Which 2-10 for me?

800mZero

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I accidentally posted this in the Bolt gun forum.

I would be curious to get the glass hiveminds pointing view

I have a mini-fix in 556. 16” barrel.

Planning on leaving it that way until a 6max barrel is hopefully made available. Will be running unsupressed. Planning on using it as a utility gun as designed. Truck gun for random coyotes, thrown in the tractor when helping my Uncle hay his fields this summer. Ranges 300 and under.

Currently I have a sightron s-tac 3-16 on it. For the money the scope is great but it’s a little long/ big on a tiny gun. (see pic below)

I’m thinking a 2-10 would be perfect for the role. Not impressed with any of the 1-10 options, they all appear to be decent 1-8’s but after that the eye box is terrible.

At 10x Im not overly concerned about sfp vs FFP.

Since they are running about the same price point, would you go NF 2.5-10 NXS, or the Leupold Mark 5 2-10? I would prefer AO.

I was looking at the Steiner hx6i 2-12 but I want a simple reticle with mils. For this gun I don’t need a Christmas tree to clutter.

Both are in the same size and weight range. Both are American companies, I have had good luck with both companies. I greatly prefer to stay away from Chinese optics, no matter how great the Helos is.

I’m not looking to add a ton of weight to a very light weight utility rifle. I just want a rugged, clear, high quality piece of glass..that’s smaller than the stac at 13 inches long, and 24 oz.

Thoughts from people that may have experience with both?
 

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I’m trying to keep my budget below 2k.

Besides the reviews for eye box, and edge clarity are very mixed from what I have read….for glass that costs more than the rifle.
 
Depends on your budget.
Trijicon Credo 2-10 seems to fit the bill.
The athlon helos btr 2-12 gets a lot of love if you are okay with the thick aiming point.
The swampfox Kentucky longrange 2-12 is very similar except the reticle is geared to precision.
They also make a 2-10.
The Mk4 2.5-10 is probably worth a look.
 
Depends on your budget.
Trijicon Credo 2-10 seems to fit the bill.
The athlon helos btr 2-12 gets a lot of love if you are okay with the thick aiming point.
The swampfox Kentucky longrange 2-12 is very similar except the reticle is geared to precision.
They also make a 2-10.
The Mk4 2.5-10 is probably worth a look.
Budget less than 2k.
Credo is longer than my STAC
No Chinese shit
The mk4 reticle is stupid thick, the scope is almost the same size as my STAC, and no AO, mushy turrets.
 
If fine with SFP, why not a Euro hunting scope a la Leica Magnus or Zeiss/Swaro/S&B, etc. They are out of fashion so might be able to find a deal used.
 
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If fine with SFP, why not a Euro hunting scope a la Leica Magnus or Zeiss/Swaro/S&B, etc. They are out of fashion so might be able to find a deal used.

From my research all too long, too heavy, no AO, or too expensive.

I’ve been on this research train for 4 months now trying to find a scope that fits a bill.

The two I have listed seem to be the only ones that fit what I am looking for.
 
I'd go Mark 4 or 5 Leopold as I prefer FFP, 10mil turrets, and non-exposed windage.
I don't think the TMR reticle will be too thick, if you plan on using the scope on low magnification then it's probably a pretty good choice.

I've been searching for years to find my dream 2-10/12 scope, I've ended up with a PST Gen1 2.5-10x32 and am pretty happy with it.
An updated version of this would be excellent.
 
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If you don't mind moa this is a good price. I have the Gen 2 2-10 in mil & it's a great little scope.

 
I'd go Mark 4 or 5 Leopold as I prefer FFP, 10mil turrets, and non-exposed windage.
I don't think the TMR reticle will be too thick, if you plan on using the scope on low magnification then it's probably a pretty good choice.

I've been searching for years to find my dream 2-10/12 scope, I've ended up with a PST Gen1 2.5-10x32 and am pretty happy with it.
An updated version of this would be excellent.

I have the SFP 2.5-10 4HD on my "coyote rifle" and it works fine. If OP wants something smaller a 1-6X or 1-8X with a BDC for 223 and then work up a handload that matches the reticle would kill plenty of coyotes on the farm sort of thing. The athlon 2-12X would be perfect but I don't trust the chinese optics either, have broken way too many of them myself.
 
