Category Archives: Optics

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Vector Optics Paragon Micro Prism Magnifier Combo

Optics, Product review, , , , ,

Introduction

One of the most popular sighting configurations in use today, is the use of a Micro Prism and magnifier combo. Micro Prism’s are basically a compact scope with a reticle. Commonly they are used in similar situations as red dots, for shorter range firearms. These Micro Prisms give some shooters a more precise aim due to optical alignment issues. Folks with an astigmatism may have trouble defining a red dot aim point, whereas with a prism they can focus much better. The magnifier adds a level of optical magnification for additional precise placement on targets. This configuration is a bit newer to me, but I’ll walk you through my own experience as we test and evaluate the Vector Optics Paragon Micro Prism magnifier combo.

one of my test rifles, the DS-25 6.5CM seen here with my Silencerco Omega 36M

Vector Optics Paragon

Paragon Prism

Vector Optics makes a variety of different optical sights, including rifle scopes, red dots, and todays topic; the Paragon Micro Prism and magnifier. There are several different options including 1x, 3x, and 4x micro prisms. And they also make both a 3x and 5x magnifier to put behind the micro prism.

The Paragon Micro Prism uses two push-buttons to power up the reticle. You can power it up or down by holding the front button, while toggling brightness is done using either button. On the left side of the optic there is a battery housing for the CR3023 lithium cell, which makes it easy to change without messing up your zero.

on longer rifles like this 16-inch AR, the 3x magnifier allows shots well into a quarter mile

Zeroing the reticle is done using a windage and elevation adjustment screw on the top and right side of the optic. A small flat screwdriver works great for adjustments. At the rear of the optic you can adjust the diopter for best focus. This optic can be a standalone sight, giving you a simple 1x view of your target area.

Paragon Magnifier

Adding the Paragon 3x Magnifier to the Micro Prism gives you an additional magnified image of the target area. And it does this without interfering with the prism or point of impact. The magnifier comes with a spring loaded mount that allows you to quickly pop it out of the way should you wish to use the simple 1x of the prism sight. And just as quickly snap the 3x back into place should you need a closer look at the target.

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simply pushing down on the button at the base of the magnifier allows it to swing 90 degrees out of the way

Vector’s spring-loaded mount has a small button on one side that when pushed, allows the magnifier to swing 90 degrees out of the way. In this position the magnifier is off to the side of your sight rail. Much like the prism, the magnifier is easily mounted on a picatinny rail using a small torx driver.

pushing the spring-loaded button to fold the magnifier out of the way

You might wonder why the magnifier has elevation and windage adjustments when it features not reticle inside. That is to allow you to center the magnifier over the reticle as seen through the prism optic in front of it. It also has an adjustable diopter at the rear to maximize focus and clarity.

Specifications

SpecificationParagon 1×18 MiCRO PRISMParagon 3×18 Mini Magnifier
Magnification1x3x
Objective Lens Diameter18 mm18 mm
Focal PlaneN/AN/A
Exit PupilN/A6.0 mm (0.24 in)
Eye Relief95 mm (3.74 in)67 mm (2.6 in)
Field of View78.8 ft @ 100 yd (26.3 m @ 100 m)7.4°
Lens/Optics CoatingFully Multi-CoatedFully Multi-Coated
Side Focus100 ydN/A
Click Value1 MOAN/A
Turret FunctionN/AN/A
Elevation Adjustment Range>100 MOAYes
Windage Adjustment Range>100 MOAYes
Elevation & Windage AdjustmentSeparate adjustmentsYes
Diopter Compensation-2 to +2-2 to +2
IlluminationRed & Green; 8 Daylight, 2 Night Vision settingsN/A
Battery TypeCR2032 (not included)N/A
Battery LifeN/AN/A
Waterproof RatingIP67IP67
FogproofNitrogen FilledNitrogen Filled
Shockproof1000 G1000 G
Housing Material6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
FinishBlack MatteBlack Matte
MountPicatinny clampFlip-to-Side Quick Release Picatinny Mount
Center HeightN/A36 mm (1.4 in)
Length60.6 mm (2.39 in)70 mm (2.75 in)
Weight178 g (6.28 oz)215 g (7.6 oz)
Items IncludedUser Manual, Cleaning Cloth, Plastic Wrench, Riser Section, etc.Riser Section, User Manual, Cleaning Cloth, Hex Key, etc.

Host Rifles and Mounting

I have used the Paragon combination on a couple different rifles, both being small frame AR style rifles. The first one is a custom rifle I put together with a 16-inch upper, and the second is the Dark Storm Industries DS-25 MFR. The latter is more of a fighting rifle setup, which tends to be the type of rifle this sight configuration is used for.

Finding the right eye relief is paramount for mounting these optics. Putting them in the right spot that allows you to use either the prism alone, or the prism seen through the magnifier. Once the right eye relief is found, I snugged the two optics down to the pic rail.

Adjusting the reticle in the prism, note similar adjustment screws on magnifier

I was immediately irritated with the misalignment of the reticle as seen through the magnifier. So in no time I adjusted the windage and elevation on the magnifier until the reticle of the prism was centered. I tested the swing-away feature of the magnifier a few times, and then I was ready to hit the range.

Shooting the Paragon Combination

I would end up shooting with the Paragon combo over the course of several range trips on both host rifles. I like the 1x power of the prism alone, it is fantastic for engaging targets that are not particularly far away. The same type of shooting you’d do with a red bot perhaps.

here you can see both the red and green reticle colors looking downrange. As you might imagine, it looks much better than the pictures show here

Engaging targets from 20 to 100-yards was very easily done, and allows the broad field of view. With head up and both eyes open, you can stay very aware of the target area and your own surroundings.

shooting the rifle with the Paragon Prism alone

Snapping the magnifier into position would instantly give you the 3x power to add more precision to your shooting. Picking out targets beyond 100-yards was surprisingly easy, and the 2 MOA center dot of the reticle was still small enough to make some pretty good hits as far away as three to four-hundred yards if you could hold steady enough.

