Scoping out a Scope.

[CValero]

After weeks of YouTube channels, articles, websites, so called experts and having managed to convince my husband how “essential” buying a scope would be to our marriage. He told me he wanted a complete report to justify the large expense.
I am ready to buy. So…, For my dream long distance rifle scope, I would would like the following scope features
1. First Focal Plane
2. In the ballpark of 5-25x56
3. Mil Reticle (not mil dot)
4. Exposed ‘Mil’ Windage and Elevation Turrets w/Zero stop and all ‘stainless steel’ internals (nothing plastic but I will accept Brass).
5. 30mm or 34mm Tube.
6 Chrisp, loud ‘clicks’ for both windage and Elevation Turrets.
7. Lightweight (maybe 32 ounces) but whatever. Also ‘Throw-levers’ are good.
8. illumination ( I think?)
Budget under $3k.
This would be my first scope, so be gentle. Nonetheless if anyone feels the urge to disagree with my choices, please provide any reasons or recommendations. I am really appreciative.

 

[Hecouldgoalltheway]

What are you going to do with this rifle?

 

[HD1911]

Gently used or even possibly new NF ATACR 7-35 w/ MIL-C or MIL-XT in the for sale section on here

 

[hafejd30]

NF 7-35 used from px is top end of your budget. But may be heavy

Burris XTRIII gets lots of love here

Honestly a Athlon Cronus BTR Gen II would fit the bill very well and can be had around $1200 in px here.

Depends what you want to do with it. Personally I feel for a range gun or general rifle where it won’t take a pounding the Athlon Cronus is right there with the NF in glass and great reticles. I also like the illumination and non rotating ocular vs the NF. The NF is built like a tank in comparison however.

We’re going to do this anyways cause it’s the hide….

If you toss another couple hundred on the table you can have a used ZCO 527 from the px.

 

[oldrifleman]

My top choice is a used ZCO 527 mpct 2x or 3x. Next is the used NF ATCAR 7-35 mil-xt. Both are solid scopes

 

[Kfive73]

Check out opticsthoughts.com. Koshkins recommendations hold a lot of weight

Glassaholic also has very lengthy reviews and comparisons in the forums here.

Both of these guys have had a lot more side by side comparisons than most people here. I think their reviews and recommendations will be a lot less biased because they don’t fall under the category of “get this one because I have it and like it”

 

[37L1]

Since when does a husband have a say in what the wife buys?

Are you from a foreign country?

 

[Long Range 338]

Here's a list of great options in your price range.

Scope Options with a set of criteria

Trying to open my mind and get a fresh look at what options I should be seriously considering. I have already reached out to @Euro.Connor and I am sure he will provide some feedback for me as well. I am curious with the following set of criteria what the masses here would suggest and have...

www.snipershide.com

 

[diggler1833]

Can you tell your husband to grab his purse, and take him to a local PRS match?

Plenty of people there who will be happy to show you what they run, along with letting you get behind one.

 

[Glassaholic]

After weeks of YouTube channels, articles, websites, so called experts and having managed to convince my husband how “essential” buying a scope would be to our marriage. He told me he wanted a complete report to justify the large expense.
I am ready to buy. So…, For my dream long distance rifle scope, I would would like the following scope features
1. First Focal Plane
2. In the ballpark of 5-25x56
3. Mil Reticle (not mil dot)
4. Exposed ‘Mil’ Windage and Elevation Turrets w/Zero stop and all ‘stainless steel’ internals (nothing plastic but I will accept Brass).
5. 30mm or 34mm Tube.
6 Chrisp, loud ‘clicks’ for both windage and Elevation Turrets.
7. Lightweight (maybe 32 ounces) but whatever. Also ‘Throw-levers’ are good.
8. illumination ( I think?)
Budget under $3k.
This would be my first scope, so be gentle. Nonetheless if anyone feels the urge to disagree with my choices, please provide any reasons or recommendations. I am really appreciative.

What is the intended purpose for the scope, what kind of shooting will be done? Knowing this will help narrow down options.

