Upgrading scope, decisions, decisions...

D

Djb1

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Hey y'all, I'm looking to upgrade my scope on my stag10 (6.5c).
This will be used as a long range scope for both target and longer range hunting.
Currently I have a Bushnell DMR II-i and while I'm happy with the feature set I'm wanting something more. What I'm looking for in order of importance is:

Glass (low level light transmission)
Reticle
Turrets



I'm considering the following 3 replacements:



Delta Stryker HD 4.5-30

Pros: good glass, cheapest option, locking turrets, favorable reticles.
Cons: parallax goes from ~250 to infinity (???)



Trijicon Accupower 4.5-30

Pros: glass is *supposedly* the best
Cons: reticle, no locking turrets



Athlon Cronus BTR 4.5-30

Pros: Reticle, Cheaper than Trijicon (slightly)
Cons: no locking turrets, glass *supposedly* worse out of the 3




So for those in the know, am I considering everything? The right things? Any experiences with these scopes to share? I'm leaning towards the Delta but have not looked through one. Ultimately if it doesn't work in low light/varying light conditions I would disregard it.

Thanks for any input given.
 
The Delta is an excellent scope.
Great glass, turrets and reticle.
I haven't had direct experience with the other 2 but I have had experience with plenty of others in the higher price ranges.
I don't think you would be disappointed with the Delta.
I don't think any of these are a huge step up over the DMR though either. If you want a big noticable difference you'll have to spend more, but there is a point of diminishing returns. Solid tracking and turrets are probably the most important in my opinion, and anything above $1500 with a warranty there shouldn't be a problem.
If you are wanting the best glass you may want to start looking at higher end options like the ATACR, S&B, Razor gen 2 (used is a great option), IOR, Swaro, Minox ZP4, Kahles, Leupold Mark 5 and I'm sure there are plenty of others.
 
Would also consider the Kahles or Leupold. I think some of those range closer to 4k though and I'm wanting to stay under 3.5k.
Only reason I haven't considered the Razor is weight.
 
I have a Bushnell HDMR II (your scope but with a H59 reticle) and although there's nothing astounding about that optic, it's super solid, rugged, can take a hit and tracks like surveying equipment. I'm not sure how much of an upgrade the scopes you listed actually are.

I also have 2 Leupold Mk5 5-25s (one on match gun, one on backup match gun) and though they are an upgrade, all you're really getting is better glass, lighter weight and a reticle I slightly prefer (CCH). Don't get me wrong, they're fantastic scopes but I do think you start hitting that point of diminishing returns pretty hard once you get past the Bushy. I honestly think the DMR/HDMR II is one of the best values in scopes out there, especially considering the deals that pop up.
 
rugbydave said:
I have a Bushnell HDMR II (your scope but with a H59 reticle) and although there's nothing astounding about that optic, it's super solid, rugged, can take a hit and tracks like surveying equipment. I'm not sure how much of an upgrade the scopes you listed actually are.

I also have 2 Leupold Mk5 5-25s (one on match gun, one on backup match gun) and though they are an upgrade, all you're really getting is better glass, lighter weight and a reticle I slightly prefer (CCH). Don't get me wrong, they're fantastic scopes but I do think you start hitting that point of diminishing returns pretty hard once you get past the Bushy. I honestly think the DMR/HDMR II is one of the best values in scopes out there, especially considering the deals that pop up.
Click to expand...

I own 3 DMRII in H59and the S&B 5-25x56 H59 and I do concur.
 
rugbydave said:
I have a Bushnell HDMR II (your scope but with a H59 reticle) and although there's nothing astounding about that optic, it's super solid, rugged, can take a hit and tracks like surveying equipment. I'm not sure how much of an upgrade the scopes you listed actually are.

I also have 2 Leupold Mk5 5-25s (one on match gun, one on backup match gun) and though they are an upgrade, all you're really getting is better glass, lighter weight and a reticle I slightly prefer (CCH). Don't get me wrong, they're fantastic scopes but I do think you start hitting that point of diminishing returns pretty hard once you get past the Bushy. I honestly think the DMR/HDMR II is one of the best values in scopes out there, especially considering the deals that pop up.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the solid considerations! I really do love the DMR and have been happy with it for range sessions. I just know that while hunting with it I had found myself wanting more in terms or glass quality as every little bit helps. A 56mm objective would also help theoretically. Also if I'm going to have a 2lb scope it might as well go to 25-30x on top even though I'd lose 1-1.5x on the bottom.
 
Delta optics are equal to scopes costing considerably more and they have been used by top FClass shooters with total reliability and they do a lot of adjustments over a season.

Haven't had any complaints about parallax.

Best regards,

Peter
 
If you have no intentions of buying a S&B, please dont look tru one.

Many 10K later, it's still paradise. YMMV.:ar15::ar15::ar15:
 
My dream scope for 308/65creedmore is a Nightforce ATACR with illuminated Mil-XT reticle. In fact, I have a spot on a rifle just waiting for one but I'll probably have to wait until next year.
 
Djb1 said:
Would also consider the Kahles or Leupold. I think some of those range closer to 4k though and I'm wanting to stay under 3.5k.
Only reason I haven't considered the Razor is weight.
Click to expand...

Vortex Razor HD AMG comes in at $3600 and is half the weight of the Razor HD Gen 2. Glass is fantastic.
 
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