Budget less than 2k.
Credo is longer than my STAC
No Chinese shit
The mk4 reticle is stupid thick, the scope is almost the same size as my STAC, and no AO, mushy turrets.
So, the illuminated TMR’s main stadia is .10 mil thick. The non-illuminated TMR is .05 mil thick. Most precision reticles such as the PR2/3, Mil-XT, etc are .04-.03 mil thick. The SCR seen in the Steiner T5xi 3-15 I had was .05 mil and seemed just fine.

Something to consider if all you’ve seen pictures of are illuminated TMRs.

Illuminated TMR:

Non-illuminated TMR:
 
I think it would be worth trying the Mk4HDs, just see if the fixed 150yard parallax works for you. It has everything you need besides the parallax adjustment; 2-10x, good rugged glass, USA, minus ~3oz, and minus ~0.5". Illum and non-illum milrad. You might not even need the parallax beyond say ~100yrds anyways if everything plays nice with your eyes.

If not the Mk5HD with adjustable parallax would be the best I think. Although I would go for the illum reticle in a utility farm gun so that puts you over budget.

If you can live with minus 0.4" and plus ~4 oz then the Gen2 vortex PST 2-10x with the ebr4 might work well enough, cheap. Philippines made.

And the March Fx might be better than the initial reviews indicate. Seems a few initial reviewers have gotten reworked scopes from March and they are better across the board. I think a few had the bad reticles and the internals weren't all aligned leading to hot and cold spots across the FoV. First run scope problems... Also those scopes are supper picky about diopter, set right I think they are again quite good. To add more most people love the scope from 1.5x to about 10x (even the in the non reworked models), which is where you are operating anyways. The next 10x to 15x had less favorable reviews but you could look at it like a bonus (painful in a scope priced like it is). But you still get the advantage of super short 10.6" and pretty light ~21.5oz and very robust. They have a 1.5x-15x "compact" models as well, these are SFP only with more simple reticles vs the Fx, retail for around what a Mk5HD illum costs. So still out of budget...

Sig has a MSR 2-12x scope, heavy at 28oz but looks short. Cheap and unsure where it's made, probably not that great.
 
Given that it's only out to 300, that NXS is actually a decent option. At max range, you'd probaby be using 10x and the SFP won't matter at that point, or you can dial wind if you feel like you need to.

For FFP, I'd be looking at the MK5 or Trijicon Credo. If you want to go full hipster, you can get the US Optics FDN 2-10 for $2011 at Eurooptic.
 
I don't know why so many don't like the MK5 2-10, but I love mine. I got one for a good deal and didn't have high expectations for it but it has been perfect for my use (and I thought I would want a tree reticle). I've got mine on a 18" 6 ARC for general use and coyotes. I just got back from SE CO shooting prairie dogs and it was adequate to 400 yds (preferred a 3-18 and tree reticle for sure, but that is on the 6.5 Creed haha).

Pros: weight, turrets, adjustable parallax, length ~11 inches, and good optics

Cons would be anything that a crossover scope gives up like high mag performance (marginal) and difficulty with the reticle working at all mag ranges (TMR reticle does this well though)

I'd probably opt for a simple tree reticle if I could get one, but the TMR doesn't limit me as much as I thought it would.

This optic really shines behind a clip on device which is where I use it most and love it. 2x is perfect behind a 9deg FOV thermal and 10x is plenty for anything at night
 
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I think it would be worth trying the Mk4HDs, just see if the fixed 150yard parallax works for you. It has everything you need besides the parallax adjustment; 2-10x, good rugged glass, USA, minus ~3oz, and minus ~0.5". Illum and non-illum milrad. You might not even need the parallax beyond say ~100yrds anyways if everything plays nice with your eyes.

I said the same thing in the other thread, OP seems pretty hung up on parallax adjustment though. Between my own experience coyote hunting for 10+ years, and the fact that the overwhelming majority of optics 10x or below don't come with one, I would say parallax adjustment on a 10x or below is highly overrated and unnecessary. The distances you should shoot with a 10x don't really require it, I can happily say I've never blamed a missed shot on parallax before.

