First Look: Athlon Heras Scopes

A line of rifle scopes with full features and great value.

by
posted on December 30, 2022
Athlon Heras

Athlon Optics is known for its riflescopes that offer a good performance to price ratio. In the same fashion, Athlon is now unveiling a new line of first and second focal plane riflescopes, the Heras SPR. Similarly, the new Heras SPR line pushes the envelope of scope features against their price point. The Heras SPR scope line has something for all types of shooters, as these can be mounted on anything from air guns to magnum centerfire rifles.

The Heras SPR riflescope collection includes four different base optics:

  • Heras SPR Second Focal Plane 2-12 x 42
  • Heras SPR Second Focal Plane 4-20 x 40
  • Heras SPR Second Focal Plane 6-24 x 56
  • Heras SPR first Focal Plane 6-24 x 56

Athlon Optics Heras SPR riflescopes range in prices from $463 through $788 and are offered both with MIL or MOA based illuminated reticles. Tube diameters are either 1-inch or 30 mm depending on the specific model. The different scopes have different magnification ranges that are suitable for scoped shooting to intermediate distances all the way to longer range distances of over 1,200 yards. Moreover, Athlon made the Heras SPR line available with either first or second focal plane reticles depending on each shooter preference and needs.

As a rule of thumb, second focal plane reticles remain consistent regardless of magnification level. However in order to make use of subtensions and specific markings on the reticle, the optic must be adjusted to its highest zoom level or the markings will give a false reading. Conversely, while reticles on all first focal plane optics are typically more complicated to manufacture and generally cost more money, the trade off is that their markings and subtensions remain true and correct regardless of which zoom setting they are on. Front focal plane optics are often sought by serious competitive precision or distance shooters or professional users as FFP scopes offer some speed advantages and conveniences not found in SFP optics.

For a complete breakdown on Athlon’s Heras SPR specifications and optic choices, please visit their site at athlonoptics.com.

Latest

Armed Citizen response
Armed Citizen response

Study Finds Armed Civilians More Effective at Stopping Active Shooters than LE

A dispersed response works very well against a dispersed threat.

First Look: Silencer Central Banish 30-V2 Suppressor

Now available with the HUB mount for greater flexibility.

First Look: CZ Shadow 2 Carry

A variant of the classic CZ-75 that's meant to go with you wherever you go.

Rifles: Stretch Yourself

While it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to take a defensive shot at 100 yards or farther, being able to make those hits means closer-range targets will seem easy.

First Look: Aguila 30 Round 5.56 NATO Ammo Packs

30 round magazine, 30 round packaging. Makes sense.

Skills Check: Near and Far

For us, “Drill Practice” is isolating an individual part of a skill and focusing intently on improving or mastering said skill. The goal with good drill practice is to maximize overall improvement while minimizing overall effort. Success equals consistency over time.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.