2018 Budget 1000 yard scope?

Ronan · Aug 6, 2018

I have been doing a lot of research on this, but i'm curious to hear what people around here can suggest for a $300-$500 scope (new or used) for a 1000 yard 6.5 grendel build.

I don't have the best eyes, so i think i would tend to want more zoom than the average user.

I wear glasses if that matters (i know some scopes have very poor eye relief).

Curious to hear what people suggest

P.S: Yes i know, plenty of very expensive glass out there, i myself used very, very expensive professional Nikon lenses when i shot professionally. I'm not planning to compete or anything, so makes zero sense for me to waste money on expensive glass.

Major03 · Aug 6, 2018

Fixed 20x SWFA super sniper would be my recommendation. In that price range I would avoid scopes named after birds of prey.

In general I’d avoid scopes with variable power, side parralax adjustment and illuminated reticles...those extras come at a cost at that price range and that’s mostly in glass quality. 1000 yds is very unforgiving when it comes to poor glass.

Good scopes don’t have to cost a lot, but you get what you pay for with optics. Keep the bells and whistles to a minimum and get good glass with repeatable adjustments

Ronan · Aug 6, 2018

Thank you. Been looking at it, but problem with fixed is that i'll be doing a lot of 300 and 500 shooting too. Most likely more than 1000 since that range is further away.

ClutchyMcClutcherson · Aug 6, 2018

Athlon Argos is nice for that price range. If you spend a little more you could go for an Athlon Ares, or a Vortex Viper. I looked through the Ares, Argos, and Viper PST II when I was buying mine. I ended up spending extra for the Vortex because it felt better to me. But the glass on both Athlon’s were nice.

Cuttyfunk · Aug 6, 2018

I have seen a few gen 1 pst go for $500 - $550 just FYI.

Bountied · Aug 6, 2018

Cuttyfunk said:
I have seen a few gen 1 pst go for $500 - $550 just FYI.

Since the Gen IIs came out the Gen Is are very affordable. I have an HST SFP and a PST FFP in 6-24. I think I paid close to $1000 for each, but now I see them for $500 all over. They are both good scopes but the zero stop on the new Gen IIs vs the shims on the Gen Is is a lot nicer, plus the turrets are a huge step up.

Ronan · Aug 6, 2018

MIL or MOA?

Seems to be divided in half... Read the articles... I can't tell which one is 'right' for me... Or when I'm taking courses, what is recommended...

fidelity · Aug 6, 2018

ClutchyMcClutcherson said:
Athlon Argos is nice for that price range. If you spend a little more you could go for an Athlon Ares, or a Vortex Viper. I looked through the Ares, Argos, and Viper PST II when I was buying mine. I ended up spending extra for the Vortex because it felt better to me. But the glass on both Athlon’s were nice.

No experience with these, but saw an open box model on sale today for $330 ...

https://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1132733#/topics/1132733

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

bigdv · Aug 6, 2018

https://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Targ...3595628&sr=8-1&keywords=mueller+scope+8-32x44

I have one of these. I am very happy with it. I've got it mounted on my Savage Mark II 22LR. I have achieved very nice 200 yard groups with the scope and rifle combo. Can tag 300 yard targets as well. Have not and will not test it to 1k yards with a 22LR. But I have no doubt it would be awesome with a 6.5.

Speed3 · Aug 6, 2018

All the above suggestions are good, vortex and Athlon.

I just got a new scope and have this one for sale if it suits your needs.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...-adjustments-side-focus-mil-dot-reticle-matte

bbradshaw21 · Aug 6, 2018

what type of shooting are you planning on doing? just basic static position, banging away at steel? or positional prs style matches?

i'd look at a fixed power. like major03 said, they are cutting corners somewhere to get to the price point on the variables. plus the variable really only helps when you are transitioning between targets at varying distances / sizes and multiple positions ala prs.

i have a 12x swfa and love it. good glass, repeatable adjustments, holds zero with no problems, decent clicks on the turrets and a simple mil hash reticle. i've heard the 16x are nice too. both are well within your price range. the swfa 3-15 is also at the top end if you are looking for a variable with decent glass and repeatable turrets. if you check out their sample list page, there are always really good deals on used ones.

i also have an athlon midas tac 6-24x50 and really like it so far but that is getting out of your price range. the lower tier athlons do have good features for good value but you get what you pay for. better glass equals higher price.

