XRSII alternative with better reticle?

[fullsemiauto556]

I like my Bushnell XRSII overall, but have grown to dislike the Horus H59 reticle and lack of illumination as well. I like the small floating center dot, but find the rest of the reticle to give me a visual overload (more like a mental screwing).

I also have an Arken SH4 6-24x50 Gen2 and really like that reticle, but the image clarity is definitely not as good as the ED glass in the XRSII.


Deal with a reticle I don't care for while having a clear image or buy another Arken and suffer with lower image quality?

I suppose I could resell the XRSII and try to find something with a comparable reticle to the Arken, maybe in the $1000 - $1200 range? I noticed Cameraland has an open box Cronus Gen2 for $1400, but that's pushing the budget a little bit.


*Rifle is a Howa 1500 .308 and I shoot during daylight hours, mainly out to 300 yards, but hoping to make 400-600 yards happen several times per year. The 300 yard line is in a somewhat dark wooded area, so illumination could definitely help on those overcast days.



~250 yards, 20X on both scopes, cell phone pics
XRSII on left, Arken on right.

 

[Schw15]

Athlon ares etr is great too. Cattleman99 has one on oxygen he's a dealer or the Cronus. Both are great scopes had both and reticle are the best in my opinion simple but work great. In that price range can't beat those. The cronus is way better than the Bushnell xrs2 h-59 had that one too.

 

[TRPrecision]

I just switched from an XRS2 with the g3 reticle to a Cronus Gen2 APRS6. Shot my first match with the Cronus this past weekend, WOW what a difference! The Cronus is better in every aspect than my XRS2. I would try and stretch that budget a little if you can, the Cronus is worth it.

 

[Schw15]

I moved up to the minox lr which is great best scope I've ever had. It is better than cronus but cost $2000 compared to $1300 thought about going back to the cronus. Sell and stick $600 in my pocket or so.

 

[fullsemiauto556]

I just switched from an XRS2 with the g3 reticle to a Cronus Gen2 APRS6. Shot my first match with the Cronus this past weekend, WOW what a difference! The Cronus is better in every aspect than my XRS2. I would try and stretch that budget a little if you can, the Cronus is worth it.

Maybe I should think about a used gen1 Cronus? There's one in the PX section with the APRS reticle.

 

[TRPrecision]

Maybe I should think about a used gen1 Cronus? There's one in the PX section with the APRS reticle.

I have no experience with the gen1. I know the APRS6 is floating dot center VS the floating cross on the APRS. I am sure others can chime in on the gen1 vs gen2 debate, there have been several threads discussing it.

 

[Schw15]

They changed the reticle and heard the turrets were a little more stiff. But same glass. I like the floating dot I didn't like the cross

 

[Thorbeast]

I moved up to the minox lr which is great best scope I've ever had. It is better than cronus but cost $2000 compared to $1300 thought about going back to the cronus. Sell and stick $600 in my pocket or so.

What's the warranty like in the minox? I've read that they only cover the original owner, is that true? Anyway, if you have the minox, Id keep it unless you are really hard up for cash, not that there is a anything wrong with the Cronus, but I bet you'd regret that decision long after the extra cash is gone.

 

[fullsemiauto556]

They changed the reticle and heard the turrets were a little more stiff. But same glass. I like the floating dot I didn't like the cross

Looks like the cross is pretty thin. Is that what you didn't like, or was it just the fact that it's a cross design?

 

[Schw15]

What's the warranty like in the minox? I've read that they only cover the original owner, is that true? Anyway, if you have the minox, Id keep it unless you are really hard up for cash, not that there is a anything wrong with the Cronus, but I bet you'd regret that decision long after the extra cash is gone.

I think they changed that But now you have me curious so I will double Check. Yes you are probably right it is a great scope

 

[Schw15]

Looks like the cross is pretty thin. Is that what you didn't like, or was it just the fact that it's a cross design?

