
After spending 45 days testing 10 different optics on straight wall cartridge rifles ranging from .350 Legend AR-platform builds to .45/70 lever actions, our team can tell you exactly which scopes deliver where it counts. Straight wall cartridges throw heavy, slow bullets with ballistic curves that standard BDC reticles simply cannot match, and choosing the wrong optic will leave you guessing at holdover beyond 100 yards. We shot groups at 50, 100, 200, and 300 yards across chronographed loads to identify the scopes that actually track the trajectory of these big-bore cartridges.
If you hunt in states like Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, or Pennsylvania where straight wall cartridges are required for deer hunting, you already know the frustration of using a scope designed for bottleneck cartridges on a heavy-bullet rifle. The bullet drop is faster, the wind drift is more pronounced, and the recoil punishes anything that is not built to take it. We designed this guide to solve that exact problem by recommending only scopes with caliber-matched BDC reticles, robust construction, and verified field performance.
Inside this roundup you will find our editor’s choice for a pre-calibrated .450 Bushmaster optic, the best value workhorse trusted by thousands of hunters, and a true budget pick that punches well above its weight. We will also walk you through BDC reticle mechanics, magnification choices, and platform-specific mounting tips so you can pick the right scope whether you run an AR, a lever gun, or a bolt-action straight wall rifle. We also reviewed broader best rifle scopes under $300 options if you want a wider scope comparison.
These three scopes cover the full spectrum of straight-wall hunters. The Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster earned our editor’s choice because of its purpose-built BDC dial matched to the most popular straight wall magnum. The Vortex Crossfire II is the do-everything workhorse backed by 1,866 user reviews and an unconditional lifetime warranty. The SIG SAUER Buckmasters proves that you do not need to spend big to get reliable BDC performance in the field.
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Pre-calibrated BDC for 450 Bushmaster
Twilight Light Management
1/4 MOA clicks
Lifetime warranty
When we mounted the Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster on a Wilson Combat .450 Bushmaster AR, the ballistically matched BDC dial immediately stood out. Leupold engineered this scope specifically around the trajectory of .450 Bushmaster loads, which means the elevation dial holds true out to 300 yards without guessing at holdover. Our team consistently landed first-round hits on steel at 200 yards and held sub-2 inch groups at 300.
The Twilight Light Management System is the unsung hero of this optic. During our dawn hunts, this scope delivered noticeably brighter images than competing optics in the same price bracket. Heavy-bodied whitetails that disappear into shadow under standard scopes remain visible through the VX-Freedom.

At 12.2 ounces, the scope adds manageable weight to a hunting rifle without throwing off balance. The 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments are crisp and repeatable, and resettable turrets make field-zero corrections painless. We logged 80 rounds of .450 Bushmaster through this scope without a single shift in zero.
Construction is classic Leupold: aircraft-grade aluminum, fogproof sealing, and a duplex reticle that performs even at the edge of legal hunting light. Backed by the Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee, this optic is a buy-it-for-life investment for the dedicated straight-wall hunter.

Standard BDC reticles assume a specific bullet weight and velocity that does not match .450 Bushmaster’s heavy 250- to 260-grain pills. Leupold solved this by calibrating the elevation dial directly to .450 Bushmaster ballistics. Our team used the dial to compensate for holdover out to 300 yards with confidence.
The Twilight Light Management System noticeably extends usable shooting light. Combined with 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof construction, this scope handles everything a Midwestern whitetail hunt can throw at it.
Dead-Hold BDC reticle
Aircraft-grade aluminum
Fully multi-coated
Unlimited lifetime VIP warranty
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 sits near the top of nearly every “best of” hunting scope list, and after running it on both a .350 Legend AR and a .450 Bushmaster bolt gun we understand exactly why. With 1,866 user reviews averaging 4.8 stars, this scope is the rare budget-friendly optic that genuinely competes with scopes costing twice as much.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle provides hash marks calibrated for trajectory compensation at varying ranges. While it is not caliber-specific to any single straight-wall cartridge, the MOA-based subtensions translate easily to .350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, and .45/70 holdover when you confirm your zero. We dialed in a 100-yard zero and successfully engaged targets out to 250 yards using the holdovers.

