Which 3-18 for me?

[SupressYourself]

I know, another "which scope" thread... but this is a case of just not knowing what all is available. I've looked into the Leupold and Burris offerings, but not much else.
Here some guidelines around what I think I want:

- Going on a hunting rig, so while I'm not a pussy about weight, a tank like the Razor gen2 is not ideal.
- 2nd focal plane preferred, but open to FFP if the reticle is actually usable at low power and in low light conditions.
- Prefer MOA because thats what I'm used to.
- I'd like to be able to dial or hold depending on, so while I don't need a 'christmas tree', a simple duplex reticle is also not for me.
- I'm not married to 3-18, but somewhere in that neighborhood.
- Budget: $1500

What says the hide?

 

[ballisticdaddy]

How about a 2.5-20?
Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50 MOAR Like New Demo Riflescope C622

 

[NewsShooter]

Burris 3-18 with the SCR reticle.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

A few suggestions:

The Steiner Predator 8 2-16x42 - E3 includes a rear focal plane E3 Ballistic reticle, with cascading subtensions and windage dots and an integrated customizable ballistic turret.

Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm CDS-ZL2 - Boone and Crockett has Leupolds professional optical system (their highest), has a 5:1 zoom ratio so good for short to longer range, custom dial system, and the b&c reticle will allow hold over without dialing.

Burris XTR III 3.3-18x50mm - SCR MOA, on sale for only $999.99,

• The smaller of the two XTR III models, the 3.3-18x50 model provides huge field-of-view in a relatively compact scope package (13.3 inches).
• The 3.3-18x50 model offers a huge 120 MOA of elevation.

My Burris tech rep chimed in....
"The new Veracity PH could be interesting to him. 4-20x isn't far off, it's FFP but the reticle is intelligently designed with bold, tapered posts to draw the shooter's eye towards the center when set to lower magnifications. Then of course there's all the cool connected/digital features on top of that.

The rest of the Veracity Line would be a good option for the same reasons as the PH, and a 3-15x is available if the low-end magnification is the priority. The dials share mechanical design with the XTRs, so precision when adjusting is guaranteed. No illumination though, so if that's a red flag, hopefully the sub-$1k price point will make up for that.

Alternatively, the XTRi 3.3-18 would be my personal choice as a precision shooter. The SCR-MOA version uses a graduated reticle *without* the additional clutter of 'Christmas tree' wind hold marks, AND it's illuminated. Also priced under his limit, if he's familiar with his DOPE and not area afraid to dial, it would be a strong performer for him."

Not to be left out, my Element rep says:

"First a Titan 3-18x50 would be an excellent choice as it does tick many of his boxes. FFP, 3 – 18 Magnification, 4” of Eye Relief, 34mm diameter chassis for excellent light management, ¼ MOA click adjustment, an incredible 150 MOA of adjustment in the elevation turret, and 50 MOA of adjustment in the windage turret. Positive zero-stop, illuminated reticle, perhaps a bit heavy at 34.4 oz and available with an APR – 2D (Christmas tree style reticle)

Next is the Element Nexus 5-20x50: This too is an excellent choice. Japanese point of manufacture, FFP, 5 – 20 Magnification, 3.03 – 3.66” of eye relief, 30mm diameter chassis, ¼ MOA click adjustment, 90 MOA of elevation turret adjustment and 40 MOA of windage turret adjustment. Positive zero-stop, illuminated reticle, weighs in at a svelte 28 oz, and is available in an APR – 1C reticle.

 

[hafejd30]

If you get FFP definitely get illuminated reticle

 

[346ci]

Burris XTR3, nothing out there is going to touch it for the price.

 

[Birddog6424]

The XTRIII is a great choice.

As is the new Burris Veracity PH.

 

[Huskydriver]

Steiner t6 318 if you can swing a few hundo more

 

[308James]

You can wait until one of these is available for demo price, may be just where you need to be. I have this on an 308 AR and works great for hunting and good enough to hit steel at 900

Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x50 Zero Stop MOAR Riflescope C429

Nightforce NXS 3.5-15x50 Zero Stop MOAR Riflescope C429 | Only at EuroOptic.com!

www.eurooptic.com

 

[mi650]

Steiner t6 318 if you can swing a few hundo more

Or a few hundred less, if you know where to look.

The clearance prices on some of the Trijicons & Leicas are tough to beat.

 

[Huskydriver]

Or a few hundred less, if you know where to look.

The clearance prices on some of the Trijicons & Leicas are tough to beat.

Exactly

 

[Rob01]

Look at the Burris scopes mentioned above but also the Tract line might have something for you.

TORIC 30mm Hunt Series Rifle Scopes

The TORIC 30mm Hunts Series Rifle Scopes provide perfect magnification and objective size to maximize low light performance and long range shots in a lighter weight package.

tractoptics.com

 

[SupressYourself]

Thanks guys. The Burris XTR3 illuminated does seem to stand out. My only hang up is the reticle. It doesn't have the thicker lines toward the outside like (for example) the Nightforce MOAR to draw your eye to the center, or allow you to "bracket" an animal at close range. Some feedback I've seen suggests the reticle is too thin at low power. Now, the illumination should help, but then I've heard that's not exactly "daylight bright" either.
All my scopes can be pressed into coyote hunting duty where one can sometimes slip in at close range. I need to be able to make that quick shot at low power.

