My first impression of Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope
The Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope immediately presents itself as a serious optic for the discerning shooter. Athlon has built a solid reputation for providing feature-rich scopes at accessible price points, and this model seems to continue that trend. The promise of upgraded internals, improved glass, and a true zero stop immediately piqued my interest.
As someone with over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I’ve seen countless scopes come and go. My biggest frustration has always been finding a scope that balances high-end features with a reasonable price tag. Many scopes offer incredible glass or bomb-proof construction, but rarely both without costing a small fortune. I was specifically searching for a scope capable of handling long-range precision shooting without emptying my bank account.
Unboxing the Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope, I was immediately struck by the solid feel and robust construction. The weight felt substantial, hinting at durable internal components. The turrets had a tactile and audible click that inspired confidence, rather than feeling mushy or cheap.
Compared to a Vortex Viper PST Gen II (which retails for a similar price), the Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope felt slightly more refined in its turret adjustments. Also, the reported 75 MOA of total elevation adjustment, compared to other scopes in its class, swayed my decision. My initial impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism – eager to see if it could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope was at my local shooting range, focusing on dialing in accuracy at distances ranging from 100 to 600 yards. The day was slightly overcast, but visibility was generally good. Mounting the scope was straightforward using standard scope rings.
The scope performed admirably, even with the less-than-ideal lighting. The image was clear and bright, allowing me to easily distinguish targets at varying distances. The turrets were easy to adjust, and the crisp, audible clicks made precise adjustments a breeze. I appreciated the ease of use; even someone relatively new to long-range shooting wouldn’t find it overly complicated.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slight stiffness in the magnification ring, but this seemed to improve with use. Overall, the first experience was positive, exceeding my initial expectations regarding clarity and ease of adjustment.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope has proven to be a reliable and capable optic. I’ve used it in varying conditions, from sunny days at the range to damp and chilly mornings during varmint hunts. It’s consistently delivered clear images and dependable adjustments.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear, despite being bumped around in my rifle case and exposed to the elements. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe-down with a lens cloth keeps the glass clear. The turrets continue to provide positive clicks, and the zero stop has remained consistent after repeated adjustments.
Compared to my previous budget-friendly scope, the Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope offers a noticeable improvement in clarity, durability, and overall user experience. It truly bridges the gap between affordable and high-performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope
Specifications
- Magnification: 4.5-27x. This wide magnification range provides versatility for both close-quarters and long-range shooting scenarios.
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm. The larger objective lens allows for better light transmission, resulting in a brighter and clearer image, especially in low-light conditions.
- Tube Diameter: 30mm. A larger tube diameter generally allows for a wider range of elevation and windage adjustments.
- Reticle Position: First Focal Plane (FFP). The FFP reticle remains the same size relative to the target image throughout the entire magnification range, making holdovers and range estimation more accurate.
- Elevation Adjustment: 75 MOA. The generous 75 MOA elevation adjustment allows for precise aiming at extended distances.
- Windage Adjustment: 60 MOA. The 60 MOA windage adjustment helps compensate for wind drift, crucial for accurate long-range shots.
- Adjustment Graduation: 0.25 MOA. Fine adjustment increments enable precise corrections for accurate shot placement.
- Parallax Adjustment: 10 yards to infinity. This feature allows the shooter to eliminate parallax error, ensuring the target image and reticle are on the same focal plane, improving accuracy at varying distances.
- Eye Relief: 3.6 inches. Adequate eye relief helps prevent scope bite, particularly important on rifles with significant recoil.
- Field of View @ 100 yards: 24.6-4.1 feet. A wider field of view at lower magnifications aids in target acquisition.
- Length: 14.3 inches. A relatively compact length makes it suitable for a variety of rifle platforms.
- Weight: 28.9 ounces. The weight is substantial but manageable, reflecting the quality of materials used.
- True Zero Stop: This feature allows you to quickly and easily return to your original zero after making elevation adjustments.
- HD Glass: Athlon’s HD glass provides enhanced clarity, brightness, and color fidelity.
- Stainless Steel Inner Parts: These provide tactical, crisp, and audible turrets.
Performance & Functionality
The Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope excels in its primary function: providing a clear and accurate sight picture for long-range shooting. The image is remarkably sharp, even at higher magnifications, and the HD glass minimizes chromatic aberration. The turrets are precise and repeatable, making dialing in adjustments a breeze.
One minor weakness is the previously mentioned stiffness of the magnification ring, particularly when new, but this is a small trade-off for the overall performance. For the price, the performance is truly exceptional, exceeding my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The scope’s design is functional and aesthetically pleasing. The matte black finish is durable and resists scratches. The turrets are clearly marked and easy to grip, even with gloves. The weight feels well-balanced, contributing to a stable shooting platform.
The scope requires minimal familiarization. The controls are intuitive, and the image is easy to focus, making it accessible to shooters of all skill levels.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope appears built to last. The materials feel robust, and the construction is solid. Maintenance is limited to cleaning the lenses with a lens cloth, and occasional inspection of the mounting hardware.
Accessories and Customization Options
The scope does not come with a vast array of accessories, but it includes lens covers. The 30mm tube diameter makes it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket scope rings and mounting solutions. While the reticle is not interchangeable, the available reticle options cater to various shooting styles.
Pros and Cons of Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope
Pros
- Exceptional value for the price. This scope offers high-end features at a mid-range price point.
- Crisp, clear HD glass. Provides excellent image quality, even in low-light conditions.
- Precise and repeatable turrets with a true zero stop. Ensures accurate and reliable adjustments.
- Durable construction. Built to withstand harsh conditions.
- Generous elevation adjustment range (75 MOA).
Cons
- Magnification ring can be stiff initially.
- Limited included accessories.
Who Should Buy Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope?
The Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope is perfect for:
- Hunters seeking a versatile and accurate optic for long-range hunting.
- Competitive shooters on a budget who want a reliable scope for precision shooting.
- Those looking for a step up from entry-level scopes without breaking the bank.
Who should skip this product? Those who demand top-tier glass quality regardless of price may find the image clarity slightly less impressive than that of significantly more expensive scopes.
Must-have accessories or modifications? High-quality scope rings are essential for secure mounting. A bubble level can also aid in precise shot placement at long distances.
Conclusion on Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope
The Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope is an outstanding optic that delivers exceptional performance and value. The price is more than justified by the quality of the glass, the precision of the turrets, and the overall durability of the scope.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this scope to anyone looking for a reliable and accurate optic for long-range shooting, especially those on a budget. If you’re seeking to enhance your shooting capabilities without emptying your wallet, consider the Athlon Midas BTR Gen2 HD 4.5-27x 50mm Rifle Scope as your next optic purchase. Take aim, and experience the difference!