Scope for Hunter Class (The search continues)

I’ve got both the Helos Gen1 MOA and the Gen2 MOA. The Gen2 is a better scope overall, but for Field Target, I feel the Helos Gen1 is a little better for a couple of reasons. If I were to get another new Athlon specifically for Hunter Division, I’d probably get the Argos Gen2 APLR2. The Gen1 Helos was similar to the Argos design. The Gen2 Helos now has more in common with the Ares, except the glass quality which is still about on par with the Argos.

Still using the BEST hunter class optic I've ever shot with. Sadly now obsolete they can be found time to time being sold in the classified or found on guys guns they have sitting and not being used. WANTED ( WTB ) ads may be worth your while ?

That being the MTC / OPTISAN Viper 4-16x50 with SCB reticle. I recently scored another one just earlier this week. ( Now have 3 )



It is a holy grail search agreed ... having tried many and found nothing else that I feel works as well, I go mining to find nuggets lost.



Scott S

Hey Uglyjohn, I recently bought a used Gen2 Helos 6-24 x56 and the jury is still deliberating. I still need to spend some quality time at the range to get my dope better dialed in, but I have used it in a few hunter ft matches and overall my scores seem to improving…but not always because sometimes I just suck at this game. Previously I was using a UTG Bubble Leveler Accushot 4-16 x 56 and I do like this Athlon better as it does range more consistently at the 40-55 range. I also like the reticle, it has the APRS6 mil reticle in FFP which has the 0.2 mil graduations which provides much more precise aiming and bracketing points than my UTG which has 1 mil graduations at 16x. My aging eyes can see the Helos reticle OK at 16x, but if anyone wants to vote on changing hunter scope rules to allow 24x, count me as an aye!

It is a bit of a heavy beast with its 34mm tubed scope, possibly heavier than your Sightron. It is only about 3 oz heavier than my UTG so it was not a deal breaker for me. Another possible negative is that it only has approximately 111 degrees of rotation from 10-55, which is about 60-100 degrees less rotation than some other similar scopes. Apparently more rotation is desirable in FT, but I am not sure how exactly that translates to better rangefinding other than allowing more spacing between your yard marks.

Hey Uglyjohn, I recently bought a used Gen2 Helos 6-24 x56 and the jury is still deliberating….Another possible negative is that it only has approximately 111 degrees of rotation from 10-55, which is about 60-100 degrees less rotation than some other similar scopes. Apparently more rotation is desirable in FT, but I am not sure how exactly that translates to better rangefinding other than allowing more spacing between your yard marks.

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The Gen1 Helos has about 180 degrees of rotation from 10-55 yards. I would guess that the Gen1 and Gen2 Argos are about the same as the Gen1 Helos.

That’s one reason I currently prefer the Gen1 Helos over the Gen2 Helos for FT.

I thought I’d revive this one just to see if anyone tried a new or different HC scope in 2021 that they are particularly happy or unhappy with. lots of new stuff out there. Uj

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Athlon is supposed to come out with a variable FT scope/s in 2022 with higher magnification, that has a narrower depth of field, a lot of rotation of the side focus, more of a basic reticle but still has hashes for wind and holdover, 16x marked on the mag ring, and I can't remember what else but it should do well for FT.

What exactly it/they will be, nor the exact time frame of availability, and currently this is all I know.

Ugly John, I see you sold or maybe traded a Falcon FT not too long ago because you disliked the reticle. Other than that how did it range at 16x?

Regarding other scopes, I have heard from two people who say they think Bushnell Nitro 6-24x50 ffp is one of the best hft scopes out there with its 220 degree rotation. It is no longer in production although there are still some available on the internet at rather outlandish prices, considering Midway had a closeout on them for around $250 about 2 years ago I think. I wonder if any of the newer model Bushnell’s are essentially the same to the Nitro.

By the way, my review of my Gen 2 Helos 6-24x56 from a few posts above is still holding true, it is a step up from my UTG 4-16x56, I like the APRS6 reticle, but I still struggle ranging past 40 at 16x. I hope Steve’s forecast is true, it would really be nice to have a moderately priced scope that filled our hunter class niche.

