The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope Made a Bold First Impression
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope enters a crowded market promising high-end features at a budget-friendly price. Athlon positions this scope as an entry point into precision rifle shooting (PRS) and other disciplines. Its 6-24x magnification range, MIL reticle, and purported low-light performance piqued my interest, given my needs for both range work and varmint hunting.
My aging eyes demanded an optic that could deliver clarity at longer distances without breaking the bank. I’d been struggling to consistently group shots at 500 yards with my existing scope. The promise of a crisp image and precise adjustments from the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope felt like a potential solution.
Unboxing revealed a scope that felt surprisingly solid for its price point. The turrets clicked positively, and the finish appeared even and durable. The weight was noticeable, but within a reasonable range for a scope of this size.
I considered the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 6-24×50 and the Bushnell Engage 6-24×50, both in a similar price range. I ultimately chose the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope due to its purported True Zero Stop feature and the generally positive reviews regarding its glass clarity at this price point. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; it seemed like a lot of scope for the money, but the proof would be in the shooting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope to the Test
First Use Experience
I first mounted the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope on my Ruger Precision Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor and headed to my local shooting range. The weather was clear, with a slight breeze, perfect for dialing in a new optic. I tested it at distances from 100 to 500 yards.
The image clarity was immediately apparent, even at higher magnifications. Adjusting the parallax and diopter was smooth and allowed me to achieve a sharp picture. The turrets were easy to grip and provided audible and tactile clicks when making adjustments. After zeroing, the True Zero Stop functioned exactly as advertised, preventing me from accidentally dialing below my zero.
There were no major issues with the initial setup or use, but I did notice a slight chromatic aberration at the highest magnification settings when looking at targets with high contrast. This wasn’t a deal-breaker, but it was noticeable.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope has held up remarkably well. It has endured temperatures ranging from below freezing to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. I’ve also used it in light rain without any noticeable issues.
The finish remains intact, with only minor signs of wear around the turret caps. Cleaning the lenses is straightforward, and the XPL coating seems to effectively repel dirt and water. I simply use a lens cloth and a lens cleaning solution.
Compared to my previous budget scope, the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope offers significantly improved clarity, more precise adjustments, and a more robust build. It has noticeably improved my consistency at longer ranges, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
Breaking Down the Features of Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 6-24x. This provides a versatile range for both close-range and long-distance shooting.
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm. This allows for ample light gathering, crucial for low-light performance.
- Reticle: MIL. This allows for precise holdovers and ranging.
- Tube Diameter: 30mm. A larger tube allows for a wider range of internal adjustment.
- Adjustment Value: 0.1 MIL. This provides precise adjustments for accurate shooting.
- Total Elevation Adjustment: 60 MOA. This is a generous amount for long-range shooting.
- Total Windage Adjustment: 60 MOA. This mirrors the elevation adjustment, offering ample correction for wind.
- Parallax Adjustment: 10 yards to Infinity. This allows the shooter to eliminate parallax error at various distances.
- Eye Relief: 3.3 inches. This offers sufficient distance to prevent scope bite during recoil.
- Field of View at 100 yards: 16.7-4.5 feet. This provides a reasonable field of view across the magnification range.
- Length: 14.1 inches. This is a moderate length, suitable for most rifles.
- Weight: 27.2 ounces. This is a substantial weight, but typical for a scope with these features.
- Material: Aircraft Grade Aluminum. This ensures durability and resistance to the elements.
- Lens Coating: Advanced Fully-Multi Coated. This enhances light transmission and reduces glare.
- External Lens Coating: XPL Coating. This protects the lenses from dirt, grease, and harsh weather.
- True Zero Stop: This allows you to quickly and easily return to your pre-set zero after making adjustments.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the scope’s performance and usability. The magnification range and objective lens diameter dictate how well you can see your target at different distances and in varying lighting conditions. The MIL reticle and precise adjustments enable accurate shot placement. The durable construction ensures the scope can withstand the rigors of field use.
Performance & Functionality
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope performs admirably for its price. Its accuracy is commendable, with consistent and repeatable adjustments. The glass clarity is good, providing a clear image in most lighting conditions.
One strength is the True Zero Stop, which simplifies returning to your zero after dialing for longer shots. A minor weakness is the slight chromatic aberration at high magnification, but this is a common trade-off at this price point. Overall, the scope meets my expectations and performs well in various shooting scenarios.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is solid, with a robust aluminum tube and well-machined turrets. The scope has a comfortable weight and balances well on my rifle. The turrets are easy to grip and turn, even with gloves.
The scope is relatively user-friendly, with clear markings and intuitive adjustments. The side parallax adjustment is conveniently located and easy to access. There’s a slight learning curve associated with understanding the MIL reticle, but plenty of online resources are available.
Durability & Maintenance
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope appears to be built to last, thanks to its durable aluminum construction and protective coatings. The XPL coating makes cleaning the lenses easy. Routine maintenance involves simply wiping down the scope with a clean cloth and occasionally checking the mounting screws.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope does not come with a ton of accessories. It includes basic lens covers. It is compatible with any standard 30mm scope rings.
Aftermarket accessories include bubble levels for ensuring the rifle is perfectly vertical, and throw levers for the magnification ring to allow for faster and easier magnification adjustments. The scope will also work with any MIL-based rangefinder or ballistic calculator for even more precise long-range shooting.
Pros and Cons of Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope
Pros
- True Zero Stop: Makes returning to your zero incredibly easy.
- Good Glass Clarity for the Price: Provides a clear and sharp image.
- Precise and Repeatable Adjustments: Ensures accurate shot placement.
- Durable Construction: Withstands the rigors of field use.
- MIL Reticle: Enables precise holdovers and ranging.
Cons
- Slight Chromatic Aberration at High Magnification: Can be noticeable in high-contrast situations.
- Weight: A bit on the heavier side compared to some other scopes.
Who Should Buy Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope?
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope is perfect for:
- Entry-Level PRS Shooters: The features and performance make it a great starting point for competitive shooting.
- Varmint Hunters: The magnification range and clarity are well-suited for targeting small game at longer distances.
- Budget-Conscious Shooters: It offers a lot of value for the price.
Who should skip this product? Shooters who demand the absolute best glass clarity and are willing to pay a premium for it might want to consider higher-end options.
Must-have accessories include a good set of 30mm scope rings, a bubble level, and potentially a throw lever for the magnification ring.
Conclusion on Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope
The Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope delivers impressive performance and features at a surprisingly affordable price. It’s not perfect, but the trade-offs are reasonable given the cost. The True Zero Stop, good glass clarity, and durable construction make it a standout in its class.
The value proposition is excellent. You’re getting features typically found on much more expensive scopes.
I would definitely recommend the Athlon Argos BTR Gen2 6-24x 50mm MIL Reticle Rifle Scope to anyone looking to get into precision rifle shooting or varmint hunting without breaking the bank. It’s a solid optic that will help you improve your accuracy and consistency. Consider giving it a shot; you might be surprised by what it can do!