Optical Clarity

Vector Optics’ products have proven to be very good optical quality in my experience. And the Paragon combo was no different. Flaws are a little less obvious on lower power optics, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Vector is manufacturing OE products for other brands you would consider better or higher quality.

Bright images with little aberration were easily focused using the adjustable diopter. The brightness levels of the reticle were suitable for indoors and bright sunny day shooting.

Reliability

I don’t see any reason to doubt the durability of the electronics inside the Paragon Micro Prism. Some might suggest that its foreign manufacture are reason alone to doubt it, and I’m open to that possibility. But other Vector products have stood up for me over the course of years, and continue to work great. So I am perhaps a little more lenient on this topic.

Fasteners and materials used appear to be more than adequate, as does the mechanical hinge mechanism and lock. It really does feel like a nice product, comparable to brands that are considered by some to be much better.

Usability

The push-buttons are low profile, and I expect they are less likely to be damaged when compared to a rotary rheostat knob like comparable optics. Adjusting brightness and color is quite easy using the buttons. And the side mounted battery cover it easy to grip as well.

The low profile adjustment screws are easy to get at with your screwdriver, and wont get caught on anything. And adjusting focus of one or both optics is easily done from the shooting position if needed. Having a circle dot reticle also gives you some dexterity in your aiming.

Value

With a combined MSRP of under $230 I find this combo to be a good value. If you are the kind of shooter who’s life hangs on your sights working, you might feel the need to spend more. But for a typical hobbyist or sport shooter, the Paragon Micro Prism and Magnifier would probably be fine for your purposes.

wolfpack armory, romulus, suppressor, silencer, 5.56 .223 rem, 3d printed, dmls, radial flow, low backpressure, AR15, quattro 15, vector optics,
this rifle uses a Desert Tech Quattro 15 receiver and the WPA Romulus suppressor

Pros and Cons

Vector’s Paragon optics are pretty impressive considering their price. A comparable set from another manufacturer will easily cost double or more. I like the reticle, and its dual color illumination, the fine dot makes a precise aiming point. While the larger circle gives a fast bracket of the target when targets are close and your moving fast. The clear view and easy operation make it a great sight system. The only thing I wish they’d done was make it a compatible footprint with other popular brand optics like Trijicon so that you could use aftermarket systems like those from Unity Tactical.

with magnifier out of the way, the 1x prism is easily accessed

Conclusion

If you are looking for a prism/magnifier combo, I recommend you should at least look at these to see if they meet your purposes. There is a lot of money to be spent on comparable systems, and this might do everything you need for much less.

-CBM

Looking at Prisms? Check this one out

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Looking Through The Armasight Contractor 320 3-12 Thermal Weapon Sight

Optics, Product review, , , ,

Introduction

For over a decade, Armasight has been manufacturing cutting edge night vision and thermal optics. With a diverse product line the company prides itself on products that are both designed and manufactured right here in the US. The Illinois based company is no stranger to me, as I’ve had the opportunity to use and test some of their other products. And today I bring you another one, a review of the Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X thermal weapon sight. The Contractor name seems to lean towards a military or private military application, which I am certainly not. However, I do enjoy shooting, and hunting in particular. And that seems to be what thermal sights are best for, so I am always excited to take a look at a new option.

my dog in the darkness

The Armasight Contractor 320

As is typical with thermal weapon sights, there is a lot to take in and learn after you open the box. Technology has been integrated to these products, which makes them more complicated than traditional sights. But that comes with some advantages obviously.

Lets start out simple, the Contractor 320 uses a thermal sensor to pick up heat, and shows the image on its small internal AMOLED display. So you aren’t looking through it like you would a traditional scope, you are basically looking at a tiny TV screen. You can focus the diopter to better see the display, just as you can adjust the objective (front) lens to focus the image.

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the accessory rail on the side can be used for mounting lights or other accessories

There are a great deal of internal features that can all be accessed by two turrets on the top of the housing. You can cycle through the various menus to access everything from color palettes to reticle designs and zeroing to your host firearm. The unit is powered by two CR123 3v lithium cells, and the power switch is a push-and-turn knob centered on top.

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the power switch requires you to push down, then turn

There are other neat features that can be used and selected from the internal menus. Video and image capture can be both manually activated to triggered by the recoil of a shot. You can also access the image stream using a USB cable or even it’s own Wifi to connect to your phone. The internal display feels like the heads-up display from a fighter jet, giving you an aimpoint, inclination and compass bearings and even rangefinding abilities.

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scrolling through some of the menu’s

The whole unit mounts to your rifle using a cantilever mount than clamps to the picatinny rail of any firearm. Locking cams and steel wire tethers prevent unwanted movement or loss of caps and covers. There is also a picatinny accessory rail on the right side for attaching things like a laser or flashlight if needed.

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the cable tied battery cover holds two CR123 Lithium cells

Features

  • Multiple color palettes
  • Intuitive menus with turret controls
  • 8+ Reticle Types
  • (ESP) Easy Sight in Process
  • 4 hours runtime at 20° C 
  • Image Detail Enhancement
  • 1/2MOA Boresight 
  • Standard Picatinny Mount Included
  • Video Recording & Image Capture
  • Shot-Activated Video Recording
  • USB Video Stream
  • Wi-Fi Video Stream
  • Bluetooth 5.0 Capabilities
  • Application on iOS / Android Devices
  • USB-C Interface for External Devices
  • Integrated Stadiametric Rangefinder
  • Inclinometer
  • Levelometer
  • Graphic Compass
  • Picture in Picture Mode
  • Angle Cosine Indicator
  • Reticle ON/OFF Selection
  • Battery Status Indicator
  • Alloy Metal Body and Ergonomic Design

