Rifle Scopes Worth upgrading from LRHSi?

[YotaEer]

I’m currently running a Bushnell LRHSi 4.5-18x on my 6.5CM CTR. The rifle is used for 65% hunting (varmint and deer) and 35% range time (paper only). I really enjoy the LRHS and think it’s a great FFP hunting optic that is very visible at low power even in PA timber. I’ll hold onto it regardless.

My question is if it’s worth upgrading to something with higher mag for the paper punching as well as some groundhog heads at 300+? Or should I just use the saved $ for ammo?

I’ve looked at these scopes as possible options for FFP, higher mag, simple reticles and not crazy weights.

NF NX8 4-32
Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30
Bushnell XRS 2 4-30
Vortex AMG 6-24 (6x bottom end scares me a little)
Leupold Mark 5 5-25
Burris XTR III 5.5-30
Eotech Vudu 5-25
Delta Stryker 4.5-30

As you can see, i’d like to keep it around $1500 by grabbing something from the PX.

Any other suggestions?

 

[bunsen27]

I have three of this model scope. One is on a DMR style AR-15, the other is now on my .308Win bolt gun, and the last is on my .223Rem Savage varmint rifle. I have punched plenty of paper and steel with all three rifles, along with lots of whistle pigs in Pa and hundreds of Pdogs in SD with the varmint rifles.

Inside of 600yds the G2 reticle at 18x is very usable, but once you get to 500yds on smaller critters like groundhogs and Pdogs it's a bit of a guessing game. The illuminated G2 reticle is a touch thicker than a non-illuminated G3 reticle, which I have in an XRS2. That was the upgrade I made last year on my main .233Rem trainer/varminter after the SD Pdog hunt. I wanted something with a little higher magnification than 18x, along with a slimmer reticle for those 500yd+ targets. It also did NOT hurt that GAP had a PHENOMENAL deal on an XRS2 with a Kestrel Sportsman with vane mount the week I returned from SD!!

I've used the scope on Pa groundhogs last year and recently returned from my 2020 SD PDog hunt. The scope has performed excellently for me!! The only slight critique I have is that at 30X the eye box is a bit smallish. Also, I did not quite have everything setup 100% correct between the scope diopter, cheek rest, and ring height thus I was getting a little bit of fish eye at 30x. Other than that it has excellent glass and is very similar to the LRHSi.

Of the scopes you listed I'd go with an XRS2 with a G3 non-illuminated or H-59 reticle. $1700+tax appears to be the current list price from Bushnell direct or via Amazon for the G3. Unless you are shooting a LOT of small targets beyond 500yds your current scope will certainly suffice, but an XRS2 at the right price would certainly be a nice upgrade.

 

[dustingaunder]

I really like my 4-32 NX8. I’ve been shooting it side by side with my ZP5 and DMR Pro.
4-24 is excellent. 24-32 has some issues. Tight eye box, finicky parallax, noticeably darker image. I bought it needing the 4-24 performance with the ability to crank it to 32 to look at stuff once in a while. It rocks at that.
Edge clarity is perfect on my scope. Once I got the eyepiece set correctly I can see the same level of detail at the very edge as the center as far as my eyes can tell. I love the scope more every time I use it. If they could put a little more DOF in it, it would be about perfect.

 

[YotaEer]

I have three of this model scope. One is on a DMR style AR-15, the other is now on my .308Win bolt gun, and the last is on my .223Rem Savage varmint rifle. I have punched plenty of paper and steel with all three rifles, along with lots of whistle pigs in Pa and hundreds of Pdogs in SD with the varmint rifles.

Inside of 600yds the G2 reticle at 18x is very usable, but once you get to 500yds on smaller critters like groundhogs and Pdogs it's a bit of a guessing game. The illuminated G2 reticle is a touch thicker than a non-illuminated G3 reticle, which I have in an XRS2. That was the upgrade I made last year on my main .233Rem trainer/varminter after the SD Pdog hunt. I wanted something with a little higher magnification than 18x, along with a slimmer reticle for those 500yd+ targets. It also did NOT hurt that GAP had a PHENOMENAL deal on an XRS2 with a Kestrel Sportsman with vane mount the week I returned from SD!!

I've used the scope on Pa groundhogs last year and recently returned from my 2020 SD PDog hunt. The scope has performed excellently for me!! The only slight critique I have is that at 30X the eye box is a bit smallish. Also, I did not quite have everything setup 100% correct between the scope diopter, cheek rest, and ring height thus I was getting a little bit of fish eye at 30x. Other than that it has excellent glass and is very similar to the LRHSi.

Of the scopes you listed I'd go with an XRS2 with a G3 non-illuminated or H-59 reticle. $1700+tax appears to be the current list price from Bushnell direct or via Amazon for the G3. Unless you are shooting a LOT of small targets beyond 500yds your current scope will certainly suffice, but an XRS2 at the right price would certainly be a nice upgrade.

thanks for the reply. As you’ve stated, the LRHS isn’t holding me back much at all and it’s the best scope I’ve had as I’m just now getting into quality gear. Always looking for the next best thing of course lol.

