The CZickness XXXIX Waiting on what's next.

[T-DOGG]

So since you're the research expert and I know that 88 analyzes things in great detail as well, is there a reason you both chose to not look at the Vortex offerings? As I'm not super knowledgeable on scopes, I'm curious.

I should say, chose to not go with the Vortex offerings.

Main reason:
- I have lost faith in their product's durability. I've had to warranty ALOT of their products that were mine, 2 for a close friend and know several in this very group. Quite a few of those were on 22LR rifles, not exactly high recoiling rifles. Yes, they have a great warranty and that's their number one selling point. I don't like that, at all. The best warranty is the one I never have to use. Vortex warranty is not free. It cost money to ship and insure a scope to them for warranty, plus the downtime. The only scope I had any actual faith in was my Razor HD Gen II 1-6, but that thing was a damn tank.

Other reasons:
- I think most of their glass is so-so for me. I've had other glass, at lower price points that were equivalent (Athlon, Burris, Leupold, Hawke).
- Eyebox is generally tight, not very generous (it's hard to get in that sweetspot).
- Some of their reticle designs have been not very useful and a little outdated.

I am not a scope expert by any means and have never claimed to be. In fact, there are plenty of other people on Ingo that are WAY more knowledge about optics than me. But I do read around on other forums, watch un-biased reviews and pay attention to what others are experiencing along with my own experiences. I think there are other companies that are really putting a dent into Vortex's marketshare. Companies like Athlon, Swampfox and Primary Arms for example.

That being said, I have zero experience with a PST GenII, other than handling a 1-6 in store. So most of my opinion is based on what I've read, take that for what you will. I have seen generally good things about that line of product and above. The Razor line is generally considered awesome. I will also say that even though I mentioned Athlon as a competitor, I've had to use their warranty on 1 out of 2 scopes that I own of theirs. So there is that.

* I know Vortex has a huge following on Ingo and some other sites too. Not bashing anyone for their decision. Not bashing Alan at AAOptics at all (he is one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of being around). I'm just saying that I'm done with Vortex.

**EDIT, I'm probably done with Vortex. Maybe. I think. Okay, hell, I don't really know.

 

[wtburnette]

Thank you, I appreciate your insight and experiences. This will be my third Vortex and I've not had any issues at all thus far, so I will continue to knock on wood...

 

[T-DOGG]

Thank you, I appreciate your insight and experiences. This will be my third Vortex and I've not had any issues at all thus far, so I will continue to knock on wood...

Nothing wrong with that and I am glad to hear your experiences have been good. One thing I will tell you is despite my personal opinions, I don't think to myself "oh geez, that guy bought a Vortex, what a doofus". That is not a thing at all. I hope I'm not coming off that way to anyone, because I really don't mean too if I am. I have no intention of ruining someone else's purchase by coming off as a know it all, because I still have a ton to learn every day and I'm thankful for open/candid conversations in our group, even if I do get a little butthurt from time to time (it's a good thing in the end, no not "that" end...).

 

[88E30M50]

The MPO line had my primary focus until I stumbled on the Bushnell Elite deals at Midway. I don't think you would be disappointed. Everything I read online was a plus. I really like the reticle design in them.

And I'll add this recommendation again, Midway has the Bushnell DMRII 3.5-21x50 with the G3 illuminated reticle on sale:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020586712?pid=144123

I got mine for a little bit cheaper, they've been bouncing the price around a little bit the past few weeks or so.


And they still have the big boy XRSII on sale, same price I got mine for. It is ALOT of scope for the money.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019633469


I will now be quiet....

The XRSII has me thinking again. That is a lot of scope for the money

 

[wtburnette]

Nothing wrong with that and I am glad to hear your experiences have been good. One thing I will tell you is despite my personal opinions, I don't think to myself "oh geez, that guy bought a Vortex, what a doofus". That is not a thing at all. I hope I'm not coming off that way to anyone, because I really don't mean too if I am. I have no intention of ruining someone else's purchase by coming off as a know it all, because I still have a ton to learn every day and I'm thankful for open/candid conversations in our group, even if I do get a little butthurt from time to time (it's a good thing in the end, no not "that" end...).

Didn't think that at all. I just don't know much about scopes and was sticking with the brand that has done good by me so far. Hoping that trend continues and looking forward to checking your scope(s) out at the SGE.

 

[T-DOGG]

The XRSII has me thinking again. That is a lot of scope for the money

34mm tube. A LOT of light comes in. I really notice the difference in later hours when the sun is starting to go down. The image quality is excellent for me. Also a very generous eye relief.

 

[MindfulMan]

Good morning. Official weigh in results from yesterday, Monday March 1st, 2021.

