How does the Pentax Pioneer 4.5-14x42 compare to the Nitrex TR2 3-15x42?

I currently have the 4.5-14 but haven't seen the Nitrex. A friend needs a scope and wants the magnification but doesn't have the $ to buy much better.

Anybody have some experience with the Nitrex TR2?

I have the Nitrex 3-15x42 with the etched rangeing reticle. Economical-$236 at Natchez after rebate. Mine is on a Savage .223 that is a walking varmint rifle. Nice clear glass and accurate adjustments, but low light performance is poor compared to my Burris Euro and VX3 scopes. I compared low light performace against a new Sightron II and they were about equal. If you want a lightweight glass-look elsewhere.

Thanks Stoneybroke. Weight isn't really an issue since his rifle is pretty light already.

haven't looked through the nitrex, but th pioneer ain't half bad

I've had a Nitrex tr2 3-15X42 SF and a 4-20x50 SF over 2 months now that I bought from Natchez. The TR2s are basically Weaver Super Slams and the TR1s are Grand Slams. Nitrex and Weaver both owned by ATK that also owns Speer, CCI, Alliant, Federal Cartridge and others.

I have not viewed thru a Pentax Pioneer but have viewed thru a Burris Fullfield which is same scope. Gent with 2 fullfield scopes has evaluated my Nitrex at range and told me equal to if not better than glass on his fullfields. Same thing about glass told me by other shooters who use Leupolds, Sightrons, Nikons and even a Zeiss Conquest owner. Everyone who has viewed thru my Nitrex and played with its adjustments/features have been very impressed with them. All stunned when told them I paid $218 final cost for the 3-15 and $279 for the 4-20. Yea, my Nitrex are on the heavy side, but no one that has checked my scopes has posed any thoughts about its performance in low light conditions...probably due to fact that it is as bright and clear as most of the high dollar brand scopes I've viewed at our range. Also, I have read posts elsewhere by Nitrex owners who claimed the low light performance of their scopes was quite good. The Nitrex at Natchez are really bargain buys on a very good scope.

Thanks huffmanite on you review of the Nitrex TR-2.
A few days back I ordered a TR-2 3x15x42 as a christmas gift for my grandson.
For some time I had agonized on how I was going to buy him a good scope @ $200 . I have only bought one bargin scope in my life, and sent it back days after recieving it. I was feeling a bit guilty even considering a bargin class scope for him.
For months I had been researching Vortex, Millet, Swift, Mueler etc.I researched it to death, never truley convinced that they were as advertissed.
Your review stoped all the agonizing.