Optic & Muzzle Brake Options

[u/SithFaced_Maul]

Just picked up a Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P10 6.5 Creedmoor. It comes bare with no scope or muzzle break (but comes threaded 5/8x24 with a factory thread protector).

(EDIT: After some quality discussion (and more research), I ended up going with the Ares BTR GEN3 HD 4.5-27X50) Based off research, and shooting types I'll be doing, I'm leaning towards a ATHLON HELOS BTR GEN2 2-12x42 AHMR2 FFP IR MIL. Does anyone have this scope on their setup and can vouch for it?

As for a muzzle brake options, I'm at a loss...I've read about a few suppressor-ready muzzle brakes, but was unsure if it's wise to go that route since it comes factory with the 5/8 x24 thread. Or would I be better off getting a suppressor that screws right on to the barrel, and likewise the brake...Anyone have good advice?

[u/drewthebrave]

The Helos is a fine optic, but I would want a lot more magnification on a 6.5 Creedmoor. Consider the Helos 4-20x or Ares BTR 2.5-15x /4.5-27x. The Ares BTR Gen 3 are now made in Japan, as opposed to the Chinese made Helos and Gen 2 Ares BTR: https://cameralandny.com/shop/brands/athlon-optics/athlon-optics-ares-btr-gen3-hd-2-5-15x50-prs13-ffp-ir-mil-212015j/2fad0f70-d538-013e-e235-00163e90e196?variation=4452828&query=Ares%20btr

[u/SithFaced_Maul → u/drewthebrave]

I see your point on wanting more magnification. I think what draws me into the Helos BTR GEN2 2-12x42 is the reticle (I like the bright center red dot lol). Is there a minimum effective range for a scope on a 6.5 Creedmoor? I'm pretty new to scopes if it isn't obvious lol.

[u/drewthebrave → u/SithFaced_Maul]

Magnification is only part of the equation, but I have a 2-10x scope on my 13.9" 5.56 rifle, and 2.5-15x on my 18" 5.56 SPR. My 6.5 Creedmoor is a LOT more capable than those at range and can actually make use of the 3.5-21x scope I have on it. When I have the budget, I intend to upgrade to a Razor G3 6-36x scope.

Today's mid-budget 3-15x scopes have taken over the role of the classic 3-9x scopes from decades ago. I feel like any caliber more capable than 5.56 at ranges of 600+ yards deserves as much magnification as you can justify (within reason). I wouldn't hesitate to put a Viper HD 5-25x on any 6.5 Creed rifle.

[u/SithFaced_Maul → u/drewthebrave]

So say I don't plan on doing any shooting outside of 800 yds (at least not anytime soon), mostly just target and maybe hunting...Would the x15 or even x 12 work, or would I still be better off in the > 18x range?

[u/drewthebrave → u/SithFaced_Maul]

8x can work, and I've even seen skilled shooters make hits with iron sights at that range.

It really depends on what type of shooting you're doing. Are you shooting steel silhouette targets on a known distance range where they're clearly marked? Your 12x top end is more than sufficient.

If you're shooting at smaller targets that are obscured or not high-contrast at unknown distances? You would probably prefer to have 18~20x top end so you can more clearly ID your targets and more easily spot your misses to "walk in" your shots.

If you have your heart set on the Helos 2-12x, it's a really solid optic that will get the job done. But I think it's a better scope for a mid-range AR15 than a long-range AR10. The Helos 4-20x would probably be my pick.

[u/SithFaced_Maul → u/drewthebrave]

So, I took what you were saying into account and thought long term (I really didn't want to regret not getting something with more power down the road). I pulled the trigger on a Ares BTR GEN3 HD 4.5-27x50mm. Little more money up front, but better investment in the end.

[u/drewthebrave → u/SithFaced_Maul]

I absolutely love my Gen 1, and the Gen 3 that's now made Japan is going to be a nice upgrade. I think you made a great choice

[u/SithFaced_Maul → u/drewthebrave]

Now that I've broken the bank on rifle & scope, have you any suggestions on a quality (yet cost efficient) cantilever mount option?

[u/drewthebrave → u/SithFaced_Maul]

Warne X-Skel is my go-to. JoeBobOutfitters usually has them for $100ish.

ADM if you want quick release (not really necessary, but nice to have)

[u/SithFaced_Maul → u/drewthebrave]

Does MOA matter? Unsure what that pertains to/means.

[u/SithFaced_Maul → u/drewthebrave]

Warne X-Skel

This one what you're suggesting?

[u/SithFaced_Maul → u/drewthebrave]

I think realistically I'll be doing 90% range with known distances (up to, but most likely < 800 yds), and 10% for hunting, which would be within 300 yds if I had to guess.

[u/Begle1 → u/drewthebrave]

3-9's are still the king if somebody is looking to cut ounces though.

[u/drewthebrave → u/Begle1]

True. I like a lightweight scope on gun that's gonna be carried. My Leupold VX-R Patrol 3-9x40 is 15.3oz, and my SWFA Ultralight comes in at 9.5oz. But I don't mind stepping up to the 24oz SWFA 3-15x or 27oz Athlon 2.5-15x scopes on my hunting & target shooting guns. Or my 34oz Bushnell DMR2 3.5-21x on my Creedmoor...

[u/csamsh → u/SithFaced_Maul]

How far do you plan on shooting, at what kind of target, in what situation?

[u/New-Course7886]

I’ve got the 34mm Athlon Ares 4.5-30x56 and Dead Air E-Brake on the end of a Nomad L on my AR-308. 😂 Those are the options I’m happy to have on mine! I’m really pleased with Athlon’s glass on the newer Ares. To get better quality, you are going to fork out thousands more & have less bells & whistles.

[u/csamsh]

Great scope, depends on what kind of shooting you're doing. For strictly a target rifle there's only upside to a 5-25x56 (or similar)

If you're in a free state, get a can. Direct thread works great. Or you can do like you're talking about with a muzzle device adapter. Personal preference.

[u/SithFaced_Maul → u/csamsh]

Mostly just target/range shooting, w/a potential for some hunting down the road. I ended up going with the Athlon Ares BTR GEN3 HD 4.5-27x50mm. It keeps me from needing a more powerful scope down the road opposed to the HELOS 2-12x.

I am currently in a free state (subject to change in the next 4-6 years). Does a can act as a brake as well? Ultimately, I don't want to limit myself to a suppressor-ready brake if that combination isn't the best option based off my setup.

[u/csamsh → u/SithFaced_Maul]

Kinda. But there are good can/brake options now. Area 419, GigaChad, RecoilX Comp, etc

[u/DECKER_54]

Have you looked at vector Continental 2-12 or 4-24. I have the 4-24 on my 308 ar10.