Which scope to buy

[SS427]

Paid off the house last month so in the market for a new scope and wanting some input from you guys. I'm not committed to any one direction...I'm thinking of a fixed power lightweight scope to make weight with a 6PPC, but am also considering another variable power with no regard for weight. Budget is set at about 1,500.

On my short list with comments are the following:

Valdada 36x - great reviews but I like more power. Only draw back to this one I've read about is the lower power.
Leupold 45X - mixed reviews lately with criticism about holding zero. Like the high power, lightweight and the warranty. And it is a local company.
Nightforce 42X - again, mixed reviews lately about these competition scopes on holding zero. Higher price than I want to spend, but I am also in the market for a Ruger 10/22 which offsets the price a little.
Vortex Golden Eagle - great reviews since introduction with very little negative. Holds zero. Great reticle option. On the high side of what I want to spend and heavy. I'm always leery of newer brands, but Vortex seems to have proven themselves.
Sightron SIII 10-50x - already have one and it is a great scope below budget. No issues and to my eyes as clear/bright as any scope I own including a NF competition. BIG objective. But I already have one and they are heavier.

Any comments would be appreciated. Things I have not considered...other points of views...other problems or pros I have not listed. Another scope I should consider.

 

[MN50Shooter]

I have a NF 8x32x56 NXS on my 50 BMG and love it. It tracks well (I shoot 1000 yd FCSA matches) at all ranges, and is crystal clear. I tried cheaper scopes but they didn't hold up to the punishment. I had 2 (cheaper scopes) fail in a single match.

I had a NF 12x42x56 Benchrest but found that when in my firing position (I only shoot bench due to disability) I was unable to reach the Parallax adjustment on the front of the scope. Changed to the NXS with side Parallax, and am totally happy with it.

PS: Congrats on paying off the house. Free's up funds to support our hobby's

 

[300_whisper]

I have an Athlon Cronus. It’s a top tier scope. The older gen 1 model is on sale for $999 at cabelas. The newer version of it has thinner crosshairs. It normally retails from 1600-1800 and easily competes with the vortex razor. It’s got a 34 mm tube, FFP, 120 MOA windage and elevation, illuminated reticle, tracks spot on, loud, tactile clicks, high density glass. Overall nice scope. I’m extremely pleased with it.

If you’re using it for benchrest the 4.5x29x56 is plenty to get close on the Target. Only issue I see is if it’s FFP the crosshairs could cover up the Target.

 

[slm9s]

I bought a golden eagle thinking it would be a step up from my SIII's. I sent it back after ten minutes of comparing them.

If I were you, I'd probably be looking at the NF 42x

 

[R.Morehouse]

There is a fixed 50 March in the classifieds for $1400. That is what i use on my 10.5 6ppc here in Pa. and am very happy with it..........Just Sayin'

Regards
Rick

 

[Mozella]

I bought a golden eagle thinking it would be a step up from my SIII's. I sent it back after ten minutes of comparing them.

If I were you, I'd probably be looking at the NF 42x

Here's another data point for the OP.

I have both the Vortex Golden Eagle and a Sightron SIII. I'd give two Sightron SIII's for one Golden Eagle, or one and a half anyway. Which I guess proves something about different strokes for different folks.

Several people with Night Force scopes costing $1000 more than my Vortex Golden Eagle claim that they think my scope is better than their Night Force, especially for early morning matches when we're shooting into the sun.

So while I have no plans to dump my Sightron III, the next scope I buy is likely to be another Golden Eagle.

 

[Medath]

And what can you say about X-SIGHT II HD SERIES from ATN? The price is lower but characteristics are good.

 

[Shynloco]

I bought a golden eagle thinking it would be a step up from my SIII's. I sent it back after ten minutes of comparing them.

If I were you, I'd probably be looking at the NF 42x

Just goes to show......Different strokes for different folks! Ain't no way in hell I'd swap my Golden Eagle for a Nightforce 42X. Been there, done that.

Alex

 

[Capt. Oblivious]

Here's another data point for the OP.

I have both the Vortex Golden Eagle and a Sightron SIII. I'd give two Sightron SIII's for one Golden Eagle, or one and a half anyway. Which I guess proves something about different strokes for different folks.

Several people with Night Force scopes costing $1000 more than my Vortex Golden Eagle claim that they think my scope is better than their Night Force, especially for early morning matches when we're shooting into the sun.

So while I have no plans to dump my Sightron III, the next scope I buy is likely to be another Golden Eagle.

My GE blows any sightron I have ever owned or looked at so far out the water I wont even be able to catch it again, that said id still buy a S3 if I wasnt looking to see scoring rings out far.

 

[SS427]

Several posts that confirm what I'm hearing about the Golden Eagle. It is the top contender, but still open to a great deal on a Leupold competition model and might still get the Sightron for under $900 at Big Supply since sitting on $600 improves my vision. Was hoping Cyber Monday brought something my way, but so far not.

 

[SS427]

Money talks. Best deal was essentially 20% off the Golden Eagle. That puts it in the price range of where I could sell it and not take much of a loss if I don't like it.

I will have to do a Pepsi challenge with the GE, Sightron 10-50x and NF Competition.