Ronan · Aug 6, 2018

bbradshaw21 said:
what type of shooting are you planning on doing? just basic static position, banging away at steel? or positional prs style matches?

i'd look at a fixed power. like major03 said, they are cutting corners somewhere to get to the price point on the variables. plus the variable really only helps when you are transitioning between targets at varying distances / sizes and multiple positions ala prs.

i have a 12x swfa and love it. good glass, repeatable adjustments, holds zero with no problems, decent clicks on the turrets and a simple mil hash reticle. i've heard the 16x are nice too. both are well within your price range. the swfa 3-15 is also at the top end if you are looking for a variable with decent glass and repeatable turrets. if you check out their sample list page, there are always really good deals on used ones.

i also have an athlon midas tac 6-24x50 and really like it so far but that is getting out of your price range. the lower tier athlons do have good features for good value but you get what you pay for. better glass equals higher price.

I'll be learning to shoot 'long range' up to 1000 yards. Then i'll see where it takes me. So paper target, steel targets, etc.

Most likely from sitting/laying positions.

Because i'll mostly be doing 300 yards and some 500 yards nearby, i was thinking a variable is a most. The goal is 1000 yard, but that range is a bit further away so it will be later (but i don't want to go owning 2 scopes or anything).

Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50 - APMR FFP IR MIL seems to tick all the boxes. Sent some feelers out, if it doesn't work out there's that demo version that was posted (ty).

Any idea for rings? I'v seen $50 rings and $250 rings... haha...

Ronan · Aug 7, 2018

Athlon Optics Argos BTR 6-24x50 - APMR FFP IR MIL purchased

Looks like a solid scope, thank you everyone.

If anyone can recommend some good rings for it (budget friendly), that would be awesome.

Bountied · Aug 7, 2018

Ronan, these are my new favorite budget rings. I used to be a fan of the Warne rings but the split design makes it hard to level scopes easily. My favorites are Seekins precision rings but they are 2-3X more than the UTGs and they both have a similar design. I also like American Defense and Larue but they start getting pricey.

The heights on the rings are confusing, make sure to measure the objective bell and the ring height before purchase. UTG rings are much higher than normal rings. Low=Med med=High etc. Make sure to measure before purchasing.

https://www.amazon.com/UTG-Pro-Prof...D=41pSuQK%2BzML&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

bbradshaw21 · Aug 7, 2018

nice call on the scope. i think it will meet your needs. they have a lifetime warranty and solid customer service as well.

these are my go to rings

https://swfa.com/mounts-rings-and-bases.html?brand=SWFA SS&mount_ring_base_type=Ring+-+Pair

really solid rings for a decent price. very similar to burris rings

Swaim13 · Aug 7, 2018

I really like the vortex rings.

https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optic...65634&sr=1-3&keywords=Vortex+rings&th=1&psc=1

Racer Doug14 · Aug 7, 2018

Vortex Strike Eagle is <$500. They make higher mag now.

Ronan · Aug 7, 2018

Thank you!

Any advantage/disadvante to rings that are front/rear or the 1 piece?

OR

VS this style

ClutchyMcClutcherson · Aug 7, 2018

I’d go with the second picture cause that’s what I’ve always used. I’m sure there’s technical reasons why one is better than the other that I’m just not aware of.

Since you went with the Argos make sure you YouTube how to take the mushy-ness out of the turrets. Also there’s videos on how to make it have a zero stop.

There’s a member here E.Shell that does Long range classes. I asked these same questions when I first came on here and he was highly recommended by anyone that’s taken the class. I haven’t been fortunate enough to take the class yet, but maybe reach out to him if you want professional help with shooting at distance.

Bountied · Aug 9, 2018

If you are doing an AR style build go with an American defense 1 piece mount with 20moa built in. Like this. if you go with rings on an AR you will need extra high rings or a riser.
https://www.amazon.com/American-Defense-AD-RECON-20-MOA-STD/dp/B00M34XXPU

2018 Budget 1000 yard scope?

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