Best Rifle Scope Under $500: 10 scopes tested head-to-head

Blog post with links to the best scopes from this video: backfire.tv/scope
I bought 10 rifle scopes to give you a completely unbiased review of the best rifle scopes under $500. The scopes considered are all approximately 4-14 magnification, which is very common for a hunting and general purpose field scope.
Special thanks to Blackhound for sending me their scope to review when I wasn't able to purchase one since they were out of stock. Blackhound is a great company with excellent customer support. I suspect the copy I received is an outlier with the top turret problem. I will continue to support them in the future.

[@meagleo]

Watching you punt all the scopes into the pool was oddly satisfying.

[@richardscoresby]

I was estimating the $$$ thousands in potential loss.

[@mrtundra3157]

I looked and researched for felt like ever glad I got the vortex funny thing is I only use the parallax the other adjustments are set and forget just use the hold overs.

[@ceaton39]

1:18 seconds into the video and I nearly threw up my crayons.

[@gmanchurch]

Yep

[@jeremyhawkins9246]

@@richardscoresby r

[@KendallGray1]

Bro you're the goat! Thanks for doing this!

[@brassvulcher8207]

yeah be sure to use the link😂

[@NoNo_IStay]

Flaunting that money again. "Look at my house!" "I bought all these myself!" "Look at my pool!" No one cares. It's a scope video.

[@Mrmf_king]

@@NoNo_IStay somebody’s angry

[@2017Toy]

@@NoNo_IStay that's a stupid reply nothing wrong with having money as long as money don't have you I love this channel awesome review

[@pistoreroloco]

Primary arms top budget unless you want to drop tht$$$ on the gold

[@tec9944]

This is literally probably the best scope review ever, I can't even fathom how much effort and time and detail went into testing all of this for all of us, so for that thank you you got my like!

[@corystump8253]

Literally….😢

[@LB-vn1lu]

Thanks for doing this. There are so few comparative reviews of scopes. This kind of work adds a lot to our knowledge, and hopefully our ability to chose a scope that will work best for us. Great work!

[@blantant]

We appreciate the time and effort that went into this. This is really one of the best scope reviews I have ever seen.

[@dansherwood9851]

The leupold freedom 6-18x40. I've got several with custom turrets. Lightweight, decent glass. Great for a lightweight mtn rifle.$500

[@gerrygadget]

I've been waiting for this review FOREVER! Thank you so much!

[@adamgross393]

Hello, I watched this after completing my scope shopping and some of the scopes I was looking at during my research were in this video! I ended up with a bigger version of the diamondback tactical over the Arken! At the end of the day I would have been very happy with either of these. Awesome video with great information!

[@jessegarman7899]

This is the review that I have been looking for. Finally someone took the time to go though all of this. I like how you broke it down into different catagories of use. Thank you

[@stephenhorvath391]

Hey Jim! Just want to thank you for all the time you put into your videos and how honest you are about the experiences you have with all test subjects. I have referred a bunch of people to your channel and I love the mentality that Backfire operates on. Special thanks from Canada!

[@backfire]

Thanks Stephen! I really appreciate the support.

[@mikolajorzechowski2423]

also from canada and also recommend to all shooters i know! plus kinda fun to see that the scope on my 308 be the winner

[@aaronfox5559]

@@backfire Can you do a video on the best yards to sight a scope in at? Or how you sight your scopes in? Thanks for all the content!

[@robertsmentkowski312]

@@aaronfox5559 One way to sight in a scope for range is to set it so that the distance from the top of the bullet's flight to the bottom is 8 inches (20cm) over that distance for deer. Thus, within that distance, the bullet will ALWAYS be in the "kill' zone, which is 8 inches for a deer. Other game, different size critical zones. While there is a name for this practice, it escapes me. So, a bullet sighted in for 200 yards may likely be flying (impacting) 1.5 inches high at 100 yards and is 5 inches low at 300 yards. So, if the animal is at 300 hundred yards, aiming at the center of the target area (on a deer is 8 inches, top to bottom), the impact will be too low by one inch (4-5= -1). OK, bear with me . . . When that scope on that rifle is sighted in at a range where, from 0 yards out to (let's say) 320 yards, the bullet's rise and drop, when aimed at center mass of the 8 inch 'kill' zone, is 4 inches up and 4 inches down, a hunter can aim at that center and be CERTAIN that the bullet's impact will always be within that 'kill' zone from 0 to 320 yards. One doesn't have to aim high or low; one aims center and the bullet will impact from +4" to -4" out to 320 yards. Consider drawing out on paper what I wrote to clarify this method. Beyond 320 yards, one must know the drop beyond 320.

