Need Optics Recommendation

[mdewitt71]

According to this unsubstantiated internet post (12th from top), Cronus is made in Japan everything else China.

http://www.opticstalk.com/athlon-rifle-scopes_topic42523.html

I said "maybe" in my previous post as I am not Athlon Official and will not speak for them but, I was just at Athlon HQ and will be back there soon as well.....
I know for a fact where and in exactly what plant each one of their scopes come from; don't believe the hype.

[Kswhitetails]

I have one “complaint” about my Ares BTR, the clicks are shallow, close, and quiet. After dialing some, no more complaints. Just subtle differences between optic makers.

The glass is outstanding. I shoot with a guy that runs gen 1 razors, and he agrees the Athlon is brighter, easier to eyebox, and clearer. His gen 2 should be here in a few days, maybe today. We will compare again. After playing with the Ares, he’s thinking about sending the vortex back and saving the cash for his new Grendel build...

[mdewitt71]

I have one “complaint” about my Ares BTR, the clicks are shallow, close, and quiet. After dialing some, no more complaints. Just subtle differences between optic makers.

The glass is outstanding. I shoot with a guy that runs gen 1 razors, and he agrees the Athlon is brighter, easier to eyebox, and clearer. His gen 2 should be here in a few days, maybe today. We will compare again. After playing with the Ares, he’s thinking about sending the vortex back and saving the cash for his new Grendel build...

The turrets are what separate the Ares and Chronos from the S&B and NF optics.... IMHO but, then again the price difference tells that as well.
It's really a personal pref from the Ares to the Gen II PST, they were built with almost the same parts in same factory and are very very close. I have been told the Black FX1000 is right in there with them both and maybe right in the middle for some people as far as ranking.
I am still waiting to get my hands on a FX1000.

[shadowulf]

I was dead set on an SWFA 3-15 FFP then found out about the Nikon FX1000. I just ordered the exact scope you listed. FYI, SWFA has them on sale right now for $582. The SWFA 3-15 is also on on sale at $559.

I went with the , now discontinued, SWFA 3-15x42 Mil-Quad DM. I really like this reticle.
I had a few issues with the eye relief. Ended up remounting everything to get it straightened out.
Now I'm getting 1/2 to 3/4 inch groups out at 200yds.
The glass is clear enough for me.
Just wish this reticle came on a FFP scope.

[Lightning8]

http://aaoptics.com/Refurbished-_c_93.html
Lifetime warranty, awesome quality

That refurbished Vortex HS LR for $500 is a deal. I have one of those (not a refurb) and it is a great LR scope. I do have other refurb Vortex and they have served me well.

[jhoyda]

I said "maybe" in my previous post as I am not Athlon Official and will not speak for them but, I was just at Athlon HQ and will be back there soon as well.....
I know for a fact where and in exactly what plant each one of their scopes come from; don't believe the hype.

I'm confused. I offered a link to a post supporting your exact position. I was agreeing with you.

If you know exactly where they are made why would you add the qualifier "maybe?"

[Crusty]

I'm really happy with my FX1000 (6-24x50). I can see the center of the bull when I squeeze one off now and my groups just improved because of that alone. Consider saving a while longer (+$200) to get a Nikon FX1000 - it's a match grade scope that you'll likely be happy with for a long time.

Nikon scope small.jpg

I just bought and mounted the Nikon Black Cantilever 20 MOA mount ($129) for long range and it's equally as good as the scope and is lighter and looks nicer than the Burris PEPR I had on there before. It's hard to find a 20 MOA mount at that price and this one is good quality to boot.

16405_BLACK_Cantilever_Mount_Profile.png

[mdewitt71]

I'm confused. I offered a link to a post supporting your exact position. I was agreeing with you.

If you know exactly where they are made why would you add the qualifier "maybe?"

Was not disagreeing with you, guess I should not of quoted you.
I am just stating I am NOT ATHLON OFFICIAL... so whatever I say is NOT OFFICIAL for the Company.
What I know and say from a recent visit or with talks or emails from their HQ, could have changed in the week.
Reason most companies have that lil statement at the end of any correspondences.