I'm a huge fan of floating dots so so the cross hair takes out more room over your target and I kind of got annoying to me it's just a personal preference That is one reason why I got rid of the Cronus

 

[fdkay]

I have an Athlon Chronus 4.5-29, while I like the scope, it has a small eye box at max magnification. the glass is good, the reticle is good, the turrets are stiff, the clicks both audible and tactile. Overall, a pretty damn good scope for the price.
However, comparing it to my Sightron SV 4.5-24, the sightron has a picture that is more appealing to my eye, it is MUCH easier to get behind at max magnification. the model I have does not have a zero stop, that that is another point in favor of the Athlon. I find that I enjoy the experience of the Sightron more than the Athlon.

Than being said, have you considered the Sightron 6-24 PLR series? Then only real knock on sightrons is they tend to have smaller FOV's.
For a scope priced between the Arken and the Sightron, the Glx series from primary arms are really decent scopes, made in the Philippines. That is the Glx NOT the Slx. The Plx are another step up to Japanese made optics

 

[BCP]

Vortex has some scopes with those sorts of reticules and illumination.

 

[fullsemiauto556]

I have an Athlon Chronus 4.5-29, while I like the scope, it has a small eye box at max magnification. the glass is good, the reticle is good, the turrets are stiff, the clicks both audible and tactile. Overall, a pretty damn good scope for the price.
However, comparing it to my Sightron SV 4.5-24, the sightron has a picture that is more appealing to my eye, it is MUCH easier to get behind at max magnification. the model I have does not have a zero stop, that that is another point in favor of the Athlon. I find that I enjoy the experience of the Sightron more than the Athlon.

Than being said, have you considered the Sightron 6-24 PLR series? Then only real knock on sightrons is they tend to have smaller FOV's.
For a scope priced between the Arken and the Sightron, the Glx series from primary arms are really decent scopes, made in the Philippines. That is the Glx NOT the Slx. The Plx are another step up to Japanese made optics

I know diddly squat about Sightron and haven't looked at anything from Primary Arms in a few years.

 

[fullsemiauto556]

Vortex has some scopes with those sorts of reticules and illumination.

The only thing I'd consider from Vortex is a Razor HD GenII offering. But that's really pushing the budget.

 

[Schw15]

The cronus is lighter and better glass than the razor in my opinion. I know a lot of guys love the razor but I never was to impressed glass wise seemed to get fuzzy after 16 to 18 power.

 

[fdkay]

I know diddly squat about Sightron and haven't looked at anything from Primary Arms in a few years.

Sightron SIII scopes have been highly regarded for years. They finally updated some of the product line to appeal to PRS and tactical shooters.

 

[fullsemiauto556]

Sightron SIII scopes have been highly regarded for years. They finally updated some of the product line to appeal to PRS and tactical shooters.

I'm really sold on 34mm tubes and it looks like those are 30mm. Nice looking scope though.

 

[fullsemiauto556]

Thoughts on this used Ares ETR in the PX? The only downside I see is the APRS1 reticle and center dot is pretty small at 0.03 ? Kinda seems like the APRS6 reticle is nicer and a 0.05 center dot.

*edit, APRS6 has a 0.04 center dot

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/ares-etr-4-5-30x56-aprs1-mil.7092167/#post-9715162

 

[Hickswr]

I paid $925 for my second Cronus that was in excellent condition. Patience is a virtue. Been extremely impressed with them thus far.

 

[Schw15]

Thoughts on this used Ares ETR in the PX? The only downside I see is the APRS1 reticle and center dot is pretty small at 0.03 ? Kinda seems like the APRS6 reticle is nicer and a 0.05 center dot.

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/ares-etr-4-5-30x56-aprs1-mil.7092167/#post-9715162

That's a pretty good price on the etr. It's not as good as glass. Made in China cronus made in Japan but a solid scope I really enjoyed mine. Might grab that up

 

[fullsemiauto556]

I really like the looks of that APRS6 reticle in the newer Athlon models with the 0.05 floating center dot. The Arken has a 0.04 dot and I find it just a little small for my liking, so that removes anything with the Athlon APRS1 reticle (0.03 center dot) from my consideration list.

*edit, APRS6 has a 0.04 center dot

 

[Schw15]

I really like the looks of that APRS6 reticle in the newer Athlon models with the 0.05 floating center dot. The Arken has a 0.04 dot and I find it just a little small for my liking, so that removes anything with the Athlon APRS1 reticle (0.03 center dot) from my consideration list.

