Rifle Scopes Vortex strike eagle 3-18x44

[Paul1262]

I recently purchased this scope and I'm having a difficult time getting a consistent cheek weld at the higher magnification. Is there a Vortex scope I could upgrade to that would have a more generous eye relief?

 

[Paul1262]

Burris Mtac is a Seriously legit optic for the money.

Thanks - I will check it out.

 

[Eoddave27]

There are quite a few Vortex optics with better eyeboxes. I’m unfortunately the price reflects it if you are trying to stay in a price range. Athlon has some really nice options for around the same money. The Athlon Midas TAC is probably the best optic out there in the $500-600 price range.

 

[Paul1262]

There are quite a few Vortex optics with better eyeboxes. I’m unfortunately the price reflects it if you are trying to stay in a price range. Athlon has some really nice options for around the same money. The Athlon Midas TAC is probably the best optic out there in the $500-600 price range.

I keep reading good evaluations of the Athlon scopes. I try to stay with Vortex because I think their sales and support personnel are terrific, not to mention their warranty. It look like I'm either going to pay more for a scope or look into other scope manufacturers like Athlon. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Eoddave27]

I would take a good look at Athlon. Their warranty and product support are as good or better than Vortex. Put it like this. I get the Mil/LE discount on Vortex and all my lower priced optics are Athlon. Even with my discount I feel the Athlon products represent a better value. I buy all my Athlon products from Doug at Camera Land who is a supporting vendor here. If you find better customer service anywhere I would be surprised. You should give Doug a call and see what he can do for you. They offer special Hide pricing and frequently have demo and open box specials.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Always my pleasure to "meet" and work with the members here.

We are expecting a delivery from Burris of their FOUR X 3-12x56 3P #4 Illuminated #200459. This was a European only release scope which is basically a Burris MTAC, and we'll be selling these for only $349.99. This would be a great option to consider as well

 

[Paul1262]

I would take a good look at Athlon. Their warranty and product support are as good or better than Vortex. Put it like this. I get the Mil/LE discount on Vortex and all my lower priced optics are Athlon. Even with my discount I feel the Athlon products represent a better value. I buy all my Athlon products from Doug at Camera Land who is a supporting vendor here. If you find better customer service anywhere I would be surprised. You should give Doug a call and see what he can do for you. They offer special Hide pricing and frequently have demo and open box specials.

I will give the Athlon scopes another look - thanks.

 

[Paul1262]

Always my pleasure to "meet" and work with the members here.

We are expecting a delivery from Burris of their FOUR X 3-12x56 3P #4 Illuminated #200459. This was a European only release scope which is basically a Burris MTAC, and we'll be selling these for only $349.99. This would be a great option to consider as well

I appreciate the heads up on your expected delivery of the Burris #200459 however, I have decided to stick with my Strike Eagle for a little longer.

 

[Eoddave27]

I have used one of the strike eagles and one of the viper HS-T’s and I wasn’t impressed with either. When the time comes I would think about selling that Strike Eagle and getting a Midas TAC. It really is a whole different class of optic for just a little more money.

 

[Rob01]

I recently purchased this scope and I'm having a difficult time getting a consistent cheek weld at the higher magnification. Is there a Vortex scope I could upgrade to that would have a more generous eye relief?

If you are having eye relief and cheek weld problems then you might need to get the rifle set up correctly for you. If it was and the comb was set properly for you then your cheek weld should sit the same every time on the rifle. The scope doesn;t move once it's mounted. Only you are moving. Also when setting eye relief you should have the scope on it's highest power and set it there. Did you focus the reticle with the diopter? If not then that also can cause you to feel the scope isn't set right.

 

[Paul1262]

If you are having eye relief and cheek weld problems then you might need to get the rifle set up correctly for you. If it was and the comb was set properly for you then your cheek weld should sit the same every time on the rifle. The scope doesn;t move once it's mounted. Only you are moving. Also when setting eye relief you should have the scope on it's highest power and set it there. Did you focus the reticle with the diopter? If not then that also can cause you to feel the scope isn't set right.

