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

[smeredit06]

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!

 

[smeredit06]

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

 

[KY_coop]

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.

 

[smeredit06]

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?

 

[Graves14]

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.

 

[smeredit06]

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)

 

[KY_coop]

How's the zero stop? Is it a true zero stop?

If i remember correctly yes it was a true zero stop. But i basically never shoot over 10 mils of elevation so I never remember to set zero stops.

 

[KY_coop]

Also, trying to save some money (reason I'm asking for these in particular)

Bushnell match pro ed models are worth a look. They have a 25% off on their website and extra 15% for first time customer. Ive got a 3-18 and think its great. For the money I believe its a better scope then the ares btr gen 2. Ive heard great things about the larger mag one as well.

 

[smeredit06]

Bushnell match pro ed models are worth a look. They have a 25% off on their website and extra 15% for first time customer. Ive got a 3-18 and think its great. For the money I believe its a better scope then the ares btr gen 2. Ive heard great things about the larger mag one as well.

Ok. I can buy a 3-18 etr for 600 new. So leaning towards that

 

[BLJ]

I have (2) Ares Gen 2 BTR’s and it is a hard zero stop.

 

[goalie]

Ok. I can buy a 3-18 etr for 600 new. So leaning towards that

I love the one we have on my son's 22lr bolt gun, but it's big and heavy. I wish the elevation turrets locked like the windage does, otherwise it's perfect for dialing a lot.

 

[smeredit06]

I have (2) Ares Gen 2 BTR’s and it is a hard zero stop.

How do you like them? What do you use them for?