All posts by coldboremiracle

Vector Optics Continental 6-36X56

August 9, 2025Optics, Product review34mm, 6-36x56, continental, riflescope, scope, vector continental, vector opticscoldboremiracle

Intro

Without a doubt the US sport optics market has been inundated over the last decade, with a plethora of manufacturers and importers. One of the many companies doing an impressive job at it is Vector Optics. I have had an opportunity to review a couple of the optics now, and I’ve been impressed. So today I bring you a fresh look at another riflescope, the Vector Optics Continental 6-36×56.

The Continental 6-36×56 Rifle Scope

Like the rest of the Continental strain, this one uses a 34mm main tube. The large 56mm objective lens is the standard for long-range precision optics. And the Continental comes with other features that have become the gold standard for precision shooting optics. Exposed adjustable turrets with 10 MRAD per turn, adjustable side focus/parallax, an illuminated milling reticle and more.

Specifications

Magnification	6-36x
Objective Lens Dia	56 mm
Focal Plane	First Focal Plane
Eye Relief	100 mm / 4.0 in
Lens Coating	Fully Multi-coated
Linear Field of View @ 100 yd	21.6 – 3.6 ft @ 100 yards
Linear Field of View @ 100 m	7.2 – 1.2 m @ 100 meters
Angular Field of View °	4.13 – 0.69 °
Reticle	VEC-MBR2

Tube Dia	34 mm
Side Focus	15 yards to Infinity
Click Value	1/10 MIL
Turret Function	Zero Stop, Turret Lock
Elevation Adjustment Range	≥ 31 MIL
Windage Adjustment Range	≥ 18 MIL
Diopter Compensation	-3 to +2
Illumination Setting	11 brightness settings, On/Off between each
Battery Type	CR2032
Waterproof	IP67
Fogproof	Nitrogen Filled
Shockproof	1000 G
Housing Material	6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Finish	Matte Black
Length	404 mm / 15.9 in
Weight	861 g / 30.4 oz
Items in the Package	User Manual, Plastic Wrench, Cleaning Cloth, Sunshade, Flip-up Caps, Spare Turret, 34mm Picatinny Rings, etc.

desert tech, srs m2, vector optics, continental 6-36x56, prs, competition, snipers hide cup, — after many months of hard use and even some competition, the Continental continues to perform

Also like other Continental scopes, this one comes with some added value items as well. Things like a sun shade and Vector 34mm rings. While based on the price I suspect they are fairly simple rings, but they are perfectly suitable for this scope, and don’t look like the cheap throwaway option often included. The packaging also is high quality, giving a great impression.

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, rings,

Another nice thing included with the scope is an extra elevation turret. The second turret doesn’t include the zero stop feature, which allows a full sweep of the erector.

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret, — the **Continental 2-12×44** uses the same turret system

Mounting the Continental 6-36

I chose to mount the Vector Continental in an Area 419 scope mount. Not that the rings weren’t suitable, I just like the Area 419 mount significantly more. With a snug fit, the Continental was then attached to my Desert Tech SRS M2. A rifle I use quite frequently.

Adjusting the mounting location to set the proper eye relief, gave a nice comfortable fit and clear image. I adjusted the diopter at the rear to get the best image of the reticle, and also added the sun shade. This is something I often do if for nothing else, to keep things away from the lenses of my scopes.

Zeroing the Scope and Zero-Stop function

My Desert Tech SRS M2 rifle has a 30 MOA cant built into the picatinny rail, this is by design to allow zeroing the scope closer to its mechanical zero. This required me to dial the elevation turret below its centerline.

the zero-stop system is easy to set and robust in design

The zero-stop feature is built into the elevation turret. It uses an indexable stop that also actuates an indicator pin on the top of the turret. When the turret is rotated past its first rotation (10 MRAD), a red pin pops up on the top of the turret. And when it is rotated past the second rotation (20 MRAD) the pin pops up a bit further exposing a silver ring under the red. This allows both a visual and tactile indication of which rotation of the scope you are on.

Since I had to zero the scope below its factory zero-stop setting, this required me to dial back the zero-stop. This is done by removing the elevation turret, and underneath there is a small pin that you push in, and then rotate against the indicated direction approximately the distance you need.

I could then boresight the scope and rifle per my traditional practice, prior to taking the rifle to the range for zeroing. Once the rifle was zeroed, I could reset the zero-stop feature. By again removing the turret, and rotating the inner ring (in the indicated direction) until the pin pops into its stop hole. And then set the turret back on the scope lining it up with zero.

Shooting with the Continental 6-36

I use my SRS for quite a bit of shooting, which makes it very familiar to me. Shooting the rifle with this Vector Optics scope would be an exercise in repetition. I’ve run a variety of very nice scopes on this rifle, so seeing how the Vector stood-in would be a good comparison.

My first shooting experience with this scope was shooting paper targets at a mere one-hundred yards. The impressively bright image through the scope made for some very easy shooting. Using the fine points of the reticle was great for precise placement of shots.

vector optics, continental, 6-36x56, long-range riflescope, ffp, mil, mrad, illumination — initiating the reticle illumination shows that only part of the reticle is illuminated. This helps avoid having too much light when looking into darkness

The majority of my shooting takes place in open country at high altitude in the Rocky Mountains. I do a lot of varmint hunting and long-range shooting, which would also make an excellent task to test the legs of this scope.

One of the benefits of using this rifle, is that I have some very established drop data. This allows close evaluation of the scope compared to others I’ve also used.

**this rifle** and scope combination is great for shooting from my **Two Vets Tripod**

Optical Clarity

Vector Optics uses Schott lenses from Germany, which is likely responsible for the impressive clarity. Looking at small animals and other details even at long-distances gave very definitive identification. As well as spotting impacts, things like dirt flying and bullet splash were quickly identified through the scope.

desert tech, srs m2, vectore optics, continental 6-36x56, prs, competition, snipers hide cup, — I recently used the **Continental 6-36** on my **Desert Tech SRS M2** chambered in 6GT for the Snipers Hide Cup match

Across the broad magnification range, the scope kept its clean image. As is typical, at maximum magnification the brightness of the scope is reduced somewhat. I have experienced this phenomenon with almost every scope I’ve used, it’s normal and simply something to be aware of. The beauty of these higher magnification scopes is that if you run them at slightly less than maximum power, they look fantastic and still have adequate zoom.

vector optics, continental, 6-36x56, long-range riflescope, ffp, mil, — the magnification adjustment ring is smooth, with a 180 degree turn

I also noticed another anomaly that I have seen on some scopes; When using a canted scope base for long-range shooting, the scope’s erector is typically moved closer to its limit of travel. At the low end of the magnification spectrum, this can sometimes result in a crescent shaped shadow appearing along the top of the image. So far as I can tell it has no effect on performance, and isn’t visible when you zoom the scope in even a little bit.

vector optics, continental, 6-36x56, long-range riflescope, ffp, mil, mrad, — installing the CR2032 lithium battery

Parallax Adjustment

Removing parallax from the image is done using the side focus turret. It is labeled for various distances and as usual they are more of a guide than an exact amount. I did notice that parallax balance was easy to achieve at nearly any distance I tried. This is an important feature for any rifle scope used for long-range shooting, if you are curious about why you should read all you need to know about parallax.