[@stevensaxon8888]

@@backfire what is your thoughts on aHi-Lux Uni-Dial 5X-30X56 Ballistic Turret Rifle Scope or Hi-Lux PentaLux TAC-V 4X-20X50 Rifle Scope?

[@Dalesarty]

I’ve been waiting for this one. Great job appreciate all your hard work and time put into honest testing and reviews.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Truly enjoyed the info you passed about these scopes. Your arduous efforts saved me money, time, and a lot of frustration b/c I could not determine which scope I was ultimately going to get for my lever action Long Ranger 5.56, Appreciate all the work you've done to provide such detailed information.

[@samuelmoncrief8503]

This is one of the most entertaining and pleasing gun/gear review videos I have ever watched. Liked, subscribed, and clicked ALL affiliate links. You've outdone yourself and I am looking forward to watching you in the future. THANK YOU!!!

[@mountain_man_7626]

Professional, quality, thorough reviews. Love this channel. Keep up the outstanding work!!! Great info!

[@knoxflier5171]

Good review. A few months ago I bought the last Althos you showed at my local Academy, so got to look it over before I bought. Overall I’m very please for the relatively low cost vs features and performance. I mounted it on a premium springer air rifle as it has focus for those ranges, and is supposed to withstand dual direction recoil these powerful springers put out. Happy with my choice, glad to see in top 3 here and could definitely recommend for the money.

[@JeepsCafe]

One year later this vid is still helping me decid on which scope to get for my next bolty or boltie. Thanks again for this informative video.

[@redpepper70]

I just can't believe how much effort you put into each of your videos. this is an awesome video! thank you so much!

[@TheAzryll]

Thanks for taking the time and money to put this together. I always look forward to your videos. If we get enough affiliate clicks will you do another scope round up around $1,000? I did like this format but wouldn't of minded a longer video with a point system like you did with the rifles last year. Keep up the great work!

[@michaelmignone5869]

Around $1000, my bet would be on Leupold vx6. I got the older one before they changed them all for around $860. The glass is really clear, love the car reticle, which turns off and on by itself, the tube frame looks really thin when looking through and scope is nice and lightweight at just under 15oz. The only complaints I've read about the scope are the brightness adjustment is a push button instead of a dial and the cmr2 washes out in bright sunlight. I've never found these to be issues, push button works fine just press until cycles to right brightness and in bright sunlight I'm not using illumination anyway.

[@dakotadickens3747]

@@michaelmignone5869 took a vx6 and the Burris full field e1 from this video and show both on the same gun in low light. The Burris was actually clearer and let more light in. Thought it was the weirds bs. But if you spend $300 on a scope you’ll have a good scope now days. 90% of scope out shoot the person behind the gun. Same woth guns now days

[@rubenalonso722]

This channel is slowly but surely sneaking to be one of my favorites to watch.

[@fstarockaburns425]

you are the reason me and the wife bought 2 hunting rifles last weekend! Thanks for all the gr8 info - u helped us narrow our choice down to 5 which cabelas all had - we walked away with the last 2 7mm tikka t3x's! Just incredible weight and feel - thanks a ton!

[@seeratlasdtyria4584]

Damned fine choice!

[@Theother1089]

Thanks for all your hard work, here in the UK we pay far more for anything firearm related, so it's great to have a starting point to work from. In my experience, scopes earn their money from 100 yards onwards, I generally shoot 22LR out to 100, but i'm toying with the idea of a 22WSM to compliment it and a 223 for 300 yards, peace and love from Surrey ( where Harry Potter lived) lol.