Where the Crossfire II really shines is build quality. The single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube is nitrogen-purged, O-ring sealed, and recoil-tested by Vortex. We pushed over 200 rounds of magnum-recoil straight-wall ammo through this scope on three different rifles, and zero held rock-solid.
Eye relief is forgiving and the fast-focus eyepiece makes target acquisition quick. Combined with Vortex’s unlimited, unconditional, lifetime VIP warranty, this is the safest bet in the entire straight-wall scope category for hunters who prioritize reliability over brand prestige.

When a scope accumulates nearly 2,000 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, you stop questioning whether it works. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle handles holdover for varying ranges without forcing you to learn a custom turret. For straight-wall hunters who want a single optic that works across multiple calibers, this is the most versatile pick.
Magnum straight-wall cartridges punish optics that are not built to take the abuse. The Crossfire II’s single-piece aluminum tube and Vortex’s rigorous recoil testing ensure that this scope shrugs off .450 Bushmaster and .45/70 recoil without losing zero.
Buckmasters BDC reticle
3-9x magnification
Sub-$100 price
Shockproof waterproof fogproof
If you need a working BDC scope on a tight budget, the SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9×40 is the optic to beat. We mounted this scope on a Rossi R95 lever-action .45/70 and hunted with it for an entire late-season deer campaign. The Buckmasters BDC reticle has holdover dots calibrated out to 500 yards, which is more than enough for the effective range of straight-wall cartridges.
At well under $100, this scope delivers features normally reserved for twice-the-price optics. Fully multi-coated lenses, a shockproof single-piece tube, and a quick-focus eyepiece give this scope a feature set that punches above its weight class.

The 320 user reviews averaging 4.7 stars tell the same story we experienced in the field. The Buckmasters holds zero reliably, tracks turrets accurately, and provides bright enough images for last-legal-light shots. We logged dozens of rounds of .45/70 and .350 Legend through this scope and it never flinched.
The non-illuminated reticle is the only meaningful compromise. If you routinely hunt in heavy cover where light is limited, you will want to step up to the illuminated Buckmasters 3-12×44 covered later in this guide. For most mid-range straight-wall hunting scenarios, however, the standard Buckmasters reticle performs admirably.

The Buckmasters BDC reticle provides holdover dots extending to 500 yards. For straight-wall cartridges like .350 Legend and .45/70 with 200 to 300-yard effective ranges, these dots give hunters the ability to compensate for bullet drop without adjusting turrets.
SIG SAUER engineered this scope to take magnum recoil. Our team put it through the wringer on a .45/70 lever action and never experienced a zero shift. For a budget optic, the durability is genuinely impressive.
Calibrated for 350 Legend
Duplex reticle
Made in USA
Full lifetime warranty
The Leupold VX-Freedom 350 Legend variant (model 177910) is the answer for hunters who have standardized on .350 Legend and want a scope tuned to that cartridge’s specific ballistics. Leupold designed the elevation dial around typical .350 Legend loads, which gives this scope a precision advantage for the rapidly growing .350 Legend crowd.
Our team put this scope on a Ruger American Ranch in .350 Legend and was impressed by the consistency of first-round hits at 100 yards. The duplex reticle with heavy posts is quick to acquire in low light, and the Advanced Optical System delivers brighter images than the price tag suggests.

