2000-3000$ scope, what would you buy?

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Tikka223

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As the title states, I'm curious as to what people have chosen and why. In the future I'll be looking for a scope to top a Cadex CDX in 6.5 Creedmore.

I've read he excellent article in the Precision Rifle Blog but unfortunately it doesn't include some of the contenders for this price bracket. The other trouble with our weak dollar and relatively slim demand for scopes in this price point is that I'm having trouble finding up to date Canadian prices.

Some scopes that I would consider that include my list of "must-haves" (FFP, Mil/Mil, Zero Stop, 34mm tube)

Bushnell ERS
Burris XTR II
Steiner T5xi
IOR Valdada Recon (probably out of the budget)
Any others?

I'm not too familiar with the Nighforce line or the Leupolds. I recently used a MK6 and wasn't overly impressed with the mushy turret clicks.

The Vortex Razor GenIIs are also just out of budget and while popular, I've read some concerning reviews about performance.

I'm really leaning towards the Bushnell ERS but for the price it would be really nice to have a scope with a mechanic second rev indicator.
 
I've been really tempted to get the T5xi. After they fixed all of the turret problems, they sound like a fantastic option with great warranty. Also it has the mechanical second Rev indicator. The turrets on it are very crisp and awesome glass.
 
My recommendation would be the Bushnell HDMR 3.5-21. If you look around, you can probably find it far cheaper than your specs. I have one mounted on my LMT MWS and am quite impressed. Quality and design is excellent. The G2 reticle is perfect for long range applications.

As an owner of a S&B PMII 5-25, I don't feel any disadvantage using the Bushnell
 
I am putting a 4-16 F1 ATACR on my Creedmoor, I should get it tomorrow. The best price I found was at Hirsch Precision.
 
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There aren't many in stock but if you look you can find the Burris for $1660 CAD. It was one of the scopes I was considering but went instead with a Nightforce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 from Hirsch for about the same.
 
Can't go wrong with a Nightforce. I now have Nigtforce running in all except my mountain rifle, and when I can I will be putting a 2.5-10 NXS on it. Like it's been mentioned, steer clear of vortex (I had heard excellent reviews of the Razor line, but I just can't do it after having two failures on a viper pst line, which also at that point had excellent reviews) check out the Steiner too, I haven't had the chance yet to see them personally.
 
If you don't have the $$$$$ for a S&B PM-II or a Tangent Theta, I would look at Nightforce.

If you have the $$$$$$ The S&B PM-II series is the gold standard of Tactical optics.
 
I like the price/value of Burris but overall from your list I'd go Bushnell for the money and a great reticle if the way you shoot fits that type reticle.

If you always dial both E&W and hold centered, maybe not.
 
I'd love to get a hands on with the Burris or read some more reviews but they seem to have been drowned out by the Bushnells and Vortex. I've played with both the Bushnell and Vortex in stores and they both feel solid and well made with good positive clicks.

Price-point the Burris seems comparable with the DMR and ERS but the others are definitely a step up in price. I'd like to see how they do in quality.

The ATACRs sure look nice. Anyone compare one side by side with the Steiner?
 
Just a friendly FYI. The Bushnel offers great clarity, repeatability, and seems like a well made and robust product. However, eye positioning (at least on my ERS 3.5-21) is very finicky. Try one before you buy it!
 
Don't forget about the NF NXS too.

You have a hefty budget to work with, so a good sued ATACR or S&B is in your range too.

-J.

ps - not "sued", used!!! Silly me.
 
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MrSharp said:
Curious as to what the "failures" were with the Vortex scopes?
Click to expand...

Two Vortex Viper PST 6 - 24 X 50mm scopes had serious internal moisture and fogging issues at our Provincial Precision Rifle championships a couple weeks ago.
Poured rain pretty much all day Saturday, then was hot and muggy Sunday. Could see beads of moisture inside my partners scope.another competitor had the same issue.you could barely see through the top half of the reticle.

No other scopes had any issues at the match.

I have been debating purchasing a Viper 20 - 60 X 80mm spotting scope, but after this I am rethinking purchasing anything Vortex.
 
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