Package Includes

  • Contractor 320 3-12x25mm Thermal Weapon Sight
  • Quick Detach Mount
  • USB-C to USB-A cable
  • Thermal Zeroing Target
  • 2x CR123A Batteries
  • Product Manual
  • Lens Cloth
  • Soft Case

Specifications

Optical magnification3.2x
Dimensions7.38 x 3.48 x 3.42 in
Weight1.65 Pounds
Digital Zoom1x, 2x, 4x
DisplayXGA (1024 x 768) AMOLED
Field of view46.17ft x 34.6ft
Thermal DetectorArmaCORE™ 320×240 12um Thermal Core
Thermal SensitivityNETD < 40mK
Refresh rate60 Hz
Eye Relief45mm
ConnectivityWifi Bluetooth 5.0
LensF1.00; 25mm
Diopter adjustment-5 to 5+
Power Supply2 x CR123A (3V)
Battery Life4 hours at 20° C
Waterproof ratingIP67
Rated Operating temp-40° F to + 122° F
Recoil Rating.50 BMG
Manufacturer warranty3 Years
FinishMatte grey

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Pulling the Contractor 320 from the box, I found the familiar zippered soft case. This is a nice feature that allows you to protect this little investment while in transport. I removed the rubber lens cover, and after adding batteries I powered up the unit. A quick adjustment of the diopter made the display clear, I then dove into some of the sub menu’s picking the reticle I liked best. I tend to be black and white palette kind of guy, maybe because the first thermals I used were that way, and everything else sends me into sensory overload.

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the USB-C jack for connecting the unit

I took the unit outside, in the evening cold air to see what the darkness looks like in black and white. Neighbors houses, parked cars and trees all show nicely. It was instantly apparent which cars had been recently parked and which had been there a while. The heat radiating under the cars warmed the asphalt beneath, and warm brake rotors glowed from behind wheels. As I walked the dog around the estate to do his business, I also caught some amazingly sharp images of his face so sharp I could recognize him in a line up. Of course I also caught the bright spots he left on the grass, which was helpful for safe navigation.

looking at the dog in the back 40

Mounting

With its QD clamps on the foot of the scope, it is quick and easy to install or move from one host rifle to another. This is also handy because you can remove the scope to be used as an observation device if needed. The clamps feature the hand adjustable tension, so you can adjust for a tight fit on any rail.

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note the locking QD clamps to attach the Contractor 320

I decided to use the Contractor 320 on a couple different host rifles, first off I would mount it on one of my 22 rifles. This has become a pretty standard practice for me for a couple reasons. Rimfire rifles are much more affordable to shoot, and it usually takes a bit of shooting to figure out thermal sights. I figure shooting cheap ammo like .22lr during the familiarization process keeps it reasonable. Then once I have a good handle on the scopes functions, I can move it to a centerfire rifle for different purposes.

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this smaller Contractor is compact enough for small guns like this custom 10/22

In the Field With the Contractor 320

I quickly found that I liked the controls of the Contractor 320. Zooming is done simply by tapping the left turret down, an the unit cycles through the zoom settings quickly with each tap. Video can be triggered by a shot, or you can just push the record button to start recording. Like most cameras, there is a blinking red dot on screen while you are recording to let you know you are capturing. Downloading the videos after the fact was as easy as plugging in a USB-C cord and connecting to my laptop.

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the Contractor 320 made a great companion for my Desert Tech WLVRN

Turning the left turret cycles through the various color palettes. This makes it simple to adjust on the go, particularly if you are having trouble picking out your target. The only thing I had a hard time with, if you can call it that, was focusing on the fly. As animals move and their distance changes, I found it a little more challenging to keep reaching up front and having to sharpen my focus. Obviously this depends on the range to the target, and how it might be moving so take that with a grain of salt.

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adjusting the Contractor 320 sensor focus for the best picture

Usability

Controls on this scope are very handy, its nice to be able to quickly tap the turret to adjust the zoom setting. Or turn the very same turret to change to a different color to better ID a potential target. Using the shot induced recording is nice, but I preferred simply pushing the record button myself. With supposedly 4hrs of video space in its internal storage.

The only thing I found slightly irritating when using the scope was feeling the need to refocus the image more often than I’d like. I think this might be more of a thermal scope thing for me, as I’ve had the same issue with other units. It wasn’t a huge deal, and one I could certainly work with.

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I also found it was very easy to get images out of the Contractor. Simply plugging in and moving files. With other units I’ve had, there seems to be file type disparities that make it a bit more challenging.

Optical Quality

Optical quality for thermals is heavily based on the sensor characteristics. I also have had a go on the Contractor 640 model, the big brother to this unit. I found the image quality to be better quality through that model. That is not to say this one is bad, just not as good I suppose. And for almost half the price I suppose that should be expected.

With much of nighttime hunting with thermal scopes taking place at relatively close distances, the image quality is fine. If a target was 300 hundred yards away for example, I might have a tough time telling my dog from a coyote. But at closer distances it wouldn’t be difficult.

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Reliability

The only issue I had with reliability was based on battery supply. It seems that different quality batteries did not play well with the Contractor 320. I would experience auto shutdowns at times, which was irritating. I’m not sure if this is an Armasight issue or just thermals in general.

Other than that, this unit seems very robust and well built. I understand that its hard to give more than a 3 year warranty on a piece of equipment like this. Surely, with so many electronics and optics crammed together, there will eventually be an issue. I would hope that even after the warranty period, companies like Armasight would still be reasonable with repairs.

Value

Professional grade thermal optics are not cheap, so if you are looking for the most inexpensive thermal you wont find it here. With a new company popping up every day it seems, selling thermals, there are many options. The presumed safety of buying from a reputable company comes with a price tag. This one sells for around $2000 from places like Optics Planet. A browse through competitive scopes can vary in price from $800 all the way up to $4000. Which makes the Contractor 320 3-12 a pretty reasonable buy.