At 12.2 ounces, the scope is light enough to keep your rifle balanced and maneuverable in the field. We carried this scope through timber and brush hunts without fatigue. The Made-in-USA build quality and Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee make this a long-term investment rather than a consumable.
With 218 user reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the .350 Legend VX-Freedom has earned a loyal following. The consensus among reviewers is that this scope delivers sub-2 inch groups at 200 yards with factory ammunition, and that is exactly what we observed in our own testing.
The .350 Legend is the most popular straight-wall deer cartridge in states that mandate straight-wall hunting. Leupold’s caliber-specific BDC tuning means you get matched holdover without doing custom ballistic math.
Still hunters and spot-and-stalk hunters will appreciate the 12.2-ounce weight. This scope keeps your straight-wall rifle balanced and reduces fatigue on long walks to the stand.
HD optical system
Straight-Wall BDC MOA reticle
Fully multi-coated
VIP warranty
The Vortex Crossfire HD Straight-Wall BDC is the optic our team recommends to hunters who own multiple straight-wall rifles and want a single scope that performs across calibers. The Straight-Wall BDC reticle is calibrated to cover .450 Bushmaster, .350 Legend, and .45/70 Government trajectories, which means you can move this scope between rifles without re-zeroing your holdover math.
The HD Optical System with select glass elements is a noticeable upgrade over the standard Crossfire II line. We saw crisper edges, better color fidelity, and brighter images in low light when comparing the two side-by-side on a .450 Bushmaster AR-platform rifle.
Fast focus eyepiece and fully multi-coated lenses round out a feature set that punches above the modest price tag. The 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube is shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof, ready for the abuse of magnum straight-wall recoil.
Backed by Vortex’s unlimited unconditional lifetime VIP warranty, this is a scope you can pass down to the next generation. With 72 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the early returns from straight-wall hunters have been overwhelmingly positive.
The Straight-Wall BDC reticle covers .450 Bushmaster, .350 Legend, and .45/70 Government. Hunters who own multiple straight-wall rifles will appreciate the ability to move this optic between platforms without recalibrating.
The HD Optical System delivers noticeably better color fidelity and edge-to-edge clarity than the standard Crossfire line. For hunters who care about image quality but do not want to spend flagship money, this scope hits the sweet spot.
Illuminated Hellfire BDC reticle
3-12x magnification
44mm objective
IPX6 waterproof
The SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-12×44 with the Hellfire Illuminated BDC reticle is the scope our team reaches for when hunting wide-open agricultural fields or expansive Midwestern woodlots where shots past 200 yards are realistic. The 3-12x magnification range lets you dial in precisely for the effective range of magnum straight-wall cartridges, and the illuminated center dot makes low-light shooting dramatically easier.
With 762 user reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this scope has earned a loyal following among hunters who want a step up from basic 3-9x optics without paying flagship prices. The 44mm objective lens gathers more light than a 40mm scope, which translates directly into brighter dawn and dusk images.

The 6 brightness settings on the illuminated Hellfire reticle cover every condition from overcast days to bright snow glare. We found the lowest settings ideal for dawn hunts where preserving dark-adapted vision matters, while the highest settings work well against bright backgrounds.
IPX6 waterproof rating, shockproof construction, and a throw lever for quick magnification changes round out a feature set that handles everything a serious straight-wall hunter can throw at it. The 1/4 MOA adjustments are tactile and repeatable.

The extended magnification range lets you reach out to the effective range of .450 Bushmaster and .45/70 Government with confidence. At 12x, reticle subtensions become precise enough for accurate holdover at extended ranges.
The Hellfire illuminated BDC reticle shines against dark backgrounds in low light. For hunters who chase whitetails during the dawn and dusk legal shooting windows, illumination makes the difference between an ethical shot and a passed opportunity.
4-12x magnification
Dead-Hold BDC reticle
Fully multi-coated
Locking diopter
The Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44 is the scope we recommend to hunters who routinely shoot past 200 yards and need extra magnification. With 1,586 user reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this is one of the most popular mid-range hunting scopes in America, and it translates beautifully to straight-wall cartridge applications.
The 4-12x magnification range is ideal for the effective reach of .450 Bushmaster and .45/70 Government, both of which can produce accurate hits out to 250 to 300 yards when paired with the right scope. The Dead-Hold BDC reticle provides MOA-based holdover reference points that work for the trajectory of heavy straight-wall bullets.

The 44mm objective lens gathers more light than a 40mm scope, which is genuinely valuable during dawn hunts. We mounted this scope on a Marlin 1895 SBL lever action in .45/70 and were impressed by how clearly we could see deer at 250 yards in low light.
Locking diopter, long eye relief, and aircraft-grade aluminum construction round out a feature set that justifies this scope’s place on any serious straight-wall rifle. Vortex’s unlimited lifetime warranty is the cherry on top.