 

[Huskydriver]

After weeks of YouTube channels, articles, websites, so called experts and having managed to convince my husband how “essential” buying a scope would be to our marriage. He told me he wanted a complete report to justify the large expense.
I am ready to buy. So…, For my dream long distance rifle scope, I would would like the following scope features
1. First Focal Plane
2. In the ballpark of 5-25x56
3. Mil Reticle (not mil dot)
4. Exposed ‘Mil’ Windage and Elevation Turrets w/Zero stop and all ‘stainless steel’ internals (nothing plastic but I will accept Brass).
5. 30mm or 34mm Tube.
6 Chrisp, loud ‘clicks’ for both windage and Elevation Turrets.
7. Lightweight (maybe 32 ounces) but whatever. Also ‘Throw-levers’ are good.
8. illumination ( I think?)
Budget under $3k.
This would be my first scope, so be gentle. Nonetheless if anyone feels the urge to disagree with my choices, please provide any reasons or recommendations. I am really appreciative.

Used Schmidt and Bender with dtii+ turrets ... It's the little things in life

 

[shields shtr]

Honestly a Athlon Cronus BTR Gen II would fit the bill very well and can be had around $1200 in px here.

Most underrated scope out there.

Used Schmidt and Bender with dtii+ turrets ... It's the little things in life

Might be a record on the Hide for the Athlon to Schmidt and Bender transition.

As per Hide doctrine it always starts out that you could go easily get by with an Athlon, or used Vortex, Burris, etc. But for just a few hundred more you can have a ZCO.

If your budget is 2,999, for just a thousand more or a measly 1200 more you can probably find a Tangent Theta in the PX as well.

 

[CSTactical]

After weeks of YouTube channels, articles, websites, so called experts and having managed to convince my husband how “essential” buying a scope would be to our marriage. He told me he wanted a complete report to justify the large expense.
I am ready to buy. So…, For my dream long distance rifle scope, I would would like the following scope features
1. First Focal Plane
2. In the ballpark of 5-25x56
3. Mil Reticle (not mil dot)
4. Exposed ‘Mil’ Windage and Elevation Turrets w/Zero stop and all ‘stainless steel’ internals (nothing plastic but I will accept Brass).
5. 30mm or 34mm Tube.
6 Chrisp, loud ‘clicks’ for both windage and Elevation Turrets.
7. Lightweight (maybe 32 ounces) but whatever. Also ‘Throw-levers’ are good.
8. illumination ( I think?)
Budget under $3k.
This would be my first scope, so be gentle. Nonetheless if anyone feels the urge to disagree with my choices, please provide any reasons or recommendations. I am really appreciative.

Give me a call at 916-628-3490 and I can get you squared away...

Richard@CST

 

[CValero]

What is the intended purpose for the scope, what kind of shooting will be done? Knowing this will help narrow down options.

Yes, long range. I’ve been building up my new rifle (Bergera) for a couple of months on this form and have received great help.

 

[fdkay]

After weeks of YouTube channels, articles, websites, so called experts and having managed to convince my husband how “essential” buying a scope would be to our marriage. He told me he wanted a complete report to justify the large expense.
I am ready to buy. So…, For my dream long distance rifle scope, I would would like the following scope features
1. First Focal Plane
2. In the ballpark of 5-25x56
3. Mil Reticle (not mil dot)
4. Exposed ‘Mil’ Windage and Elevation Turrets w/Zero stop and all ‘stainless steel’ internals (nothing plastic but I will accept Brass).
5. 30mm or 34mm Tube.
6 Chrisp, loud ‘clicks’ for both windage and Elevation Turrets.
7. Lightweight (maybe 32 ounces) but whatever. Also ‘Throw-levers’ are good.
8. illumination ( I think?)
Budget under $3k.
This would be my first scope, so be gentle. Nonetheless if anyone feels the urge to disagree with my choices, please provide any reasons or recommendations. I am really appreciative.

There are several very good Japanese made scopes from LOW (light optical works).
The aforementioned Athlon Chronus, Delta Stryker, Tract Toric or Trijicon ten mile.
The Tract 4-25 might be exactly what you're looking for.

 

[FatBoy]

My initial advice is find the reticle that speaks to you first. Then build your scope around it. You want Mil, do you want a tree? Something like the Tremor3? A simple stadia line? This choice is very likely going to guide toy to the brand you choose.

