Good $2k option?

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laker415

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Just shopping around for an optic on a new build. The gun is a long range rig, no competition, just belly shooting for my own enjoyment. I haven't looked through many "high end" optics and I know $2k isn't really a large budget. I'm just wondering what my money is best spent on.

Requirements: FFP, Mils, Xmas tree reticle, zero stop, 34mm tube, and good glass

I've been leaning most towards the Athlon Cronus Gen 2, but I'm wondering if there are some others in this price range I'm overlooking? I see Bushnell xrs2 pop up around $2k. No vortex. The only vortex I'd consider is the razor gen 2 and it's above my price point. So what should I consider for $2k ish fellas? Thanks.
 
I have a pair of the Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56. Like them a lot. As you say, the Gen 2 is out now. Perhaps you can get a deal on leftover Gen 1, seeing as how they are 'obsolete' now?
 
adamg said:
I have a pair of the Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56. Like them a lot. As you say, the Gen 2 is out now. Perhaps you can get a deal on leftover Gen 1, seeing as how they are 'obsolete' now?
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Yeah they seem to be an amazing value and are well regarded. The gen 2 is actually a couple hundred cheaper than the gen 1. Go figure
 
adamg said:
I have a pair of the Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-29x56. Like them a lot. As you say, the Gen 2 is out now. Perhaps you can get a deal on leftover Gen 1, seeing as how they are 'obsolete' now?
Click to expand...

When I upgrade I’m in the same boat. The Athlon Cronus is top of the list until I hit Razor $$$.
 
Used gen2 razors can occasionally be found for around 2400, might be more common when vortex releases the gen3 razor which hopefully comes out soon (the gen3 razor lpvo released not to long ago which makes one believe it will come soon).

The delta Stryker is very similar to the cronus, might be worth looking at that. Alternatively, the delta javelin appears to be similar to the etr which compares similarly to the cronus for most people. The kicker is that the javelin is 1300. However, this is second hand information, but all reports to the deltas being comparable to the athlon.
 
If you can find a Bushnell XRS2, I quite like mine. I don't have a ton of rounds under it (it's on my .300NM) but it's basically an HDMR2 with slightly more mag and better glass and I have thousands of rounds under a few HDMR2s. I've found all the Bushnell Elite Tactical scopes to be tough, track perfectly, have nice turrets and just generally be very nice scopes for the prices you can find them at. No experience with the Cronus.
 
laker415 said:
Requirements: FFP, Mils, Xmas tree reticle, zero stop, 34mm tube, and good glass.
Click to expand...

With your list of requirements and budget, I'd lean toward a Bushnell Elite Tactical DMRII Pro or XRSII. I've been around a pretty good sample sizing of Elite Tac models now, and all have been accurate, repeatable and tough. The two mentioned above bring ED glass to the table, and are quite good optically.
 
I have the Cronus Gen 2. For me its a no brainer in the 2k budget. Its now cheaper than the Gen1 was, taxes in it came to 2400ish. Thats as much as a Razor gen2 used which has basically the same performance along with being 12oz heavier than the Cronus.
 
Bought my XRS 2 from Precision optics a couple years ago during the annual MIR sale. Paid a few dollars over $2k to my door with the Horus reticle (can't remember of it was $2004 or $2006 and change, literally just over $2k). Bought a DMR 2 Pro from AF's last year during the annual sale, it was a little over $1600 to my door. I was looking at another Gen 2 PST, which is good but has nowhere near the glass of the pro.
I have no experience with a Cronus or Stryker, but those two Bushnells are hard to beat when they're on sale for 30-35% off. Razor glass for way less money. And the elites have a pretty darn good rep for non alpha glass.
Lots of good options in the 2k range. If Bushnell doesn't have another sale this spring, I think an Ares or Stryker will be coming my way for my 457. Depending on if I can find one or the other LOL
 
Yeah I'm going to be going with an Athlon. I may give the Ares etr a try. If it isn't up to the task I'll move it to another gun and grab the Cronus. I just prefer the reticle offered by Athlon as I'm used to it on my current midas tacs.
 
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