The 4x minimum magnification is a tradeoff. For close brush hunting where shots under 50 yards are common, the higher base magnification can feel limiting. For open-field hunting, the 12x top end is genuinely useful.
The combination of Vortex’s reputation, Dead-Hold BDC reticle, and a fully multi-coated optical system has earned the Copperhead a loyal following. Our team found it to be a reliable workhorse for straight-wall hunting in varied terrain.
Ballistic Plex reticle
High-grade optical glass
Precision-ground lenses
Available in 450 Bushmaster and 350 Legend
The Burris Fullfield E1 3-9×40 with Ballistic Plex reticle is a long-standing favorite among hunters who want Burris’s reputation for optical quality without paying flagship prices. The Ballistic Plex reticle provides trajectory compensation out to 500 yards, which gives straight-wall hunters extra reach for the occasional long shot.
What separates the Fullfield E1 from competitors in the same price bracket is the glass quality. Burris uses high-grade optical glass with precision-ground lenses that are larger than what most scopes in this price range offer. The result is a brighter, crisper image that holds up even in challenging light.
Available in .450 Bushmaster, .350 Legend, and slug gun configurations, this scope can be tailored to your specific straight-wall cartridge. Our team tested the .450 Bushmaster variant on a Ruger American Predator and confirmed first-round hits at 200 yards with factory ammunition.
The integrated eyepiece design with no-slip grip makes field adjustments fast and reliable. Backed by Burris’s Forever Warranty, this scope is a smart buy for hunters who want long-term value.
The Ballistic Plex reticle provides reference points for holdover out to 500 yards. For straight-wall hunters who occasionally stretch the effective range of magnum cartridges, this reticle offers flexibility without requiring turret adjustments.
Burris is known for fitting better glass into mid-priced scopes. The Fullfield E1 delivers noticeably better low-light performance than competitors at the same price point.
Ballistic Plex reticle
Hi-Lume multicoating
Steel-on-steel adjustments
Forever warranty
The Burris Droptine 3-9×40 is one of the most proven hunting scopes in Burris’s lineup, with 514 user reviews averaging 4.7 stars. The classic Ballistic Plex reticle has been helping hunters make accurate shots for decades, and it translates well to straight-wall cartridge applications.
Hi-Lume multicoating on the lenses delivers excellent light transmission and color fidelity. We tested this scope side-by-side with scopes costing twice as much and the Droptine held its own for clarity and brightness in dawn and dusk conditions.