I love the G2H reticle and wish they still made it. Since the G3 is the closest thing and I’m comfortable with Bushnell’s layout, I’d lean towards the XRS as well.

It’s always good to get first hand experience input from people on here.

 

[YotaEer]

I really like my 4-32 NX8. I’ve been shooting it side by side with my ZP5 and DMR Pro.
4-24 is excellent. 24-32 has some issues. Tight eye box, finicky parallax, noticeably darker image. I bought it needing the 4-24 performance with the ability to crank it to 32 to look at stuff once in a while. It rocks at that.
Edge clarity is perfect on my scope. Once I got the eyepiece set correctly I can see the same level of detail at the very edge as the center as far as my eyes can tell. I love the scope more every time I use it. If they could put a little more DOF in it, it would be about perfect.

I’ve been doing a lot of research on the NX8 as it seems to check all the boxes, especially from the perspective of weight. It seems to get mixed reviews so good to hear you enjoy it.

 

[YotaEer]

Edited to add the Eotech Vudu 5-25 per @koshkin’s reviews. Also love the reticle.

 

[YotaEer]

OP edited to change the Cronus to the Ares ETR for the locking turrets. Also added the Delta Stryker.

Any other suggestions?

 

[adamjma]

OP edited to change the Cronus to the Ares ETR for the locking turrets. Also added the Delta Stryker.

Any other suggestions?

I too have multiple LRHS scopes and finally got a step up with the Delta Stryker. It is noticeably clearer (particularly with mirage) I prefer the reticle and floating center dot over the G2. Turrets are better too. Overall, I am very pleased and feel this is a true step up.

 

[YotaEer]

I too have multiple LRHS scopes and finally got a step up with the Delta Stryker. It is noticeably clearer (particularly with mirage) I prefer the reticle and floating center dot over the G2. Turrets are better too. Overall, I am very pleased and feel this is a true step up.

everyone that has had access to the Stryker seems to rave about them, including Ilya. I really like their reticle choices. thanks for the reply

 

[Birddog6424]

You have a pretty decent scope. If I were looking to upgrade I would probably scratch the top 2 off of your list as you have several others in the hunt that are nicer than those. And the rest of the list looks solid.

 

[YotaEer]

I too have multiple LRHS scopes and finally got a step up with the Delta Stryker. It is noticeably clearer (particularly with mirage) I prefer the reticle and floating center dot over the G2. Turrets are better too. Overall, I am very pleased and feel this is a true step up.

after doing more research I’m not sure if the stryker’s windage turret locks or not. Can you confirm?

 

[Hollywood 6mm]

I'd say the XRS2 or DMR2 Pro - Similar reticle to your LRHS, similar controls (commonality is a good thing when you run multiple scopes), great glass, and boringly reliable.

 

[YotaEer]

I'd say the XRS2 or DMR2 Pro - Similar reticle to your LRHS, similar controls (commonality is a good thing when you run multiple scopes), great glass, and boringly reliable.

I’ve been leaning this way from the start. They are no frills and reliable, which I like. I also love the g3 reticle as its still visible at low mag levels.

just need to keep an eye out for the PX deals on either.

 

[CrabsandFootball]

The AMG is the only scope on that list I would consider an upgrade worth the cost increase. Maybe a Gen 2 Razor.

The NX8 glass is not great has a tight eye box and shitty parallax.

This is how I bracket LR optics based on features, quality, value ,ect.

Less than $1500 - LRHS/LRTS
More than $1500 - Gen 2 Razor/AMG
More than $2400 - ZP5
More than $3500 - ZCO/TT.

Those listed all have great features sets, reticles, turrets and are durable and reliable enough to stake your life to them.

 

[YotaEer]

The AMG is the only scope on that list I would consider an upgrade worth the cost increase. Maybe a Gen 2 Razor.

The NX8 glass is not great has a tight eye box and shitty parallax.

This is how I bracket LR optics based on features, quality, value ,ect.

Less than $1500 - LRHS/LRTS
More than $1500 - Gen 2 Razor/AMG
More than $2400 - ZP5
More than $3500 - ZCO/TT.

Those listed all have great features sets, reticles, turrets and are durable and reliable enough to stake your life to them.

thanks for the input. The AMG and the NX8 are the only ones on the list under 30oz. I had a PST 2 before the LRHS and liked it, just not as much as the bushnell.

With that said, I’m Currently deciding between the XRS 2 and AMG.

 

[kabarNC]

My two cents- put that $1500 toward a .223. A prefit barrel, donor 700 action, KRG Bravo, and decent trigger will cost you around $1500, or less. Yes, you still need a scope then, but I've found far better results when I use dedicated platforms for shooting.