That said, your mag range and scope feature description leads me to believe you are leaning toward a Nightforce, which would be what my suggestion is. A 5-25 ATACR most likely. Also, not sure of the caliber, but don’t discount traditional rings. They work excellent and though they’re not the new hotness everyone is going with, IMO they give you some flexibility with weight and spacing you otherwise would not have.

Nice thing about the scopes you’re shopping, if you hate it you won’t loose much if you sell/trade. Maybe nothing if you buy used. FWIW, I have 7-8 Nightforce scopes, all bought used. I have had two go back for service in 22 years. Nightforce has been very easy to deal with. Solid product.

Good luck. Enjoy the journey. Sounds like you’re doing your homework, but don’t get paralyzed by analyses. Remember, this is supposed to be fun.

 

[hafejd30]

If you go NF atacr get the 7-35 over the 5-25. Best glass

 

[oldrifleman]

If you go NF atacr get the 7-35 over the 5-25. Best glass

This is my experience as well

 

[Glassaholic]

If you go NF atacr get the 7-35 over the 5-25. Best glass

Every day I would recommend this, but both these scopes push the weight limit the OP is hoping for.

 

[Glassaholic]

Yes, long range. I’ve been building up my new rifle (Bergera) for a couple of months on this form and have received great help.

Good to know. Others have mentioned reticle and by and large this is my recommendation as well, every time you look through the scope you will be looking at that reticle so if you hate it, it is always going to bother you. Since long range is your primary goal and you want to keep weight down, here are my thoughts (keep in mind you do NOT need high magnification to shoot long range, I shoot ELR (out to 2 miles) and rarely go above 16x):

• Used Minox ZP5 5-25x56 with MR4 reticle (34.2 oz but best glass you'll see at this price)
• Steiner T6Xi 5-30x56 (34.5 oz with glass that punches above it's price point)
• March 4.5-28x52 with FML-TR1 reticle (29.8oz is going to be lightest making this a very flexible scope)
• Leupold Mark5 HD 5-25x56 with PR2 and 1/4 mil reticles (30oz and decent price if you don't need illum, but narrow FOV has it at the bottom of this list)

Now, if you don't mind pushing weight a bit:

• Used ZCO 5-27x56 (37.9 oz but likely the best optical experience, used you might get close to $3k but worth it IMO)
• Element Optics Theos 6-36x56 (36.5 oz with amazing glass and toolless turrets this is a great option, included this scope in my latest alpha class optics review and was extremely impressed with it for the price! Send me a PM if you have interest...)
• Used Kahles K525i DLR 5-25x56 (35oz and only buy used, new they are too much for what they offer, only look at DLR as it has a wide angle eyepiece, the other K525i has narrow FOV which is a detriment)

Obviously there are lots more scopes, but these pop to mind based on limited data you've provided.

 

[Fret]

Good to know. Others have mentioned reticle and by and large this is my recommendation as well, every time you look through the scope you will be looking at that reticle so if you hate it, it is always going to bother you. Since long range is your primary goal and you want to keep weight down, here are my thoughts (keep in mind you do NOT need high magnification to shoot long range, I shoot ELR (out to 2 miles) and rarely go above 16x):

• Used Minox ZP5 5-25x56 with MR4 reticle (34.2 oz but best glass you'll see at this price)
• Steiner T6Xi 5-30x56 (34.5 oz with glass that punches above it's price point)
• March 4.5-28x52 with FML-TR1 reticle (29.8oz is going to be lightest making this a very flexible scope)
• Leupold Mark5 HD 5-25x56 with PR2 and 1/4 mil reticles (30oz and decent price if you don't need illum, but narrow FOV has it at the bottom of this list)

Now, if you don't mind pushing weight a bit:

• Used ZCO 5-27x56 (37.9 oz but likely the best optical experience, used you might get close to $3k but worth it IMO)
• Element Optics Theos 6-36x56 (36.5 oz with amazing glass and toolless turrets this is a great option, included this scope in my latest alpha class optics review and was extremely impressed with it for the price! Send me a PM if you have interest...)
• Used Kahles K525i DLR 5-25x56 (35oz and only buy used, new they are too much for what they offer, only look at DLR as it has a wide angle eyepiece, the other K525i has narrow FOV which is a detriment)

Obviously there are lots more scopes, but these pop to mind based on limited data you've provided.