Turret Function & Tracking

One of my favorite features of the Continental scopes is the turrets. The turrets have ten MRAD of elevation per rotation, and are labeled with whole and 1/10 graduations. The turrets are locked using a push/pull feature, when pushed down they snap into a locked position. Pulling them up unlocked them allowing adjustments to be made.

Once the zero-stop feature had been engaged, the turret has a hard stop at zero. This allows you to dial your scope back to zero without even looking at it. The audible clicks also allow you to make small adjustments by simply feeling each click or hearing them.

After zeroing my rifle and setting the zero-stop, I found the Continental still had a total of nearly two-and-a-half turns of elevation. That is 28.5 MRAD of elevation, which is plenty for most long-range shooting scenarios. This is also in part because of my 30 MOA canted scope base.

Testing the values of the turret clicks closely matched the amounts measured with the reticle. Additionally, the known shooting DOPE for the cartridges I was shooting matched up in the Continental.

Reticle

Speaking on the reticle; the VEC-MBR2 reticle has a great deal of features. It uses what many have called a Christmas tree shape, because of the familiar shape of the holdover grid. While I am not as big a fan as other of this type of reticle, I can surely see its utility. With the ability to quickly hold-over your target, or measure corrections easily, this reticle gives you options. With a ranging bracket and several open spots with tiny center-dots it gives you precision where you want it.

Pros and Cons

There is a lot to like about this scope. If the bright imagery and clarity aren’t enough to get you excited, then robust turrets and their function should. This scope envelops most if not all of the popular features for long-range shooting and it still comes in well under the $1000 price point. With great included accessories and all these features the Vector Continental 6-36×56 is a great deal. And they come with a great repair or replace warranty that matches the standard for quality optics.

vector optics, continental, 6-36x56, long-range riflescope, ffp, mil, mrad, Desert Tech, SRS M2, anechoic, anechox 35 suppressor, — besides the Continental scope, this rifle incorporates an Anechoic 35 suppressor, and **Atlas Bipod**

If there is a downside to these scopes, I suppose many would say it is it’s source. As Americans we like to buy products from our fellow compatriots, or at a minimum from our friendly allies. Vector Optics come from China, which might be reason enough not to buy them for some. If you don’t mind the spawn-point, you will find an affordable option with excellent performance. After months of use and comparing the scope to others like Kahles and Nightforce, the optical quality isn’t quite as good. But that is no surprise considering those optics cost four or five times more.

vector optics, continental, 6-36x56, long-range riflescope, ffp, mil, mrad, Desert Tech, SRS M2,

Concluding Thoughts

I have been very happy with this line of riflescopes, and I expect to keep them busy for years to come. It is very impressive how much value you get from these scopes, and it definitely has shown how the Asian optics manufacturers have upped their game. Had I not known where these scopes came from, and if they’d had the branding of a European scope, I might have believed they came from Germany or something. So if you have filet mignon taste, but a bowl of rice budget, you might find these scopes fit right into your shooting plans.

-CBM

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Safariland Incog X Holster

August 6, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewccw, ccw holster, glock 19, incog x, iwb, owb, safariland, safariland holstercoldboremiracle

Preface

There are few bigger names in the holster business than Safariland. I was told by a friend years ago that its hard to go wrong with one of their holsters, after years and several holsters later I echo his opinion. Today I am bringing you something a little different, as most of my holsters are OWB style. Today we are looking at the Safariland Incog X IWB holster for concealed carry.

Options

The Incog X holster is available in a variety of options. With four different color options with it’s Cordura wrap, and you can order it with or without the magazine caddy. Another option is right or left handed draw, for those who carry on the wrong side. You can of course choose between various popular weapon light compatibility, as well as pistol optic cuts. These varying options can change the price from $100 to $132.

Setup and Assembly

Opening the package, I found the typical Safariland presentation. The holster and side-car came with a plastic baggy with additional fasteners and other small parts. The holster can be used with ot without the side-car (magazine caddy), the extra screws are for different configurations.

Safariland, safariland incog x, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19,

As well there are different sized spacers to install on the concealment strut, the polymer extension on one end to enhance concealment. You can change the thickness of the strut spacer to engage with your belt, causing the ride of the holster to hug your body.

The belt loop clips allow for various belt sizes. And the mounting holes are slotted so you can adjust the ride-height. There are two screws accented by a red washers, one on the holster itself and one on the side-car. The red washer identifies it as the tension screw, which you can tighten or loosen to set holster retention to your taste.

The back side of the Incog X holster has a comfortable microfiber suede soft lining. This makes it less abrasive where it contacts your body and waistline. As maximizing comfort is important when carrying.

Safariland, safariland incog x, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19, ruger RXM,

Concealed Carry with the Incog X Holster

IWB holsters definitely favor the slimmer folks out there. If you’ve got a bit of extra tummy, it can make these style of holster a little less comfortable. With that said, I was happy with how well the Incog X holster fit me, despite my dad-bod. I definitely wasn’t going to be able to sit down with it in the appendix position though.

It was impressive how well my gun hid under a simple t-shirt when I did carry it appendix. I thought for sure my abdominal profile would have pushed the pistol print out more than it did.

The security of my pistol was outstanding in the Incog X holster. I typically carry on the back of my hip, it was pleasing to have this comfort and control using this holster. And having the side-car with an extra mag was icing on the cake, as I don’t always carry an extra mag when I carry.

Safariland, safariland incog x, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19, Palmetto state armory, psa, dagger, 9mm — I also used the **PSA Dagger pistol** during testing, it fit perfectly as well

Adjusting the tension on the holster pocket was easy, I was actually surprised at how much tension could be added. To the point of making it irritatingly secure. After a few tries I found a good level of retention, as well as the correct ride height and fit.

I tried various Glock style pistols in the Incog X, mainly my Ruger RXM, and a PSA Dagger compact. Both are G19 size pistols, and compatibility with all of them seemed great.