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my 20-inch 5.56 WLVRN with the SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressor was a perfect host

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Great Controls- Easily adjusted on the fly and while in a high pressure hunting situation. Plenty of options for you to chose from. Even when wearing gloves.
  • Quality Construction- The well built Contractor 320 is fit for most any purpose. Good materials and tough finish to last.
  • Easy to use- Even newcomers to thermals can figure out how to use this scope effectively.
  • Connectivity- Controlling and adjusting the optic through the app is very nice, also allowing feature customization and recording. Streaming through the USB-C cable or the units Bluetooth/Wifi is another option.
  • Excellent HUD info- The Contractors heads up display gives you all the information you could want, battery level, angles, magnification, ranges and picture in picture.
  • Allows saving different host rifles- keeping the settings for each host rifle saved under a profile.

Cons

  • The battery issue I mentioned
  • The Armasight APP was unavailable for download while testing this unit. (if you are curious how the app works, go read my review of the Contractor 640)
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cable tethers keep all the important caps in place

My Results

Using the Armasight Contractor 320 for a short to medium range carbine would be an excellent combination. Whether its for hunting coyotes on your ranch, or exterminating other pest species, this little sight is packed with features. Its friendly design makes it quick to deploy, and easily adjusted. Built tough to last through cold and bad weather, and saving video clips along the way. It’s not the cheapest option, and if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably OK with that.

-CBM

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Goyojo GRL 335 Thermal Weapon Sight

Optics, Product review, , , , , , ,

Thermal Wepon Sights

As technology rapidly expands into every aspect of our lives, one of the popular trends in shooting optics is thermal sights. These electronic sights see heat coming off of everything around us, particularly living things. This technology has made eradicating feral animals and dispatching pests not only easier, but a 24 hour activity. Today we are taking a look at another new to me thermal weapon sight. This one comes from Goyojo Optics, a company that makes a variety of sporting devices. Our subject today is the Goyojo GRL 335 Thermal Weapon Sight.

The Goyojo GRL 335

Goyojo’s GRL 335 is a compact thermal optic, that reminds me a little bit of the a Trijicon Acog. Despite its compact size and simple operation it is still packed with a great deal of features that make it very handy.

some of the included items are mounting brackets to change position of the mounting foot

Like most modern thermal optics, the GRL 335 incorporates various color palettes to select from. As well as picture in picture, photo and video recording capabilities. With its simple four-button control panel, you can zoom in, change colors and recording settings.

You can also access a variety of different menus to adjust things like reticle type and color. And change settings for the other features like shot activated recording. Zeroing can also be done within these menus. All images are captured on a 64GB micro SD card housed in the base, right next to the USB-C charging port. What appear to be turrets on either side are actually the battery housing. The battery itself can be removed and charged externally.

USB-C charging port, and Micro SD card port

The ocular focus at the rear allows you to focus on the display. While up front, there is a blue ring around the objective you can use to focus the thermal sensor.

Specifications

  • Sensor Resolution: 384*288
  • Objective Lens: 25mm/35mm
  • Optical Zoom:
    GRL325: 3x
    GRL335: 4x
  • Digital Zoom: 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x
  • Display Resolution: 1024*768
  • Operating Time: 6-8h

Features

  • Picture In Picture:Yes
  • Photo/Video:Yes
  • Audio:No
  • RAV & Wi-Fi:Yes
  • Hot Track:Yes
  • Classic One Shot Zero:Yes
  • Thermal One-Shot Zero:Yes
  • Shot Activated Recording:Yes

The whole unit comes neatly in a zippered soft case. Included with are a couple batteries, additional rubber eye-pieces, charging cables and a manual.

optics planet, hunting destination

Mounting and Zero

Installing this optic on a rifle is very easy using the QD clamp. Much like other high quality optics, this one has its own clamping mount, with a security lock to prevent unintended opening. I clamped the optic to the sight rail of my rifle, and set it up looking downrange.

To zero the optic, I would shoot a shot, and watch the impact. Then you can freeze frame using the zeroing menu, with the frame frozen, you can move the reticle from where it is currently, to the point of impact. It took me a couple tries, but mainly that was me figuring out the system. But after a few minutes, I had it zeroed enough for testing.

I also took the time to familiarize myself with different reticle options, and different zoom settings. Once I was on top of it, I decided it was time to head into the mountains.

In the Field

Hunting is the true calling of thermal optics, and that is where I intended to use it. Early spring has some different hunting opportunities in my part of the country, but for now I would have to settle with hunting small varmints. Squirrels and marmots and if I was lucky a coyote would be my options. The AR15 rifle I had the GRL 335 mounted to was more than enough rifle for any of those targets.

thermal scopes and suppressed shooting are like peanut butter and jelly, here you can see my Banish Speed K suppressor

Over the course of several trips, I would use the Goyojo to find all kinds of animals. Both animals I could target as well as others that I wouldn’t.

Target ID

One thing I have found about identifying target animals with thermal optics, is that the environment matters quite a bit. Using the different color pallets in the GRL 335 was also helpful. Things like rocks and tree and other things can vary in temperature greatly depending on the conditions. Oftentimes it takes a while to get used to identifying things. Particularly in the day time until you see something that is actually living and warm it can be a bit challenging to know.

My dog probably wouldn’t like knowing it, but he shows up really nice in the scope. This is approximately 120 yards away

Again, using the different color pallets available is a great tool to help in this effort. The different zoom settings also are important to understand, for both scale and detail. And I also had to stay on top of the focus of the thermal sensor, keeping a sharp focus greatly helps you recognize both targets and their surroundings.

Controls

One of my favorite things about this optic is how easy and simple the controls are. Unlike some other thermal optics, the main and most important features are all within a single button push. Making quick changes in zoom, or snapping a photo or starting video can all be done without taking your eye off the display.