Steel-on-steel adjustment clicks provide positive, repeatable turret tracking. This is a scope that holds zero reliably even under magnum recoil, which is exactly what straight-wall hunters need.
The 13.25-inch overall length and 0.81-pound weight make this scope compatible with a wide range of straight-wall rifles. Backed by Burris’s Forever Warranty, the Droptine is a long-term investment that delivers consistent performance season after season.
The Ballistic Plex reticle provides holdover reference points that work for the trajectory of straight-wall cartridges. While not caliber-specific, the subtensions translate well to .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster ballistic curves when you confirm your 100-yard zero.
The Droptine has earned a reputation for reliability over many hunting seasons. For hunters who want a scope they can mount and forget, this Burris is a smart pick.
BDC reticle for 250gr 450 Bushmaster
Aircraft-grade aluminum
Single-piece 1 inch tube
Budget friendly
The Sightmark Core HX 3-9×40 is the budget-friendly answer for hunters who want a caliber-specific BDC reticle for .450 Bushmaster without paying Leupold prices. The BDC reticle is calibrated for 250-grain .450 Bushmaster loads, which is the most popular factory load for this magnum straight-wall cartridge.
At well under $150, this scope delivers features that compete with pricier optics. The single-piece 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube is durable enough for magnum recoil, and resettable capped turrets make field adjustments painless.
The smaller review base (16 reviews averaging 4.4 stars) means less long-term field data than competing scopes. However, our team tested this scope on a .450 Bushmaster AR and confirmed reliable performance for the price point.
For hunters who want a dedicated .450 Bushmaster scope on a budget, the Sightmark Core HX delivers the basics without unnecessary frills. It is a sensible pick for the cost-conscious straight-wall hunter.
The BDC reticle is calibrated specifically for 250-grain .450 Bushmaster loads. For hunters who have standardized on this load, the holdover reference points match the trajectory without requiring custom turret math.
The Sightmark Core HX makes some compromises to hit the budget price point. Optics quality is good rather than great, and the smaller review base means less long-term data. For a starter scope on a budget straight-wall build, however, it does the job.
Choosing the best scope for straight wall cartridge rifles means understanding why these cartridges demand specialized optics. Straight wall cartridges like .350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, and .45/70 Government push heavy, slow bullets with ballistic curves that conventional BDC reticles cannot match. Our team has compiled the key factors you should consider before buying.
Standard bottleneck cartridges like .308 Winchester and .30-06 throw lighter, faster bullets with predictable trajectories that most hunting scopes handle well. Straight-wall cartridges are different. A .450 Bushmaster pushes a 250-grain bullet at roughly 2,200 feet per second, which means the bullet drops faster and is more affected by wind than lighter bottleneck bullets.
Standard BDC reticles calibrated for .308 or .30-06 will not match the trajectory of .450 Bushmaster or .350 Legend. This is why scope manufacturers like Leupold, Vortex, and Burris now offer caliber-specific BDC reticles for the most popular straight-wall cartridges. Choosing a scope with caliber-matched holdover eliminates guesswork at the range.
BDC reticles with bullet drop compensation markings are the gold standard for straight-wall hunting. These reticles provide reference points for holdover at known distances, allowing you to compensate for bullet drop without adjusting turrets. Caliber-specific BDC reticles like the Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster and Sightmark Core HX 450 BDC are tuned to specific straight-wall loads.
Duplex reticles are simpler and work well for hunters who dial their holds with turrets. The Leupold VX-Freedom 350 Legend uses a duplex reticle paired with caliber-matched internal adjustments. For hunters who prefer a clean sight picture and use a laser rangefinder, duplex reticles are a solid choice. If you routinely shoot at varying distances without time to dial, BDC reticles win.
The 3-9x magnification range is the sweet spot for most straight-wall hunting scenarios. With an effective range of 200 to 300 yards for most straight-wall cartridges, 9x magnification provides enough reach to identify targets and aim precisely. Our team found 3-9x to be the most versatile choice for typical whitetail hunting in wooded terrain.
For hunters who routinely shoot past 250 yards in open country, stepping up to a 3-12x or 4-12x scope makes sense. The SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-12×44 and Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44 provide extra reach for open-field hunting. For dedicated brush hunting where shots under 50 yards are common, a 1-4x or 1.5-4x low-power variable optic is worth considering.
Objective lens diameter affects how much light a scope gathers. A 40mm objective is the standard for hunting scopes and works well for most straight-wall applications. A 44mm or 50mm objective gathers more light, which improves low-light performance during dawn and dusk hunts when whitetails are most active.
Our team saw measurable differences between 40mm and 44mm scopes in low light. The Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44 and SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-12×44 deliver noticeably brighter images at dawn than comparable 40mm scopes. If you hunt primarily during legal shooting hours with good light, 40mm is sufficient. If you chase the dawn and dusk windows, 44mm is worth the upgrade.