[@nickwashburn723]

Cool, recently bought my first bolt action rifle and topped it off with my first real scope (been mostly into pistols and AR's, but since I've gotten into reloading ive been more into doing some precision shooting) and I chose the diamondback tactical 4-16x44. Looks like I made a good choice

[@petergeorge1544]

An important consideration is warranty. I decided to test the Burris forever warranty. I had a 2-7 Burris that I took of a rifle 20 years ago that would no longer hold zero, this scope is now about 40 years old. I took it to my local gun shop, they sent it to the importer for examination and they subsequently replaced it with a new 3-9 scope at no cost. That is an unbeatable warranty. I subsequently bought a 4.5-14 Burris and am very happy with both scopes

[@edstimator1]

I had a similar experience with a Leupold. I was told if I found a Leupold scope on the side of a freeway, they would replace it.

[@johnmorgan8075]

@@edstimator1 I had someone leave a busted vari-x 2 at the gun shop I used to work at. I sent it back and leupold rebuilt it no questions asked. They told me the serial number was from the 60’s

[@davidgribble263]

Like Burris scopes. No problems !!

[@keithprinn720]

used to sell and use sage fly rods similar warranty so great.

[@grubalaboocreosote4774]

I was looking at Vortex because of their warranty. I wasn’t aware that other scope companies have just as good warranties.

[@BornHandy]

Great video. I kept finding videos that were just compilations of scope advertisements, but you actually took the time. Thank you.

[@robertelias3431]

Jim this was the best scope review I have ever seen. Thank you very much for sharing all of your work and time. U dun good!

[@sylverbullit7192]

Great review! I'm impressed with how many different scopes you had, and many tests were conducted. Nice to have a few great options under $500. And, you kept the video less than 15 minutes. You gained another subscriber and link clicker. I've had the Primary Arms SLx with the 6.5 Creedmoor reticle for two years and love it. Relieved it did well in your test, lol!

[@louiscapasso4452]

Jim, I'd like to say thanks for the opportunity to come and participate in this. It was a blast, and a tough time with that many choices. Your choices are spot on.

[@jerrymayo4571]

Lucky-dog, I'm envious! Jim's personality intelligence, and dedication shine in his videos, I would love to meet him The community is very blessed to have this man

[@angrydads]

Very thorough reviews, thank you for your time in putting this together. Great episode.

[@cfrank925]

That Burris looks right up my alley! Thanks for putting this together for new guys trying to get out into the field.

[@86mhayez]

I had previously researched this same topic and Vortex DB came in on top …it’s great to know that someone like you validates my restart👍🏼👊🏽

[@Jakefrc]

I actually own both of the Vortex scopes in this video. The crossfire is on my air rifle and the diamondback is on my 6.5 creedmoor. I find the glass to be pretty nice to look through on both of them. The lack of parallax on the crossfire is a shame especially on an air rifle but it’s only on a plinker for a bit of fun, so it does the job.

[@bricjj01]

Phenomenal review. Love how you presented all the info and had the exact right amount of detail

[@shawnwood4317]

Great job. You answered all my questions. I appreciate you honesty and sincerity, truly rare these days that's going to be the go to scope on my prime rifles. Thank you again keep up the great content. I liked and became a new subscriber.

[@joshuabrown7906]

Thank you so much for your review! Your channel has come to occupy a niche that was in desperate need of being filled in the hunting/shooting sports genre of youtube channels.

[@kevink552]

Great test, coincidentally I just bought the Vortex you picked as the top choice! I bought it for NRL22x competition, used it in the September match and was quite satisfied, the eyebox is large which really helps in switching back and forth between close and far targets. One scope I'm very pleased with is the Bushnell 4.5x18 AR illuminated scope, it comes with different target turrets and they work very well. Wish you would have tested it instead of the one you chose.

[@spudboyQ]

Best scope comparison video that I have seen by a long shot. Very enjoyable presentation as well. Thank you.

[@chikkenbonz]

Great review! I'm in the market for a scope in this price range...I appreciate all the work you put into this video. Helped tremendously in deciding on which scope to buy. Thanks very much!!