Of course many of the finer features can be changed by accessing the various menus. And the central placement of the button pad right on top makes it easy to acces. The textured pad also gives tactile identification, so even in the dark you can make adjustments on the fly.

Pictures and Videos

The ability to capture shots and videos through these optics is the icing on the cake. Not only do you get to have fun hunting, but you can capture the crucial events on film to share with others. I used the capture to get stills and clips of different hunting and shooting events. By pressing and holding the X button, you get a quick toggle between picture and video. You then capture a shot or start recording using the same button.

an image looking around the neighborhood in pure darkness (before mounting to the rifle of course)

All the images are captured on a micro SD card that is housed in the foot of the optic. The MP4 files can be transferred and used as you see fit. I did have a couple issues editing and manipulating the files, but I can’t tell you if that was a problem with the files or if it was simply me not using compatible software. Either way, as you can see I figured out a way to get both pictures and video where I needed it.

Focus

Adjusting the thermal sensor focus on this unit is very easy, its location makes it quick to grab with your fingers. And I like how it is recessed in the housing to prevent it getting moved inadvertently. Adjusting the sensor allows sharp focus as close as a few feet away, and i was impressed with how clean the image could be focused.

The display also has its own twist-to-focus feature. This is handy for those who’s eyes aren’t what they once were. There is also two different rubber eye cups to select from.

Useability

I’ve already mentioned how I like the simplicity of this unit. Particularly for someone who is new to thermals. It has some pretty concise instructions, and if you follow them you will have no problem running this unit.

Battery life is great, and the fact that it comes with a charger and extra battery means you can always keep a backup in your pocket.

Value

With an MSRP just under a thousand dollars, this optic is a great value. The ony thing left to ensure its value is its durability over time. This optic makes a lot of sense for a first time thermal, as it is more affordable than other options. I intend on giving this scope a good good thrashing to see how it stands up to use, make sure you check back in the future as I will update here as time passes.

silencer central,

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Affordable- for the price its features and function are great
  • Compact- small footprint means less bulk
  • Quick to zero- easy to understand and adjust
  • Image Capture- both video and still images can be recorded
  • Added Accessories- mounting options, eyecups and other included accessories

Cons

  • Made Overseas- potential conflict
  • Unknown Brand-
My custom Quattro 15 rifle, you can read more about it here

Concluding Thoughts

I really like this optic, and I plan on using it to the extend possible in my hunting adventures. I like how simple it is, and how easy it is to adjust and understand all the features and functions. Whether you plan on using this optic simply for fun, or in preparation for an impending apocalypse, it gives you a simple sight that can be used around the clock.

-CBM

More thermal scopes right here if you are looking

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Medium Power Precision: The Vector Optics Continental 3-18X50

Optics, Product review, , , , , ,

Introduction

With age and time, most of us develope a larger and more refined collection of firearms. If you are rifleman like me, that means your scope inventory also develops as well. I love mid-range scopes like the 3-18 and 4-16 power range, so I have worked towards adding more of them to my inventory. Today I share one of those with you; the Vector Optics Continental 3-18X50 precision rifle scope. I am no stranger to this line or Vector Optics, my experience with other scopes is what inspired me to get this one.

The Vector Optics Continental 3-18X50

Vector Optics Continental line of scopes all incorporate most of the desired precision rifle features. The 3-18 Continental is no different, it comes with many of the things precision rifle shooters are after.

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Inside the Continental you’ll find the FFP VCT-34 Reticle, a Christmas Tree style reticle with a broad grid for holdovers or making corrections. Of course it is illuminated because this isn’t 1998. The reticle is matched by a set of turrets perfect for making corrections. With 10-MRAD per rotation you get plenty of mechanical adjustment, the 1/10 MRAD clicks are very tactile and can also be heard. Both turrets can be locked by pushing in, and the elevation turret features a pop-up pin indicating which of the three revolutions you are on.

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testing the Vector Continental 3-18 aboard the Bergara Premier Canyon rifle, outfitted with a YHM R9 suppressor

With its large 34mm tube, this scope has 44 MRAD of mechanical travel within. More than enough for what most folks will be doing with this scope. And it’s 50mm objective is still fairly compact, allowing the scope to be mounted low.

All the control surfaces feature a nice texture, allowing quick and easy adjustments to be made. The diopter at the rear sharpens focus on the reticle, and the adjustable parallax on the side allows you to sharply focus your targets.

Specifications

Magnification:3-18x
Objective Lens Dia.:50mm
Ocular Lens Dia.:42mm / 1.7 inch
Ocular Lens Length:54mm / 2.1 inch
Exit Pupil:8.0-2.8mm
Optics Coating:VePro Fully-multi coat
Field of View:40.8-6.8 feet @100 yards
Eye Relief:100mm / 4.0 inch
Length:338mm / 13.3 inch
Weight:820g / 28.9 ounce
Tube Diameter:34mm
Click Value:1/10 MIL
Elevation Range:44MIL
Windage Range:16MIL
Side Focus:10 Yds to infinite
Reticle:Etched glass VCT-34FFP
Illumination:6 Brightness Settings
Battery Type (Not Included):CR2032
Focus/Parallax mark:10,15, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500 and infinite 
Including items:34mm Picatinny high rings (default) rings, spare common elevation turret, sunshade, instruction, lens cover and a cleaning cloth 

The extra included items drive the value of this scope up significantly. It comes with an extra elevation turret that you can swap out should you not wish to use the zero-stop and revolution indicator pin. A nice pair of scope rings, a shunshade and more. All boxed up nicely in an impressive package.

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Unboxing the Continental 3-18×50

I wasted no time mounting the scope, as I wanted to bring it along on one of my next shooting trips. The Vector rings that come with the scope are great, and look much better quality than the typically included rings. But, for the way I was mounting this scope they were a bit high. So instead I used a set of low Vortex 34mm rings.