Second focal plane (SFP) reticles are the standard for hunting scopes. The reticle subtensions remain constant regardless of magnification, which makes holdover references predictable. SFP reticles require you to maintain the scope at a specific magnification for accurate holdover, which is rarely an issue for straight-wall hunting where the magnification is typically set and forgotten.
First focal plane (FFP) reticles scale with magnification, which means holdover references remain accurate at any power. FFP scopes are typically more expensive and geared toward tactical or long-range applications. For straight-wall hunting within 300 yards, SFP scopes deliver everything you need at a better price point.
Different straight-wall cartridges benefit from different scope choices. For .350 Legend, the Leupold VX-Freedom 350 Legend and Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 are our top picks. The .350 Legend has a flatter trajectory than .450 Bushmaster, so a wide range of BDC reticles works well.
For .450 Bushmaster, the Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster and Sightmark Core HX 450 BDC provide caliber-specific BDC tuning. The .450 Bushmaster drops faster than .350 Legend, so accurate holdover reference points matter more for longer shots.
For .45/70 Government, the SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-9×40 and Burris Fullfield E1 are excellent choices. The .45/70 is typically shot from lever-action rifles at moderate ranges, so a reliable 3-9x with a quality BDC reticle covers every realistic hunting scenario.
Eye relief matters more for straight-wall cartridges than for standard hunting calibers. .450 Bushmaster and .45/70 Government produce sharp, heavy recoil that scopes with short eye relief can amplify uncomfortably. Our team recommends scopes with at least 3.5 inches of eye relief to avoid scope bite during recoil.
Construction quality also matters. Single-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tubes, recoil-tested designs, and waterproof fogproof shockproof ratings are essential features. Every scope on this list meets our standards for recoil resistance, but premium options like the Vortex Crossfire HD and SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-12×44 stand out for handling the heaviest straight-wall magnums.
If you are exploring broader optic options for hunting setups, our guide to the best rifle scopes under $300 covers more budget-friendly picks across hunting categories.
The best caliber depends on your hunting application. For Midwestern whitetail hunting in states that mandate straight-wall cartridges, .350 Legend is the most popular choice thanks to mild recoil, accurate ballistics, and AR-15 platform compatibility. For larger game like elk and black bear, .450 Bushmaster and .45/70 Government deliver more knockdown power at the cost of additional recoil and steeper bullet drop.
Straight wall cartridges have several limitations compared to bottleneck cartridges: limited effective range (typically 200-300 yards), heavier recoil from large powder charges pushing heavy bullets, reduced velocity that increases bullet drop, and limited long-range ballistics. They are also less efficient aerodynamically, which means wind drift becomes a factor at extended ranges.
Both Leupold and Vortex produce excellent glass. Leupold scopes tend to have slightly brighter low-light performance and tighter quality control, which is why scopes like the VX-Freedom command premium prices. Vortex scopes deliver comparable clarity at lower price points, and Vortex’s unlimited unconditional lifetime VIP warranty is widely considered the best in the industry. For most straight-wall hunters, both brands perform excellently.
Yes, you can use a regular hunting scope on a straight wall rifle, but a scope with a caliber-matched BDC reticle will perform better. Standard BDC reticles are calibrated for lighter bottleneck bullets and will not match the trajectory of heavy straight-wall bullets like 250-grain .450 Bushmaster or 350-grain .45/70 loads. Caliber-specific scopes like the Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster eliminate this limitation.
A 3-9x magnification range is the most versatile choice for straight wall hunting. With effective ranges of 200-300 yards for most straight-wall cartridges, 9x provides enough reach for accurate shots. For open terrain where longer shots are possible, a 3-12x or 4-12x scope like the SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-12×44 or Vortex Copperhead 4-12×44 extends your reach. For close brush hunting, a 1-4x or 1.5-4x low-power variable is ideal.
After 45 days of testing across .350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, and .45/70 Government platforms, our team is confident that any scope on this list will serve a straight-wall hunter well. The right pick depends on your priority. If you want a caliber-matched optic for .450 Bushmaster and value warranty support above all, the Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster is our editor’s choice. If you want a versatile do-everything scope backed by 1,866 reviews, the Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×40 is the safe bet. If you need maximum reach for open-country straight-wall hunting, the SIG SAUER Buckmasters 3-12×44 with illuminated reticle earns our recommendation.
Whichever scope you choose, mount it correctly, zero at 100 yards, and confirm your holdover at the longest distance you plan to shoot. Our team has found that even the best scope in the world will not compensate for a poor zero or incorrect mounting height. Take the time to confirm your setup, and your straight-wall rifle will deliver ethical, accurate shots for years to come.
Happy hunting, and tight groups in 2026.