LPVO’s are extremely versatile, handy scopes. Guy Miner recently tested the premium Athlon Cronus BTR Gen2 on a lever action—now it’s my turn to see how it performs on a Stag Arms SPCTRM.
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About the Athlon Cronus BTR Gen2 UHD
The Athlon Cronus BTR Gen2 UHD is a Japanese-made 1-6×24 second focal plane scope intended for three-gun competition, patrol use, and modest range hunting.
Usually I turn to FFP scopes, but I appreciate SFP on this 1-6x optic. With such a small magnification window, it’s important to be able to clearly see the reticle at all magnifications. This LPVO has a remarkable 106.9 ft. field of view at 100 yards with an illuminated 1.4 MOA red dot as well as a precision zero stop and locking turrets.
From Athlon:
From 3gun competition, tactical applications, or close range hunting, the new Cronus BTR GEN2 1-6×24 UHD is just what the doctor ordered. Rated as one of the best LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) scopes, the ATSR2 SFP IR MOA reticle is specifically designed for 3 gun competition and tactical applications. With hold over points for both bullet drop and wind compensation, the ATSR2 reticle is designed for 68 and 69 grain BTHP 223 Rem/5.56mm NATO rounds. It is also suitable for many other bullet weights in these calibers. The 1.4 moa red dot is perfect for zeroing your rifle scope at 200 yards and the open centers below the center red dot are for targets at 300, 400, 500, and 600 yard. The unique design of open centers eliminates target obstruction with 12~18 inch targets beyond 200 yards, allowing a shooter to take a quick shot. The openings on horizontal lines below the center are specially designed for holding over 5 mph and 10 mph wind.
Product Specifications:
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- Magnification: 1-6x
- Obj. Lens Diameter: 24mm
- Tube Diameter: 30mm
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 4.0”
- FOV @ 100 Yards: 106.9 – 17.7 ft.
- Parallax Adjustment: N/A
- Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Length: 10.4”
- Weight: 21.5 oz.
- MSRP: $1,249.99 (as of video publication)
What’s in the Box
Guy Miner actually unboxed this optic first to mount on our Henry X Model .30-30. Like all Athlon scopes, it comes in a sturdy box with instructions and a lens cloth.
About the ATSR2 IR MOA Reticle
Athlon’s ATSR2 IR MOA reticle is designed for 3-Gun competition and is calibrated for 68 and 69 grain BTHP .223 Rem/5.56mm NATO rounds.
It is also ideal for short-to-mid range hunting. A 1.4 MOA center illuminated dot is set for a 200-yard zero. Each line underneath marks distances from 300 yards to 600 yards in 100-yard increments.
Gaps on these lines correspond with five mph and 10 mph winds respectively. (The further gap from the center represents the 10 mph wind.)
Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig
The Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig, designed and built in house, measures actual optics performance using precision 100 yard targets (MIL, MOA) and camera positioning to sub -0.0005”. It tests tracking, zoom, parallax, and distortion. Note: We do not currently have a way to capture optics image quality in a meaningful way.
To test tracking, I took the scope up, down, left and right 3.0 mil, noting where I landed on the target. I was impressed with most of the results. When I took the scope right 10 MOA, the reticle didn’t land exactly on the proper line. It was close, but not exact. All of the other results were dead-on. This singular error suggests a possible camera misalignment error though we do our best.
For parallax, I started with the center of the scope scope and camera collinear. With the scope parallax set to the testing range (100 yards), I moved the scope left and right 0.050” to simulate varying head position. I didn’t see much difference at all and no dark ring on either side.
I also made sure to test the magnification at 1x, 1.5x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, and 6x. The knurled magnification ring has a screw cap for an extended throw lever, but I had no issues making smooth and swift adjustments. To test image distortion, I took one frame from the video and aligned it with a rectangle to see if there is any pincushion effect. I observed perfectly parallel lines—no image distortion.
Reticle alignment was my final test. (I used levels and calipers to ensure the test target, camera, and scope were all properly aligned before conducting this test.) All horizontal and vertical lines were dead-on.
About the Stag Arms SPCTRM Series
Stag’s Fifty Shades SPCTRM series currently includes three colors designed to offset the traditional black AR-15: ODG, FDE, and GRY. Rock Chuck Olympics competitors used these rifles across multiple stages, including Hidden Rock Chucks, Ridge Trail 2-Gun, and Rock Chuck PRS. They functioned flawlessly.
From Stag Arms:
In a world of black AR’s, these rifles stand out from among the rest. Composed of hand-selected components that come together to form the perfect mix of mismatch and cohesion, our Stag Project SPCTRM (Special Tactical Rifle Makeup) rifles are designed to look and feel bad-ass. Sold in FDE, ODG, and Gray versions, these fully upgraded tactical rifles feature B5 furniture, a Ballistic Advantage lightweight Hanson profile .223 Wylde barrel, upgraded triggers, matching Lancer Magazine, and Rearden suppressor brake. We have also anodized key components of the rifle for a truly unique look. Unlike anything else you’ll see on the shelf, these Stag Arms SPCTRM rifles are upgraded and ready to make a splash. As always, every complete firearm from Stag Arms comes with a Lifetime Transferable Warranty and Infinite Shot Barrel Guarantee.
These rifles are limited edition and only being sold in stores, so check out our dealer locator to find the store closest to you!
Hands-On
I mounted the scope on the level optics test rig, securing it in an Athlon AR tactical cantilever mount.
I torqued the screws in a criss-cross pattern to 18 inch-lbs. each. Next came zeroing the gun at 50 yards.
My first shot was not on target, so I aimed at the extreme edges of the paper and worked my way in in two shots. I followed this up with some minor adjustments at 100 yards.
To my astonishment, I could see my .22 caliber bullet holes through the 6x scope! I’ve never been able to see bullet holes with an LPVO as clearly as I did through the UHD glass.
My next challenge was determining how to shoot tight groups with a low-power optic. I decided to place the center dot directly underneath the target circle to make a figure 8. Results with Berger’s .223 73 Grain BT Target ammunition were better than I had anticipated — five shots just under one MOA at 100 yards.
It was easy to select between the 11 different brightness settings for the illuminated dot.
Athlon added an off position between each setting to make it easier to quickly rotate between off and your preferred setting. I especially enjoyed using the ATSR2 IR MOA reticle, finding it simple, intuitive, and accurate.
After spending some time on the bench, I decided to try a few offhand shots on a D-M targets’ steel rock chuck at 110 yards.
My best run was five hits in a row! I had hoped to shoot to further distances, but it has been so dry that I’m currently restricted to shooting targets only as far as I can quickly reach and put out a fire.
I finished my range session with some close-range engagements in the industrial yard to mimic unexpected hunting shots and defensive scenarios.
Conclusion
My accuracy expectations for ARs and lower-power scopes have not been exceptionally high. The combination of the Athlon Cronus BTR Gen2 1-6×24 and Stag Arms SPCTRM has made me rethink this. I was incredibly impressed with the clarity of the optic and accuracy of the gun. It was extremely easy to manipulate and fun to shoot!
Get the Gear
Athlon Optics Cronus BTR GEN2 1-6×24 SFP MOA
Athlon AR Tactical Cantilever Mounts
Stag Arms SPCTRM Series Rifles
Berger .223 73 Grain BT Target Ammunition at Creedmoor Sports
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Thanks,
Gavin Gear