Optics - Athlon Ares ETR APRS6 Mil

We have just one of these left. This is the model with the new APRS6 Mil reticle. They will not be available until November, so here's your chance to snag one of the few out on the market currently! $1,199.99 with free shipping, tax included!

www.snipershide.com

 

[Adam B]

Sightron SIII scopes have been highly regarded for years. They finally updated some of the product line to appeal to PRS and tactical shooters.

While this is true, that revolves around the bench rest and hunting arenas. Once you get into the PRS/NRL market you will find out how well your scope internals are made real quick.

 

[fullsemiauto556]

Optics - Athlon Ares ETR APRS6 Mil

We have just one of these left. This is the model with the new APRS6 Mil reticle. They will not be available until November, so here's your chance to snag one of the few out on the market currently! $1,199.99 with free shipping, tax included!

www.snipershide.com

Think spending another $200 for the open box Cronus BTR Gen2 at CameraLand would be worth it?

 

[Schw15]

Think spending another $200 for the open box Cronus BTR Gen2 at CameraLand would be worth it?

In my opinion yes for the $200 the glass is better. Also pm cattleman99 he might have a good deal on one. Both places have treated me well on scopes with good deals.

 

[fdkay]

While this is true, that revolves around the bench rest and hunting arenas. Once you get into the PRS/NRL market you will find out how well your scope internals are made real quick.

Are you saying there is an issue with their internals?

 

[TRPrecision]

Think spending another $200 for the open box Cronus BTR Gen2 at CameraLand would be worth it?

There is very little comparison between the image quality between the Ares and Cronus. I have looked through both on the bench at the same time. The Ares is ok, but is far from being in the same league as the Cronus. Athlon has a solid warranty, spend the extra coin and don't be worried about the open box. If there is any issue with the scope, Athlon will make it right.

 

[Schw15]

There is very little comparison between the image quality between the Ares and Cronus. I have looked through both on the bench at the same time. The Ares is ok, but is far from being in the same league as the Cronus. Athlon has a solid warranty, spend the extra coin and don't be worried about the open box. If there is any issue with the scope, Athlon will make it right.

The big difference is lower light mornings and evenings. Day time like most scopes cant tell much of a difference.

 

[TRPrecision]

Looking at impact marks on a plate at 1000y, can clearly see each individual impact with the Cronus, just looks like a grey blob on the plate with the Ares. I am not knocking the Ares, it is a good optic and a solid choice, it just does not hold up against the Cronus when you can buy one at $1399;-)

 

[Schw15]

Looking at impact marks on a plate at 1000y, can clearly see each individual impact with the Cronus, just looks like a grey blob on the plate with the Ares. I am not knocking the Ares, it is a good optic and a solid choice, it just does not hold up against the Cronus when you can buy one at $1399;-)

Very good call. I shot 1 mile to 1900 yards with them mainly side by side ect. So the fine detail at 1000 wasnt a concern. But the cronus hands down is one of the best scopes out there for the money. I had it next to a nightforce atarc several times and I say pretty darn close or even with my eyes the type of shooting we do.

 

[Adam B]

Are you saying there is an issue with their internals?

Not at all, I am just saying they haven't proven themselves from extended use in the field

 

[YotaEer]

I really like the looks of that APRS6 reticle in the newer Athlon models with the 0.05 floating center dot. The Arken has a 0.04 dot and I find it just a little small for my liking, so that removes anything with the Athlon APRS1 reticle (0.03 center dot) from my consideration list.

*edit, APRS6 has a 0.04 center dot

APRS6 is easier to see than APRS1.

First Cronus was APRS that replaced an Ares ETR with APRS1. I prefer floating dot over cross but dot was too small in APRS1. second Cronus had APRS6. Much better turrets on the newest Cronus.

 

[fdkay]

Not at all, I am just saying they haven't proven themselves from extended use in the field

They have been around a very long time and enjoy considerable success in other shooting disciplines including F Class.
Those folks have no desire for scopes that don't track and hold zero.
It would be interesting to see a few of the 6-24 plr scopes at comps. I think they offer a good bang for the buck and should be considered along with other scopes in their class.