Pros and Cons

The negative aspects of the Incog X holster are much like other IWB holsters. Meaning that its application greatly depends on the build of the person wearing it. In my opinion, if you are a chubby fellow it might be a little more challenging to use.

On the plus side, the holster offers great comfort and portability of your CCW pistol. It keeps it secure and close, for those times when you might need it. High quality fasteners and materials come pretty standard with safariland products. The Incog X comes with all the things that has made Safariland product so desirable.

Safariland, safariland incog x, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19, ruger RXM, vortex defender,

Last Words

With so many great options out there, you definitely have choices. The Safariland Incog X holster is certainly a good option in my opinion. It brings high quality and compatibility and to be honest a handsome look to your CCW holster. You owe it to yourself to give these holsters a look if you are shopping for one.

-CBM

Check out more holsters here

Savage Arms B17 Precision

August 4, 2025Product review, Shooting hardware17hmr, b17, mdt, precision, savage, savage armscoldboremiracle

Preface

Precision rimfire rifles are possibly the most fun you can have outside the house, and they are getting better. I kinda skipped the rimfire rifles in my younger years when most people get good with them. Circling back to rimfire as an adult when you have adult money is more fun anyways. Today I am doing exactly that, and I look forward to sharing the experience with you. Today’s subject is the Savage B17 Precision rifle, a bolt-action .17 HMR in an MDT chassis from the factory.

I’ve played with these Savage rimfire rifles before, and when coupled with a good chassis and scope I was excited for some great results. I was expecting a squirrel-sniper, the next few days would show if I’d garner my quarry for stew.

The Savage B17 Precision

The B Series Precision rifles uses Savage’s unique rimfire action, unique in that the cocking piece rides in the bold-handle raceway. This results in a slightly longer action than some other models. I’ve always preferred the cleaner design that mimics centerfire actions, but this little Savage might change my mind.

The B series uses the very popular Accutrigger from Savage, something I again never cared for aesthetically but have no real problem with. On top of the action, you’ll find an included picatinny scope rail for easy mounting.

The rifle feeds from a curious polymer 10-round rotary magazine. The curious design uses a spring-tensioned rotor with cutouts for each round. The magazine has a spring loaded retention-clip at one end and is canted into the chassis to seat the mag. It is an interesting design, and I looked forward to putting it into action.

The MDT chassis definitely sets this rifle apart from its competition, MDT is one of the biggest names in chassis-guns and competition rifles. Bringing their engineering expertise to this little rimfire rifle could be a match made in heaven. With an adjustable buttstock and cheek-rest, you can make this rifle fit most shooters. The rigid chassis also has M-Lok slots up front for adding any of your favorite accessories.

Specifications

Savage B17 Precision
Caliber	17 HMR
Length	36.6 Inches
Weight	7.3 Pounds
Trigger	1.5-4 Pound Adjustable Accutrigger
Chassis	One-Piece Aluminum MDT
Length of Pull	12.75-13.75 Inches
Magazine	Detachable Rotary 10-round Polymer
Barrel Length	18-Inches
Barrel Twist Rate	1:9 Inches
Muzzle Threads	½-28 with thread protector
Finish	Black Matte
MSRP	$679

Range Ready

Prior to shooting, this little rifle would need a good scope. I happened to have a brand new Bushnell R5 6-18 x 50 which would make a great choice for the little rifle. The illuminated DOA-LRH800 reticle would allow a great many holdover points for the little .17 HMR cartridge. I mounted the scope using a one-inch scope mount, which might have been a touch high. But the adjustable comb of the rifle made short work of that issue.

I’d also add a couple other accessories, first would be a Harris bipod. I would be doing a lot of supported shooting, and its hard to beat a bipod for for that purpose. The last thing would be a suppressor, and for that I chose the SilencerCo Spectre II. It would take the M out of the HMR and make it a little more pleasant to shoot.

On the Range with the Savage B17

My initial trip with the Savage B17 would be to my local range. I’d brought along everything to get the rifle zeroed and tested, what I needed more of was self control due to range squirrels.

I’d brought three types of ammunition to shoot in the rifle, some OG Hornady 17 grain ammo, some CCI TNT 17 grain hollow points, and some Federal V-shock 17 grain. I figured one of those would shoot well enough to match my purposes.

Savage B17, bushnell r5, 6-18, silencerco Spectre II, 17hmr, rimfire, MDT chassis, prairie dog, — we also used the B17 for a prairie dog shoot, it was very effective

I sat down on the bench and started loading the curious magazines. Ten-rounds at a time would be fine for the kind of shooting I do. I boresighted the rifle to get it as close as possible to zero before shooting a shot. After making a correction or two, the rifle was shooting right where I aimed. I tested all three ammunition types, and it seemed the one that shot the best was the original Hornady 17 grain V-max.

Into the Rockies

After getting very comfortable with the B17, it was time to take it into my Rocky Mountain haunt to do some field shooting. And with any luck, get those squirrels that the .17 is just perfect for. Armed to the teeth and with my squirrel hound at my heels, we pursued the distant chirps of our prey.

I laid behind the rifle, the sharp sticks and grass of the parched summer ground dug into my skin. But that’s just part of the game, I watched through the bright Bushnell scope as an adult grey squirrel popped her head above the edge of a rock. The 103 yard distance and some switchy winds might make for a little challenge, but I was ready for it.

I’d zeroed the rifle at one-hundred yards, so I simply held a little bit into the wind coming up the canyon. With the reticle dot level with my target’s nose, I began pressing the trigger. The shot broke just like hundreds before it, perfectly clean release and the rifle barely moved as I focused through the scope. I watched as the bullet impacted the squirrel right through the nut processor and some hair and other material scattered in the breeze. It was simply too much fun not to repeat the process over and over.

The balance and feel of this rifle was fantastic in field shooting. I am used to heavier guns so the seven plus pounds felt light to me. Watching impacts through the scope as this rifle churned through ammo was as close to childhood bliss as I can imagine.

Continue Reading Here

A typical 5-shot group from the Savage B17

the **Bushnell R5 6-18 scope** was a perfect match

Savage B17, bushnell r5, 6-18, silencerco Spectre II, 17hmr, rimfire, MDT chassis,

Safariland Gravity Holster

July 29, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewccw, gravity holster, holster, owb, safarilandcoldboremiracle

Preface

As my love affair with pistols has matured, it has been commensurate that holsters have become a bigger and bigger part of my inventory. There are so many different options out there it can often be hard to choose. I’ve become a bit of a fan of Safariland holsters, the style and quality fit my taste and needs. Perhaps knowing I am a fan, Safariland sent me one of their new Gravity holsters. Today I aim to share with you my experience with it.