 

[Birddog6424]

Thanks guys. The Burris XTR3 illuminated does seem to stand out. My only hang up is the reticle. It doesn't have the thicker lines toward the outside like (for example) the Nightforce MOAR to draw your eye to the center, or allow you to "bracket" an animal at close range. Some feedback I've seen suggests the reticle is too thin at low power. Now, the illumination should help, but then I've heard that's not exactly "daylight bright" either.
All my scopes can be pressed into coyote hunting duty where one can sometimes slip in at close range. I need to be able to make that quick shot at low power.

I dont think any of those statements were from people who have actually hunted with the illuminated XTRIII. I just spent 3 months hunting with mine.

The reticle won't give you any problems.

 

[SupressYourself]

I dont think any of those statements were from people who have actually hunted with the illuminated XTRIII. I just spent 3 months hunting with mine.

The reticle won't give you any problems.

Just to clarify. Have you been using the 3.3-18, or the 5.5-30 ?

 

[Jigstick]

You lost me at MOA

 

[reelserious]

leupold VX-6

 

[Birddog6424]

Just to clarify. Have you been using the 3.3-18, or the 5.5-30 ?

I have both. But I spent more time behind the 5.5-30. Pretty much hunted all through October and November.

I had my 18x out late season December hunts on a wolf/bear/lion rifle. I hunted with it set around 5x. It's still a very useable reticle at that magnification.

I honestly think my 18x will go on my 300 Norma next year which is my primary rifle. I really like a lot of aspects of that optic.

I REALLY like the new Veracity PH! Range it and dial the turret. Done! But it's illegal here in Idaho.. Burris offered me one and I had to say no. I can't use it

 

[Jack's Dad]

Wow Hide members! I'm so proud of you! A scope question and there weren't immediate calls for zco or TT. Y'all's growing up! #proudfather.

 

[SupressYourself]

leupold VX-6

Yep, I have 2, and I like them a lot. Was looking to go a little cheaper for this rifle, and would like more of a true tactical scope rather than a hunting scope with some tactical features.

 

[SupressYourself]

You lost me at MOA

That's ok, not everyone is cut out for MOA.

 

[Ape_Factory]

I'd check out the Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 2-12x42. Won't break the bank and is a very nice scope for hunting and fairly compact. I have it as well as the Meopta Optika6 3-18x50 which is a good bit larger, amazing glass, easily as good as my Athlon Cronus BTR Gen 2 4.5-29x56. Every time I get behind the Meopta, I'm surprised at how good it is. I do wish it were a bit more compact but that's my only complaint. Comes with numerous reticles but can be tough to find the one you want. They generally sell out.

Mid Range Hunting Scope | Helos BTR 2-12x42 MOA

Take to the field with this ideal mid range hunting scope. The 2-12x magnification is suitable for a wide range of hunting situations.

athlonoptics.com

 

[QPM]

I just picked up a Razor LHT 4.5-22 which checks most of your boxes; if you get the 3-15 you can get 2nd ffp and it might actually check all of your boxes (there is an MOA option). Compares favorably with my VX5. Virtually an identical layout. Only complaint is that the illumination button doesn't really let you know when it is pressed and when zoomed in the lowest setting is a bit bright at higher magnifications. I would have liked maybe 3 more progressively dimmer settings. Otherwise, you get a lot of features packed into 23 oz.

 

[tacoman69]

https://mavenbuilt.com/products/rs1-2-2-5-15x44-ffp

Way more rugged than all of these other options suggested and a very functional ffp reticle. You're in luck the mil is out of stock but not the moa

 

[Browninglover1]

I have the Burris XTR3 3-18x and the NF NXS 3.5-15x. If you’re a SFP guy the NF is a no brainer. I have loved mine but will likely be moving it to go to a 2.5-10x NXS for a super lightweight hunter. It’s just hard to get rid of the 15x when it’s worked so dang well.

 

[QPM]

I'd check out the Athlon Helos BTR Gen2 2-12x42. Won't break the bank and is a very nice scope for hunting and fairly compact. I have it as well as the Meopta Optika6 3-18x50 which is a good bit larger, amazing glass, easily as good as my Athlon Cronus BTR Gen 2 4.5-29x56. Every time I get behind the Meopta, I'm surprised at how good it is. I do wish it were a bit more compact but that's my only complaint. Comes with numerous reticles but can be tough to find the one you want. They generally sell out.

Mid Range Hunting Scope | Helos BTR 2-12x42 MOA

Take to the field with this ideal mid range hunting scope. The 2-12x magnification is suitable for a wide range of hunting situations.

athlonoptics.com

I have owned the 3-18 x 50 dicrotech FFP (it was OK, but the tech needs light to work and a pig light is not enough and at high mags the red dot felt huge (like 1 moa)) and still own the 3-18 x 56 SFP red dot. I agree you get a LOT of scope for the money and I think mine come in at 30 oz. Agree on the reticles.

The only thing I would mention is that the rubberized grip on the mag ring is super large. If you like low rings you may need a 60 degree bolt throw for clearance. the bolt on my 700 would hit it. In lieu of higher rings, I was willing to file my bolt handle and by removing about 1/32 ish I was able to get it to clear. You might luck out with placement depending on eye relief, but it is something to consider.

 

[fdkay]

Trijicon credo 2.5-15