Now days way too many people take the good ole InterWeb as first hand knowledge when it never is.

[mdewitt71]

I'm really happy with my FX1000 (6-24x50). I can see the center of the bull when I squeeze one off now and my groups just improved because of that alone. Consider saving a while longer (+$200) to get a Nikon FX1000 - it's a match grade scope that you'll likely be happy with for a long time.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]11729[/ATTACH]

I just bought and mounted the Nikon Black Cantilever 20 MOA mount ($129) for long range and it's equally as good as the scope and is lighter and looks nicer than the Burris PEPR I had on there before. It's hard to find a 20 MOA mount at that price and this one is good quality to boot.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]11730[/ATTACH]

Very, very nice.....
Yes If I get the FX1000, I will get that Black mount as well.
Keep us posted on it, I would really like to hear about how it does when you really work the turrets over time.

[Crusty]

The turrets feel very positive and firm, but not too firm and I haven't noticed any "wearing in" as I've worked them all the way in to all the way out at least 10 times (no change from the first time). Based on the Nikon cameras I've had in the past I expect this scope to remain rock solid because my cameras never let me down, but there's a lifetime warranty just in case.

Didn't mention it before but the FX1000 comes with a sun shade which normally sells for $50 standalone.

I just took a picture with the scope mounted in the Nikon mount and here it is. It cleans up the top and now I won't be trying to grab a QD lever to rack the action on my side charger.

Nikon scope & mount (Small).jpg

[bman940]

Great reading the positive comments about Nikon's BLACK FX1000 scope. I do some freelance work with Nikon and got to show it off at SHOT Show and it was certainly very well received. Hopefully one of these days I'll get to put some rounds under one. I have the BLACK Series 20 MOA mount's on 2 longrange rifles and both function flawlessly. A great price on a solid well thought out mount.

[jhoyda]

Was not disagreeing with you, guess I should not of quoted you.
I am just stating I am NOT ATHLON OFFICIAL... so whatever I say is NOT OFFICIAL for the Company.
What I know and say from a recent visit or with talks or emails from their HQ, could have changed in the week.
Reason most companies have that lil statement at the end of any correspondences.

Now days way too many people take the good ole InterWeb as first hand knowledge when it never is.

No worries. I reread your post after I posted and came to a similar conclusion.

On a side note I was able to get out and try my FX1000. It was around 8 pm in Northern Ohio so the sun was starting to set, but I had no trouble seeing the target or the reticle in my non-illuminated model. Glass is quite clear. I'm happy with the purchase thus far.

One interesting thing I have noticed: the XR Turrets on my Monarch 5 seem "snappier" than those on the FX1000. Could be the grease has worn out of the XR Turrets. Not a complaint, but an interesting observation. Time will tell how the turrets wear in.

[mdewitt71]

No worries. I reread your post after I posted and came to a similar conclusion.

On a side note I was able to get out and try my FX1000. It was around 8 pm in Northern Ohio so the sun was starting to set, but I had no trouble seeing the target or the reticle in my non-illuminated model. Glass is quite clear. I'm happy with the purchase thus far.

One interesting thing I have noticed: the XR Turrets on my Monarch 5 seem "snappier" than those on the FX1000. Could be the grease has worn out of the XR Turrets. Not a complaint, but an interesting observation. Time will tell how the turrets wear in.

Thanks for sharing...
I do like Nikon Monarch 3 and 5s; Have you taken the Black FX1000 turret caps off and seen if they are really greasy compared to others?
Good luck and good shooting with it.

[jhoyda]

Thanks for sharing...
I do like Nikon Monarch 3 and 5s; Have you taken the Black FX1000 turret caps off and seen if they are really greasy compared to others?
Good luck and good shooting with it.

Yes, I have. And there was a fair amount of white, translucent grease inside.

[tango29]

look at a vortex pst Gen II. Lifetime warranty and great glass.