Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope Review

The Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope Made a Bold First Impression

The Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope promises a lot: a versatile magnification range, a durable build, and a price point that doesn’t require selling a kidney. As an outdoor enthusiast with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless scopes come and go, each promising the world. This one piqued my interest because Athlon has been making waves with its value-driven optics, and I wanted to see if the Argos HMR lived up to the hype.

I needed a scope that could pull double-duty: accurate enough for varmint hunting at longer ranges and robust enough for the unpredictable conditions of a backcountry deer hunt. I was searching for clarity, reliability, and a reticle that wouldn’t obscure the target at higher magnifications.

Unboxing the Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope was surprisingly pleasant. The scope felt solid in my hands, with a decent weight that hinted at robust construction. The matte finish was clean and even, and the turrets clicked with satisfying precision, suggesting quality internals. Compared to a Vortex Diamondback Tactical I own, the Athlon felt a bit more refined, although the Vortex has proven its ruggedness over time. I also considered a Leupold VX-Freedom but ultimately chose the Athlon for its higher magnification range and included features at a similar price. My initial excitement was tempered with cautious optimism; I’ve been burned before by scopes that look great on paper but fail in the field.

2. Real-World Testing: Putting **Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope** to the Test

   First Use Experience

My first test with the Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope was at my local shooting range. The weather was clear, but the late afternoon sun presented a good challenge for testing the lens coatings. Mounting the scope was straightforward using standard one-inch rings. After a quick bore-sighting, I started dialing in the zero at 100 yards.

The windage and elevation adjustments were positive and repeatable, and the .1 MIL clicks were easy to feel and hear. After about a dozen shots, I had a solid zero. The clarity of the glass was impressive for a scope in this price range, offering a bright and crisp image even at higher magnifications. My only initial concern was the eye relief at 20x, which became slightly more critical, requiring a consistent cheek weld.

<h3>Extended Use & Reliability</h3>

After several months of regular use, the Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope has held up admirably. I’ve taken it on two deer hunts, including one particularly grueling trip with heavy rain and mud. Despite the abuse, the scope has maintained its zero and the lenses have remained clear, thanks to the Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses. Cleaning the scope is simple; a lens pen and a microfiber cloth are usually all that’s needed.

Compared to a Bushnell Banner I used to own, the Athlon is in a different league. The Athlon offers superior clarity, a more precise reticle, and much better tracking. I am genuinely impressed with how well it has performed, especially considering its affordable price point.

3. Breaking Down the Features of **Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope**

   Specifications

The Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope boasts some impressive specs for its price range.

• The magnification range is 4-20x, offering versatility for both close and long-range shooting. This range is ideal for hunting various game animals in diverse terrains.

• The objective lens diameter is 50mm, allowing for ample light gathering, which is crucial in low-light conditions. A larger objective lens aids in a brighter and clearer image, especially during dawn and dusk.

• It features a Mil Dot SFP Reticle. This reticle provides holdover points for bullet drop and windage correction, and it is located in the Second Focal Plane (SFP), meaning its size remains constant regardless of magnification.

• The scope has a matte surface finish, minimizing glare and reflection. This finish is crucial for avoiding detection by game animals.

• Advanced Fully Multi-Coated lenses maximize light transmission and reduce glare. This feature ensures a bright and clear image, even in challenging lighting conditions.

• The tube is made of 6063 aluminum, a lightweight and durable material. This aluminum alloy is known for its strength and resistance to corrosion.

• The tube diameter is 1 inch, making it compatible with a wide range of mounting options. One-inch tubes are a standard in the industry, offering versatility for rifle setups.

• The exit pupil ranges from 9.3-1.9 mm, providing adequate light to the eye at various magnifications. The exit pupil size affects the brightness of the image perceived by the shooter.

• Eye relief is greater than 3.8 inches, offering comfortable shooting and minimizing the risk of scope bite. Adequate eye relief is essential for shooter safety and comfort, especially with higher-recoil calibers.

• The field of view at 100 yards ranges from 27.9-5.6 ft, providing a wide view at lower magnifications and a detailed view at higher magnifications. Field of view is critical for target acquisition and situational awareness.

• Click value is .1 MIL, allowing for precise adjustments to windage and elevation. Finer adjustments enhance accuracy, particularly at longer ranges.

• Adjustment range per rotation is 10 MIL, providing ample adjustment for various distances. This range allows for quick adjustments to compensate for bullet drop.

• Total elevation and windage adjustment are both 18 MIL, providing a generous range for long-range shooting. Sufficient adjustment range is vital for dialing in accurate shots at extreme distances.

• It uses capped turrets, protecting the adjustments from accidental movement. Capped turrets are preferred by many hunters for their added security against unintentional adjustments.

• Parallax adjustment is achieved via a side focus knob, allowing for sharp image focus at various distances. Side focus parallax adjustment is convenient and essential for accurate shooting.

• The scope is argon purged, preventing internal fogging. Argon purging ensures consistent performance in all weather conditions.

• Its length is 13.25 inches, making it a relatively compact scope. A shorter scope can improve rifle balance and handling.

• It weighs 21 oz, making it lightweight enough for comfortable carrying on long hunts. A lighter scope can reduce fatigue during extended use.

• Reticle subtension validity is at 20x, meaning the Mil Dot reticle is accurate at the highest magnification. Knowing the magnification at which the reticle is accurate is crucial for proper ranging and holdover.

  Performance & Functionality

The Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope performs admirably for its intended purpose. Its accuracy is excellent, allowing me to consistently hit targets at varying distances. The adjustments are reliable, and the scope holds zero even after repeated use and exposure to harsh conditions.

The main strength of this scope is its clear glass and precise adjustments, enabling accurate shot placement. One weakness is the slightly critical eye relief at higher magnifications, requiring a consistent cheek weld. It definitely meets my expectations for a mid-range hunting and varmint scope.

<h3>Design & Ergonomics</h3>

The build quality feels solid and well-constructed. The matte finish is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The scope is relatively lightweight, making it comfortable to carry on long hunts. There’s a slight learning curve associated with the Mil Dot reticle if you’re not familiar with it, but once mastered, it becomes a valuable tool.

<h3>Durability & Maintenance</h3>

The Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope appears to be built to last. The 6063 aluminum tube is robust, and the lens coatings seem resistant to scratches. Maintenance is simple: keeping the lenses clean and the exterior free of debris is all that’s typically required.

<h3>Accessories and Customization Options</h3>

The scope does not come with many accessories, primarily just lens covers. Aftermarket one-inch scope rings and bases are readily available. There are no specific Athlon-branded accessories for this scope, but it’s compatible with any standard accessories designed for one-inch tubes.

4. Pros and Cons of **Athlon Argos HMR 4-20x 50mm Rifle Scope**