[@Mrkelsmiller55]

Good video, I have Vortex Tactical in a MRAD on my 6.5 CM and my .300 Win Mag. It is an amazing scope. It took me a while to learn the MRAD (Mils) but once you learn it, to me it is better than the MOA. Thank you for another great video.

[@Nicholas-im8bd]

It’s easier to calc adjustments... and you don’t have to move the torrents as much to get to your desired adjustment. That said... one click on a 1/4 Moa scope is .25”.... and one click on a MRAD scope is .37”... so the MOA scope has more/finer adjustment

[@romansivers]

An unbelievable amount of work (and money I’m sure)! What a great content! Thank you for producing this!

[@ifinishedelementary]

Thank you for the informative videos you make. I ordered the Vortex Diamondback today.

[@propofolau]

I bought the DB Tactical in MIL for my Franchi 6.5CM and I was glad I saw this video you made.. A mate has the Crossfire II on his .308 and its drastically different in overall everything.. nice review - thanks!

[@Jags4don]

Thanks for the review. I purchased the Arken Sp5-25 as I no longer can afford the higher end scopes and was very pleased with the quality of these scopes. I bought a second one and am still at 1/3 the price of many scopes. I find I can go out and shoot more as I have several rifles with a good scope versus one rifle with an excellent scope.

[@dakotaman4861]

I paid $530 for my Arken 5-25x56. I did a detailed comparison with the Nightforce ATACR. Pretty much the same in terms of quality, precision and operation. I was shocked at the exceptionally high value. It shoots in the .1 MOA to .2 MOA range and acts like a $3500 scope. Amazing! My only issue is the reticle dot on 25x covers more than .5 MOA at 1000 yards so scoring high on NRA 1000 yard targets is tough. It's also covers prairie dogs at that range. Ideal for hunting or PRS competition.

[@joegawel4864]

Really liked this review I purchased the Burris scope a couple weeks ago to mount on my new hunting rifle so it puts me at ease that I made a good choice. Thank you for all of the reviews you do.

[@diawaprolite7967]

Put the burris 3-9×40 rimfire on the .22 savage mark ii excellent choice.When will you review riton scopes?

[@menace1tb]

Great review!!! Also found it really interesting the Vortex passed all the abuse testing. I own a bunch of Vortex and haven't had issues. In long range groups all you hear is Vortex has a great warranty cuz you will need it. This was great info on the Athlons since I've been wanting to test one out

[@ag4allgood]

Really liked the way you decided to review these scopes. Throw out the disqualified right off the bat. Narrow the field. Thank you for a very smart review of these scopes.

[@Craig_4G63]

I recently purchased a Athlon Midas TAC 4-16x44mm, and it is an amazing scope in the mid range price bracket. We don't have quite the choice of brands available to us in Australia, and I wanted a scope basically the same as the Vortex Diamondback Tactical in specs (4-16, FFP, tactical exposed turret, side focus, milrad, lifetime warranty). I had a little more to budget and I really couldn't find a bad review for the Athlon Midas TAC, but I think the Vortex for almost half the price is one hell of a scope on paper.

[@kbgooddoctor2690]

Nice job thanks for the impartial analysis . Ah here's a tip if possible mount scopes and fire #5 rounds each test . I've personally found shell shock to weed out defects ,especially with snappy calibers such as magnums . The Pool drop also says a lot ,as you yourself mentioned water intrusion is a Huge factor . Hunters encounter fogging from freezing to hot humid camp as well as field conditions ,so water intrusion is a NO GO on any scope IMO .

[@curt8641]

Amazing dedication Mr. Backfire. I am a bit of a nut case that i would do something to a quarter this degree for my own info, but for you to do this in "The hopes someone will appreciate my science". I certainly do. Thank you again sir.

[@user-bi5qr5uc5d]

Thanks for doing the review, lots of good information. I currently use Leupold and Primary arms scopes for my rifles but after this review I will consider the Diamondback or Burris. I really like the Leupold warranty, they have always repair or replace my scope, with no issues. Looking forward to more reviews.