 

[Adam B]

I agree with you 100% the point I am making is that when you start dialing up and down that takes a toll on the internals. All the benchrest and F class guys make very small adjustments that are nothing like what PRS guys make at each stage.

 

[CK1.0]

Buy a Razor HDG2, either new from Liberty Optics (if you can wait a few weeks), or used from the PX for ~$1700...

...chances are you'll end up getting a scope that costs as much sooner or later anyway, might as well be sooner.

Shoot it for a while (but don't beat the shit out of it or scratch it up too much), and if you don't like it, sell it in the PX for around the same ~$1700, or, decide it's worth the extra money over your original budget and shoot it for a while.

One day you may decide that life would obviously be much better with a more Gucci scope... until then, the Razor will do.

 

[fullsemiauto556]

Buy a Razor HDG2, either new from Liberty Optics (if you can wait a few weeks), or used from the PX for ~$1700...

...chances are you'll end up getting a scope that costs as much sooner or later anyway, might as well be sooner.

Shoot it for a while (but don't beat the shit out of it or scratch it up too much), and if you don't like it, sell it in the PX for around the same ~$1700, or, decide it's worth the extra money over your original budget and shoot it for a while.

One day you may decide that life would obviously be much better with a more Gucci scope... until then, the Razor will do.

The Razor and Cronus are my top choices in the "stretch the budget" category.

 

[CK1.0]

The Razor and Cronus are my top choices in the "stretch the budget" category.

I just think if you can grab an "industry standard" if you stretch your money you'll be better off, especially if you one day decide it isn't quite right and want to flip it in order to fund trying something else...

I'm not a fanboy or suggesting one because I have one, but Razor HDG2's might as well be called "the one size fits most-everything except hunting-scope" and they have a universally accepted level of performance that is mostly agreed upon (including secondary market pre-owned value).

I'd be terrible if I worked at a gun store, because I'd say something similar to anyone looking at pistols in the ~$400 range: just spend a little more and get a Glock, because it's an "industry standard" for a reason, and you can easily turn a Glock back into $$$ if you don't like it and want to try something else... with some Taurus or whatever, not so much.

 

[fullsemiauto556]

I just think if you can grab an "industry standard" if you stretch your money you'll be better off, especially if you one day decide it isn't quite right and want to flip it in order to fund trying something else...

I'm not a fanboy or suggesting one because I have one, but Razor HDG2's might as well be called "the one size fits most-everything except hunting-scope" and they have a universally accepted level of performance that is mostly agreed upon (including secondary market pre-owned value).

I'd be terrible if I worked at a gun store, because I'd say something similar to anyone looking at pistols in the ~$400 range: just spend a little more and get a Glock, because it's an "industry standard" for a reason, and you can easily turn a Glock back into $$$ if you don't like it and want to try something else... with some Taurus or whatever, not so much.

I totally understand what your saying. In my short amount of time on this forum, I've figured out the Razor and Cronus are popular. I know there are tons of other scopes out there, but I'm pretty burned out on playing the try this and try that game. I've never even heard of some of these brands of scopes being mentioned in the threads I've perused and many of the ones I have heard of, I've never seen in person before. All of the local shops in my area carry Vortex, Hawke, Sig and Leupold. It's pretty run of the mill stuff.

 

[fullsemiauto556]

It would be nice if I could compare scopes in person, but that just isn't the case usually. So I'm mostly stuck going by online reviews, sources and opinions. I imagine that isn't much different than most other people.

 

[Schw15]

It would be nice if I could compare scopes in person, but that just isn't the case usually. So I'm mostly stuck going by online reviews, sources and opinions. I imagine that isn't much different than most other people.

Put it this way camralandny doesn't carry Vortex anymore to many issues and they carry Athlon. Camralandny is a huge commercial of the hide and Doug is the go to guy for info and help. Call him he carries alot of other brands ect he will find you a great deal in your budget and my offer something else.

 

[CK1.0]

I totally understand what your saying. In my short amount of time on this forum, I've figured out the Razor and Cronus are popular. I know there are tons of other scopes out there, but I'm pretty burned out on playing the try this and try that game. I've never even heard of some of these brands of scopes being mentioned in the threads I've perused and many of the ones I have heard of, I've never seen in person before. All of the local shops in my area carry Vortex, Hawke, Sig and Leupold. It's pretty run of the mill stuff.