In the end, it's his money, and he's going to do what he's going to do.
 
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I said the same thing in the other thread, OP seems pretty hung up on parallax adjustment though. Between my own experience coyote hunting for 10+ years, and the fact that the overwhelming majority of optics 10x or below don't come with one, I would say parallax adjustment on a 10x or below is highly overrated and unnecessary. The distances you should shoot with a 10x don't really require it, I can happily say I've never blamed a missed shot on parallax before.

In the end, it's his money, and he's going to do what he's going to do.

It’s not that I’m hung up on it, it’s just a really nice feature that I’ve become used accustomed to.

My main complaints about the mark 4 is that in comparison to the Sightron on it now. If I put on a Mark 4HD I am gaining .5 inches, and 2.5 oz. I am losing 6x magnification, and AO. Added onto complaints of mushy turrets, and a stupid thick reticle at 10x on the illuminated. This just doesn’t seem worth the trade off. I looked at one of the mark 4Hd’s at my local gun shop and just wasn’t impressed. It sucks as it was originally “the scope” I was going to buy, and I just hated it upon seeing it in form factor.

I do appreciate the poster up above pointing out that the mark 5HD uses the same TMR reticle subtensions as found in the mark 4HD.

Honestly that kind of turns me off on that scope as well.

Is there just something terribly wrong with the NF 2.5-10x42? Is it just that it’s a 2013 design?

I had one of the x32’s and loved it except for light transmission at dusk…it was my understanding the x42 fixed that?
 
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So, the illuminated TMR’s main stadia is .10 mil thick. The non-illuminated TMR is .05 mil thick. Most precision reticles such as the PR2/3, Mil-XT, etc are .04-.03 mil thick. The SCR seen in the Steiner T5xi 3-15 I had was .05 mil and seemed just fine.

Something to consider if all you’ve seen pictures of are illuminated TMRs.

Illuminated TMR:

Non-illuminated TMR:
For the Mark 5, 7, and 8, yes.

I recently looked through a Mark 4, 2.5-10x, and its illuminated TMR seems thinner than on my Mark 5.

-Stan
 
It’s not that I’m hung up on it, it’s just a really nice feature that I’ve become used accustomed to.

My main complaints about the mark 4 is that in comparison to the Sightron on it now. If I put on a Mark 4HD I am gaining .5 inches, and 2.5 oz. I am losing 6x magnification, and AO. Added onto complaints of mushy turrets, and a stupid thick reticle at 10x on the illuminated. This just doesn’t seem worth the trade off. I looked at one of the mark 4Hd’s at my local gun shop and just wasn’t impressed. It sucks as it was originally “the scope” I was going to buy, and I just hated it upon seeing it in form factor.

I do appreciate the poster up above pointing out that the mark 5HD uses the same TMR reticle subtensions as found in the mark 4HD.

Honestly that kind of turns me off on that scope as well.

Is there just something terribly wrong with the NF 2.5-10x42? Is it just that it’s a 2013 design?

I had one of the x32’s and loved it except for light transmission at dusk…it was my understanding the x42 fixed that?
I'm not sure I'd be worried about the TMR being too thick, I don't think I've ever seem a reticle I thought was too thick in a FFP scope, I'm usually complaining they're too thin.

A larger objective lens always will have better low light performance, so that's another potential reason to get the Mark 4 over the Mark 5.


The NXS 2.5-10 is a very popular scope and we'll regarded but it's no being FFP is an issue for many.
If you don't care about SFP then it's a good option.
 
... in comparison to the Sightron on it now. If I put on a Mark 4HD I am gaining .5 inches, and 2.5 oz...
I can't argue with the rest but I'm seeing the Sightron #26012 at 12.8" and 23.3oz, the Leupold #183740 at 12.5" and 21oz (non illum), 21.5oz (illum).

so minus 0.3" and 1.8 - 2.3oz.

Again the the illum TMR is thick but it has a center dot, the non-illum TMR is an open center. For a farm utility rifle I'm 100% taking the illum. Bonus is the center dot for me.

