Precision scope under $1000

I’ve kind of narrowed down the search to a Athlon helos btr gen 2, a dnt “the one” or the bushnell match pro ED. Does anybody have experience with all three? Also any recommendations on where I might be able to find one for a good deal?
 
I’ve run a few different models of the Athlon riflescopes and been impressed with them and they are reasonably priced and within your budget.

While the cheap ones work (I used a 300$ Nikko sterling a few years back) nice glass makes a world of difference. If you can go towards the top side of your budget a pick something there.

Heard lots of good about Arken/DNT as well but never handled or used one.

I will admit that more expensive glass is nicer and I’m currently in the process of changing things out it takes time and allot of money… however it did take me a few years to make a decision like that. I currently have more rifles than optics due to that cost….

I’m planning to try something from Europe next as I’ve been dabbling with the Japanese stuff both in riflescopes and for camera gear.

B
For good value in a Euro optic, check out the Meopta, specifically the Optika6.
 
I hear good things about the Vortex Diamondback Tactical series. Probably not quite Kahles-level glass but still good stuff comes from Vortex.
EDIT: Darn, made in China.
 
Things I like about the Bushnell ED were the reticle, the low profile turrets, locking turrets (push pull), easy to use zero stop, pop up elevation revolution indicator and auto shut off on the illuminated reticle. The glass is really clear.
 
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In a particular order but all optics with good reticles and features for those in the $1k budget that I would recommend to competitors….

1. Bushnell Match Pro ED
2. DNT “The One”
3. Discovery Optics PRS ED
The bushnell and dnt are on my short list as well as the Athlon helos. Haven’t looked too far into the discovery
 
Honestly I don’t believe you could wrong with any of them. Just find the optic that has the best reticle for YOU and the features you’re after.

Reasons I recommend the Bushnell Match Pro ED so much is,

- Good mag range of 5-30x56. You’re on the sweet spot of the optic at 16 - 20 power.

- A Reticle with .2 mil hash marks for a more precise hold.

- Second Rev Indicator to prevent being lost or a rev high on a stage.

- Parallax down to 15 yards.

Just to name a few positives.

If you can find all these qualities in an optic for precision Rimfire then your good to go
 
Arken,
Or spend a bit more and get the Strike Eagle.
Both require larger rings.
Both are massive overkill on a 10/22 at 100 yards IMO.

I have the EP5 on a CZ457 Match Varmint and i can see impacts to 300 pretty easily.

I have a 4-16x44 DBT on my Grey Birch Fusion (which shoots almost as will as the CZ) and 100 yards there is no issue in seeing holes in most backgrounds. I routinely shoot that to 300 as well with no issues although I wouldn't be able to see holes in paper at that range, I can see splashes on steel.

You might consider sending yours to Vortex. Blurry and dark at 100 doesn't sound right and may just earn you a warranty replacement..
 
Arken,
Or spend a bit more and get the Strike Eagle.
Both require larger rings.
Both are massive overkill on a 10/22 at 100 yards IMO.

I have the EP5 on a CZ457 Match Varmint and i can see impacts to 300 pretty easily.

I have a 4-16x44 DBT on my Grey Birch Fusion (which shoots almost as will as the CZ) and 100 yards there is no issue in seeing holes in most backgrounds. I routinely shoot that to 300 as well with no issues although I wouldn't be able to see holes in paper at that range, I can see splashes on steel.

You might consider sending yours to Vortex. Blurry and dark at 100 doesn't sound right and may just earn you a warranty replacement..


Unfortunately Arken is no longer shipping optics to the Canadian market.

They have a subsidiary company known as DNT optics that will be focused on the Canadian market and importing optics.
 
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Unfortunately Arken is no longer shipping optics to the Canadian market.

They have a subsidiary company known as DNT optics that will be focused on the Canadian market and importing optics.
That sux in a way.
I have all the Arken I need at the moment and I have actually shifted to only using them at the range anyway.
I was not thrilled with the SH4J that I thought would make a good crossover on a 6mm.
I find it noticeably darker than I want in a hunting scope.
Where I hunt, it is often grey and/or raining and opportunities are often confined to first and last light scenarios.

I prefer the Strike Eagle for that.
 
That sux in a way.
I have all the Arken I need at the moment and I have actually shifted to only using them at the range anyway.
I was not thrilled with the SH4J that I thought would make a good crossover on a 6mm.
I find it noticeably darker than I want in a hunting scope.
Where I hunt, it is often grey and/or raining and opportunities are often confined to first and last light scenarios.

I prefer the Strike Eagle for that.

I have a friend with the SH4J as well. I found the image to be alright for what it was. The EP5 I found to be a superior image but I could have looked through a good sample of the EP5.

The Strike Eagle is a good package for the money. I just wish vortex would upgrade them to include the EBR-7D reticle from the Razor Gen 3. Then it would be a solid option!

But that is just my opinion
 
I’ve kind of narrowed down the search to a Athlon helos btr gen 2, a dnt “the one” or the bushnell match pro ED. Does anybody have experience with all three? Also any recommendations on where I might be able to find one for a good deal?
The Athlon is nice, but a floating dot is better for target shooting than a cross hair (for me). I had the Match Pro, nice glass and turrets but I found the reticle to be stupid busy.

The Arken epl4's to me are great, I have several, bright clear and nice turrets, good price. My choice from your three would be the DNT, large field of view, pretty bright and good glass and most importantly a thin uncluttered reticle. Shooting Warhouse offers a small discount for paying with emt.
 
Remember the Grain of salt. Call Robbie at Shooters Warehouse or Jerry and theyll set you up and answer any questions you might have as well as mounting options for your rifle. Ive dealt with Robbie and Jerry and guarantee you wont find better.
 
Remember the Grain of salt. Call Robbie at Shooters Warehouse or Jerry and theyll set you up and answer any questions you might have as well as mounting options for your rifle. Ive dealt with Robbie and Jerry and guarantee you wont find better.
Unfortunately Jerry retired, I was talking to him yesterday.
 
Unfortunately Jerry retired, I was talking to him yesterday.
Well I was not aware of that. Shouldve guessed as he was not on the home page any longer. His advice is still worth noting. Robbie is also very knowledgeable on the optics front and I have first hand experience dealing with him and you wont be dissappointed in any way.
 
Well I was not aware of that. Shouldve guessed as he was not on the home page any longer. His advice is still worth noting. Robbie is also very knowledgeable on the optics front and I have first hand experience dealing with him and you wont be dissappointed in any way.
Jerry is the reason the Athlon helos is on my list! I haven’t talked to Robbie yet I might have to shoot him a message and see what he suggests. I’ll likely wait for a ale before I pull the trigger on anything.
 
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