Did you have a chance to compare the Theos and the Zeiss S3? Were they pretty similar optically?

 

[Glassaholic]

Did you have a chance to compare the Theos and the Zeiss S3? Were they pretty similar optically?

Unfortunately not, Zeiss is late (really late) in getting me their S3 and I've got to send the Theos back soon. I did compare Theos to the Vortex RG3 and they were very close, Vortex having a slight advantage but differences were minimal, both are very impressive designs, the fact that the Zeiss S3 is also LOW design (same as RG3 and Theos) I envision it too is very close in optical design. I do like the Theos turrets more than the RG3 turrets FWIW.

 

[Fret]

Thank you!

 

[Im2bent]

Earlier you were looking for a bipod for your B14 is that what this scope is for?

 

[Milirad]

After weeks of YouTube channels, articles, websites, so called experts and having managed to convince my husband how “essential” buying a scope would be to our marriage. He told me he wanted a complete report to justify the large expense.
I am ready to buy. So…, For my dream long distance rifle scope, I would would like the following scope features
1. First Focal Plane
2. In the ballpark of 5-25x56
3. Mil Reticle (not mil dot)
4. Exposed ‘Mil’ Windage and Elevation Turrets w/Zero stop and all ‘stainless steel’ internals (nothing plastic but I will accept Brass).
5. 30mm or 34mm Tube.
6 Chrisp, loud ‘clicks’ for both windage and Elevation Turrets.
7. Lightweight (maybe 32 ounces) but whatever. Also ‘Throw-levers’ are good.
8. illumination ( I think?)
Budget under $3k.
This would be my first scope, so be gentle. Nonetheless if anyone feels the urge to disagree with my choices, please provide any reasons or recommendations. I am really appreciative.

First, have you seen this?

The DLO Recommendations: Riflescopes » OpticsThoughts

My suggestions:

If you had a higher weight budget, you can find the Razor Gen 3 6-36x56 on sale for mid-$2K range and that is by far the best quality for the price in this magnification range. I have two and it compares well to the very best at a little over half the price when on sale, but they are considerably heavier than your spec. This scope meets everything on your list except weight - turret clicks are nice and loud but easy to turn and not obnoxiously loud.

For around 30 oz, if you can find it on sale, the March 4.5-28x52 with Shuriken turrets and FML-TR1 can be priced at about mid-$2K range, but this configuration is on backorder right now. I have had one on order for about 2 months and still no word about when it will be available. Not quite as forgiving in the eye box as the Vortex, and not quite as easy for depth of field, but otherwise it is great for the weight and price. This might be the best fit for your specs.

Right now there is a sale on the Element Theos 6-36x56 for right at $2K I think. This is said to be a great scope, in large part because of the nice, tool-less turrets. I think the optics platform is from Light Optics Works in Japan and if this is true there are several other manufacturers with similar optics but maybe not quite as nice in the turrets.

There is the Burris XTR Pro line for a bit less than your budget. I don't have a Pro but do have two of the XTR IIIi line for about half or less than your budget and they are similar to the Pro, just a little less glass and turret quality. These are very good for the price, but at your budget the above two will have controls and turrets that are easier to operate. The Steiner line is probably a little better optics and turrets, but similar performance for more $ but still under your budget on sale.

At about half your budget when on sale, there is the Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 that is outstanding for the price and it is in the low 20's for weight. I have two of these and they are great for the weight and price. The turrets are a bit mushy compared to your spec, but they work just fine and have proven to be repeatable.

If it were me, if you can afford the weight I would go with the Razor Gen 3 on sale for about $2.5K - the best optics for the price IMO but a chunk on weight. Otherwise the March to meet your weight spec at about the same price on sale if you are willing to place it on backorder for who knows how long. Otherwise the Theos on sale for about $2K right now. If you want to save 50%, then one of the above Burris options or the Razor HD LHT.

 

[CValero]

I am so grateful for your opinion! Trying to get one is an informative landslide. Again Thanks!