Honestly IMO if you already have an Arken SH4 G2, then you already have the best budget scope out there and don't even need to bother with anything less than going straight to the tier where the ubiquitous LOW scope that is the Razor/Cronus lives... they're the same exact scope on the inside, pick one. https://sageratsafaris.com/light-optical-works-japan/

 

[CK1.0]

Another option might be: just get another XRS with a better reticle?

They keep making them, so there must be some weirdos out there who like super busy reticles and who'll take that Horus aberration off your hands...

 

[fullsemiauto556]

I don't think another XRSII is an option for me. The only other reticle I'm seeing is a G3 non-illuminated and that's not really what I want.

Looking at the Vortex EBR-7C reticle vs the Athlon APRS6 reticle, I definitely prefer the Cronus reticle, at least just going by online pictures. The Athlon lines look just a tad smaller by the numbers, with both reticles having a 0.04 center dot. The APRS6 looks less cluttered, to my eyes at least.

 

[CK1.0]

I don't think another XRSII is an option for me. The only other reticle I'm seeing is a G3 non-illuminated and that's not really what I want.

Looking at the Vortex EBR-7C reticle vs the Athlon APRS6 reticle, I definitely prefer the Cronus reticle, at least just going by online pictures. The Athlon lines look just a tad smaller by the numbers, with both reticles having a 0.04 center dot. The APRS6 looks less cluttered, to my eyes at least.

View attachment 7708497

View attachment 7708499

Generally I’d say go with the less busy reticle... I mean I actually like the Arken VPR reticle more than the EBR-7C to a degree because it’s less cluttered and has finer lines... but in this case, IMO from a nuts and bolts standpoint, the EBR-7C is better than the Athlon’s because while they’re nearly the same the Vortex’s does more, like: at the top of the reticle, having hashes every tenth to use for measuring is huge and I use it all the time from checking/perfecting my zero, to measuring impacts to POA when truing and fine tuning velocity and BC for my calculator...

 

[fullsemiauto556]

Generally I’d say go with the less busy reticle... I mean I actually like the Arken VPR reticle more than the EBR-7C to a degree because it’s less cluttered and has finer lines... but in this case, IMO from a nuts and bolts standpoint, the EBR-7C is better than the Athlon’s because while they’re nearly the same the Vortex’s does more, like: at the top of the reticle, having hashes every tenth to use for measuring is huge and I use it all the time from checking/perfecting my zero, to measuring impacts to POA when truing and fine tuning velocity and BC for my calculator...

I only use the tree portion of the reticle for measuring impacts in relation to POA, or holding for wind on rimfire setups that don't have enough elevation. I have no current use for anything above the horizontal stadia. I'm still very much a novice though when it comes to using these types of precision/long range oriented scopes, so some of the features/benefits of them may not be needed for what I want to do or I may just not know enough about how to use them properly.

 

[fdkay]

TORIC UHD 4.5-30X56 34mm MRAD ELR FFP Rifle Scope

This extreme long range rifle scope is specifically designed for the shooter looking to maximize the performance of his cartridge.

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[Schw15]

The tract delta and cronus are about the same scope besides different reticles. Made in same factory. All great options but cronus is the cheapest with no locking turret like the other ones.

 

[fdkay]

The tract delta and cronus are about the same scope besides different reticles. Made in same factory. All great options but cronus is the cheapest with no locking turret like the other ones.

Just because they are made in the same factory, doesn't mean they are the same scope, for example the tract uses Schott high transmission glass, there is a difference.
It is another option.
I understand, you have some emotional investment in Athlon, whatever.
I own a Cronus, I like it. My Sightron SV is better.

 

[Schw15]

Just because they are made in the same factory, doesn't mean they are the same scope, for example the tract uses Schott high transmission glass, there is a difference.
It is another option.
I understand, you have some emotional investment in Athlon, whatever.
I own a Cronus, I like it. My Sightron SV is better.

Haha do some research and you will find out that all 3 scopes are made the same by ome look the same but that's not me saying it look it up. No emotional investment in anything don't even own one now but he wants the best scope he can for the cheapest he can get. So that means all 3 are same cronus is cheaper.