Safariland, gravity holster, holster, kydex, owb, iwb, ccw, ccw holster, Ruger RXM, — the **Ruger RXM** with the **Vortex Defender red dot** fit perfectly in the Gravity

The Gravity Holster

The Gravity holster is a paddle style holster, using a polymer paddle as an anchor point underneath your belt. Like other paddle holsters, the Gravity can be put into place or removed without the need to remove or even loosen your belt.

There is a flexible hook feature to keep the holster affixed to your waistline during the draw. Removing the holster requires flexing the holster away from the paddle to allow the retension hook to pass the belt.

Safariland, gravity holster, holster, kydex, owb, iwb, ccw, ccw holster, shadow systems, DR920, us optics, rise, red dot,

Like most Safariland holster, the Gravity is made from a polymer blend molded to fit your pistol. In this case a Glock 19 pattern that will fit a variety of my handguns. The holster pocket can be adjusted for tension by a clamping screw backed by a rubber stopper. Inside the pocket, you will find a suede liner to protect your pistol from rubbing on the steel fasteners. And on the exterior you will find the traditional Safariland Cordura wrapping, in whatever pattern you choose.

Safariland, gravity holster, holster, kydex, owb, iwb, ccw, ccw holster,

Wearing the Safariland Gravity Holster

The Gravity holster rides outside your belt, meaning you are either open carrying or covering it with a shirt or jacket. Due to my daily program I often carry openly, or at least with no concern for concealment. This allowed me to put the Gravity through vigorous daily use; driving in the truck, sitting in my office, walking around a busy shop, etc.

For the most part I used my Ruger RXM for the daily carry in the Safariland Gravity holster. The fit was perfect, and allowed excellent draw access which I often practice during my day. While you can carry the Gravity holster in various locations, the most obvious and comfortable for me was at the back of my right hip.

Adjusting the cant of the holster to best fit my draw angle was easy, using the provided Allen wrench. I had ordered the Gravity cut for pistol optics because that how I roll now. My RXM and several other G19 pattern clones fit and functioned great. There is no mechanical retention other than the squeeze of the polymer and tension screw, so keep that in mind.

Safariland Gravity Holster Features

Adjustable Cant
Fully covered trigger guard
Adjustable tension allows for customized draw resistance
Front sight clearance 13/32” (0.406”)
Accommodates any Safariland 3-hole pattern holster mount
Fits belt widths up to 1.75” (45mm)
IDPA and USPSA approved

Pros and Cons

I carried my pistols for the better part of two months using the Gravity, and have come up with what i think are some fair assessments. Having the ability to quickly put on and take off the holster was one of my favorite features. I did find that I frequently did have a bit of a challenge getting the hook over my belt and pants. While this might make for comedic gold when watched from a safe hearing distance, it was a touch irritating. However I would much rather it be secure and solid when attached with a little effort to remove, than to have it come off too easy. I also noticed that when wearing a shirt, there is the classic problem of getting shirt jammed into the holster when re-holstering. This is simply a part of concealed carry, and something you need to be aware of.

OWB holsters are far more prone to printing, which this one certainly could be depending on my fashion sense any particular day. But again, these are things you just deal with as a CCW enthusiast. It appears at printing that the Gravity is only available for right-hand draw, and I didn’t see a weaponlight option either.

Carrying a concealed weapon can involve a lot of compromises, and I think the Gravity Holster does a fine job of giving folks options. I’m a member of the clean plate guild, which means IWB holsters are often uncomfortable. The Gravity gives a very secure alternative that doesn’t require wearing a Mu’umu’u. It keeps my pistol right where I expect it to be, and has the adjustability to customize. It can even be mounted using the Safariland QLS system which I am also a big fan. All this in a holster that looks sharp and comes from a company with great service history.

Conclusion

I have enjoyed using the Gravity Holster the past few months, and I expect I will continue to enjoy it for years to come. Handguns and their holsters have become to me like my wife’s shoes. I often select a holster and firearm based on the days activities and wardrobe, having the Gravity holster is another excellent tool to have on my belt when carrying.

-CBM

Onnais Defender EDC SE Wall Mount Gun Lock Pistol Handgun Safe

July 24, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewdefender edc, defender edc se, gun lock, gun safe, onnais, safe, securitycoldboremiracle

Preface

If you read my previous article about the Onnais Security Safe, you might feel a little bit of Deja vu. All these amazing little technological gadgets keep working their way into our lives, simplifying tasks and supposedly improving things. Today I am bringing you another one of those products from Onnais, but this one is a little different. The Onnais Defender EDC SE gun lock is designed to keep your handgun close and ready should you need it.

ONNAIS Defender EDC SE Wall Mount Gun Lock Pistol Handgun Safe,

The Onnais Defender

Much like the other products made by Onnais, the Defender EDC gun lock is made to keep handguns secure. Lets be honest though, most of these devices can be circumvented or destroyed. This product is the same way, someone with the right tools and time could break into this product. But in my opinion that isn’t what it’s for.

The Onnais Defender in my opinion is made to keep honest people honest, and keep kids away from danger. It might not keep a dedicated thief from doing his thing. But it will certainly keep kids and other unauthorized users from accessing your gun.

The Defender functions much like a holster, it uses a rubber lined cradle to support your handgun. A set of metal claws secure the pistol by its trigger-guard, covering both the trigger, mag-release, and slide lock (on most guns). It is made to be attached to a wall or other firm foundation to prevent moving.

ONNAIS Defender EDC SE Wall Mount Gun Lock Pistol Handgun Safe, mounting bracket, shadow systems, dr920, — the Defender mounted to a bed-frame, keeping my **Shadow Systems DR920** handy

The electronic components of the Defender uses some great technology to grant you quick access. With triple security points using electronic key-pad, a fingerprint scan, and a manual key to allow access. With programmable code, and multiple fingerprint scans from multiple users, you are in control of who can remove the pistol. And the fall back security of a key should the electronics fail.

Setup Of the Onnais Defender

It took me a moment to get the controls figured out, but the included instructions are handy. And if that’s not enough, there are some great videos on youtube explaining how to do it. You can start by setting up a code for the keypad, you can select and change the code any time.

After setting the code, you can add a fingerprint scan for even quicker access. I entered one finger from both hands so I don’t even have to put down my drink while gaining access. I also added my wife’s fingerprint as well so she too has access.