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With the scope set inplace and torqued, all that was left was to boresight the scope prior to heading to the range. My tool-less boresight method is easy and you can read more on how to do it here.

On the Firing Line

Once I’d made it to a firing line, it was time to zero the scope. This was pretty easy after having boresighted it. In just a few shots, I had a good zero on the rifle, and it was time to set the turrets back to zero. This is done using either a coin or even better is the included plastic tool. this prevents you from marring the finish, and overtightening the turret fastener.

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Left; zero-stop setting. Top right: Unlocked elevation turret with indicator pin extended showing third revolution. Bottom Right: battery compartment installing the CR2032 lithium

With the rifle already zeroed, I also decided to set the zero-stop at the same time. This is done by removing the elevation turret, and looking at it from underneath, you turn the ring inside in the indicated direction until it stops. A tiny spring-loaded pin pops into a small hole on the inner ring, which is what stops it when you turn it. If you are using a canted scope base to get more use out of your scope’s elevation, you may need to push the little pin in allowing you to counter rotate the inner piece so you can set the turret below where it comes zeroed from the factory. For more on canted bases and why, go read this.

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the Bergara Premier test rifle, seen here testing velocity with the Athlon Rangecraft chronograph

Once the zero-stop was set, I reinstalled the turret on zero. Giving me maximum sweep of the scopes internal movement for my corrections. You could also swap out the turret for the non-zero-stop elevation turret, if thats what you prefer.

Optical Quality

Like the other Vector Continental scopes I have used, this one had a great picture. According to the companies website, they use Schott HT lenses with their own proprietary coating. I expect that is why they look so good. Not only are the images bright and clear, but there is excellent uniformity. There are no abberations around the edge of the image.

vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, reticle, illumination,
a couple different perspectives looking at the reticle, note only center of reticle illuminates (left)

The adjustable parallax in this scope allows you to get both the reticle and target sharply defined. This is a very important aspect of shooting, particularly at further distances. For more on that topic, read: All you need to know about parallax. I guess the easiest way to describe the imagery in this scope is; it looks way better than you’d expect with this price point.

bergara, premier canyon, vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, suppressed, shooting prone high in the mountains

Reliability

Mechanical integrity is important for precision shooting, and this scope is very repeatable. Dialing the scope across its entire elevation range is smooth and consistent. Running boxes using the turrets show it returning back to zero every time. And as a FFP scope its also important that the turret movements match the values on the reticle. Measuring movements with the reticle and dialing the correction with the turret show the values match. At least close enough to not to notice any difference.

This is not my first Continental scope, and my others have proven to be very durable. Surviving plane trips, bouncing around in vehicles and off road vehicles. Freezing temps and the damp heat of the gulf coast. I try and avoid physical abuse of my scopes, but they do get used a lot. I have every confidence that this scope, like the others will last a long time. If I was to improve anything about it durability, it would probably be the finish. It is a little easy to scratch.

bergara, premier canyon, vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, suppressed, shooting a suppressed rifle across a wide canyon filled with snowy pine trees,

Value

I keep finding myself repeating something along these lines when it comes to these scopes; I cannot believe I paid two or three times as much for scopes in the past that aren’t even close to as good as these ones (as far as features).

The optics market has been absolutely flooded with good, great and outstanding products that cost half or less than what I used to pay for good rifle scopes a decade or two ago. You can bounce over to Optics Planet and pick this scope up for a mere four-hundred and eighty-five dollars. And if you use my discount code coldbore at checkout you can even save an additional 5%.

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Pros and Cons

There is plenty to like about this scope, as I’ve already mentioned. There is one drawback to this scope, and for some its a big one. A huge majority of optics are being manufactured overseas and much of them in China. For some of you that might be a deal breaker, and for others it may not be. Rest assured though, the Chinese have upped their game significantly .

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As if all the things I’ve already mentioned about this scope weren’t enough, the added value is incredible. You can buy these same included scope rings for $20 on Optics Planet, which seems really cheap. But I must say they are great looking cheap scope rings, had I not known I would have said they were at least 50-60 dollar value. And the new ones they are shipping now use the dual torx screws to secure the foot, instead of the single 1/2-inch nut. The included sunshade is also a very nice touch.

Last Thoughts

Much like my experience with my other Vector Continental scopes, this one has been an excellent experience. I could see myself putting this scope on any of my hunting rifles as you’ve seen here, or on a precision rifle that can take full use of its faculties. The medium power magnification of the Vector Continental 3-18×50 gives dexterity in use, without giving up long-range features and sharp imagery. I look forward to putting this scope to work, and I will update it as my experience continues.

-CBM

Check out other Vector Optics, as well as other scope reviews here

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Why You Need a 3-18 Power Riflescope

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Thirst for Power

When I first started down this rifleman’s path, like many others I found myself lusting over the high power long-range rifle scopes. It never fails, whether in media or our daydreaming that we think of a big powerful sniper scope filled with all the bells and whistles you can imagine. But is all that necessary? I’ve been down that road a few times now, and I can tell you about it.

Large Magnification

Many long-range optics are higher magnification, like 6-24, 5-25, or even beyond 5-30 power. While there is nothing wrong with these scopes, and I have quite a few of them, some folks seem to think that these scopes are going to make them more accurate at long-range shooting. While not wholly untrue, it certainly is problematic for those who think a big scope will make all the difference.

3-18 power scopes offer excellent diverse settings for hunting rifles like this AR15

I have done a significant amount of long-range shooting using what many would consider low magnification scopes. Keep in mind that barely a generation ago, a straight 10X scope was used by many military and law enforcment snipers. I myself have shot many targets at as far away as a thousand yards with as little as 6 or 8 power scopes.

Another thing I have noticed about all scopes, is the dimming effect when they are at maximum magnification. The image looses some of its sharpness and detail.

You’d be very surprised just how much you can get done with less magnification, but why would you want to? Lets get into that…

Why a 3-18 You Ask?