That sounds interesting Steve. Could it be that you did a little coaxing to get Athlon to bring out a FT scope?

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I can neither deny nor confirm it, grin.

It seems like I've been trying a different scope (Athlon 2 models, Falcon 2 models, Riton, Hawke 2 models) for various reasons about twice a year, but I'm sure I'm not alone. Sightron I have not tried. But for the 2021 season, I've was using the Gen 2 of the Hawke Sidewinder in FFP. I've used it in temperatures from low 40's to mid 90's. I haven't detected any temperature shift at all. The reticle may seem too busy for some shooters but the "Christmas Tree" layout is a plus when you need to hold over and off in windy weather. I've been squaded with other shooters that would complain about KZ's that were hard to determine because they were shot up and the faceplate was as well but I was able to see a definitive outline of the said KZ. The optics IMHO are very sharp and clear. I have seldom (maybe once) had to use the illumination knob. The sharpness and clarity when ranging are very good even in the dreaded deadzone of 40+ yards. And I wear glasses, have astigmatism in my shooting eye and I ain't no spring chicken. 

I know I can spend more money but I don't think I will hit any more KZ's with a different scope.

Best of luck in your choice and may good shooting be in your lane. 

I like the old Hawke Sidewinder 8-32x56 and get consistent results in pcp and springer classes (hft). Recently installed the Gen 2 version of the same on a TX 200 but have not tested it in a match, will do so sometime this year but the gen 1 version is a proven platform (for me).

I thought I’d revive this one just to see if anyone tried a new or different HC scope in 2021 that they are particularly happy or unhappy with. lots of new stuff out there. Uj

Click to expand...

Athlon is supposed to come out with a variable FT scope/s in 2022 with higher magnification, that has a narrower depth of field, a lot of rotation of the side focus, more of a basic reticle but still has hashes for wind and holdover, 16x marked on the mag ring, and I can't remember what else but it should do well for FT.

What exactly it/they will be, nor the exact time frame of availability, and currently this is all I know.

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Please tell me they are going to make at least one with premium glass. I would love to have a Cronus FT or two...

I just found out a minute ago the release is "delayed until 2023" so I'm sorry for the false information.

Darn, this puts me in a place where I too am going to have to decide what "other" scope to use on my FT rifle for 2022.

I sure do like my Element Helix, tracks perfect, ranges exact as i can tell with my Vortex rangefinder. I know it's only a 44 bell but the Titian may be worth a look, more light, lighted reticle etc...

has anyone looked at the Nightforce 4-20 x 50 ATACR? A bit pricey($3K). Think you'd be able to see your hits?



https://www.opticsplanet.com/v/c644-nightforce-atacr-4-20x50-f1-riflescope.html





K

I am going to tune a Benjamin Akela to shoot Hunter, and I have ordered a fixed SWFA SS 16 power scope for the build. I use mostly all SWFA SS scopes on most of my rifles, except for my WFTF rifle which has a Falcon.

I recently picked up an Argos BTR Gen2 after @Scotchmo recommended one. I have been messing around with it for a couple weeks now and I like it more every time I use it. The turrets are extremely good, very crisp and audible with zero mush on mine. The glass quality is more than I expected at the price point, I would rate it as good and I’ve had more expensive scopes that would only get a fair rating. The knobs all turn smoothly and the reticle is very nice. I do wish it was a bit smaller at 16x but it’s extremely useable there and I’m trying to think of any cons to mention because there aren’t many. It looks like this will be a contender vs my Sightron Siii that was 3x the cost of the Argos. I will admit that I’m a FFP fan, so that and the reticle puts it up there with the Sightron for me. Those who are wondering about it ranging, it does good here and the parallax adjustment from 10 - 55 yards is right at 180 degrees. I can’t speculate on temperature shifts yet, I need some warmer weather to find that out. If Athlon would offer the Midas Tac with illuminated reticle, I would switch to those. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be and sometimes I need the extra help in dark wooden areas.