Athlon Optics Ares ETR 4.5-30x56 MIL w/MK Machining Billet Throw Lever & Ultra Low-Profile Scope Level

I have not shot with this scope yet because I'm almost certain I received a defective model. The elevation turret is jagged and loud. It's easily the loudest, least pleasurable scope turret I've ever rotated. It's also completely different from the windage turret which was acceptable. I've already sent an email to Athlon for customer support. Like I said, probably a bad sample on the scope.I love everything else about the scope though. The color and reticle are amazing. Glass is also great. I have a Steiner in the mail from a friend and will be comparing the two in depth. The Ares ETR is at least comparable to it. This scope will probably be replacing the SWFA SS HD atop my main rifle when everything is sorted out.Scope aside, MK Machining ran out of billet bubble levels and scope levers so they sent me 3D printed models. Not what was advertised, but there was a note inside the box saying the company would send aluminum versions in four weeks. I'll give them the four weeks and see if replacements arrive.If not, I'll be adjusting this review to reflect the faulty product and falsely advertised accessories. I was fortunate to have ordered these well before a match. If not, this would likely have been a one star review.Update: I sent the scope in for warranty work. I received it back within a week. A note in the box stated the turret tracked fine. Since Athlon disregarded my complaint and the turret still drags like an unpaved road, I cannot recommend this scope for competition, hunting, or serious work.I also received the metal bubble lever and scope mount within the four week timeline. That’s the good, now for the bad.The metal scope lever is extremely offset. It sticks out at such an angle that if you place it to the right, there isn’t enough room for your bolt handle to clear. Put it on the left, and it can interfere with levers if you use a QD scope mount. You can’t adjust it either because it indexes with the nub on the magnification ring.I tested this on a GDI scope mount and my primary rifle (.308 AI AT) Since that rifle uses a short throw bolt, I didn’t even bother testing on a Rem 700 or Savage.Construction of the gear is fine. It just doesn’t work for me. Going to keep it anyway in the hope it fits a future build.

Elegant scope, I'm ashamed to say but my night force is on my other guns . It's just hard to believe the optics on this thing out of china ?

So what’s better for the price than Athlon’s ETR? Well an Athlon ETR with a throw lever and level of course! Seriously these are high quality add-ons that are machined from aluminum as far as I can tell. They are not the cheap poly or nylon components that are advertised from other sellers.Quite frankly if you are buying this optic from anyone other than MK Machine, even Athlon themselves, your waisting some money!

Super fast shipping thanks great products

Better glass than my pst gen 2, better glass and functionality than my Zeiss hd5. I would put it right on par with my nightforce nxs. I've used it in f-class and PRS matches both and it has worked great. The turrets are amazing and tracking is perfect. The clarity is best around 25 power, but is clear enough at 30. Floating dot reticle is the best I've seen yet. I'm not saying this is the best scope you can buy, I'm saying it's the best for the money. On par with scopes around 2 grand.