Athlon Ares ETR 3-18x50 vs ETR 4.5-30x56 vs BTR Gen 3 4.5-27x50.

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Nov 12, 2025
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Question, looking for a scope to start out with for NRL Hunter. The scope will also be used for hunting at reasonable distances. Trying to decide between the
Athlon Ares ETR 3-18x50
Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30x56
Athlon Ares BTR Gen 3 4.5-27x50

Looking at these three in particular as I have an opportunity to get them for a very reasonable price. Worried the 3-18 isn't enough mag. But the 4.5-30 is overkill/heavy. And how does the BTR stack up as it's kinda middle ground magnification and size wise. Thanks!
 
Question, looking for a scope to start out with for NRL Hunter. The scope will also be used for hunting at reasonable distances. Trying to decide between the
Athlon Ares ETR 3-18x50
Athlon Ares ETR 4.5-30x56
Athlon Ares BTR Gen 3 4.5-27x50

Looking at these three in particular as I have an opportunity to get them for a very reasonable price. Worried the 3-18 isn't enough mag. But the 4.5-30 is overkill/heavy. And how does the BTR stack up as it's kinda middle ground magnification and size wise. Thanks!
I know the 3-18 is perfectly fine for hunting. Just don't know about nrl
 
Ive used the gen 2 btr 4.5-27. I dont have anything bad to say about it for the 2 nrl matches and tons of other shooting I used it for. I have since moved it to a 22 and it still works well. I know the gen 3 was supposed to improve on a few things.
Fwiw I dont believe you would have to little of magnification if you went the 3-18 route. In nrl comps I dont believe I ever went past 12-13x.
 
Ive used the gen 2 btr 4.5-27. I dont have anything bad to say about it for the 2 nrl matches and tons of other shooting I used it for. I have since moved it to a 22 and it still works well. I know the gen 3 was supposed to improve on a few things.
Fwiw I dont believe you would have to little of magnification if you went the 3-18 route. In nrl comps I dont believe I ever went past 12-13x.
How's the zero stop? Is it a true zero stop?
 
I’d wait until after Shot Show, Athlon is out of a ton of their current model inventory which generally means they’re revamping the lineup. It would probably be worth waiting 4-5 weeks to see what’s new from them.
 
I’d wait until after Shot Show, Athlon is out of a ton of their current model inventory which generally means they’re revamping the lineup. It would probably be worth waiting 4-5 weeks to see what’s new from them.
Also, trying to save some money (reason I'm asking for these in particular)
 
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