Larger scopes like the ones I mentioned above are often bigger, heavier, and have 50-plus millimeter objective lenses. This means they have to be mounted higher above the bore. It also makes the overall profile of the rifle larger.

One of my favorite scope sizes is the 3-18 range of scopes. They are usually shorter in length than bigger scopes, and they can also be mounted closer to the bore. And often they will have 50mm or smaller objectives.

3-18X offers both wide angle viewing for close encounters or locating targets, while also offering enough power to articulate precise shots on even distant targets

Also, as I am mainly a hunter, I like having the low power option. If I am sneaking through a forest looking for targets, its nice to back off the power to as low as 3X. Making it much faster to acquire a moving target, especially at closer ranges. And should I need to shoot an animal that is way out there, 18X is still plenty of magnification to cleanly see and take a shot. I often find that regardless of what magnification scope I have, I most frequently shoot no more than 14-16X anyways.

Suggestions

I have several 3-18 power scopes, all of which I can strongly recommend. Which one simply depends on your taste and budget. All of them are FFP, which is certainly my preference. There are many other features worth looking at too.

Primary Arms GLX/SLX 3-18

Sadly, I dont find the GLX available many places anymore. They still sell the SLX but it is a 50mm objective. One of the reasons I love the GLX is because of its 44mm objective that allows me to keep the scope low, and the overall rifle compact. It is built on a 34mm tube which gives a lot of erector movement within the scope.

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This little custom .260 Remington has taken deer and elk as far away as 500 yards using only a 6X scope. But it was time to upgrade to a 3-18 like this PA GLx, read the review about it here

The locking 10-MIL turrets and zero-stop on this scope make it great for hunting. Sadly, it only locks secure in the zero position. The reticle might be a touch busy for some, and I have other preferences myself, but its still very useful. Its throw lever makes it quick to adjust, and its parallax and illumination make it adaptable to various purposes. At just under $500 these are a great affordable option.

the GLx has done extremely well on every rifle I’ve put it on. This custom 10/22 you see on my Two Vets Tripod is just one of many

Vector Continental 3-18X50

For just a little bit more, you can also get the Vector Optics Continental 3-18X50. This 34mm tubed scope has a slightly larger objective, but also gathers more light. It also has locking 10-MIL turrets, with a zero-stop. It also has a rotation indicator pin to help you keep track of what revolution of the turret you are one. The turrets on these scopes are among my favorites.

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the Continental 3-18 mounted on my Bergara Premier Canyon is a compact and venerable long-range hunting rifle

Optically the Continentals are also very good for the price, giving a very sharp and bright image. The reticle of the Continental is also very useful for various tasks, and it is illuminated too. It also has added values like included sunshade and rings.

bergara, premier canyon, vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, suppressed, shooting a suppressed rifle across a wide canyon filled with snowy pine trees,
at home in big country, and suppressed by the YHM R9 suppressor

US Optics TXH 3-18X50

Moving up in price a little more, is the US Optics TXH 3-18X50. This one retails for just under $750, but if you use my discount code you can save 15%. The TXH is also built on a 34mm tube, and has the larger 50mm objective. Like the previous mentioned scopes, this one is also pretty short by comparison to other long-range optics. Making it a good candidate for a small precision rifle. This scope has been used on a dozen or more rifles in my collection, jumping from gun to gun. Its definitely durable and can stand up to heavy use.

the TXH is often at home on my Desert Tech WLVRN, which is also constantly changing calibers

Again I am a big fan of the turrets on this scope, the outer ring of the turret locks up and down to prevent unwanted movement. And you get 10-MIL per revolution of the scope, with sharp audible clicks. An easily set zero-stop is also a nice addition. You can read the complete review of the TXH here.

Various reticle options give you a little bit of choice with the US Optics TXH, which you don’t get with the previous two scopes. And the reticle can be sharply focused with the parallax adjustment, all the way down to 10 yards. It can also be illuminated for low light conditions.

the TXH has proven very useful at long-range, making a perfect shot on this mule deer at 500 yards. Read all about the hunt here

Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18×44

Starting at around $1999, the Mark 5 3.6-18X44 from Leupold is a significant step up in price. That should be expected as big names draw big prices. I love the size of this scope, it is likely the most compact of all the scopes mentioned today. A must have if you are going for the smallest footprint. This scope is built on a 35mm tube, just enough different from the norm to be irritating. And requiring some different mounting options.

But like the others, the Mark 5 uses 10-MIL turrets that lock on zero. It does feature an indicating pin on top of the turret to let you know which rotation you are on, which is very handy. It also has a variety of reticle options, some of which greatly increase the price. There are both illuminated and non-illuminated reticle options, and again the price change is significant.

Other things like included throw-lever and capped windage turret make it stand out a little bit. I understand this scope is popular with law enforcement as a compact sniper rifle scope. To read all my thoughts on this scope you can read the review here.

Kahles 318i

Starting around $2600, the Kahles 318i is at the top of my list. It brings the highest quality out of those mentioned, with a long history of quality service. Like most of the others it is built on a 34mm tube, and they opted for a 50mm objective. Despite it not having the 44mm size, it is still very compact, only a fraction of an inch longer than the Leupold.

The turret design on the Kahles uses 16-MIL per rotation, needing only two turns. On top of the elevation turret is the indicator pin that lets you know which rotation the turret is on. The windage turret is on the left side of the scope, which makes it easier to operate with your non-shooting hand while targeting.

The parallax adjustement ring is right under the elevation turret, and adjustable down to 25 yards. The new Kahles turrets feature a spinning outer ring, to avoid inadvertent movement of the turret, a nice feature that works well. The various reticle options can be illuminated by a variable brightness knob on the right side of the housing.

the Kahles 318i mounted on a Tikka T1 MTR

Exceptional clarity and brighness can be expected from these scopes. As well as sharp tracking and durability. For my whole opinion about this scope, read the review here.

