Looking for a FFP, Mil/Mil, zero stop, reliable tracking scope that won’t break the bank. Just putting it on a 5.56 for plinking to save a bit of money on ammo and my precious creedmoor (Gollum reference). So realistically won’t be shooting much past 600 yards. Had my eye on the Athlon Argos BTR $390. Also looked at the Athlon Ares BTR $850.... anyone have experience with either of the two?
Cheap reliable scope advice...
- Thread starter Kramerica
- Start date
find the retical u like first and then choose the best power range u and afford. I like the Sightron 10x50x60 with the MOA-H retical. If the wind comes up I have good windage vertical holds and the glass is clear with low or high bright conditions. The side parallax is a must have to focus in on your target. That dial is a little bit tight but I think it may become smooth like my Weaver 46x48, T36, 6x24x42, 3x12x50 and 5x20x50 Grand Slams. I always purchase a scope and then find a rifle to mount it on. I also use the Burris Signature rings and DIP rails on all my rifles. Good luck
a Weaver 46x48 top and Sightron bottom:
Weaver T XR 46x48 FC 1/16" dot
Sightron 10x50x60 MOA-H
Weaver T36 FC
Weaver 5x20x50 GS Varmint EBX
Weaver 6x24x42 Ballistic X
Weaver 3x12x50 Varmint EBX
a Weaver 46x48 top and Sightron bottom:
Weaver T XR 46x48 FC 1/16" dot
Sightron 10x50x60 MOA-H
Weaver T36 FC
Weaver 5x20x50 GS Varmint EBX
Weaver 6x24x42 Ballistic X
Weaver 3x12x50 Varmint EBX
Graf’s is showing a new Sightron s-tac 4-20x50 with the new zero stop. # SI-26016 Ilummination,mil,FFP. $699
I have the Cronus, weaver tacticals, and SWFA. I am the king of barely getting into the “high end” scope category. Lol
I’ve only put onescope through a hell of a beating and it was the SWFA 3-15x42mm . It was at my first PRS match. Turrets tracked, got knocked around, didn’t lose zero, held up in the rain and cold. Couldn’t be happier. I have that model on my AR10 .308, my custom AR15 .223, and my gen II 5R in 6.5 CM.
I have a fixed 6x SWFA on a .300BO that is awesome for 300 yards and under.
My brother has the Athlon Argos on a custom AR15 .223. No complaints from him. Holds zero, uses the FFP reticle for hold overs fine.
I’ve owned an Ares as well. Got rid of it because I moved over to MIL/MIL. The Ares is on par with the vortex GEN II PST. Honestly, it is it’s direct competitor. The Cronus is top notch though. The Gen II Cronus retail brand new for $1700, but you can find used Gen I for $900 on the forum.
I’ve only put onescope through a hell of a beating and it was the SWFA 3-15x42mm . It was at my first PRS match. Turrets tracked, got knocked around, didn’t lose zero, held up in the rain and cold. Couldn’t be happier. I have that model on my AR10 .308, my custom AR15 .223, and my gen II 5R in 6.5 CM.
I have a fixed 6x SWFA on a .300BO that is awesome for 300 yards and under.
My brother has the Athlon Argos on a custom AR15 .223. No complaints from him. Holds zero, uses the FFP reticle for hold overs fine.
I’ve owned an Ares as well. Got rid of it because I moved over to MIL/MIL. The Ares is on par with the vortex GEN II PST. Honestly, it is it’s direct competitor. The Cronus is top notch though. The Gen II Cronus retail brand new for $1700, but you can find used Gen I for $900 on the forum.
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The cheapest you'll get that are worth a darn are the SWFA SS's.
The Ares BTR I, tested pretty thoroughly. I didn't personally like it but it was 100% functional with good clicks values and decent glass clarity. For the price though, you're into used Burris XTR II territory which is a MUCH better scope. Not even on the same planet.
The Ares BTR I, tested pretty thoroughly. I didn't personally like it but it was 100% functional with good clicks values and decent glass clarity. For the price though, you're into used Burris XTR II territory which is a MUCH better scope. Not even on the same planet.
One good thing about SWFA is (no middle man) these are in house scopes that south west fire arms owns the design, they are lifetime warranty, and built to withstand almost anything including an overnight in salt water marina or the recoil of a 50 BMG
JMayo
Silver $$ Contributor
Wow they've gone up !
I got one for a muzzle loader. It's still on it. Hasn't been shot in 20yrs
I just got one of these about a month ago and really happy with it so far. Not sure who is making them for Cabela's, but it does have alot of what you're looking for. It's 34mm tube, zero stop, FFP Mil-Mil Christmas tree reticle. Cabela's is really good standing behind the goods, in my experience, seemed like a low/no risk deal.
I have the SRP678M 8-32 x 50 AO and in terms of "most bang for the buck" it can't be beat.
I shoot the SWFA Straight 10 Power Mil-Quad w/Mil Adjustments in NRA Mid Range Prone Tactical AR out to 600 yards(2 MOA/Service Rifle Targets). This glass is plenty good enough.
Side Note: I use this scope training with my kids on a .22LR shooting 200+ Yards(4-5 Mils drop). Similar drop to the 6.5 CM @ 700-800 yards.
YMMV
- 10x is fine out to 600 Yards on a 5.56.
- Reticle is thin/fine enough for precision hold-offs.
- Field of View is nice & wide.
- The glass is OK. There is certainly better out there(+$$$). But this works fine for me.
- SWFA has plenty of Elevation Adjustment(35 Mils). Standard Mount(no +20 or +30 MOA is needed). You should easily get out to 800+ Yards with most High Power Rifle calibers.
- MIL-Quad Reticle has and additional 10 Mils available for Holdover on it.
- Turret Tracking is certainly good enough for precision work @ 600 yards.
- Scope seems to be pretty rugged.
- Low Cost....around $300(I buy mine on Black Friday & Get Free Rings & Stuff with it).
Side Note: I use this scope training with my kids on a .22LR shooting 200+ Yards(4-5 Mils drop). Similar drop to the 6.5 CM @ 700-800 yards.
YMMV
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