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Bo3b

Member
Apr 30, 2020
24
1
NY, United States
I've been researching next scope for some time and going in circles - Many points of view, opinions and preferences. Also finding reviews; 1) Seem to like every scope, 2) Are possibly biased, 3) Largely uninformative or 4) Non-existent. And I know this will be a "No Win" discussion that has been bantered about many times but thought I'd give it another try with a little more specificity of goal.

At this point, narrowed list to several candidates but still learning and willing to add/delete based on new information. So challenge for the group - Below is intended use of optic, best guess requirements and features that *might* be nice to have.

PCP in .177 caliber used for backyard plinking, pest control between 10 and 40 yards as well as Field Target Hunter class matches. Under $500 BUT would not want to eliminate possibilities for a few dollars above budget.

Technical Requirements -

  1. Audible, positive, accurate turrets
  2. At least 16x top end magnification
  3. Accurate side parallax adjustment down to 10 Yds with good depth of field
  4. Numbered, at least vertical, sub-tensions
  5. Etched Reticle
    [/LIST=1]

    Wish List Features -
    1. FFP
    2. Zero Stops
    3. Lighter weight is better
      [/LIST=1]

      Finally, Lifetime warranty from a Quality manufacturer offering excellent Customer support. And purchase from an Authorized retailer that offers generous, easy returns.

      SO - Recommendations? Thoughts?

      Thanks,
      Bo3b
 
The Athlon Midas Tac 6-24x is my personal favorite of 50 or so scopes I currently own. It's probably my most expensive, so you can judge that however you want, but it's as clear as anything I've looked through ... even up to the $3k + area. Ranging seems perfect and meets all of your criteria except light weight and zero stop. The weight is in the same area as all 24x w 30mm tubes I've investigated, so it's not really an anchor. I've recently puchased Bushnell Tac Optics 6-24 ffp and Nitro 6-24 ffp and it is much more clear, smooth and crisp feeling than either of those. Ranges better also.

It's been difficult for me to find something "good enough " without spending a LOT of money because I've been using some Bushnell Elite 4200s for so long and everything seems bleary, heavy, and imprecise comparatively. The 4200s just aren't ideal for the longer ranges I've been playing with lately. Limited elevation and plain reticles. 

Good luck,

Bob
 
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Hey Bobby, the Midas TAC does have a "zero stop". C'mon man start using it 😄 

I'd have to agree with you, it's hard to beet that Midas TAC 6-24 you've got! 

You should buy an Arken next so we can check it out, 😉 Seems to be it's only "real" competition out there for the money. Not that those other scopes aren't decent but it's the "overall' like you describe which sets the Midas TAC apart. 


 
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This is just as good as any $500-$650 or less scope. Made in China of course but so is the others up to $650. Others who read my posts who bought this one are just too shy to post and told me thank you it's the best clearest cheap scope they ever bought BAR NONE.

1593760450_1286737095efedac24d6028.63582243.png





 
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The Alpha6 I got at Gander was only $200 out the door, and YO is correct, it is REALLY impressive for the money.

It is undisputedly clearer than the Vortex Diamondback Tactical, it is clearer than the Aztec Emerald at high magnification, and I also believe that it eclipses the Hawke 8-32 in clarity 'to my eyes'

YO is not blowing smoke or pulling legs, the AIM Alpha6 punches WAY above its price point.



IF I possessed the technical know how, personality, or motivation to do a review that could show the scopes attributes along the lines of our good friend Joe Wayne I would, but alas, such is beyond me. All I can say is Trust in YO, he was spot on!
 
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Great feedback and suggestions - Thanks!

Recommendations at this point;

  • Athlon Midas Tac - Too much above price point.
  • Arken - Max mag @ 14x.
  • LEB Optics - Under $100? VERY skeptical.

So the above are out, leaving as possible;

  • AIM Sports Alpha 6 - Intriguing but reticle suggests it's one of MANY Chinese look-a-likes and would have concerns regarding support and warranty. Will investigate but not hopeful.
  • Athlon Helos - Has promise. Japan origin. Will seriously consider further.

Also going to refine specifications;

  1. Require that 16x magnification be actually marked on adjustment - Strange I know but Field Target Hunter class matches only allow 16x scope max which MUST be specifically marked OR shooter CAN ONLY use next lowest marked magnification.
  2. MOA reticle with matching turret adjustments.
    [/LIST=1]

    Thanks again,
    Bo3b
 
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@Bo3b

I too would recommend the Midas-Tac. It meets all your requirements and is right at $500 used all the time. It is probably the only scope that cheap that I have found I would recommend. 

The other thing I would say is that you need to be prepared to actually try a bunch. You said it best in the first paragraph of the first post. You only get so much out of reviews. Based on your requirements, it sounds like you may have tried a bunch. Keep buying used, so you don’t lose money if you don’t like it, and keep trying them.
 
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It is way clearer than my 4- $649.99 MTC VIPER PROs 4 5-30x50s and "just about" as clear as my SWFA $599 JAPAN BUSHNELL TAC 4.5-30x50 (most other places sell this same scope for $899-$999). JSAR sells the FFP version for $280 under their house label but can't advise ordering unless your CC can dispute it if you NEVER receive it.

Wonder WHY they're ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS SOLD OUT!!!

Budk gun shop has them in stock for $229.99 right now BEST PRICE I CAN FIND IN STOCK I suggest sniffing online coupon discounts for Buds gun shop first if there's any additional discounts. Optics Planet $212 with 10% off just NOW!!! COMPLETELY SOLD OUT!!! (WTF HOW MANY DID HE BUY?) to STOTI after I tipped him off and he asked me to WAIT 5 MINUTES!!! Before I posted this. All others sell them for $289-$299 and up. Retails for around $399.

1593799156_10625768035eff71f4b44c87.87856063.png

 
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...
  • Athlon Helos - Has promise. Japan origin. Will seriously consider further.

Also going to refine specifications;

  1. Require that 16x magnification be actually marked on adjustment - Strange I know but Field Target Hunter class matches only allow 16x scope max which MUST be specifically marked OR shooter CAN ONLY use next lowest marked magnification.
  2. MOA reticle with matching turret adjustments.
    [/LIST=1]

    Thanks again,
    Bo3b
Click to expand...


  1. I use an Athlon Helos APLR2 for Hunter Division. It's been a decent scope for that purpose. It has the 16x mark. MOA reticle is great. Locking turrets are a nice feature for Hunter Division. And decent focus range finding at 16x. The Athlon Argos (GEN2, not GEN1) APLR2 might also be a good choice. Both the Helos and Argos meet your requirements, but you don't get the locking turrets on the Argos. The glass appears to be the same for both (I doubt either has Japanese glass).
 
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$172.50 ? This cheap azz Chinese scope gives the $650.00 MTC VIPER PRO MAJOR DIRTY SPANKINGS IN OPTICAL CLARITY and more like the $800 -$1000 Vortex Viper scopes are more of a fair comparison comparison to it. I just double checked side by side with the $1200 RETAIL ($599 on sale at SWFA) JAPAN Bushnell TAC 4.5-30x50 again and they are really really really close in optical clarity it is downright LUDICROUS!

1593834504_17872551895efffc0874f587.55754581.png
1593834520_12942604415efffc1892d912.42415754.png

 
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