Affordable optics that track?

cmor_15

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2011
Messages
57
Ok I'm love my NXS for it holding zero and tracking. So I'm wondering if there is a cheap option out there that tracks and hold zero well. I know I will have to sacrifice glass quality going to cheaper glass. I can deal with lower quality picture just want the durability!
 
Have EP4 gen 2 for about 6 months now. For $360 I think it was an incredible deal.
Now we have lined them up with 2 to 3k scopes and theres no comparison on the glass quality but I will say that the Zero stop and turrets are just as good or maybe better. Has a good reticle.
This is not a scope for a "carry" hunting rifle. Its big and heavy.
 
How cheap do you want to go?
I have a friend that has a scope on his favorite rifle that has survived falls from a tall tree hitting at least 3 branches on the way down not just once but twice,same tree/stand.The scope is a Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50.It also accidentally rode to his hunting lease in the back of his pickup bed (his son put the rifle in the truck) and it still works great.
I am impressed by my Arken scope.It's a little heavy but it tracks perfectly.Just a couple of idea's.
 
I have 2 element optics scopes they're cheapest version a Helix in a 6 to 24 by 50 I have had that on my long-range Rimfire then I put it on a 223 out to 800 yards tracking as far as I can determine is as good as my nxs couple of weeks ago I purchased their mid range model their Titan in a 3 to 18 by 50 this one unfortunately is a first focal plane with one of them **** Christmas tree reticles only reason why I got that one is that's the only one the scope comes in either milrad or MOA so far this scope is great 25 Moa per Revolution for elevation so I have around 78 Moa of elevation after it's mounted on a 20 Moa rail more than I'll ever use glass is very good border lining on great it also tracks incredibly well for it's price not much love for them for some reason check them out they are very cheap in the
US
 
Get the SHV from Nightforce then if you love your NXS. Good Glass and tracks perfect like the NXS, just cheaper. Don't degrade yourself by getting anything Vortex. Vortex warranty is mentioned all the time because you will most likely need it If you use your scope. Another option I haven't had issues with is the Sightron SIII. Tracks well but glass isn't great. Don't rule out any used Nightforce options either. Half of mine where purchased used for a good price.
 
I have two Arkens now. Yes they are on the heavier side but glass is clear and they track perfectly. One is the shv 6-24 and the other one is the ep4 5-25. The shv is on one of my hunting rifles and we used it to take 3 mule deer last year. They did just released a hunting version that's a little lighter. I will eventually be getting one of them. Will I replace my mark 5s, and vx6s hell no!! But this is a great way to get some good optics without breaking the bank until you can save up for the one you really want. Just my two cents.

One other thing I would add as mush as I like there scopes there rings suck. Save you money and get some good ones.
 
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Several of you recommended Arken for their ruggedness, but mentioned that they're heavy.

Arken just came out with with a LIGHTER weight series:
In 4-16x and 6-24x.
$400 /430
FFP, and I like the reticle.
23.7oz 👍🏼


Here:

These scopes check a lot of my boxes!! 😊
Matthias
 
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