Good Optics for around $200

[JAMz]

Late November I got an Athlon Talos 3-12X40 for my HW35e. Really nice scope for what I needed. Unfortunately, this one has a some issues and it wont hold zero. Being a new scope I have decided to return it to the dealer and try something else. What is a good scope for around $200? I'm probably going for less magnification, something like 3-9. What is your take?

 

[Lemensd]

I've had good luck with a discovery 3x12 Compact 2nd focal plain, also my go-to scope for years has been a no glits and glammer Sightron 4x12x40 SIH model number 31018 , focus 8 yrds to infinity mildot. Not the brightest not a compact ,pretty light weight 18oz, don't track super great but a solid no nonsense performer.

Don

 

[Gerry52]

I got a Vector Veyron a couple months back in a trade. I really like this scope but didn't expect to. The glass is way brighter & crisper than my Hawke Sidewinder which is more than double the price. I think the Vector is 3x12x44? I've seen them for around $225 or less. 

 

[PumaCarl]

If you get the Tac Vector Veyron SFP 3x12 at Optics Planet it's $132. I like this scope and the reticle subtends at 12x too, allowing for easy math when turning down the power. My brother got the same Talos as you, and I got the Veyron at the same time. I like the Veyron better and it was a little bit less money. With all this being said, usually not keeping zero on a springer is a mounting issue and not the scope. Unless, of course, that the scope actually breaks.

 

[Long_Gun_Dallas]

https://www.ohhunt.com/collections/lone-ranger-scope/products/ohhunt-lr-wa-1-75-10x24-ir-compact-hunting-scope-tactical-glass-etched-reticle-red-illumination-turrets-lock-reset-riflescope

 

[Cannonball]

I would buy this Barra if you don’t mind the BDC reticle and weight. All the H50 Barra scopes are made in Japan. I wouldn’t recommend the H30 or H20 scopes as they are made in China and much lower quality. I bought one of the H30’s to try since I liked the H50 so well. Mine had a loose eyepiece that wouldn’t have been an issue if they simply used a lock ring. Also the illumination was way too bright even on the lowest setting and would drown the lens with red light. The H50’s are built like a tank, have extremely good bright glass and the turrets are nice and repeatable.
The side focus will go down to 10 yards as well.

 

[Fatmike]

I'm really impressed with my barra h50 3-15×50. No warranty but a very nice scope from ebay.

 

[cmatera]

Just bought my 3rd Discovery 3-12 Compact yesterday, (1FFP, 2 SFP). Have them on all my Artemis P15. A decent scope for the money, and Charlie Sexton is great to deal with.

 

[biohazardman]

I have both the Discovery 3x12x44 and the Veyron with the same specs. The Veyron is ever so slightly brighter but focuses down to 6 or 7 yards. The Discovery has a slightly thicker reticle for better viewing in low light conditions but only focuses to ten yards. 

Other than these small differences the are pretty much equal in my mind. Both are nice fairly light and compact scopes and great for the money.

 

[Odoyle]

Beware Barra fantastic scopes with questionable BS warranty so you should all sell all your Japan Barra scopes to me.

Buy the Leupold EFR Freedom or any of the old EFRs. Never had one break on a magnum Springer before.

You may chance the Bushnell TAC 5-15x40 AO Mildot on sale around $250 when shopping smart or $299 or more when not smart or too lazy to price shop it's Japan made retails over $500 Lifetime Warranty from Bushnell with comparable glass to the way overpriced (IMHO) $699 SWFA SS 3-15x42 that should be at the $299 price point for what you actually get.

( IMHO)

 

[Odoyle]

The Cheaper Discovery and Vector scopes only cone with 3 or 5 year warranty so beware.

I wouldn't use either on springers and at least Athlon has very good warranty but wouldn't use 99.5% Athlon models on springers either unless it's the Cronus since its tough made in Japan. 

 

[mwils111]

I really like my Optisan HX. It has good glass, a wide field of view, forgiving eye relief, smooth adjustments, holds zero, and tracks perfectly. The EVE is one step up from the HX and is right at about $200.

 

[JAMz]

Thanks for all the recommendations.

Have any of you tried the Hawke Vantage line? There are a few that might fit the bill. Such as the 3-9 IR Mil dot (for the etched recticle), or even the 3-12 SF. Then is the airmax that has also an etched recticle. Any comments?

 

[B.Guns.]

here's one for you. On sale at $200.00

https://extreemtactical.com/aim-sports-ja6hd452750mr-alpha-6-4-5-27x50-30mm-riflescope-with-mr1-mrad-reticle/

 

[bubblerboy64]

I agree with Odoyle . I’ve owned dozens of scopes and there are cheap scopes which present with good to almost great first impressions but I have never had one that didn’t eventually disappoint me. I’ve had leupold scopes fail but there has never been a problem getting them repaired. Leupold was my go to scope for years and I got away from them. I’M BACK I good used leupold maybe even one with some cosmetic imperfections is probably a good way to go. Or you buy the cheap stuff and accept the realities that they might fail. We’re not hunting dangerous game with our air rifles ( right? ) 

There is a disadvantage to the ERF leupold scopes and that is the reticles. Not especially air gun friendly but if you use a rangefinder and the terrets you can accomplish the same thing. Those complex reticles for me are confusing. At the ranges I shoot and using the guns I shoot the ERF is a good choice.

 

[Odoyle]

Hard to beat the on sale now extreemtactical sub $200 on sale A6 4.5-27x50 under $1000 in sheer optical clarity greatness regardless of cheapness at least you ain't getting ripped off for what you get unlike other popular brands IMHO and I do buy tier 1 scopes too which aren't worth it IMHO but even I am an idiot sometimes.

I like it way better than the $1400+ (MSRP retail) Japan Bushnell TAC 4.5-30x50 that sells on sale for $599 and much better than the $699 SWFA SS 3-15x42 as well.

 

[B.Guns.]

Hard to beat the on sale now extreemtactical sub $200 on sale A6 4.5-27x50 under $1000 in sheer optical clarity greatness regardless of cheapness at least you ain't getting ripped off for what you get unlike other popular brands IMHO and I do buy tier 1 scopes too which aren't worth it IMHO but even I am an idiot sometimes.

I like it way better than the $1400+ (MSRP retail) Japan Bushnell TAC 4.5-30x50 that sells on sale for $599 and much better than the $699 SWFA SS 3-15x42 as well.

If you have enough points banked with Extremetactical you can get a $50.00 off coupon. I was able to do that and got another Alpha 6 for $149.99 yesterday. 

 

[Gerry52]

I had a Hawke Vantage that was a Combo deal with a Hatsan AT44S. Hated it! I thought it was crap. Based on MY experience I'd stay away from it. (However, I LOVE my Hawke Sidewinder 6x24x56. Hard to believe same co. made both scopes)

 

[jusanothajoe]

Have Hawke Airmax's on several springers, very good for the money.

Athlon Talos is a good scope, but not springer rated.

I have one on a tuned HW30 and it is holding up, but wouldn't try it on anything with more power.

 

[Ironman482]

here's one for you. On sale at $200.00

https://extreemtactical.com/aim-sports-ja6hd452750mr-alpha-6-4-5-27x50-30mm-riflescope-with-mr1-mrad-reticle/

The pic on that site appears to show a knob for a illuminated reticle, but no mention of one in the specs, anyone know if it has one.