You might want to hang on to the sightron for now if it works or purchase a cheaper stop-gap. I think we will see a few companies introduce "MPVOs" within the year. Hopefully Steiner released the H6Xi 2-12x in Milrad soon (Eurooptic Placeholder). Maybe Vortex introduces a Viper HD 2-10x in Milrad!

A PA GLx 2.5-10x should be made in the Philippines, light, compact and cheap. Busy reticle I guess...
A gen 1 PST 2.5-10x. clean reticle, 190z, 12"

I think you need to make a weighted decision matrix and work from there.
 
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I can't argue with the rest but I'm seeing the Sightron #26012 at 12.8" and 23.3oz, the Leupold #183740 at 12.5" and 21oz (non illum), 21.5oz (illum).

so minus 0.3" and 1.8 - 2.3oz.

Again the the illum TMR is thick but it has a center dot, the non-illum TMR is an open center. For a farm utility rifle I'm 100% taking the illum. Bonus is the center dot for me.

You might want to hang on to the sightron for now if it works or purchase a cheaper stop-gap. I think we will see a few companies introduce "MPVOs" within the year. Hopefully Steiner released the H6Xi 2-12x in Milrad soon (Eurooptic Placeholder). Maybe Vortex introduces a Viper HD 2-10x in Milrad!

A PA GLx 2.5-10x should be made in the Philippines, light, compact and cheap. Busy reticle I guess.

I think you need to make a weighted decision matrix and work from there.

I literally have made a spreadsheet for this.

The way I am thinking right now is the NF. 11.8 inches, 20.8 oz, illuminated, mil rad, zero stop, good turrets, built like a brick shithouse. It’s the lightest of all of the options, paired with a reptilia mount I will be 1 oz heavier than the mark 5hd buy itself.

The only time I’ll be worried about dialing, I’ll have the thing on 10x to begin with, so the FFP is really not needed from what I am looking for.

I wanted to wait for the Steiner, but only having that tree recticle for mils is flat out pants on head retarded for a quick to use utility rifle. Just give me the hunter reticle in mils Steiner…it’s not that hard. Besides so far the reports on the USA made Steiner have been hit or miss for QC.

I wish the Helos were made by anyone other than friggin China, it checks every damn box for an amazing price…but just like I won’t buy Holosun, I’m not buying Athlon.

As for PA…I’m so tire of stupid chevrons.

The Sightron isn’t going anywhere..That scope has temporarily lived on many a rifle for a quick throw on a gun and check accuracy scope, while I save for my preferred optic.
 
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I literally have made a spreadsheet for this.

The way I am thinking right now is the NF. 11.8 inches, 20.8 oz, illuminated, mil rad, zero stop, good turrets, built like a brick shithouse. It’s the lightest of all of the options, paired with a reptilia mount I will be 1 oz heavier than the mark 5hd buy itself.

The only time I’ll be worried about dialing, I’ll have the thing on 10x to begin with, so the FFP is really not needed from what I am looking for.

I wanted to wait for the Steiner, but only having that tree recticle for mils is flat out pants on head retarded for a quick to use utility rifle. Just give me the hunter reticle in mils Steiner…it’s not that hard. Besides so far the reports on the USA made Steiner have been hit or miss for QC.

I wish the Helos were made by anyone other than friggin China, it checks every damn box for an amazing price…but just like I won’t buy Holosun, I’m not buying Athlon.

As for PA…I’m so tire of stupid chevrons.

The Sightron isn’t going anywhere..That scope has temporarily lived on many a rifle for a quick throw on a gun and check accuracy scope, while I save for my preferred optic.
That STR-Mil tree is hardly a tree. (edit: nvm the STR-mil is a real tree, got confused with the MOA MHR reticle. Too bad they didn't just convert the MHR to milrad and go with that.) Like a bush that disappears at low mag. The NF does seem like a great scope for you. Funny how I just can't stand SFP even at this mag range, but if it works for you if works.

I too hate buying chinese firearms stuff... except Holosun, I pinch my nose and buy, they are just too good for the price. Even eclipsing the euro and USA stuff for features. Maybe they will do enough to push other up a notch.
 
