Looking for replacement scope

[DGoodale]

After spending several days behind a Vortex Viper 30mm, 6.5-20x 44mm I am not overly impressed, esp. at higher magnification light transmission and clarity were not as good as I expected. I traded time behind this and a Mueller Eradicator and found the Mueller to be brighter and clearer but the eye alignment has a smaller margin of error for a clear view. Is there really that much of a difference between 44mm and 50mm in light transmission? I was shooting in full daylight conditions. I would love another Leupold VXIII but at $900 isn't in the cards. I'm looking to stay under $500 and side focus if possible, am I unrealistic? Targets average 200+ yards, killing ground squirrels is serious business.

Would I be any happier with either of these?
Sightron 4-20x50 S-TAC 30mm - Admittedly I know very little of Sightron quality.
Burris 6.5-20x50 Fullfield E1

What else should I look at? Max magnification in the 18 - 25 range.
Thanks!

[heyasiankid]

Maybe not exactly what you're looking for but I think leupold has the "mark AR" series and theres one that goes up to 18x magnification in a 44mm. I think I picked mines up around the $500 range?


Nikon, Athlon might be worth a look at that price point. Hope this helps?




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[LBDamned]

I have a Sightron SIII 6-24x50 and am very pleased with it... I don't know how it compares with the S-TAC you listed (the SIII is over the budget price you listed though)

Years ago I had a 3-9 Fullfield E1 but sold it to my cousin... Surprisingly clear glass for the price... I liked that scope and kinda wish I kept it.

Last week I purchased a Nikon M-233 4-16x42 at Natchez for 285is shipped... They have them on sale right now for 290 with free shipping... Most places are selling them for well over 400... I havent received it yet, but it gets really good reviews. For the price, I don't have really high expectations, but I suspect it will be as good or better than the Fullfield E1

[DGoodale]

Last week I purchased a Nikon M-233 4-16x42 at Natchez for 285is shipped... They have them on sale right now for 290 with free shipping... Most places are selling them for well over 400... I havent received it yet, but it gets really good reviews. For the price, I don't have really high expectations, but I suspect it will be as good or better than the Fullfield E1

Thanks I'll take a look at the S2. I put an M2 23124 power on my son's AR I like it alot I'm sure you will like the 4-16. I have an older Burris fullfield II, I believe, it is 8 to 32 power but it's huge almost like the Hubble telescope

[bman940]

Depending on what you prefer, FFP or SFP Nikon has the BLACK Series of scopes available. Check out the BLACK FX1000 and the BLACK X1000. Both 30mm tube, 4-16x50 and you can get either in MOA or MRAD reticle/turret option. I have over 1000 rounds under the BLACK X1000 4-16x50 and love it. I can still dial in the drops using Nikon's Spot On Program too. Definitely worth taking a look at.

[k1dude]

Athlon scopes seem to get good reviews and are supposedly a good value. I have no personal experience with them, but it seems worth a try.

[michaelthepsycho]

I don't think you'll be disappointed in the S-Tac 4-20.

It's only $356.57 right now. That's quite a good price (use RIFLE15 to get 15% off):

https://www.opticsplanet.com/sightron-s-tac-30mm-4-20x50-riflescope.html

My optics experience ranges from Sightron's lowly SIH to Vortex's Razor GII, and I firmly believe Sightrons represent the best glass for the money if you're not too concerned with features. It's just an earnest, simple scope that's well-built and punches above its price.

[DGoodale]

I don't think you'll be disappointed in the S-Tac 4-20.

It's only $356.57 right now. That's quite a good price (use RIFLE15 to get 15% off):

https://www.opticsplanet.com/sightron-s-tac-30mm-4-20x50-riflescope.html

My optics experience ranges from Sightron's lowly SIH to Vortex's Razor GII, and I firmly believe Sightrons represent the best glass for the money if you're not too concerned with features. It's just an earnest, simple scope that's well-built and punches above its price.

Thanks! I think I'll dial that up. That is a good price!
ETA: DOH! after taking a look it's the duplex reticle, they get you a hundy more for the moa reticle. Hmmmm what to do, what to do...
ETA2: Done deal.

[stevebla]

I have that scope with mil dot reticle and like it a lot. Call Vortex and send it back they have a great warranty.