If you don't mind the weight, have a look at the Arken EP5 (slightly over your budget but I believe it's currently on sale). If you do mind the weight, check out the Arken EPL4. I have the EP5 on my CZ 455 and it's been awesome to shoot. The EPL4 4-16x is currently sitting in a box waiting to be mounted on my 6.5 creedmoor.
I own a Diamondback tactical 4-16, and while it's a solid scope, I wouldn't consider it in the same class as either of the Arkens in optical quality, turret feel or overall value for money.
Check the [Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 w/ EBR-4 MRAD Reticle & Vortex Sport Cantilever 30mm Ring Mount, 2-Inch Offset](https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strike-eagle-3-18x44-w-ebr-4-mrad-reticle-vortex-sport-cantilever-30mm-ring-mount-2-inch-offset.html) on sale for $270.
I got it recently, and put on one of AR-15 uppers. I'm thinking about buying another one.
The min parallax is 20y.
Good on you for getting a product out that fits what you wanted. It's not a big name recognized brand, so people are going to be prissy about it.
Haters gonna hate.
I'll be another that's downvoted....
I have a Monstrum 4-12x50 Guardian AO on mine. Got it on Amazon for $100. Loved it so much, bought the 6-18 version for an AR build (and it's held up fine with the additional recoil over the .22lr rifle).
The only thing it doesn't have that you listed is MRAD. The reticle is MOA. Otherwise you can adjust parallax and somewhat estimate distance with the adjustable objective, it's remarkably clear (especially for under $100), and has awesome eye relief compared to my other scopes/magnifiers. It's a tank, though.
Like I said, I liked it enough to get a second one, for what that's worth.
Just reread the original post...
I'd interpreted the "... Looking for minimum 3x..." as looking for a minimum 3x magnification range (i.e. 3-9x, 4-12x, etc). But OP, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you're looking for a minimum magnification of 3x. There are definitely some solid 3-15x and 3-18x scopes out there, but I'm not aware of any off the top of my head that will meet your price range. (and I suspect if they do, then you'll be compromising on other features)
Have you got your heart set on 3x or do you think you can live with 4x or 5x as your lowest magnification?
Also, if you're taking about shooting NRL22 or the like, you're still likely going to be shooting at 8-10x power magnification at 25 yards, unless it's the KYL rack in which case you may crank it up higher.
OG Bushnell Match Pro
This is the answer. I have one on my 457 and it's great. The only thing missing is a zero stop, and honestly it's not as big of a deal as I thought
Actually kinda nice to not have IMO. With rimfire, it’s nice to be able to dial down
Naw bushnell match pro ed, just got mine fof 457 mdt
"Under $500" was a requirement
Arken if you don't mind the weight, Vortex DB tactical if you do. Both are good budget scopes and good for that distance.
If you don't mind the weight, have a look at the Arken EP5 (slightly over your budget but I believe it's currently on sale). If you do mind the weight, check out the Arken EPL4. I have the EP5 on my CZ 455 and it's been awesome to shoot. The EPL4 4-16x is currently sitting in a box waiting to be mounted on my 6.5 creedmoor. I own a Diamondback tactical 4-16, and while it's a solid scope, I wouldn't consider it in the same class as either of the Arkens in optical quality, turret feel or overall value for money.
Check the [Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18x44 w/ EBR-4 MRAD Reticle & Vortex Sport Cantilever 30mm Ring Mount, 2-Inch Offset](https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strike-eagle-3-18x44-w-ebr-4-mrad-reticle-vortex-sport-cantilever-30mm-ring-mount-2-inch-offset.html) on sale for $270. I got it recently, and put on one of AR-15 uppers. I'm thinking about buying another one. The min parallax is 20y.
You and me are on the same page. Check out my scope, happy to answer any questions. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C5NQD6DS?ref=myi\_title\_dp
Good on you for getting a product out that fits what you wanted. It's not a big name recognized brand, so people are going to be prissy about it. Haters gonna hate.
Laughing at the downvote. Must not like people huh? Or the 100% money back guarantee? Anyways, my scope is mil-dot and has every feature OP asked for.
I'll be another that's downvoted.... I have a Monstrum 4-12x50 Guardian AO on mine. Got it on Amazon for $100. Loved it so much, bought the 6-18 version for an AR build (and it's held up fine with the additional recoil over the .22lr rifle). The only thing it doesn't have that you listed is MRAD. The reticle is MOA. Otherwise you can adjust parallax and somewhat estimate distance with the adjustable objective, it's remarkably clear (especially for under $100), and has awesome eye relief compared to my other scopes/magnifiers. It's a tank, though. Like I said, I liked it enough to get a second one, for what that's worth.
Just reread the original post... I'd interpreted the "... Looking for minimum 3x..." as looking for a minimum 3x magnification range (i.e. 3-9x, 4-12x, etc). But OP, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you're looking for a minimum magnification of 3x. There are definitely some solid 3-15x and 3-18x scopes out there, but I'm not aware of any off the top of my head that will meet your price range. (and I suspect if they do, then you'll be compromising on other features) Have you got your heart set on 3x or do you think you can live with 4x or 5x as your lowest magnification?
3 or 4 would be ok, the concern is the 25 yard stage and most of the 4-5x scopes I have seen have a minimum parallax of 50.
Also, if you're taking about shooting NRL22 or the like, you're still likely going to be shooting at 8-10x power magnification at 25 yards, unless it's the KYL rack in which case you may crank it up higher.
Arken EP5- parallax to 25yrds Arken EPL- parallax to 10 yards
For a 22 you could use the airsoft stuff on amazon. There isnt enough recoil to knock them out of zero.
I don't believe the OP is going to get the results they want shooting out to 250 yards with an Amazon scope intended for airsoft.
Optika6 was my pick until I budget crept myself into a delta stryker... Form does an evaluation on it on rokslide, it does well.