Mounting

The mounting bracket is included with the device. And allows you to screw the bracket to a large piece of furniture, bed frame or wall. Again, much like the device itself, the bracket is robust enough to prevent unauthorized access. But probably won’t stop the crowbar of a thief. Once the bracket is mounted, you can attach the Defender to it. It can be removed and attached with ease as it slides into a dovetail mount, making it a quick job to charge the battery every few months.

Operation

To lock your pistol, you simply set it in the rubber cradle, then push down on the locking lever on the left side. This compressed the pistol slightly into the rubber while the jaws pull tight against the trigger guard.

ONNAIS Defender EDC SE Wall Mount Gun Lock Pistol Handgun Safe, ruger, rxm pistol, — The Ruger RXM and several other Glock 19 clones fit well

To remove the pistol, you use either of the three unlocking methods. The fingerprint is the fastest, with a gentle touch there is a beep and a green light illuminates around the pad. The keypad also beeps and illuminated blue while entering the code. When the last number is keyed, a green light is shown and the locking jaws snap open.

The key entry is done from the bottom of the device, and releases the jaws with no beeps or lights. Just a click as the jaws release.

Pros and Cons

The pros of this device are pretty clear; it gives you incredibly fast access to your firearm while preventing others from the same. It allows you the ability to safely leave a pistol in condition 1 or better, so its ready if you need it. It fits a wide variety of handguns, and is affordable enough you can get more than one unit for various locations in your home or vehicles if desired. It’s easy to set up, and has redundancy built in for access. The buttons to reset and program the device are obscured under the pistol unless it is unlocked.

There are a couple things I guess you could call down sides though I think its fair to say they are good compromises. While it does secure your handgun, a serious delinquent could defeat the device with enough time and a few tools. So I guess I would only want to use this device in controlled conditions like a home, office, or personal vehicle.

Another thing I wish the Defender EDC would allow is the use of a weapon light. I expect many people outfit their EDC pistol with a light, and it would make sense for a home defensive pistol to have one. But I also understand that allowing the use of a weapon light with the Defender would add a layer of complexity or compromise. Making it either far more expensive with various options for different light models, or compromising it’s ability to secure the pistol if a specific weapon light wasn’t used.

Conclusion

All in all I think the Onnais Defender EDC SE gun lock is a great security device. While there are a few compromises, I think they are well worth it. Making it an affordable security option for folks who are always on the move, and usually with a handgun on them. It gives you the option to have immediate access to a hot handgun while also having the confidence that only you can get to it. That is well worth the $109 price in my opinion. Onnais was even kind enough to offer our readers a discount, so enter the code: Thecoldboremiracle when checking out.

-CBM

Seekins Precision NX15

July 22, 2025Product review, Shooting hardware, Uncategorized223, 5.56, ar15, nx15, plxc, primary arms, seekins, seekins precisioncoldboremiracle

Introduction

Seekins Precision is a very well known firearm manufacturer in the precision rifle world. Aside from their very nice precision rifles, they also make some fine autoloading rifles. Today we are taking a look at one of them, the Seekins Precision NX15.

seekins, seekins precision, nx15, ar15, primary arms, plxc, banish speed k, — the M-Lok handguard is ready for all your accessories

Seekins sets their products apart by manufacturing their own custom receiver sets and parts that accompany them. The results are high quality firearms that stand out with a unique look and performance.

The Seekins NX15

Based on a foundation of 7075 T6 aluminum billets, the NX15 is machined and skeletonized for a perfect match. The sixteen-inch 416R stainless barrel sits inside an M-Lok compatible handguard so you can add all your favorite accessories.

seekins, seekins precision, nx15, ar15, primary arms, plxc, — top notch parts with an excellent fit

In addition to high quality components, the NX15 also incorporates some great control features. The Seekins DNA charging handle comes with an enhanced charging handle, with relief cuts to help keep friction low. The safety is a forty-five degree ambidextrous type, which I like.

As the AR platform has matured, Seekins was one of the early manufacturers to add enhanced additional controls. There is a push-button bolt-release you can easily actuate with your trigger finger. This is a very welcome feature and only surpassed by the release/lock-back type of control I enjoy on my other similar rifles.

Superb quality parts and fit come standard with this rifle. The controls feel very smooth and responsive, and the fit and finish are also top notch. The test rifle we are shooting today has a custom paint job, something that feels like it fell out of a comic book. But I would let that interfere with what matters.

Seekins NX15 Specifications

Seekins Precision NX15
Caliber	.223/5.56 (tested) 22ARC, 6ARC, 338ARC
Barrel	Stainless 16-inch
Barrel Twist	1 in 8 inches
Weight	7 pounds
Gas Block	Adjustable low-profile
Muzzle	Seekins Nest enclosed flash-hider
Finish	Black Oxide coating
Muzzle thread	½-28
Stock	Adjustable six-position MFT (tested)

NX15 Testing Setup

Before shooting the NX15, I wanted to add a couple accessories. First up of course it would need some kind of sighting system. For that I chose the Primary Arms PLx Compact, a 1-8 LPVO with exceptional clarity and definition. Using the PLx cantilever mount I attached it to the upper receiver.

For ammunition to feed the NX15, I grabbed several boxes of PMC X-Tac 55 grain as well as some PMC Match 77 grain ammo. Both of these have performed well for me in other firearms. Lastly because I hate noise, I also grabbed a suppressor for the rifle. The Banish Speed K suppressor from Silencer Central, this is a bulletproof little suppressor and it has really become one of my favorites. With everything in place, I headed to the range.

On the Range with the Seekins NX15

Once on the firing line, I loaded the Amend 2 magazine with some of the 55-grain ammo to get the rifle zeroed. I did a quick boresighting job, that got me on paper before making a few adjustments. One of the reasons I love the PLx scope is because it is so clear I can see bullet holes in paper much better than other 8X scopes. After zeroing the scope to the rifle supported on a bench, I fired a few shots to see how accurate the rifle shot with inexpensive ammo. Then I switched to the 77-grain match ammo to see how it shot as well.

After seeing how the rifle performed accurately, I decided to switch it up a bit by shooting the rifle from a standing position. The smooth action of the rifle felt very polished, reloading the rifle and going through magazines helped appreciate the precise controls and their feel. The trigger feels excellent in this rifle, very crisp and clean.

I noticed while handling and shooting the rifle that the NX15 has nice balance. Little things like the oversized trigger-guard and textured surfaces where you need them made it feel above average performance.

Even though I wasn’t a big fan of the paint job, it was hard to dislike the feel of this rifle. The minimized handguard was easy to hold onto. And it wasn’t just thin where you wanted it thin, it was also thick where it should be. A flared magwell skirt made stabbing magazines easy, and thick trigger pin-bosses would make for long-term durability.

