I swapped out scopes on my T1X NRL22 Base Class Bomber yesterday after work.
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I had an Athlon Argos BTR Gen 2 6-24 X 50 on the rifle and picked up a Vortex Venom 5-25 X 56 at a gun show for below MAP.
I used MDT Premier 34mm rings in 1.25" height as they're are not a lot of options in 34mm rings as far as vendors and height.
The scope level is a Vortex as well for this project.
Run down on the Rifle:
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T1X MTR 20" Barrel
Stock is the take-off from my T3X CTR with the beavertail fore end and vertical grip plastics + Longer LOP over the .22 Stock.
Stock Pack / Cheek Riser is a Triad Tactical
ARCA Rail is Area 419 as are the Rail Barricade Stop and Atlas Bipod Mount.
Barreled action has a Mountain Tactical Bolt Handle and trigger spring.
The Pic Rail is another Area 419 piece with a 30 MOA slant in it.
Barrel Dampener is from Limb Saver / Sims Vibration Labs - Standard size
The bolt handle is one that I machined out of aluminum hex bar stock in my home workshop - Lathe and vertical mill
After Photos:
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Initial impression of the Venom is that the glass is a pretty good step up from the Argos corresponding the increased cost between the two scopes.
The eyebox is definitely an improvement Venom vs. Argos,
The Elevation stop system is a large improvement.
Dials on the Venom are larger w/ 10 mil / Rotation vs. 5 mil / Rotation on the Argos. Clicks are good and solid on both scopes, with a slight edge to the Venom - It Costs More, Expect More.
I have the EBR-7C reticle in the two Razor Gen II scopes that I have on the my other Tikka Rifles, those are illuminated, this one is not. Commonality is a good thing when you only need to learn 1 reticle across 3 rifles.
The Venom is a pretty heavy scope at 35 oz. but the Argos isn't far behind at 29.6 oz.
The weight bias seems to have shifted forward after the ARCA rail install and scope change, but that was with the Bipod as far forward as it would clamp reliably, as well.
Total Weight with a full magazine and the new scope is 11 lbs. 8 oz. on the shipping scale at work.
Hoping to shoot it this weekend to zero it and see if it likes the new optic.