Rifle Scopes Vortex AMG - Best Long Range Hunting Optic?

[Andielouroo]

I have two of these on different hunting guns and find them to be an excellent compromise of weight, reticle, adjustability, and clarity to be a great long range hunting scope (Western US big game).

I find myself considering buying another for another hunting gun, but thought I’d see if anyone has recommendations for another scope I might have overlooked in the same weight class as the AMG.

 

[stello1001]

I too hunt with my "precision rifle" but I am actually ok with heavy optics. Anyhow, while I have not personally looked at these, maybe you can consider MK5 or MK6, NX8. I've been real curious about those as well as the AMG but just recently purchase a ZP5 so will no longer be able to try any of those out.

 

[Andielouroo]

I too hunt with my "precision rifle" but I am actually ok with heavy optics. Anyhow, while I have not personally looked at these, maybe you can consider MK5 or MK6, NX8. I've been real curious about those as well as the AMG but just recently purchase a ZP5 so will no longer be able to try any of those out.

Hmm, looks like the 2.5-20 nx8 comes in at the same weight as the AMG. Might have to check that out.

 

[stello1001]

Hmm, looks like the 2.5-20 nx8 comes in at the same weight as the AMG. Might have to check that out.

I just almost bought one of those but then I found a 50% off deal on the Minox ZP5 and decided on the Minox instead. I've seen reviews for the nx8 2.5-20 model that go both ways. Some say it's very a good scope with shortcomings such as DOF and eyebox issues while I've seen others say they don't know any of that. Either way, I am still very curious on it and may just have to give it a try some time soon. Hopefully, somebody who has both, the AMG and the NX8 could chime in.

 

[jbuck88]

I just sold my AMG and kept my 2.5-20 nx8. The glass was pretty similar. The AMG didn't fisheye at all and was dead nuts on as far as tracking. I liked the size of the nx8, as well as the bottom end of the nightforce for a hunting rig. My nx8 has a 2.5x bottom end which I'm pretty sure accounted for at least one deer this year, if not two.

Edit: my eyes aren't as sophisticated as some one here. I kept my ATACR 5-25 over my PM2 5-25. So YMMV

 

[koshkin]

With crossover scopes, aside from the AMG, March 3-24x52, Tangent Theta TT315M and Leupold Mark 5HD come to mind. I did not like Nightforce NX8 too much, but I really liked ATACR 4-16x42, although it is a touch heavier.

I have AMG, March and TT and I am exceedingly happy with all three.

ILya

 

[Birddog6424]

I think the NX8 is an ok choice for a hunting optic, but at the 32x, not the 20x. I suppose it may not bother some people, but the 20x is too finicky on too many levels. The edge distortion is too distracting, especially as you pan or transition through targets. It's less so on the 32x. And both models really need a fine touch on parallax. The AMG is a nicer scope optically, and easier to get behind.

I look at the NX8s and I honestly think they are decent enough scopes. The problem I have with them is the price tag. I think there are better options available once you get into that price point.

 

[DangerRanger]

Putting a Zp5 on my hunting rig was ridiculous, that sucker is enormous.

 

[ccasanova]

Putting a Zp5 on my hunting rig was ridiculous, that sucker is enormous.

3-15 or 5-25?

I’m strongly considering the 3-15 as a dual purpose scope.

 

[DangerRanger]

3-15 or 5-25?

I’m strongly considering the 3-15 as a dual purpose scope.

5-25 great scope and would do well on a canyon rifle but little much for a do it all for me.

 

[ccasanova]

How’s the EBR-7B reticle of the AMG doing in low light? Different mag levels?

The ATACR 4-16x42 mentioned above, is on my short list with the AMG and zp5 3-15.

 

[Andielouroo]

How’s the EBR-7B reticle of the AMG doing in low light? Different mag levels?

The ATACR 4-16x42 mentioned above, is on my short list with the AMG and zp5 3-15.

I have no complaints about the AMG reticle. It’s been great so far. I have a bull elk hunt in a couple weeks that I’ll be using the AMG for and have 100% confidence in it.

Im really perfectly happy with the AMG for hunting, but it’s been a while since I’ve looked at that class of optics to see what’s new, so I figured I’d see if there’s anything new and better out there.

Hows the S&B 3-20? It’s only a touch heavier and probably an amazing optic.

 

[ccasanova]

Thanks for the confirmation on the reticle. The US3-20 is also on my radar. Hope to hear some more feedback as well.

 

[Moose]

A-lot of good info on the AMG.Keep the info coming I am interested in this scope for a Vudoo I am working on.I have a TT315m that I was thinking about using but it does not have a-lot of elevation for long range rimfire.

 

[Rerun7]

I have one of the original AMGs and I’ve contemplated swapping for the next new shiny thing that’s out but once I start to weigh all the pros/cons the AMG wins out for that price range.

Now if there was a version of the AMG that was 3-18, more compact and lighter. I’d probably make that swap.

 

[Moose]

I am waiting for shot show to see if Vortex listens to what shooters want and introduces a 3x18 amg, more compact and a ounce or two lighter.