 

[Scotch_egg]

Minox ZP5 with the MR2 reticle.

The glass is outstanding. I have 3 3-15X50 and prefer the glass to my ZCO and schmidts. Of course glass is personal choice. But the build quality is also up there in the top tier.

 

[Denys]

I am so grateful for your opinion! Trying to get one is an informative landslide. Again Thanks!

Let me just add a thought here. You stated that you think you want illumination. Let me just say that unless you think you really need illumination because you will be shooting ELR in the dark, you might want to avoid illumination for the simple reason that it makes the lines of the reticle thicker than they would otherwise be. A non-illuminated reticle can have very fine lines that will not mask the target at higher magnifications. In one of the optics that was listed earlier, the March-FX 4.5-28X52 is also available with the PDK or LDK reticle, both non-illuminated with very fine lines. At 28X, the reticle is not crushing the target. Just food for thought.

 

[Huskydriver]

Let me just add a thought here. You stated that you think you want illumination. Let me just say that unless you think you really need illumination because you will be shooting ELR in the dark, you might want to avoid illumination for the simple reason that it makes the lines of the reticle thicker than they would otherwise be. A non-illuminated reticle can have very fine lines that will not mask the target at higher magnifications. In one of the optics that was listed earlier, the March-FX 4.5-28X52 is also available with the PDK or LDK reticle, both non-illuminated with very fine lines. At 28X, the reticle is not crushing the target. Just food for thought.

Schmidt and Bender lrr reticle begs to differ

 

[Rob01]

Let me just add a thought here. You stated that you think you want illumination. Let me just say that unless you think you really need illumination because you will be shooting ELR in the dark, you might want to avoid illumination for the simple reason that it makes the lines of the reticle thicker than they would otherwise be. A non-illuminated reticle can have very fine lines that will not mask the target at higher magnifications. In one of the optics that was listed earlier, the March-FX 4.5-28X52 is also available with the PDK or LDK reticle, both non-illuminated with very fine lines. At 28X, the reticle is not crushing the target. Just food for thought.

Illumination is not about shooting in the dark but contrast on target. The reticles are not thick enough to bother shooting ELR at smaller targets. I have used illuminated reticles to shoot on a 12" target at a mile. Easily quartered it. Also shot an illuminated at 2500 yards on an MOA sized target and again no issues with reticle size. If spending over a grand I wouldn't buy a scope that wasn't illuminated.

 

[oldrifleman]

Illumination is not about shooting in the dark but contrast on target. The reticles are not thick enough to bother shooting ELR at smaller targets. I have used illuminated reticles to shoot on a 12" target at a mile. Easily quartered it. Also shot an illuminated at 2500 yards on an MOA sized target and again no issues with reticle size. If spending over a grand I wouldn't buy a scope that wasn't illuminated.

Agreed, I use it when the sun/cloud conditions make the unlite reticle impossible to see.

 

[mrtoyz]

Great option for sale on SH. Good price as well.
Hits all your objectives but is 4oz heavier.

Optics - Zeiss LRP S3 4-25x50 MRi

Selling brand new Zeiss LRP S3 4-25x50 MRi. Not looking for trades at the moment. $1600 shipped

www.snipershide.com

 

[CValero]

There are several very good Japanese made scopes from LOW (light optical works).
The aforementioned Athlon Chronus, Delta Stryker, Tract Toric or Trijicon ten mile.
The Tract 4-25 might be exactly what you're looking for.

Was looking at the TORIC UHD 4.5-30x56 34mm MRAD ELR scope on Amazon for around $1700.00

 

[CValero]

My initial advice is find the reticle that speaks to you first. Then build your scope around it. You want Mil, do you want a tree? Something like the Tremor3? A simple stadia line? This choice is very likely going to guide toy to the brand you choose.

That said, your mag range and scope feature description leads me to believe you are leaning toward a Nightforce, which would be what my suggestion is. A 5-25 ATACR most likely. Also, not sure of the caliber, but don’t discount traditional rings. They work excellent and though they’re not the new hotness everyone is going with, IMO they give you some flexibility with weight and spacing you otherwise would not have.