[@ChristianGrest]

Really good and thorough comparison. New subscriber. I've owned a couple of the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16x44, did atleast one video on them a couple of years back and I have to agree...it's really a great scope for the money. I don't miss it not having illumination either as honestly I don't tend to use that feature a ton anyways.

[@johnknouse8846]

I figured I was gonna disagree, but I have 2 Leupold Freedom series scopes and 2 Vortex Diamondback Tactical scopes. All have been fantastic! When I got my most recent rifle (6.5 creedmoor precision rifle) I looked at Blackhound, Arken, Primary Arms, and Sig, but I knew I loved my last Vortex, so I got their 6-24 this time. Fantastic scope.

[@jaadean]

Excellent, comprehensive review! Thanks.

[@wc4201]

Great video. Love your simple straight discussion format as well.

[@dillonlyon8947]

A friend of mine is switching all his bushnell scope out for Burris. Much better for about the same money. Great video and great information. Thank you

[@ethancapps2021]

I literally just got my vortex diamondback tactical 4-16x44 in the mail today!!! I was waiting for this video to come out I'm so stoked it is a good buy!!!

[@ronws2007]

I have two of the Diamondback Tactical 6-24 / 50 mm. When I changed some of my rifles to have the Vortex Venom, I had these laying around. I just got a TC Compass II in .308 Win and put one on there. I just really like that reticle. I also have the Crossfire II 3-9 / 40 mm, which is good for basic hunting. I just happen to like the EBR-2C reticle in the Diamondback Tactical. Good turrets. durable construction.

[@nataliedeyton6829]

They are outstanding scopes ... I have 4 the only true downfall is if you are hunting with it forget about shooting early morning or late evening because you can’t see the crosshairs... I had to let a big buck walk last year because of low light.

[@ronws2007]

@@nataliedeyton6829 good point for last available light. So, I get a smidge more with the 50 mm bell. I want a scope that I could hunt and do long range with that was not to heavy. Mine is 24.5 ounces. My Venom scopes are 35 ounces and compete more with the other 6-24 / 50 scopes, like the Arken and the Blackhound.

[@mikeg.2240]

Love the channel. I like how your reviews help somebody like me who a long shot is 500 yards. If I ever go out west though I will know where to go to get a long rang set up to!

[@markfrommichigan659]

I was looking for a new scope and used your video to help! I went with the Vortex Diamondback from Midway and can't wait to get it. Thanks for your testing and help.

[@kweeks10045]

Good video. A couple of years ago I took out a newer Redfield($199), Leupold Marksman($229), vari-x I, II, III, and new Mark 5 ($2099) and tested them side by side. Even the difference between the Vari-x I and II was considerable in low light transmission and clarity. For the bulk of people, I would guess that the $199-$299 offerings were sufficient. But a scope like the vari-x III or "better" can really make the difference, especially in low light conditions.

[@richrudley2650]

Being a competition shooter and were spending $2000.00 plus on a target scope. It would be a Night Force. Or other top quality scope. It depends on the use of the scope and your wallet.

[@Deltathegoldenretriever]

That’s the only thing I care about the most is how it does in low light situations and the Vortx that I have had don’t even compare to the Leopold’s in low light transmission

[@ulflyng4072]

Low light is generally the problem

[@gk5891]

I see myself as a typical hunter. I'm not a competion shooter. These are my priorities: 1. Ruggedness 2. Optical Quality 3. Coatings Whether or not I get 55 MOA or 60 MOA for 240 clicks isn't really where I want to spend my money. I want it to hold zero and not break when it gets dropped down the side of a mountain. I want to be able to judge a rack through the scope at 400 yd and I want to be able to shoot at legal light in deep woods. I don't want to pay for 2,000 yard glass clarity or Zeiss Diavara light gathering ability. I'm not going to be shooting 1 mile targets at midnight.

[@goldenTym]

I've got a PA Apollo on my 6.5 Creedmoor. For me it's an all purpose rifle... Hunting/Long Distance Shooting etc. I like the ease of their ACSS system that's calibrated to 6.5 specifically, and the extra magnification out to 18x really gives you an extra edge when reaching out really far like the 6.5 can. I've also got one of the LPVO's for my AR that's a 1-8 I believe.. and I just bought into the ACSS system.... but if I hadn't Vortex would be an easy go to for me for all my scopes.