The Results

Handling

The shootability of this rifle is fantastic. I love the big purchase of the charging handle that even a blind shooter with one finger couldn’t miss. The Magpul and Mission First Tactical furniture were nice and made easy manipulation of the rifle.

With nothing on the handguard it was easy to grip the rifle in any style you choose, and the magwell has some texture if you’re one of those guys. Adding M-Lok accessories like a downgrip could also be easily added to enhance the handling.

Reliability

As expected with the Seekins name, the NX15 ran flawlessly during all my shooting. Both suppressed and in loud configuration the rifle ate everything and never complained. I could feel a slight increase in operating pressure when shooting suppressed, but it wasn’t enough I felt like adjusting the gas block. Though that would have been easy to do using a couple Allen wrenches through the handguard.

Accuracy

Once again with a name like Seekins, I was expecting this rifle to shoot sharply. I don’t typically like using an 8X scope for shooting groups at 100 yards. I’d much rather use something like a 12X or more. Even so, I was surprised at how easily I was able to shoot MOA five-shot groups with cheap ammo.

Continue Reading Here

Vector Optics Continental 2-12X44

July 17, 2025Optics, Product review2-12x44, continental, lpvo, vector, vector optics, vector optics continentalcoldboremiracle

Preface

You may have seen my past reviews of other Vector Optics, but today we are diving into another one. This time we are looking at the Vector Optics Continental 2-12X44 riflescope, I think this one fits into a very niche purpose. Its almost a low power variable optic (LPVO) by some standards, and yet it shares some of the long-range features of the other Continental scopes. But will this medium power scope fit into one purpose or the other? Let’s find out together.

Vector Optics Continental 2-12

Lets get one thing out of the way, foreign made optics have taken up a massive share of the market. A huge number of them are coming from China, Japan and the Philippines. Whether we like it or not that is the way things are going, and since it’s spoiled us for choice there is a positive side. Vector Optics are made in China, and I’ve mentioned before that these Continental scopes have made a strong case for changing our perception of what made in China means.

Vector optics, continental 1-12x44, riflescope, desert tech, quattro 15, aero precision, quadmag 53,

The 2-12 is built on a 34mm maintube. Most scopes in these lower power ranges use a 30mm tube or perhaps even the smaller 1-inch tube. This scope like the other Vector’s I’ve tried is a first focal plane design, which means the reticle changes size with the power magnification.

The reticle is moved inside the large erector housing using the exposed turrets. Both turrets have a push/pull locking feature to prevent unwanted movement. And both are graduated in MRAD with 1/10 MRAD clicks and a total of ten MRAD per rotation.

The adjustable parallax is another nice feature, and one that is paramount for shooting long-range (you can read about why HERE). Additionally, there is illumination for the reticle which is stacked on top of the parallax adjustment knob. This makes the milling reticle even more useful in scenarios where light might not be adequate.

Specifications

Magnification	2-12x
Objective Lens Dia	44 mm
Focal Plane	First Focal Plane
Eye Relief	100 mm / 4.0 in
Lens Coating	Fully Multi-coated
Linear Field of View @ 100 yd	62.4 – 10.8 ft @ 100 yards
Linear Field of View @ 100 m	20.8-3.6 m @ 100 meters
Angular Field of View	11.92 – 2.06 °
Reticle	VET-CTR 2 Etched Glass

Tube Dia	34 mm
Side Focus	10 yards to Infinity
Click Value	1/10 MIL
Turret Function	Zero Stop, Turret Lock
Elevation Adjustment Range	≥63 MIL
Windage Adjustment Range	≥30 MIL
Diopter Compensation	-2 to +2
Illumination Setting	11 Gears, On/Off Switch
Battery Type	CR2032
Waterproof	IP67
Fogproof	Nitrogen Filled
Shockproof	1000 G
Housing Material	6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Finish	Matte Black
Length	317 mm / 12.5 in
Weight	767 g / 27.1 oz
Items in the Package	User Manual, Cleaning Cloth, Plastic Wrench, Lens Caps, Spare Elevation Turret, sunshade, scope rings

Unboxing the Continental 2-12

Unfortunately, my package was mistreated during delivery which resulted in some damage to the box. But after close inspection the packaging was very good at protecting the scope and its accessories inside.

Inside the box, there is the scope, a sunshade, a set of 34mm rings, an extra elevation turret (for use without zero-stop). As well as the owners manual, lens cloth, a tool for adjusting the turret, and a battery. It was a very nice package before it was damaged.

Mounting Solution

I really appreciate the included rings with these Continental scopes. Often when rings are included they look so cheap you don’t dare use them. These ones on the other hand look very adequate for a scope like this.

Even so, I chose to use a different mounting solution for my initial purposes. I grabbed a Zro Delta cantilever 34mm scope mount, it would allow proper mounting and eye relief on different rifles. The strong oversized screws give robust even clamping.

With the scope mounted in the Zro Delta mount, I attached it to the picatinny rail of my rifle. This rifle is a hybrid made from an Aero Precision upper and a Desert Tech Quattro 15 lower. After which I did a quick boresight job to get it on paper at one hundred yards.

Shooting with the Vector Continental 2-12

My first outing with the Continental 2-12 was to a rifle range. With a target hung at one hundred yards, I fired a few shots to see where they impacted. With the rifle resting securely on sandbags, I measured the distance from my point of aim to the impacts using the reticle. And dialed the correction with the turrets before firing another shot. That shot landed right where I expected it to, and drew smug chuckle out of me.

Using the scope at 12X I fired a few groups at the 100 yard target. I was quite pleased with how sharp and clean the image was, and at that high power setting the outer ring of the reticle is not visible. Leaving only the center part of the reticle with all its details.

Round Two

For a little more long-range testing, I chose to mount the Continental 2-12 on the Bergara Premier Canyon 308 Winchester. For that I did use the rings that came with the scope, and mounted it to the pinned picatinny rail of the Bergara.

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret, bergara, premier canyon, tripod — shooting the **Bergara Premier Canyon** rifle with the Banish Backcountry suppressor

I’d take the rifle into the mountains to see how the combination would perform in more open country. I really liked this setup to be honest, it made an excellent lightweight hunting rifle. The accuracy of the Bergara paired with the sharp images of the Vector made for fast and sharp shooting.

The wide angle of view at low power was excellent. If I had to take a quick shot at a running animal up close, it was ideal. And being able to zoom the scope into 12X made making precise shots very doable. I did find that most of the time I was shooting, I rarely took it below 5-6 power. Mainly because in this open country everything is far away.