Nice thing about the scopes you’re shopping, if you hate it you won’t loose much if you sell/trade. Maybe nothing if you buy used. FWIW, I have 7-8 Nightforce scopes, all bought used. I have had two go back for service in 22 years. Nightforce has been very easy to deal with. Solid product.

Good luck. Enjoy the journey. Sounds like you’re doing your homework, but don’t get paralyzed by analyses. Remember, this is supposed to be fun.

That's a bit out of my budget, I'm a beginner.

 

[Rob01]

Was looking at the TORIC UHD 4.5-30x56 34mm MRAD ELR scope on Amazon for around $1700.00

The Tract ELR are mode scopes in that price range. I had a 4.5-30 and have a 4-25 now. If you or anyone in the family is LE/Mil/Vet you can get better pricing direct from Tract.

 

[b6graham]

you should be looking here in the PX. thats pretty expensive for a Tract and i'd 100% take the Zeiss S3 for $100 less

also...first scope ever and dream long distance scope. weeks of research and you don't even have some ideas in mind?

buying your first scope in the PX is a wise choice. a $3k budget is not exactly small only to find out you hate the reticle or turrets of whatever you randomly picked from the internet.

 

[Rob01]

That’s good advice about the PX I would take the Zeiss S3 over the tract also.

 

[YotaEer]

Unfortunately not, Zeiss is late (really late) in getting me their S3 and I've got to send the Theos back soon. I did compare Theos to the Vortex RG3 and they were very close, Vortex having a slight advantage but differences were minimal, both are very impressive designs, the fact that the Zeiss S3 is also LOW design (same as RG3 and Theos) I envision it too is very close in optical design. I do like the Theos turrets more than the RG3 turrets FWIW.

I've had the same experience. The Razor Gen 3 might have a slight glass advantage over the Theos, the Gen 3 turrets are also "crunchier" if you like that. Overall, I like the weight savings, reticle and easier zeroing of the Theos more. Really great scope that I am loving

Same with the Element Nexus Gen 2 4-25x. Really impressive.

I like both the Element versions more than the Zeiss S3 design.

 

[Fret]

Like Rob01 said, you can get a nice discount from Tract if you are military vet or law enforcement.

The Zeiss S3 is a very nice scope and you can still get one at a nice discount at EO. Rob01 really seem to like this scope. I picked one up from them and it was brand new. It's probably better than the Tract optically and similar to the Vortex G3 and Element Theos. I was able to pick up a Theos recently for $1950 or so but the clearance sale suddenly ended.

Like New Zeiss LRP S3 6-36x56mm .1 MRAD FFP ZF-MRi #16 Riflescope 522695-9916-090

FREE SHIPPING on Like New Zeiss LRP S3 6-36x56mm .1 MRAD FFP ZF-MRi #16 Riflescope 522695-9916-090

www.eurooptic.com

If you like the Toric this looks like a decent deal:

SOLD - TORIC UHD 4.5-30X56 34mm MRAD ELR

SOLD. Switching all my optics to Leupold for consistency. This was on my DI Vudoo great scope in great condition. I have the original box to ship in. Comes with the Tenerbrax covers. It’s sitting in Zeiss rings medium 1.125”, with built in level for additional $150 Scope no rings $1250...

www.snipershide.com

 

[Tictacticaltimmy]

Was looking at the TORIC UHD 4.5-30x56 34mm MRAD ELR scope on Amazon for around $1700.00

Would highly recommend never buying anything gun related on Amazon. Tons of realistic fakes. Sellers will do tricky stuff like sell the real thing for a few months and then switch to fakes too.

 

[CValero]

Like Rob01 said, you can get a nice discount from Tract if you are military vet or law enforcement.

The Zeiss S3 is a very nice scope and you can still get one at a nice discount at EO. Rob01 really seem to like this scope. I picked one up from them and it was brand new. It's probably better than the Tract optically and similar to the Vortex G3 and Element Theos. I was able to pick up a Theos recently for $1950 or so but the clearance sale suddenly ended.