[@gregorygreen7912]

Love your channel Jim. Great review, as usual. Keep up the good work.😊

[@tristnsedora7790]

This is the first of your videos I have seen and I love it.

[@darrylpacholko5495]

I have 2 Diamondback HP 4-16 x42 Vortex scopes. I mounted 1 of them on a Weatherby Vanguard 7mm rem mag. Our whitetail season starts on the 15th of November. 7 minutes into legal shooting time a buck steps out and I harvested him. The light transmission was excellent in the low-light conditions. I love Vortex, the price, quality and warranty are comparable to anyone else. I paid 429.00 for mine here in Canada.

[@walkdowntuck799]

have you tried the hog hunter, if so what do you think about it?

[@darrylpacholko5495]

@@walkdowntuck799 haven't tried it.

[@sethgriffin6014]

I’ve been waiting all week to watch. Now I can sleep 😂

[@sethgriffin6014]

PS we all appreciate the effort you put into these videos. You really deserve more recognition than what ya get.

[@ReidP]

Great job reviewing these scopes! I really enjoyed your information.

[@frederickjohnson2443]

Thank you for the effort and work you put into this, it helped a lot.

[@MarSin]

Dude love your dedication. Thank you!!!

[@jasonbubb1275]

I really hope you do this video again in 2024. Scopes have changed and we NEED another review.....Please

[@mikedesilets3324]

Very helpful. I am in this exact market right now. Thanks for all of your time spent in testing.

[@adamhuntoon355]

Just bought the exact same Burris and glad to hear you speak highly of it! Can't wait to get to the range

[@bluepunk182]

I own a few PA and Athlons. They have been great (all of them are under $350). I've shot a buddy's gun that has a similar Vortex, and it was gorgeous as well. Definitely think you had solid picks for your top 3. I love how good first focal plane scopes are within the everyman's budget. Monstrum makes some decent stuff, but you're definitely sacrificing quality at that point. They'll do the job for deer hunting in the midwest though, where you're shooting within 150 yards 90%+ of the time...just not for long range or precision.

[@richrudley2650]

Athlon scopes are made in China. Except for the ones that cost $1000.00 or more. As long as I can avoid buying something from China I will do so gladly. That's the way I feel.

[@jeffreygibbons6878]

Good review. Thanks for putting this together. You surprised me with the pool dunk and towel on concrete drop. Roughneck style! I expected the Burris to come out better. The criteria is the key. Most things aren't designed for multiple use cases. For a hunting scope in this price range - it's awful hard to beat a VX3i (at the top end) and a Burris Fullfield (lower end) imo. Keep up the posts - i enjoy your content and delivery.

[@ag4allgood]

@@edwardabrams4972 Burris also has a Lifetime no receipt needed Warranty to replace or fix no questions. So its another big plus for Burris.

[@rodneymyers5114]

Thank you so much for this review. It really helped me. I appreciate your channel. Great information.

[@beanaddict]

Guys like you make buying much easyier,putting the time in to give us a better understanding of certain things which we might over look. Nice1

[@aldean6333]

I started using that Burris on my hunting rifle. Has a numbered reticle that is super easy to use.

[@andrewrussell2513]

Excellent video. Hopefully you can get enough support to do one for a higher price category. Will you be publishing the comparison data you have for the different test criteria?

[@gagandeepsidhu9560]

always worth watching your videos and big thanks to you for your generous & true reviews. very informative 👍

[@timj.8056]

Nice review! I am amazed at how you tested all these scopes . . .Thank you for your time l and effort.

[@rickrazz7136]

Man I really like and appreciate all the information. I've been obsessing over scopes in this category. To be honest I believe the Arken SH4 is far best all around (except for the weight! - it's a tank). I am leaning towards your suggestion for that reason.

[@michaelnelson1911]

Great video. You can’t beat Vortex’s warranty. What a great optics company. Great bang for the buck and pretty easy to find. Great choice of tests! Loved your house and yard.

