11-02-2021, 10:42 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-02-2021, 11:01 PM by drewthebrave.)
Refocusing your optics can definitely help - I usually wear contacts when shooting or hunting, but if I shoot with my prescription glasses, the reticle is sometimes a little out of focus. Go figure. It's never a big difference, but a slight adjustment to the diopter helps.
I have magnified optics on virtually all of my rifles, and have REALLY settled into a preference for the 3~15x magnification range for all-around usage. While 3-9x is plenty for most of my typical uses, the extra mag at 15x really boosts my confidence in taking shots at longer ranges.
Here's my quick take on what I have below:
Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 - Came with my Savage MkII .22LR. It's fine for a range toy plinker. If it's all you can afford, it'll do the trick. Probably not what you're looking for.
Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9x40 - Good mid/lightweight optic, with center-dot illumination. It's still a good scope, but maybe a little less than ideal for what you want.
SWFA 3-15x42 SFP - The extra magnification up top really helps boost my confidence when target shooting beyond 300 yards. The SPF reticle is good for drawing my eye to the center quickly. This lives on my Grendel, and makes ringing steel at 600 yards boringly repeatable. I think this would be a great optic for you if you can find a used one under $500.
Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x - This has quickly become my favorite "budget" optic. It does everything the SWFA does, except it also has a well-designed tree reticle, illumination, and zero stop. This lives on my SPR 5.56 build which is my "go to" gun currently. I think this optic represents the best overall value per dollar spent, and would be a great choice for you.
Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR II 3.5-21x50 - Built like a tank. 21x on the top helps me confidently reach out even farther with my 6.5 Creedmoor. Glass is good, and the G3 reticle is underrated. A little heavy, but fits right at home on my big-frame AR. If you don't mind the extra weight, this scope would be a good option.
Keep an eye out for discounts on an Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x or ETR 3-18x around Black Friday. The Ares BTR is in league with the Vortex Viper PST Gen2, and the new ETR is a step above in terms of glass quality, nipping at the heels of the Razor.
I have magnified optics on virtually all of my rifles, and have REALLY settled into a preference for the 3~15x magnification range for all-around usage. While 3-9x is plenty for most of my typical uses, the extra mag at 15x really boosts my confidence in taking shots at longer ranges.
Here's my quick take on what I have below:
Burris Fullfield II 3-9x40 - Came with my Savage MkII .22LR. It's fine for a range toy plinker. If it's all you can afford, it'll do the trick. Probably not what you're looking for.
Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9x40 - Good mid/lightweight optic, with center-dot illumination. It's still a good scope, but maybe a little less than ideal for what you want.
SWFA 3-15x42 SFP - The extra magnification up top really helps boost my confidence when target shooting beyond 300 yards. The SPF reticle is good for drawing my eye to the center quickly. This lives on my Grendel, and makes ringing steel at 600 yards boringly repeatable. I think this would be a great optic for you if you can find a used one under $500.
Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x - This has quickly become my favorite "budget" optic. It does everything the SWFA does, except it also has a well-designed tree reticle, illumination, and zero stop. This lives on my SPR 5.56 build which is my "go to" gun currently. I think this optic represents the best overall value per dollar spent, and would be a great choice for you.
Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR II 3.5-21x50 - Built like a tank. 21x on the top helps me confidently reach out even farther with my 6.5 Creedmoor. Glass is good, and the G3 reticle is underrated. A little heavy, but fits right at home on my big-frame AR. If you don't mind the extra weight, this scope would be a good option.
Keep an eye out for discounts on an Athlon Ares BTR 2.5-15x or ETR 3-18x around Black Friday. The Ares BTR is in league with the Vortex Viper PST Gen2, and the new ETR is a step above in terms of glass quality, nipping at the heels of the Razor.