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret, FFP, reticle — The VET-CTR 2 reticle seen at 12X left, and 2X right. When illuminated the outer ring and center most ring are lit.

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret, FFP, reticle, illumination, — illumination setting 9 out of 11 as seen at 5X

Zero Stop

Setting the zero-stop requires use of the turret with the red pin. Once the rifle is zeroed, you can remove the elevation turret using the plastic included tool. Underneath the turret, you rotate the inner ring of the turret clockwise until it stops. There is a small pin that snaps into place, you can then install the turret at zero. The turret then will stop at zero every time you wind down the turret.

If you don’t want or require the use of the zero-stop feature, you can remove that turret and install the other. With the zero-stop set with my one-hundred yard zero, the scope had 29.5 MRAD of elevation left for elevation. That’s more elevation than most folks are going to need with a scope like this.

Turrets

Like the other Continental scopes I’ve used, these turrets are fantastic. The clicks are very crisp and audible, making it easy to adjust even without looking. The push/pull locking feature is also very nice, making it easy to prevent unwanted movement of the turret.

With 10 MRAD per rotation, a lot of my shooting might not even require hitting the second rotation. But the pop-up indicator is excellent for showing you which rotation you are on. The red button pops up when you hit the second rotation, and it pops up even further exposing a silver ring when you hit the third rotation.

The parallax adjustment is easily read from the shooting position, and has perhaps a touch more resistance than I would like. But it is perfectly serviceable. The 11 position illumination knob has off settings between each power setting. The texturing on all control surfaces is great for purchase with fingers or gloves.

Optical Performance

The large tube does a great job of passing the image to your eye. The 44mm objective while smaller than some precision optics is still more than adequate at compressing the landscape into a bright and clear image.

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret, bergara, premier canyon, tripod, two vets tripod, no name, — steady shooting off my Two Vets No Name Tripod made clear and precise use of the reticle

The HD lenses used in these scopes are pretty impressive considering their price point. I found picking out tiny holes in paper to be surprisingly easy, and seeing the movements of small animals two and three hundred yards out to be suitable for precise identification. I found this scope to be impressive considering it’s only a 12X, engaging targets as far as 1000 yards would still be quite doable. And with all that elevation and precise parallax there’s no reason not to.

Browning, x-bolt, x-bolt 2, x-bolt speed, 308 win, vector optics, continental, 2-12x44, banish backcountry suppresor, — I’ve also tested the Continental 2-12 on the Browning X-Bolt 2 308, shooting easily out to 1000 yards

Pros and Cons

Because I am a bit of an enthusiast for long range shooting, I think one thing I would change would be the ring around the reticle. With that said it is handy when trying to shoot using low power settings, because the center part of the reticle becomes very fine and harder to see. This appears to be by design, at 2X you have a ring and a center dot when illuminated. Its like looking through an Eotech in that scenario.

deer hunting, mule deer, kids, children, browning, x bolt 2, 308 win, vector optics 2-12x44, banish backcountry suppressor, — this combo worked out great to take this young buck from 470 yards

Twelve power isn’t a lot, but it is plenty for much of the shooting I do. I think this scope is an excellent choice for a hunting rifle or a fast action carbine. It has excellent clarity, a good reticle, and an impressive erector range allowing for broad corrections when shooting long-range. The turrets are excellent, the image is fantastic, and removing parallax with the focus knob is simple. There is really very little to take away from this rifle scope.

Last Words

As with the other Vector Continental scopes I have used, this one seems to be a hit. Whether on one of my carbines or a hunting rifle it performed exactly as I hoped it would. And when you consider the price point of this scope, with a street price of only $499 it is hard to pass on it. I would feel absolutely confident in taking this setup on one of my big game hunts, or a shooting competition. If you are looking for a scope in this range, you’d be injudicious for not at least taking look.

-CBM

What is an LPVO and do you need one?

July 16, 2025blogholographic sight, low power variable optic, lpvo, medium range, Red dot, riflescope, scope, short rangecoldboremiracle

Introduction

I joined the cult of shooting long ago, with a focus mainly on long-range shooting and hunting. Like many others in that sub-group of shooters, I felt that I needed as much magnification as possible. In the decades since I have learned that there is not always a need for such high power optics. You can read more about that subject in this article. But today’s subject is a little more specific, today we are on the topic of: what is an LPVO and do you need one?

the **Primary Arms PLx Compact** is an excellent 1-8 LPVO with an impressive image. together with the **Anechoic 35 suppressor** they make this **Steyr AUG** a fantastic little carbine

LPVO is an abbreviation for Low Power Variable Optic. There are quite a few LPVO’s on the market, I suspect it has something to do with marketing medium range optics for the massive AR15 customer base. Everybody want’s to build their own version of a “Recce rifle” and they usually put some kind of LPVO on it.

What is an LPVO?

A low power variable optic is just what it sounds like. Typically they feature variable zoom settings between 1-4 and as much as 1-10 or more. Not all of them are 1X at the lower end, some are 1.5, 1.8 or sometimes even a little bit more. The reason for this is pretty simple, at 1X or near there, the optic can be used almost like a red dot or holographic sight. And should you need to engage a target at a more significant distance, you can zoom the scope in to its higher power settings.

LPVO’s like all scopes can vary greatly in quality and construction type. It might be a 30mm tube or a 34mm, you might find one for $150 or you could pay upwards of $2000 if you want. Other features like exposed turrets and illuminated reticles are also possible features that might be incorporated.

on this **Eotech VUDU** 1-8, you can see the diopter focus at the very rear. the magnification ring with the added throw-lever. The turrets are capped on this one, and the illumination is on the other side of the scope.

Many LPVO’s do not have a large objective lens in the front. This has had the comedic effect of people mounting them backwards because of a lack of understanding. Most LPVO’s are just like larger rifle scopes, they have a diopter ring at the back to focus the reticle. And a power adjustment ring near the eye-piece to adjust the power setting. It’s not rocket science or brain surgery, its just a smaller scope with the same job; to allow accurate aiming on target.

Why So Low?

Having such a low magnification serves several purposes. I mentioned above that the scope can be used like a red dot, but there is more to it than that. Having low magnification also widens the view angle, allowing you to see more through the scope’s field of view.

Many manufacturers like to tout “true 1X”. Meaning that the image through the scope will be identical to what your non-sighting eye sees. This is because many folks shoot with both eyes open when the shooting is fast and close. Having a 1X image that matches you other eye will help keep perception and boost your situational awareness. This can come in very handy when shooting while moving through obstacles and potentially dangerous scenarios.

