Optic options for long range shooting

[Bellator12]

Getting started in the long range shooting/hunting world and looking for input on optics to help me dial in my rifle. I would like to have a quality optic so my spotter can help me dial in my zero and help judge dial adjustments for long shots. Not looking to spend a small fortune but willing to lay down cash for something that makes sense and meets the need. The Athlon Ares G2 20-60x85mm currently has my attention.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

You're timing is great as today is our Columbus Day - Discover The Savings Sale. As a long standing supporting vendor here on the forum it is our pleasure to assist in discussing different options and opportunities with you. Please give a call, 516-217-1000, when you have a few moments

 

[drh2687]

Without knowing your actual intended distances for your "long range", I'd offer this general advice:

Sacrifice magnification for glass quality if you have to in order to stay in your budget. You can get out to 1000 yrds with 10x mag for just shooting (hunting/PID requirements will likely be different), so a 20x scope and higher is may not be needed and can help your $ goals. And you'll find the clearer image to be more useful.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

If you're looking for a spotting scope, pick one with a reticle that has units matching your rifle scope adjustments. This will make it much easier for your spotter to give you a correction that you can quickly dial.

If you're looking for riflescopes, take a look at this forum: https://www.rokslide.com/forums/forums/rifle-scope-field-evaluations.133/

 

[TraskI]

If this is strictly for long range shooting I would consider the Longshot LR-3. No need for a spoter, no mirage issues, and instant feedback with your shot. Helps tremendously figuring out drop and how your doing with wind calls.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[Bellator12]

If you're looking for a spotting scope, pick one with a reticle that has units matching your rifle scope adjustments. This will make it much easier for your spotter to give you a correction that you can quickly dial.

If you're looking for riflescopes, take a look at this forum: https://www.rokslide.com/forums/forums/rifle-scope-field-evaluations.133/

Yes, looking for a spotting scope. Rifle is wearing an Arken EP5 5-25x56.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I think that athlon has a second focal plane reticle, which is really stupid because the reticle only works on one magnification. Leupold mark 4 is probably the top choice, or one of the bushnell spotters like the lmss2.

 

[tntrker]

I like my Nightforce NX8 4-32x50. At the range I reach out to 1,000yrds with my 300wm and have no problem seeing the target or the impact.

 

[cjhansen29]

I like my Nightforce NX8 4-32x50. At the range I reach out to 1,000yrds with my 300wm and have no problem seeing the target or the impact.

I've been a NF ATAC-R guy for a long time, and I'm thinking about selling once of my 5-25s, or a 7-35s to try the NX8 just to shave a little weight. I'm just not sure what I'll end up giving up optically. Have you had experience behind both by chance?

 

[tntrker]

I've been a NF ATAC-R guy for a long time, and I'm thinking about selling once of my 5-25s, or a 7-35s to try the NX8 just to shave a little weight. I'm just not sure what I'll end up giving up optically. Have you had experience behind both by chance?

I do not. The only reason I have the NF is because my Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52 broke on the last shot of my last weekend before a moose hunt and I was scambling to get something. I like it better so the fixed VX-6HD sits in the safe..

 

[cjhansen29]

I do not. The only reason I have the NF is because my Leupold VX-6HD 4-24x52 broke on the last shot of my last weekend before a moose hunt and I was scambling to get something. I like it better so the fixed VX-6HD sits in the safe..

Thanks for response, sorry to hear about your Leupold. I will say my ATAC-Rs have been bomb proof, I'm lucky to say I've never had a failure.