Feeling overwhelmed picking an optic 😕

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shekgi

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Hi CGN

I’m new to firearms and I’m hoping to dabble in NRL22 type shooting, but eventually see myself also going towards PRS. I’m overwhelmed by the choices in optics and a lot of content I’ve looked over seems to glaze over the optic. I’ve been reading forums and Reddit, does anyone know of good practical video or YouTube channel on optic basics? I’m talking more practical, such as this is the magnification you want for .22 at 100yrds, etc.

Thanks!
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I am not sure of resources... but if you want to get into PRS/NRL Rimfire I suggest you wanna set up for at least 200y. Get a scope with FFP, adjustable parallax, christmas tree reticle, 34mm tube so you have a ton of adjustment range, and get 25 or 30 max magnification. If you already have a lower magnification scope it may do fine, but if purpose buying the features above are what the vast majority of folks have who I have seen at competitions.

If you legit will never shoot past 100y, then you can go lower magnification and 30mm tube for lower adjustment range... but even if your local matches are only 100y, it is fun to travel for the odd weekend to a longer range. It is also really nice to have 25 for seeing little .22 holes in paper at 100y when testing ammo.

There are good scopes in the sub $1000 range, I have the Arken EP5 and a Bushnell Match Pro. They are modest scopes, but get the job done and I like them. You can probably get an EP5 around $600... that is about as cheap as these scopes get.

The community is really open to letting new shooters try gear, so you may be able to do a match with a loaner rifle.
 
For the youtubes, Ultimate Reloader has done videos on Rimfire prs scopes as well as Josh @ Pursuit of Accuracy.

As mentioned above:
First Focal
Milrad
34mm diameter
Don't skimp on rings
Illuminated is irrelevant overall.
6 X 24 / 7 X 35 you'll outgrow a 4-16 in 2-3 matches.

Depends on budget as well.
Arken EP5 / Arken SH4(Gen2) (Both amazing value and performance)
Bushnell Match Pro ED (not regular one)
DNT 7-35 is the EP5 all grown up and is amazing once it's setup.
Athlon Argos or Tac or Ares all good
No Vortex
Riton 7 series

Thats the sub $1000 world.

Go to a few matches, ask the guys and gals what they use and why. Have a look through them and see what your eye likes.
Usually there are some used scopes around as well that will save you $100's from new.
If you have deeper pockets, which I would not suggest just getting started, there are easily 20-50 really great options between $1000-$2000.

As a MD for our club, I'll just lend out a match rifle to new shooters to get a sense of what works and doesn't before they lay out any cash. A lot of MD's can accommodate a loaner for a match or 2.

Some friends also lend scopes to try for a match or 2 (at least in my area)
Avoid paralysis by analysis and reddit.

If I was watching my budget, I'd start with an Athlon Argos Gen 2 8 X 32 for $450 that you'll find for sale here, or an SH4 Gen 2 from Go Big Tactical $530? or I've seen a couple of Match Pros floating around here or the other site for $700-$800 which is fair.
 
wstcstlad said:
For the youtubes, Ultimate Reloader has done videos on Rimfire prs scopes as well as Josh @ Pursuit of Accuracy.

As mentioned above:
First Focal
Milrad
34mm diameter
Don't skimp on rings
Illuminated is irrelevant overall.
6 X 24 / 7 X 35 you'll outgrow a 4-16 in 2-3 matches.

Depends on budget as well.
Arken EP5 / Arken SH4(Gen2) (Both amazing value and performance)
Bushnell Match Pro ED (not regular one)
DNT 7-35 is the EP5 all grown up and is amazing once it's setup.
Athlon Argos or Tac or Ares all good
No Vortex
Riton 7 series

Thats the sub $1000 world.

Go to a few matches, ask the guys and gals what they use and why. Have a look through them and see what your eye likes.
Usually there are some used scopes around as well that will save you $100's from new.
If you have deeper pockets, which I would not suggest just getting started, there are easily 20-50 really great options between $1000-$2000.

As a MD for our club, I'll just lend out a match rifle to new shooters to get a sense of what works and doesn't before they lay out any cash. A lot of MD's can accommodate a loaner for a match or 2.

Some friends also lend scopes to try for a match or 2 (at least in my area)
Avoid paralysis by analysis and reddit.