I initially set my eye relief position using the highest magnification, focused the reticle with the diopter, and adjusted the comb accordingly. I can obtain a good cheek weld at lower magnifications (3-14), beyond that I have to make adjustments to get a clear site picture. I think maybe a different scope with a longer eye relief would help.

 

[Rob01]

It might but if your rifle is set up correctly and you are behind the rifle correctly then you should be looking down the same place in the scope every time you are behind it. If you are moving your head around to get it clear then something on the rifle isn't set right. I know some scopes have tighter eye boxes but once eye relief is set and comb is set then it should not be a constant issue. Do you have anyone in the area that is skilled in setting up rifles? Only reason I say this is because I come across it quite frequently when teaching PR1 classes and once I get the shooter's rifle properly set up it's rarely an issue after that. Would be good if you can get it set up and not have to replace the scope in the future.

 

[Paul1262]

I have used one of the strike eagles and one of the viper HS-T’s and I wasn’t impressed with either. When the time comes I would think about selling that Strike Eagle and getting a Midas TAC. It really is a whole different class of optic for just a little more money.

The more I read about the Midas Tac, the more I get interested. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Paul1262]

It might but if your rifle is set up correctly and you are behind the rifle correctly then you should be looking down the same place in the scope every time you are behind it. If you are moving your head around to get it clear then something on the rifle isn't set right. I know some scopes have tighter eye boxes but once eye relief is set and comb is set then it should not be a constant issue. Do you have anyone in the area that is skilled in setting up rifles? Only reason I say this is because I come across it quite frequently when teaching PR1 classes and once I get the shooter's rifle properly set up it's rarely an issue after that. Would be good if you can get it set up and not have to replace the scope in the future.

Seeking out someone skilled in setting up rifles is a great idea. I should have done that in the first place. Thanks.

 

[Eoddave27]

I think Frank may have made a video on setting up a rifle. What I did was got behind my rifle and got comfortable with my eyes closed and had someone else set the scope in place. Once it was in place I opened my eyes and adjusted from there. That method has worked pretty well for me. It may not be all Your set up though. I didnt Get a lot of time behind the strike Eagle but the eye box on the HS-T was really tight and the resolution at higher magnifications was not very good. Both are also SFP scopes which I don’t care for either.

 

[Eoddave27]

I don’t know where you live but if you are close to me (Baltimore MD Area) I would be happy to loan you one of my scopes to try out and see what you think. I’ve got a Midas TAC and an Ares ETR that are fantastic scopes for the money.

 

[Paul1262]

I don’t know where you live but if you are close to me (Baltimore MD Area) I would be happy to loan you one of my scopes to try out and see what you think. I’ve got a Midas TAC and an Ares ETR that are fantastic scopes for the money.

Very generous offer, unfortunately I live in North Carolina. Your comments/recommendations are very much appreciated.

 

[Rob01]

Where in NC?

 

[Paul1262]

Where in NC?

About 35 miles west of Fort Bragg. Based on your comments I'm thinking about signing up for a precision rifle I course scheduled for early April at The Range Complex.

 

[Rob01]

Good idea. Always good to get some basic skills down.

I am about 30 miles north of Fayetteville.

 

[Eoddave27]

Funny, I was stationed at Ft Bragg for 10 years and lived in Hope Mills. About 20-30 min West I believe. I miss the ranges but don’t miss Fayetteville.

 

[Vodoun daVinci]

I'm a Vortex Whore and love their scopes but recently purchased an Athlon. Ya'll need to at least check this out....better than Nightforce or Vortex? Probably not but *very* impressive and the price point while we are experimenting with optics is like 2X to 1. My new Athlon Argos BTR 10-40X56 is not quite as cool as a Vortex Golden Eagle bu the reticle is similar, the tracking is virtually perfect, and the glass is *almost* as good at 1/3rd the price.

Athlon scopes are pretty impressive for the $. I love Vortex but I got 75% of the performance and a similar reticle for 1/3 the price.

VooDoo