Help selecting a scope?

[Sniper66]

Just bought a Tikka T3X Super Varmint .223. Looking for suggestions for a scope. I'm currently leaning toward a Meopta Optika6 3-18X56mm with Dichro reticle. I can buy it for around $650. I already have this scope on another .223, but would like to look at other options before making a decision. Primary targets are prairie dogs and coyotes out to 300yds. Here's what I want.
Max Budget $700
Second Focal Plane
DOT in the reticle
reticle must be overall fairly simple. NO Xmas trees
30mm tube
Side focus and crisp audible clicks on adjustment. I'm a set it and forget it shooter, not a knob twister.
And of course, excellent glass.
As always, I'll appreciate your thoughts

 

[greyling22]

If you don't mind big and heavy, this looks like one heck of a deal, even before the 10% off.

https://www.natchezss.com/bushnell-forge-rifle-scope-2-16x50mm-sfp-34mm-illum-german-4-black.html


Edit: price when I posted this was $400. It is now over $800.

 

[bihj]

I'd look at the Meopta Optika6 2.5-15x44 with the same reticle. The main reason is with that large diameter (56) ocular lens, you may have trouble getting a good cheek weld on your stock, as I do.

 

[Sniper66]

If you don't mind big and heavy, this looks like one heck of a deal, even before the 10% off.

https://www.natchezss.com/bushnell-forge-rifle-scope-2-16x50mm-sfp-34mm-illum-german-4-black.html

I appreciate this suggestion. I looked that one over at the Bushnell Outlet near me and I can get it for about the same money as the ad you sent. I will go look it over again as I ponder my decision. I don't mind big and heavy....the Meopta is large and heavy too. I prefer the magnification range (18X) and the reticle of the Meopta, but it's also more money. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Sniper66]

I'd look at the Meopta Optika6 2.5-15x44 with the same reticle. The main reason is with that large diameter (56) ocular lens, you may have trouble getting a good cheek weld on your stock, as I do.

It's going on the new Tikka with an adjustable cheek piece on the stock, so that should not be a problem. Thanks for the tip.

 

[LiveLife]

I don't mind big and heavy ... Primary targets are prairie dogs and coyotes out to 300yds.

Here's what I want.

• Max Budget $700
• Second Focal Plane
• DOT in the reticle
• reticle must be overall fairly simple. NO Xmas trees
• 30mm tube
• Side focus and crisp audible clicks on adjustment. I'm a set it and forget it shooter, not a knob twister.
• excellent glass

I would suggest Arken EP5 or SH4, especially with $170 off for $10 donation to Navy SEAL foundation (And Gen2 SH4s are on sale for $289-$299 now) but they are all First Focal Plane scopes with 34mm tubes - https://www.arkenopticsusa.com/navy-seal-foundation

For SFP 30mm tube scopes, I think Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 10-40x56mm checks off most of what you want and more with 5% off THR discount with THRFORUM code on $50+ orders (You should be able to find other discounts/codes online) which brings the price down to $437 + free shipping (I have seen other online prices for $429 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/athlon-optics-argos-btr-gen-ii-10-40x56mm-moa-rifle-scope.html

I got to compare my Athlon 10-40x56 with Arken EP5 at 100 yards and for 300 yards, Athlon at 40x should allow you to see the "whites of eyes" of prairie dogs and coyotes.

 

[Sniper66]

• Max Budget $700
• Second Focal Plane
• DOT in the reticle
• reticle must be overall fairly simple. NO Xmas trees
• 30mm tube
• Side focus and crisp audible clicks on adjustment. I'm a set it and forget it shooter, not a knob twister.
• excellent glass

I would suggest Arken EP5 or SH4, especially with $170 off for $10 donation to Navy SEAL foundation (And Gen2 SH4s are on sale for $289-$299 now) but they are all First Focal Plane scopes with 34mm tubes - https://www.arkenopticsusa.com/navy-seal-foundation

For SFP 30mm tube scopes, I think Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 10-40x56mm checks off most of what you want and more with 5% off THR discount with THRFORUM code on $50+ orders (You should be able to find other discounts/codes online) which brings the price down to $437 + free shipping (I have seen other online prices for $429 - https://www.opticsplanet.com/athlon-optics-argos-btr-gen-ii-10-40x56mm-moa-rifle-scope.html

I got to compare my Athlon 10-40x56 with Arken EP5 at 100 yards and for 300 yards, Athlon at 40x should allow you to see the "whites of eyes" of prairie dogs and coyotes.

Thanks for the tip. I'll research them