personal preference.

Also, if you want illumination, Leopold went full retard in the difference in pricing between illuminated and non.

If you like the reticle of the amg, it was specifically designed to be a crossover tactical/hunting which seems to be the area you’re in.

 

[dtl8686]

It’s a bit too busy for me. Also, it’s at least $300 more for the royalty.

The AMG reticle suited me better. But Reticles are mostly personal preference.

Also, if you want illumination, Leopold went full retard in the difference in pricing between illuminated and non.

If you like the reticle of the amg, it was specifically designed to be a crossover tactical/hunting which seems to be the area you’re in.

Well, the pricing on the Leupold is at $2799 MSRP for the Mark 5HD. Mile High in CO. said he could do 15% on one. now, that's $2400 roughly. Include a 20MOA Spuhr mount at $400....we are back at $2800....

So, I'm as thoroughly confused and undecided as ever. I have no place near me to look through an AMG, Razor HD gen II or the Leupold! all purchase on reviews and opinion products, I guess? Seems shitty, but I guess that's how it goes with high end scopes. Not many carry too much of that stuff...otherwise they sit on inventory. Same reason they don't order many $70,000 diesel trucks to sit on the lot.....not the high volume seller...


Dave

 

[Dthomas3523]

If you’re mil/le, Leupold has a good program.

 

[dtl8686]

If you’re mil/le, Leupold has a good program.

I am not Mil or LE....

So, do you feel Leupold is maybe not as good as some of the competiotion? This is purely opinion based...I am not holding you to anything or quoting you anywhere as slander....So, please, don't feel I am trying to get you to say anything wrong..

Thanks for the help,

Dave

 

[Dthomas3523]

Without the LE program, I feel like there are better choices at that price point.

 

[Codiekfx400]

I have a t3x ctr and it is a nice lightweight rifle I would try to find something of lighter weight to put on top of it. Steiner t5xi possibly or leupold mark 6.

 

[Bandit31]

I really like the 4-16x Atacr. They can be had slightly more than $2k new or used. I sold my Gen2 razor for one and couldn't of been happier.

The Amg's are nice for what they are and new can be found around the same price as the 4-16x Atacr's at some places. I thought the glass was great on the one I had but I just am not a fan of the tree type reticles and like lower magnification on the bottom end.

Theres Minox Zp5's for around the same price in the px as well.

The new Leupold's seem to be picking up steam but like others have said, for the price, depending on what features you want, there are better options.

Best you can do is find a reticle and feature set that you want most. Aside from the weight of the Gen2 razor, all others in your price range are going to be comparable for the most part, same with features.

With exception to the Minox's, glass will be comparable between others in the same price range as well. Some slightly better than the others but its purely subjective for the most part.

If you end up getting something and not liking it then you can always sell it and chalk it up as a learning experience.

 

[Dthomas3523]

If you don't care about illumination on the Tremor 3(I think only the dots illuminate anyway), there is a 5-25 MK-5 in the for sale section now for a reasonable price.

 

[dtl8686]

Also...........

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/the-everyday-sniper-podcast-episode-20.6873358/

Thanks! That's great advice!

 

[HOLD_OVER]

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My CTR wears a pretty decent option... When they were on sale 3-4 months ago the PMII's were at $2,000-$2,100

Mine is mounted in the SPUHR, and only priced at $2,500... and its brand new

 

[el_cazador713]

Solid looking rig Hold Over!

 

[Rate_of_Twist]

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My CTR wears a pretty decent option... When they were on sale 3-4 months ago the PMII's were at $2,000-$2,100

Mine is mounted in the SPUHR, and only priced at $2,500... and its brand new

It seems like that pricing has mirror less dried up... what was the reason for the huge price drop and do you think we will see it again?

 

[steve123]

The Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56 is the one you should strongly consider within your budget.

I have S&B's and my Cronus BTR gives up """very""" little to them. The super daylight bright illumination and the awesome reticle are my favorite attributes.

 

[vitalemj]

If it were me I would go used from here on the Hide. Most people here take care of their stuff. A lot have multiple scopes so they have almost new glass that's hardly used at all. You'll get more for your money to put back into training, ammo, and reloading. I've been a little biased and give preferential treatment to Schmidt and Bender. After having to use the Unertal for a few years getting handed one of those halfway through a workup was like someone taking your 81 Oldsmobile wagon and trading you straight up for Ferrari. There have been multiple S&B's on here for just over 2k asking price in the last week or so but they were regular mildot and P4F type reticles. If you like the Christmas tree style the resale value will hold a slight edge. A lot of people won't compromise on the holdover reticle so they always seem to sell faster. You can get a Kahles Gen 3 with an SKMR3 for just over 2 here on the hide. If you don't mind the Gen 2 you can pick one up with the AMR for just under 2k. The glass on the Gen 2 leaves nothing to be desired. Again I'm biased as that's exactly what I choose to do and haven't regretted the decision in the slightest. If your not really sure exactly what you want or want to get something good but don't want to get rushed into the big purchase you might consider getting a Gen 2 HDMR or ERS with an H59 for around a thousand. It's got everything you could want in a competition optic for half the price, which is a lot of money left over for ammo. Then you have decent glass to throw on a 223 trainer when you get really into it and don't want to burn your barrel out practicing off a barricade for hundreds of rounds. But again that's just what I would do.

Good choice on the Tikka by the way. That's one of the best actions possible without going high end. If you're not already you'll be amazed how smooth it is compared to the guys in your course shooting a Remington 700. Money well spent sir.

 

[patriot07]

If your not really sure exactly what you want or want to get something good but don't want to get rushed into the big purchase you might consider getting a Gen 2 HDMR or ERS with an H59 for around a thousand. It's got everything you could want in a competition optic for half the price, which is a lot of money left over for ammo. Then you have decent glass to throw on a 223 trainer when you get really into it and don't want to burn your barrel out practicing off a barricade for hundreds of rounds. But again that's just what I would do.

Agree 100%. You don't need to spend $2k on an optic just to get started. Any of these options as well as a Gen 1 Razor or SWFA HD would be fine choices to get going and you can always upgrade later once you get a better feel for your preferences.

Good choice on the Tikka by the way. That's one of the best actions possible without going high end. If you're not already you'll be amazed how smooth it is compared to the guys in your course shooting a Remington 700. Money well spent sir.

Agree 100%, and you'll like the accuracy of your stock Tikka compared to any stock Remington as well.

 

[Dthomas3523]

I agree with the most part from above. Don’t feel like you have to buy higher price point before you feel out what you like and don’t like.

However, unless you are going to buy in the very cheap price point, try to go with something that has decent resale value.

Vortex has very good value. SWFA does as well. Burris and Bushnell will sell as fast as vortex sometimes.

Also, if you’re going to be doing much movement or unorthodox movements, it never hurts to have a good warranty like vortex in case you do something stupid.