Woody Woodpecker -6.68%
Winnie the Pooh -5.77%
Buzz Lightyear -4.33%
Little Bo Peep -2.79%
George Jetson -2.20%
Willy Wonka -1.77%
Roger Rabbit -1.55%
Mary Poppins -1.37%

Woody and Winnie are staying strong at #1 and #2, with Buzz gaining ground at #3.

Oooo-eee ..... that Woody Woodpecker is a runner !
There's still (2) months remaining. I wonder if anyone can catch that person ?

 

[Leadeye]

Set out a bit this evening, quiet except for the sound of a trencher trying to cut through limestone a ways off.

 

[RustyHornet]

For what it’s worth, I’ve only ever owned one Vortex, AND I’ve got the t-shirt. I’ve had no issues ever. It’s a cheaper Crossfire II on a .22 bolt gun, definitely not a cannon scope that’s been swapped around a dozen times.

 

[MindfulMan]

I'm thinking about picking up the MPO 3-18X50 from Brownell for the Tikka. It checks all of the boxes for me. Japanese ED glass, FFP, turrets and reticle in MRAD, capped windage, exposed elevation, zero stop and good reviews online. The Tikka will most likely only be used at 600 to 800 yards max, which fits well with that scope.

That looks very, very, nice, 88' ! I love that Japanese glass !

 

[T-DOGG]

Not a fair comparison, because the Athlon Helos BTR is way cheaper than the Bushnell XRS II. But what my eyes see are a brighter, clearer image in the XRS II. Like I said, it's way more noticeable in the later hours.

This sign is roughly 1200 yards away. This is the best picture I can get with a smartphone trying to focus. And this is looking thru patio glass also.


Athlon at 20x. Ignore the out of focus reticle.



Bushnell XRS II at 20x


Bushnell XRS II at 30x

 

[MindfulMan]

Get my second covid 19 shot this afternoon. Hoping I don't follow SS's lead.

I had zero problems with my 2nd Pfizer shot .... didn't even have a sore arm.
Hope that it's the same for you, Tarzan.
In (4) more days, I should reach 95% immunity .... that's a good feeling !

 

[88E30M50]

So since you're the research expert and I know that 88 analyzes things in great detail as well, is there a reason you both chose to not look at the Vortex offerings? As I'm not super knowledgeable on scopes, I'm curious.

I should say, chose to not go with the Vortex offerings.

I have nothing against the Vortex scopes. I just tend to focus on a specific requirement and then look at the offerings that meet that requirement. I don’t often find a Vortex with the specs I’m trying to meet or, to get to those specs, I have to step up to a higher product level than the budget allows.

I do wonder about the number of refurbs available though, but it might be that other manufacturers have the same number returned/refurbed products available and we just don’t hear about them because we don’t have a dedicated reseller locally as we have with A&A Optics.

As an indicator of how spec focused I can be at times, I’m looking at the Brownell’s MPO line because it looks to be high quality that meets exactly what I want. But, T-Dogg points out what is most likely a better optic at a cheaper price and I am still stuck on the idea that it’s not the spec I had in mind. :/

I might grab the Bushnell but need to reconcile the mind with the idea that it’s ok if something is not to spec when it exceeds the spec.

 

[88E30M50]

Just got a LaRue trigger in the mail

 

[88E30M50]

Not a fair comparison, because the Athlon Helos BTR is way cheaper than the Bushnell XRS II. But what my eyes see are a brighter, clearer image in the XRS II. Like I said, it's way more noticeable in the later hours.

This sign is roughly 1200 yards away. This is the best picture I can get with a smartphone trying to focus. And this is looking thru patio glass also.


Athlon at 20x. Ignore the out of focus reticle.
View attachment 128618


Bushnell XRS II at 20x
View attachment 128619

Bushnell XRS II at 30x
View attachment 128620

What reticle is that?

 

[wtburnette]

Good to know Tim. My process is more like watching a couple of videos then throwing a dart at the wall blindfolded and just guessing about where it landed...

 

[MindfulMan]

And they still have the big boy XRSII on sale, same price I got mine for. It is ALOT of scope for the money.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1019633469


I will now be quiet....

I'm curious .... which reticle did you get for your Big Boy, Spicy ?
The Tremor3, or the H59

 

[RustyHornet]

Good to know Tim. My process is more like watching a couple of videos then throwing a dart at the wall blindfolded and just guessing about where it landed...

But at least the scope will help you see the dart better!

 

[MindfulMan]

What reticle is that?

Ha ! .... great minds !

 

[T-DOGG]

What reticle is that?

The Bushnell has the non illuminated Horus H59 reticle.