[@Kyle-sr6jm]

I spent over a decade working in gunshops. I have seen more Vortex go back for work than any other optic. The best warranty, is an optic that doesn't need work.

[@Hunting4Hookers]

I have 5 of the 10 in this video and can assure you that I’m happy with all of them and no need for upgrades! Great video!

[@Drew-hy6zr]

The best review ever, thanking you!!

[@Bubblyhiccups]

The vast majority of inexperienced shooters prefer MOA. once you go MIL, you never go back. Height or width of target in inches x27.7 divided by height or width of target in MIL = range in yards. It’s a very simple formula. There’s no need to use metric with the MIL system despite the common misconception.

[@fuhq5121]

Yeah sounds simple enough. Just need to tape a calculator to my rifle and I'm good to go!

[@iliaskaranzas1382]

The was majority of american shooters you mean….

[@Fuckyouyoutube777]

The neophytes use moa to keep their intelligence level in the “I don’t understand anything” category. 😘

[@rickrazz7136]

I agree, NSSF does an excellent job clarifying how you can easily convert a mrad reticle to yards... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWakeKZ-iK6mjNE

[@dakotaman4861]

With all due respect, there are plenty of shooters who do better with MOA scopes. In America ALL shooters are familiar with inches and a subtension that reduces the holdover increment to even inches at every 100 yard incremental range is very easy for Americans to understand. MOA scopes can determine range at the maximum magnification or the middle magnification just fine with a similar formula. Most Americans that want to know range carry a rangefinder, mainly because it is MUCH more accurate at any range beyond 600 yards. By 1000 yards, you need to be accurate to + or - 1 yard if you want to hit a coyote. You won't get that with a scope subtension or estimating the unknown size of the target. Although, you may be trained in more mathematics and target knowledge than most American shooters, even you probably don't know the height or width of a prairie dog, a white tail deer, a mule deer, an antelope or an elk from 800 yards away... all likely game that you might encounter on one hunt. Worse yet, is it a baby prairie dog? An adolescent or an adult male? Another issue for many shooters is the fact that most MRAD scopes are only offered in First Focal Plane configuration. This choice can NOT be used by long range varmint shooters and competitive target shooters because on the highest magnification, the reticle often covers their entire point of aim. Have you ever tried actually shooting a 1193 yard prairie dog with your MIL scope using your holdover calculation? The calculation is finite but the eyeball guess of the reticle fit or dimension of the target is flawed, making the result insufficient for a hit. The net truth is that MRAD, MOA, 1st and 2nd focal plane, max magnification, etc. all have effective uses. You just need to get the combination that matches your intended use and support equipment.

[@armeddiver]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I am a huge Vortex and Leupold fan. I am getting ready to do a new 6mm ARC bolt gun build and I wanted a mid-range (3-20, 4-16, etc.) variable scope and the Vortex DiamondBack was at the top of my list. It is now the choice. Again, thank you for this review. It was a huge help and saved me a ton of time doing my own research.

[@tonyarrivo8143]

Great video as always! You have some of the most informative videos I’ve seen

[@kurucacikinoko]

First time watcher. Awesome review and Im sure you've put much more effort than shown. U deserved more credit mate.

[@DB.KOOPER]

I love my PA 3-18x50. Great scope and PA has the best, most versatile and usable reticles.

[@jwjenkins421]

I have an athlon Argos 6-24 x 50 ffp mil on my hunting rifle, I have a primary arms 4-14 x 44 ffp mil I really like the r-grid 2b reticle on this scope. the PA is on my muzzleloader I really like both scopes. The Argos was originally around 400, and the primary arms was on sale for 269 or something like that. I've not done anything with the vortex diamondback, but I love their warranty and customer service.

[@joshwalker7839]

I have the same Argos scope on my rifle. It has held up great.

[@taylorbokshowan5713]

I’d say that Argos would edge out the Arken. I haven’t played much with the Arken but that Argos is a tough cookie for its price

[@jwjenkins421]

@@taylorbokshowan5713 I've enjoyed mine it helped me shoot a cow elk at 465 yards. And lots of shooting outside of hunting. This year I have a rifle elk tag and a rifle deer tag, hope I can find animals to make my gun work some more.