Why Might You Need an LPVO?

The traditional purpose of LPVO scopes has been on firearms that might be used at short or medium distances. For example, a three-gun shooter might be engaging many targets in rapid succession. The targets might be 30-yards away, or 300 yards away depending on the course of fire. 30-yards is pretty close, you probably don’t want a 4X scope for shooting that close. And 300-yards is a bit far for 1X or iron sights. You can see how a scope that can be quickly switched between 1X and 6X for example might be perfect for such a scenario.

Now imagine you are hunting Cape Buffalo on the dark continent, with dangerous animals lurking in the brush. If the possibility exists of needing to make a shot at a charging buffalo from 50 yards, 1X might be great option. And if you need to take an accurate supported shot at the animal from a hundred or more yards it would be nice to have more than 1X.

My son has hunted the last eight years with his little .260 topped with an LPVO of one kind or another. This **US Optics TS8X** helped him make an excellent shot on this buck as he bounded off

New Shooters

These are just a couple situations where an LPVO might serve you well. I’m sure you can imagine others where it might come in handy. One of my favorite uses has been for helping new shooters. Its often hard to get a child or someone new to rifle scopes to be able to see properly through the scope. And even harder sometimes to get them to actually find the deer or target in the scope. Too much magnification in this situation often exacerbates the issue. That is why I like to use LPVO’s for my kids when getting them started into shooting. They can find the target using low power then zoom in in for a better view.

Choosing the Right LPVO

Typically the best way to choose an optic depends on the activities you anticipate doing with it. If you plan on shooting targets on a short range with a 150 yard maximum range. Something like a 1-6 scope like the Vortex Venom would probably work fine. Whereas if you plan on shooting further distances like three to five-hundred yards, you might want something like the Vector Continental 1-10.

Vector Optics, continental, 1-10x28, ffp, lpvo, Desert Tech, WLVRN, suppressor, — The Vector 1-10 LPVO on my Desert Tech WLVRN

Like all rifle scopes, there are varying levels of quality. Price is also usually a concern to keep in mind as well. There are some great less expensive LPVO’s like the ones I mentioned above. I can also recommend the US Optics TS6X and TS8X, as I’ve used them extensively.

I’ve even used the TS8X to accurately engage some target as far away as 1000 yards. If you plan to use an LPVO at distances beyond say 300 yards, look for one with adjustable parallax. Many LPVO’s come with fixed parallax around 100 yards, and for semi-close distances that is fine. But for long-range shooting you may want to adjust for parallax, if you aren’t sure why you should read All you need to know about Parallax.

the US Optics TS6X on the IWI Tavor X95 bullpup

If you’d like to step up in quality a bit, and price, I’ve got a few more recommendations. The Eotech VUDU line of LPVO’s are great. I have both the 1-6 and the 1-8 and they have been very solid and repeatable on a variety of firearms.

I’ve used the VUDU LPVO’s extensively for a few years now, very good scopes

Illumination

The VUDU pushbutton controls are very handy for illumination, and the very bright dot in the center makes it almost like a red dot sight at 1X. Most scopes these days have some form of reticle illumination. Some are the old fashioned way with an LED just lighting up the reticle, and others have very high intensity LED dots centered in the reticle for and unmistakable aimpoint even in high-noon daylight.

For a few more dollars the SAI Optics LPVO’s are another fantastic scope, I am waiting to get hands on their 1-10 so stay tuned for that.

this SAI 6 has been a great scope, cant wait to get the SAI 1-10

I’d also feel awful if I failed to mention the great LPVO’s I’ve used from Sig Sauer Optics. They make a few different ones, and to be honest the two that I have used were both fantastic. The Tango 6T is definitely not inexpensive, but it is very clear and bright. The FFP illuminated reticle can be used for a great many tasks.

The Tango MSR is more made for average shooters who maybe want to spend their money on ammo and training instead of optics. It too is impressive optically and has some very useful features.

the Tango MSR was a perfect fit for this Sig MCX

Reticles

There is a huge variety of reticle options among LPVO’s. Some of them are fairly simple while others are quite complex, some even have dual focal plane reticles. As I mentioned these are typically marketed for medium range rifles, they often have drop compensating reticles.

FFP drop compensating like this one from US Optics allow you to hold over for distance

Again this is where you need to evaluate your purpose when choosing a reticle. If you do plan on shooting medium ranges, you might want one of those drop compensating reticles. Whereas if you plan on doing a lot of long-range shooting, you might be better off with exposed tactical turrets.

the VUDU SR1 reticle has a large circle you can use to bracket targets up close, and a finer inner reticle that can be used for corrections

There seems to be a split in LPVO reticles, they are either optimized for short range shooting, or medium range and beyond. Some have large horseshoe features, and some have thin and precise features for corrections. Do some homework on them before you pick one.

Medium or Long-Range?

If you truly want a capable long-range LPVO, it’s going to cost a bit more. Snipers have been shooting long-range with 10X scopes since before I was born, so there’s no reason you and I can’t keep it up. I mentioned you’ll want a scope with adjustable parallax, most LPVO’s with adjustable parallax are at the larger end of the magnification spectrum.

The US Optics FDN 10X is a great scope for shooting long range, and it’s been around for a while so checking out its record is easy. Leupold makes a 2-10 Mk5 that I haven’t used yet, but it certainly has caught my eye. I’ve also noticed that March scopes make a few different models with adjustable parallax

All that said, you can still do well with a typical LPVO. I mentioned my son has been hunting with the same little rifle and an LPVO since he was twelve. We spent a lot of time practicing so he was ready when it mattered. His first year hunting he took this cow elk with his little .260 Remington at over 500 yards using a 1-6X Minox.

Conclusion

I like doing a lot with just a little, maybe it’s a fool’s errand. You can certainly use an LPVO for a great many purposes, and I hope we’ve given you some ideas here today. I love the idea of a compact and accurate carbine with a great LPVO, pulling of shots better suited to big precision rifles. But as I mentioned I have a bit of bias towards long-range shooting and hunting.

US Optics, SXR, 1-6, lpvo, USO, low power variable optic, desert tech, WLVRN — my latest LPVO love, the **US Optics SXR 1-6**

But perhaps more realistic is using a good carbine with an equally adequate LPVO to pull off the shots the rifle was made for. Proper training with such a weapon can make you deadly fast and accurate, whether it be charging hordes of feral swine, or picking off a deer at the far end of a deep pasture. Try out a few different options before you buy, and then practice hard with it. You may find it to be the best thing you never knew you needed.