Like New Zeiss LRP S3 6-36x56mm .1 MRAD FFP ZF-MRi #16 Riflescope 522695-9916-090

FREE SHIPPING on Like New Zeiss LRP S3 6-36x56mm .1 MRAD FFP ZF-MRi #16 Riflescope 522695-9916-090

www.eurooptic.com

If you like the Toric this looks like a decent deal:

SOLD - TORIC UHD 4.5-30X56 34mm MRAD ELR

SOLD. Switching all my optics to Leupold for consistency. This was on my DI Vudoo great scope in great condition. I have the original box to ship in. Comes with the Tenerbrax covers. It’s sitting in Zeiss rings medium 1.125”, with built in level for additional $150 Scope no rings $1250...

www.snipershide.com

And I did. Bought directly from Jon (one of the owners) got 15% plus no tax (like on Amazon). Thanks!

 

[Glassaholic]

I've had the same experience. The Razor Gen 3 might have a slight glass advantage over the Theos, the Gen 3 turrets are also "crunchier" if you like that. Overall, I like the weight savings, reticle and easier zeroing of the Theos more. Really great scope that I am loving

Same with the Element Nexus Gen 2 4-25x. Really impressive.

I like both the Element versions more than the Zeiss S3 design.

Spoke with Zeiss again today, they are shipping me an S3 this week and Element has graciously allowed me to continue to hold onto the unit I have from my alpha review.

 

[CValero]

First, have you seen this?

The DLO Recommendations: Riflescopes » OpticsThoughts

My suggestions:

If you had a higher weight budget, you can find the Razor Gen 3 6-36x56 on sale for mid-$2K range and that is by far the best quality for the price in this magnification range. I have two and it compares well to the very best at a little over half the price when on sale, but they are considerably heavier than your spec. This scope meets everything on your list except weight - turret clicks are nice and loud but easy to turn and not obnoxiously loud.

For around 30 oz, if you can find it on sale, the March 4.5-28x52 with Shuriken turrets and FML-TR1 can be priced at about mid-$2K range, but this configuration is on backorder right now. I have had one on order for about 2 months and still no word about when it will be available. Not quite as forgiving in the eye box as the Vortex, and not quite as easy for depth of field, but otherwise it is great for the weight and price. This might be the best fit for your specs.

Right now there is a sale on the Element Theos 6-36x56 for right at $2K I think. This is said to be a great scope, in large part because of the nice, tool-less turrets. I think the optics platform is from Light Optics Works in Japan and if this is true there are several other manufacturers with similar optics but maybe not quite as nice in the turrets.

There is the Burris XTR Pro line for a bit less than your budget. I don't have a Pro but do have two of the XTR IIIi line for about half or less than your budget and they are similar to the Pro, just a little less glass and turret quality. These are very good for the price, but at your budget the above two will have controls and turrets that are easier to operate. The Steiner line is probably a little better optics and turrets, but similar performance for more $ but still under your budget on sale.

At about half your budget when on sale, there is the Razor HD LHT 4.5-22x50 that is outstanding for the price and it is in the low 20's for weight. I have two of these and they are great for the weight and price. The turrets are a bit mushy compared to your spec, but they work just fine and have proven to be repeatable.

If it were me, if you can afford the weight I would go with the Razor Gen 3 on sale for about $2.5K - the best optics for the price IMO but a chunk on weight. Otherwise the March to meet your weight spec at about the same price on sale if you are willing to place it on backorder for who knows how long. Otherwise the Theos on sale for about $2K right now. If you want to save 50%, then one of the above Burris options or the Razor HD LHT.

In went with the TRACT 4.5-30x56 (MRAD)

 

[Rob01]

In went with the TRACT 4.5-30x56 (MRAD)

You will like it. The knobs unlocking take a little to get used to but it has really good glass and an excellent reticle. I had mine on my Vudoo and it worked great. I put it in a Warne mount but any good set of 34mm rings or mount will work.

 

[LR1845]

In went with the TRACT 4.5-30x56 (MRAD)

You will love the glass, the turrets are nice but a little tall but for the money they are hard to beat.

 

[37L1]

You will like it. The knobs unlocking take a little to get used to but it has really good glass and an excellent reticle. I had mine on my Vudoo and it worked great. I put it in a Warne mount but any good set of 34mm rings or mount will work.

View attachment 8412980

Holy shit! A phrenologist's dream.