Your rifle, as it is now, is absolutely perfect for hunting. I have an LRHSi on a 6.5PRC, and after a brutal backcountry hunt anchored a muley over 900yds away. The reticle was perfect for that.

I have a DMR2 on my match trainer, and it's never let me down. I don't need, or want illumination on that one, so the reticle is thinner than the G2. I wouldn't want anything thinner on a hunting rifle personally.

I have an XRS2 on my match rifle, it's just a bit more clear and refined than the DMR2. Also bombproof.

Long story short, start dedicating rifle platforms for specific needs, and the scope choice will choose itself.

 

[skatz11]

For hunting the LRHS is going to be tough to top with another FFP scope. I bought one when GAP had them on sale because it was too good of a deal to pass up. I’ve used it a little bit on an AR10 and plan to keep it for a light weight bolt gun eventually. For now it’s sitting in the safe as backup or loaner scope.

I just bought a Razor AMG on the EE. If you want more magnification the AMG is awesome. I see why everyone considers it a great cross over optic.

I think the LRHS favors hunting a little more with the donut of death reticle and the AMG favors target and PRS/steel shooting with the higher magnification.

 

[YotaEer]

My two cents- put that $1500 toward a .223. A prefit barrel, donor 700 action, KRG Bravo, and decent trigger will cost you around $1500, or less. Yes, you still need a scope then, but I've found far better results when I use dedicated platforms for shooting.

Your rifle, as it is now, is absolutely perfect for hunting. I have an LRHSi on a 6.5PRC, and after a brutal backcountry hunt anchored a muley over 900yds away. The reticle was perfect for that.

I have a DMR2 on my match trainer, and it's never let me down. I don't need, or want illumination on that one, so the reticle is thinner than the G2. I wouldn't want anything thinner on a hunting rifle personally.

I have an XRS2 on my match rifle, it's just a bit more clear and refined than the DMR2. Also bombproof.

Long story short, start dedicating rifle platforms for specific needs, and the scope choice will choose itself.

All solid advice and I’ll get there someday when I have more cash lol.

I just dropped my CTR into a bravo and I’m really enjoying it. The added weight of the bravo over the CTR stock is minimal and actually a net savings to my hunting pack overall since it allowed me to get rid of my hog saddle to use just the arca clamp.

Next build will be a T1x in a Bravo as well. Id probably move the LRHS to that. My 6.5G AR is used for night hunting exclusively with NV.

I’ll still need a new optic for this one tho lol

 

[FireShooter]

thanks for the input. The AMG and the NX8 are the only ones on the list under 30oz. I had a PST 2 before the LRHS and liked it, just not as much as the bushnell.

With that said, I’m Currently deciding between the XRS 2 and AMG.

I had an XRS2 and an AMG.. I still have the AMG.

The turrets on the AMG are great. I find the glass to be very good. The reticle is very good and for most uses is superior to the G3. I have an LRTS that I’ve had for 3 years and it’s remained on my Tikka .223 yote rifle. The LRTS/LRHS scopes are hard to beat for the price. I’ll always have that scope. It’s been reliable and does good in low light and I’ve never missed an illuminated reticle at dusk/dawn hunting .

My AMG is my favorite scope and like the LRTS when I look through it I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything like some other scopes I’ve had. There are lots of good scopes out there right now. I want to try a Mark 5 5-25 next on my journey.. We all want something, else it’s human nature, but more bullets and trigger time would probably get us all closer to where we want to be than a new scope.

 

[CrabsandFootball]

thanks for the input. The AMG and the NX8 are the only ones on the list under 30oz. I had a PST 2 before the LRHS and liked it, just not as much as the bushnell.

With that said, I’m Currently deciding between the XRS 2 and AMG.

AMG hands down. Big Bushnell fan here but the Razor and AMG are a step up in every category, glass, reticle, turrets, warranty,ect.

 

[adamjma]

after doing more research I’m not sure if the stryker’s windage turret locks or not. Can you confirm?

They both lock.

If I'm not mistaken the Delta Stryker is the same basic optical formula as the Razor G2 as both are made at LOW. Paging @koshkin to confirm.

[EDIT: I was incorrect as the esteemed @koshkin relates below. Will leave the original text up with a strikethrough.]

 

[koshkin]

They both lock.

If I'm not mistaken the Delta Stryker is the same basic optical formula as the Razor G2 as both are made at LOW. Paging @koshkin to confirm.

Both are made by LOW, but these are different designs.

ILya

 

[adamjma]

Both are made by LOW, but these are different designs.

ILya

Thank you kind sir for correcting me.

 

[A-Rob]

I have a LRTS and also have a Cronus. I had an ETR. If locking windage is a must, the ETR is very nice for the price (I paid $900 new for mine) and to my eyes it doesn’t give up much to the Cronus and the turrets feel better. I can’t remember how it looked compared to the LRTS, but it sure looked good to me. I would really like to try the Stryker, but finding a used one is difficult.