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I literally have made a spreadsheet for this.

The way I am thinking right now is the NF. 11.8 inches, 20.8 oz, illuminated, mil rad, zero stop, good turrets, built like a brick shithouse. It’s the lightest of all of the options, paired with a reptilia mount I will be 1 oz heavier than the mark 5hd buy itself.

The only time I’ll be worried about dialing, I’ll have the thing on 10x to begin with, so the FFP is really not needed from what I am looking for.

I wanted to wait for the Steiner, but only having that tree recticle for mils is flat out pants on head retarded for a quick to use utility rifle. Just give me the hunter reticle in mils Steiner…it’s not that hard. Besides so far the reports on the USA made Steiner have been hit or miss for QC.

I wish the Helos were made by anyone other than friggin China, it checks every damn box for an amazing price…but just like I won’t buy Holosun, I’m not buying Athlon.

As for PA…I’m so tire of stupid chevrons.

The Sightron isn’t going anywhere..That scope has temporarily lived on many a rifle for a quick throw on a gun and check accuracy scope, while I save for my preferred optic.
I'm not pimping this thing cause I don't know if it's worth a damn yet. I have one back ordered from Cameraland. Should have it in hand in a few weeks.

If glass is decent and the simple mil reticle thickness is good I'll be a happy camper. Hoping to be able to use the mil hashes down to 6-8 power. below that cross hair is GTG for me. FYI needs a very short mount. I ordered the Audere Levitas cause it will fit for sure.

On paper it's the Brawndo plants crave.


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I'm not pimping this thing cause I don't know if it's worth a damn yet. I have one back ordered from Cameraland. Should have it in hand in a few weeks.

If glass is decent and the simple mil reticle thickness is good I'll be a happy camper. Hoping to be able to use the mil hashes down to 6-8 power. below that cross hair is GTG for me. FYI needs a very short mount. I ordered the Audere Levitas cause it will fir for sure.

On paper it's the Brawndo plants crave.


View attachment 8428271
You should definitely do a full write up when you receive it, not a ton out there on these.
 
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Leupold VX6 HD 2-12x42 SPP balances well on this rifle and is well within your budget. Good enough glass for hunting pre-dawn to dark thirty. Run one on my Fix .308 and am pleased.
 
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I'm not pimping this thing cause I don't know if it's worth a damn yet. I have one back ordered from Cameraland. Should have it in hand in a few weeks.

If glass is decent and the simple mil reticle thickness is good I'll be a happy camper. Hoping to be able to use the mil hashes down to 6-8 power. below that cross hair is GTG for me. FYI needs a very short mount. I ordered the Audere Levitas cause it will fit for sure.

On paper it's the Brawndo plants crave.


View attachment 8428271
OP specifically said no Chinese made optics
 
OP specifically said no Chinese made optics
I know all I have to go on is the owner of GPO (US) word. He told me German Glass & Japan assembled. Hard to believe for the price, but that's what he told me. I'm sure there's some Chy na parts in there, got to be I'd think. If I find otherwise when I get it in hand I'll let you guys know.

FWIW I also checked on the EU GPO site to see if I could find any other specs. Not there, it appears to be a US only offering.

The only other scope I've seen even close size wise is that compact USO 3-12 & I know that thing is straight up Chinese.
 
Isn’t the Leupold a fixed parallax at like 125 or 150 yards?

Testing mine out it seems to be right around 120 yards. I shoot pretty far with it w/o issue. That being said I sort of miss the 2.5-8 mark 4 that I used to have on that same rifle, it was 20 years old and still worked, not sure the 4hd has that same toughness.
 
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I know all I have to go on is the owner of GPO (US) word. He told me German Glass & Japan assembled. Hard to believe for the price, but that's what he told me. I'm sure there's some Chy na parts in there, got to be I'd think. If I find otherwise when I get it in hand I'll let you guys know.

FWIW I also checked on the EU GPO site to see if I could find any other specs. Not there, it appears to be a US only offering.

The only other scope I've seen even close size wise is that compact USO 3-12 & I know that thing is straight up Chinese.
Did you end up keeping the GPO? How is it?