Picked up a nused Tikka 16" 1:8 .223 Varmint. I have a Bushnell LRHS 4.5-18 or a Vortex PST 2.5-10x32 that I could swap off other rifles, or I could get something else. Would prefer FFP MIL/MIL, no (large) christmas tree, under $1000. Uses will be everything from varmints to occasional deer (correct bullet/opportunity) to paper and steel. Rifle is heavy already and will wear a suppressor at all times so I would like to stay under 25oz, preferably less than that even.

Thoughts?

Anyone have any experience with this Sightron S-TAC? Either 3-16 or 4-20?

https://cameralandny.com/shop/sight...196?variation=3114718&query=sightron

Might be hard to find a FFP, MIL without the Christmas tree.

stick with Leupold or Swaro to make weight.

Great deals on the Zeiss V4 also

No experience, but I like that reticle.

Nothing wrong with Sightron.

Maybe one of the Arkens people seem to like?

I would be very interested to to see what people think about this too.

SWFA 3-15. Have one on my 223 and its perfect. Have the 5-20HD on my long range target 6.5CM. Both have the same reticle so makes it easy to practice with the 223 and still be comfortable with the bigger scope when needed.

https://swfa.com/swfa-3-15x42-ss-mil-quad-reticle-30mm-1-mil-clicks-side-focus-first-focal-plane/

One of my buddies just bought this scope recently. I like it a lot. Definitely one that I would consider in the future. Only thing I don't like is that it has no zero stop.

I have two of this model and I like them both. The reticle is a little thicker which I like better, the illumination is good and adjustable. Tracking is good and the scope is clear didn't notice anything around the edges.

The Arken 4-16 EP has a really attractive price point. Wonder what it's like?

I’ve heard it’s pst 2 ish but better. They also have my interest but I like to fondle

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brand...013b-9370-00163ecd2826?variation=3382924

I have this model the reticle is on the thin side, illumination is just in the four hash marks in the center around the center dot both of which I am not crazy about. There are 3 set screws on the elevation turret that allows up or down rotation. I kept having problems with them coming loose which allowed the elevation turret to just spin freely, not good. Their fix was use Vibra-tite to keep the set screws from backing out.

The scope tracks well, glass is clear and the zero stop works well. Aside from the my dislikes it is a good rifle scope at a good price point.

I've had both in SFP flavor. The only reason I sent them down the road was because of the unnecessarily tall turrets. The glass was very good, the adjustments worked as designed, and since I like plain old duplex reticles that pleased me as well. The only other criticism I have is that they were fairly heavy but if you're after FFP stuff then I suspect weight won't matter too much for you. IMO, Sightron makes good stuff.

I've had a STAC 4-20x50 for several years now. It's been on several of my rifles. Mine is SFP with out zero stop. Its a very basic scope but a very good scope. Glass is good, IMO better than a buddy's Arken EP5 that I have been playing with. The Arken has more features and better turrets but the STAC tracks perfectly. IMO the STAC is a great value.

It came down to these two based on reticle/power/size offerings and price points

https://cameralandny.com/shop/sight...196?variation=3114718&query=sightron

https://cameralandny.com/shop/arken...cd2826?variation=3382924&query=arken

I decided since I could get the Arken with rings and delivery, for $200 less than the Sightron, that I'd give it a test. I'll give a follow up report once I get it mounted and shot. Fall back is either the Sightron or bite the bullet and order an LRHS from GAP. Those are back in stock if anybody's looking.

Arken scopes are getting excellent reviews. I have not worked with the ELP4 but I have spent quite a bit of time with the EP5 5-25X56. I've been doing some load development for a buddy who has one on his Ruger Precision Rifle.

I'm very impressed with the EP5 overall, turrets are great, illumination is good. The zero stop is nice but it can only be set to stop on Zero, I prefer to set mine mine to stop 1.5 MOA lower than zero to allow for minor zero adjustments using different loads but that's personal preference. I haven't done a box test but it seems to track well so far. I've done quite a bit of shooting at 500 yds and turret adjustments seem to be accurate. The EP5 image quality is not quite up to par with my Sightron SIIIs and my Tract Toric 4-20X50 but thats to be expected at less than half the price. As said previously, I think the image quality of my STAC slightly better than the EP5 but not significant. Its certainly adequate for the 500 yard shooting I've been doing.

I will say its a heavy beast but for a target rifle thats not an issue but I wouldn't want it on a lightweight hunting rifle. I think the EPL4 weighs quite a bit less.

Also the Arken rings are really nice.

Good luck with you new scope!