[@donniem6191]

I enjoy this episode, I’ve watched probably three times. I would really appreciate a review similar to this on scout scopes.

[@TeamJesusOutdoors]

Great breakdown! Love your comparisons, and this one was a great one! Thanks!

[@curtisd8206]

For the price point you really can't beat vortex optics. Love my tactical 4-16x44. And vortex warranty and customer service is also worth mentioning

[@mrs.vasquezz]

For the same price i got the Leupold MK3HD 4-12

[@derekskinner2347]

Own the vx freedom for hunting..... love it . Some friends and I shoot .22 rifle matches at 100yds. I own an athlon neos rimfire a friend in the group uses the talos. Athlon to us has superior lens quality to same price point scopes. Vortex has never impressed with lens quality to me.

[@SSMenace49]

A lot of work went into this video. Thank you for your efforts! Subbed! I bought an infrared ATN X-Sight scope for $900 a year ago, and it's fine, just wish I saw this video before I bought it.

[@warriorworkstraining]

This is such an excellent video. This was not an easy thing to bite off and you did it perfectly.

[@mikedoingmikethings702]

I agree with the Diamondback… over the years I have tried premier, athlon, usoptics, Burris, nikon, nightforce and I slowly turning into a Vortex fanboy. I had the first gen razon, pst and hst and lately, I got the venom. In a couple of weeks, I should be getting the diamond back tactical… Vortex have been great for budget minded enthusiasts and the feature you get for what you paid for can’t be beat! Not to mention a no questions ask top notch customer service… Plus, it is made in the Philippines, I am very proud that the country I grew up in is making the best product in the world!!!

[@dustang5.O]

I really like Crimson Trace optics and the scopes they have released relatively recently (3 years ago or so) and they are also made in the Philippines. It’s quite interesting, the Philippines may end up being widely known for creating quality optics in the near future.

[@glennanderson2790]

One brand that is often overlooked is Sightron, the S-Tac models would have done well in this review.

[@donspears6557]

Good show. Appreciate all the info, and your getting your family in some of them. Keep it up.

[@davidmingues9553]

I was just hoping the Vortex scope would be in the top 3. It appears I've chosen a good scope for an over all scope. Thanks ,,, I do so love your honesty when producing your videos. Keep them coming.

[@CabnHaul]

Great video, good job! I would recommend to include FIXED magnification high power scopes too in future videos. SWFA for example or Weaver, e.t.c... Also would be nice to test some scopes in $500-$800 price range. ✌

[@DuckersAI]

I will say for only $50 more dollars you can get the vortex Diamond back tactical 6-24x50 you get 8 extra magnification,and a larger optical lense

[@thatboylije7892]

That’s the one I put on my ruger precision I love it

[@fishnhunt3488]

Thats the scope I am about to purchase for my 7mm mag

[@echoesofmalachor3700]

For $500 you can pick up a Venom and for another $50 you can get an Arken EP5. Both are 5x25x56 with a 34mm tube. Down side is China.

[@KevinWood44]

All jokes aside....THANK YOU!!!! This is pure honesty for a change!! Arken and Blackhound, like Vortex, has bought the opinions of so many youtubers...I greatly appreciate your honesty!! The Blackhound and Arken, while both decent scopes for the money, have terrible chromatic aberration and both have reticle issues (Arken too thin and Blackhound too 'busy') As far as what u mentioned about the larger objective lens bringing in more light. I know that has always been the what people think but I personally do not. **Here is how you should look at it....if you held a straw north/south at noon and next to it you held another straw with a HUGE funnel on top of it to pull more light down the straw....the result of light coming thru the 2 straws would be IDENTICAL!!!! You can not force more light through the same size straw, regardless of the objective lens!!! And the larger body 34mm vs 30mm vs 1" DEF does not effect light, only allows more turret travel.

[@rinabinette]

Whew! I was really worried. Last week, I had invested in a Vortex cap. Excellent review! The IMHO format is a great choice.