If I was watching my budget, I'd start with an Athlon Argos Gen 2 8 X 32 for $450 that you'll find for sale here, or an SH4 Gen 2 from Go Big Tactical $530? or I've seen a couple of Match Pros floating around here or the other site for $700-$800 which is fair.
Click to expand...
Came her to say basically this - good advise here.
 
Athlon and Arken are making great scopes, loaded with feature and great warranty, especially for the price. I would definitely start there, and I would buy used.

I have bought all three of my scopes off EE on this site. Lots of great sellers here.

The Athlon Ares Gen2 or Gen3 4.5-27x50 are very nice! I have two of them. I think the punch well above their weight class.

I also have an Athlon Cronus. Great scope!

Athlon Argos (hard to beat for $450!!!). I put a 6-24 on my .22 cause I think it’s fun to shoot out to 300. lol.

One of my Ares is on EE as I have decided to covert over to MIL. 😏

For MIL vs MOA there are lots of videos arguing why each is better. I went with MIL because I already think in metric. But be prepared. The reticle is quite busy in my opinion.

By far, my favourite YouTube guy for stuff like this is Backfire. If you want his video, do to his website after. He actually updates a few of his videos into include Athlon scope.
 
As a couple guys have said, go Mils (Milliradians) if you want to compete NRL. Most others will use Mils at matches and as a beginner this is really important to speak the same units as you will be asking peoples advice on what elevation (DOPE) their scope is set to.
 
wstcstlad said:
For the youtubes, Ultimate Reloader has done videos on Rimfire prs scopes as well as Josh @ Pursuit of Accuracy.

As mentioned above:
First Focal
Milrad
34mm diameter
Don't skimp on rings
Illuminated is irrelevant overall.
6 X 24 / 7 X 35 you'll outgrow a 4-16 in 2-3 matches.

Depends on budget as well.
Arken EP5 / Arken SH4(Gen2) (Both amazing value and performance)
Bushnell Match Pro ED (not regular one)
DNT 7-35 is the EP5 all grown up and is amazing once it's setup.
Athlon Argos or Tac or Ares all good
No Vortex
Riton 7 series

Thats the sub $1000 world.

Go to a few matches, ask the guys and gals what they use and why. Have a look through them and see what your eye likes.
Usually there are some used scopes around as well that will save you $100's from new.
If you have deeper pockets, which I would not suggest just getting started, there are easily 20-50 really great options between $1000-$2000.

As a MD for our club, I'll just lend out a match rifle to new shooters to get a sense of what works and doesn't before they lay out any cash. A lot of MD's can accommodate a loaner for a match or 2.

Some friends also lend scopes to try for a match or 2 (at least in my area)
Avoid paralysis by analysis and reddit.

If I was watching my budget, I'd start with an Athlon Argos Gen 2 8 X 32 for $450 that you'll find for sale here, or an SH4 Gen 2 from Go Big Tactical $530? or I've seen a couple of Match Pros floating around here or the other site for $700-$800 which is fair.
Click to expand...
Well put, I 100% have paralysis by analysis LOL
 
shekgi said:
Well put, I 100% have paralysis by analysis LOL
Click to expand...
I hear you! And have the cc debt to support that. I've been on the PRS path for 4 years and IPSC for 8... the advice above is what I give all new shooters... the ABSOLUTE fastest way to learn about gear and reasons is to attend as many matches as one can. Don't even have to shoot. Watch or even better volunteer to RO a stage... then you get to meet everyone, see what they use and probably get a few mins per squad to chat and have questions answered .
 
I have been following with interest. I also have been looking for an inexpensive scope, more just for the magnification to help my old eyes.. This is just for range use with a 223. I was thinking the Arken shj4 6x24, but in moa for simplicity. It should suit my needs I assume?
 
jerrya said:
I have been following with interest. I also have been looking for an inexpensive scope, more just for the magnification to help my old eyes.. This is just for range use with a 223. I was thinking the Arken shj4 6x24, but in moa for simplicity. It should suit my needs I assume?
Click to expand...
Yep, that will take you to 400-500 yards. Make sure you get the "Gen 2" version - much improved over G1. Go Big Tactical who is site sponsor sells them and is great to deal with.
 
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