Honorable Mention

Perhaps becaus of its cost, the Kahles would likely be the last one of these scopes to leave my collection. But I do love the scope, so its not just about the price. It gives outstanding views and rock solid performance.

Besides that, I think the Vector might be the overall best buy. I think it gives the best optical performance of the cheaper priced options mentioned (albeit a small margin). And it brings excellent mechanical performance and features. Though its Chinese origin is a deterrent for many. Of course if you use my discount code at checkout, the TXH is pretty close in cost, and you get a more reputable name from a US manufacturer.

Last Thoughts

There is nothing wrong with the higher magnification scopes, I use them almost daily. Just keep in mind that lower power scopes can be just as useful, and perhaps even better depending on the application. Its not lost on me that there is some cost involved, and if you are going to spend a significant amount of money, you might want to go for the max. I get that, and have done it myself.

Perhaps it is with some affluence in ones gun collection that he can afford to diversify both guns and scopes in such a way. If so, I recommend you aim for that. Lets get out of here before I start in on 4-16X’s….

-CBM

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Maven Optics M.2 12x50mm Monocular

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Preface

Maven Optics has worked very hard at producing quality optics and selling them direct to customers. Their products are built in Wyoming (one of my favorite states) from high quality components sourced from places like Japan. I am not new to Maven’s products, and I’ve been very happy with my experience so far. You can read more about other Maven products I’ve used here. But today we are looking at a more recent product, the Maven M.2 12x50mm Monocular. A compact handheld 12X monocular, basically a handheld spotting scope.

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I love optical devices like this one, but my immediate thoughts were whether or not I would want this monocular over binoculars. Or if I would leave my spotter in the truck to carry this instead. Hunters love reducing their loadout weight, so carrying an extra optic might be a big ask. But what if it fits in the palm of your hand?

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it fits nicely in the palm of your hand

The Maven Optics M.2 12x50mm Monocular

I eagerly opened the box containing the Maven monocular, and was impressed with the packaging and quality. The monocular came with a soft Maven cinch-bag, as well as front and rear rubber lens covers. It also came with a wrist strap that attaches to the lens body, but can be quickly detached by a clip if needed.

The controls of this thing are as simple as you’d expect. There is an adjustable eyecup at the rear, and a ring around the center of the body to adjust focus. That’s about all there is to it, as this thing was made for looking.

Specifications

Magnification12x
Obj. lens diameter50mm
Exit pupil4.2mm
Field of View (FOV)5.5°
Apparent FOV (FOV x Power)66°
Field of view (ft/1000 yds)289
Brightness17.6
Light transmission (%)93.80%
Twilight factor24.5
Multi Position Eyecup Y/NYes
Eye relief17.5mm
Near focus7.5ft
Dimension WxHxD2.31″x6.56″x2.31″
Weight20.0 oz
Lens constr. obj.3 groups 4 elements (ED)
Lens constr. ocular4 groups 6 elements
Prisms typeWide Angel Schmidt-Pechan
Prism reflective coating typeDielectric Coating
ED GlassYes
Phase correction coatingYes
Lens coatingScratch and Oil Resistant
Pressure tested to what pressure1m for 30 min. (IPX7)
Storage temperature-40°~158°F
Functional temperature-13°~140°F
Frame materialMagnesium
Internal gas purgedNitrogen
Tripod Adaptable Y/NNo
OriginJapanese components assembled in the U.S.

I spend a lot of time in the springtime Rocky Mountains, mainly chasing Rockchucks. I couldn’t think of a better reason to break the little Maven M.2 out, it would be great for glassing up some chucks.

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In the Field

On a beautiful spring day, my son and I climbed to the eight-thousand foot peaks near our home. And in the cool breeze we sat in the sunshine, looking for varmints that might be doing the same thing.

In the process I got very comfortable with the M.2. I was impressed with how small it is, and how great the image is when looking through it. Whether we were looking close at 100-yard targets or across a deep canyon, the M.2 provided a great picture. It’s 50mm objective lens is likely responsible for taking in so much of the view.

I was also surprised at how sharp the focus was, and particularly how close you could focus on things. It was also impressive that I could focus on things across my kitchen, as well as across a canyon. I wish I could attach this little monocular to my phone for taking pictures.

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the wrist-strap is handy for keeping the M.2 close and safe from falls

The rubberized eyecup is nice, and rotating it you can accommodate your preference from the eye. Both front and rear lens covers are made of that stretchy and sticky rubber texture. This makes them more likely to stay in place. It also made it a little more challenging to put into the cinch-bag. The sticky texture of the rubber doesn’t like to slide against the fabric. Not a big deal, but slightly annoying as I like to keep it inside the bag to keep it clean and dust free.

The small strap loop built into the bottom of the housing is perfect for attaching the sling and lens cover lanyards. The wrist-strap is nice, but not sure I’d use it much. I almost wish they’d have put a small threaded boss in the bottom to allow attachment to a tripod. But I have no problem just setting it comfortably in one of my rifle saddles just as I do with binoculars.

Optical Clarity

I have been quite happy with the optical performance of this unit since I first looked through it. The images are very sharp and detailed, giving excellent observational use. Low light conditions like just before dark or as the sun rises are also seen very well through the Maven M.2. The large objective does a great job compressing the landscape into a smaller high definition package for the eye.

With its 12X, some might feel it is a bit much for a handheld device. As I only plan on using it supported, its almost like having a tiny spotting scope in your pocket. When supported by a tripod or backpack, it allows impressive definition of targets and their surroundings.

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Usability

This thing is much smaller than I anticipated, which is great news. You wont believe this, but it just like having… half a binocular…

It fits great in the pockets, and is easily used single handedly while your other hand holds a gun or tree branch. The real question when it comes to usability is whether you want to carry the M.2 monocular AND a pair of binoculars, or the M.2 monocular OR a pair of binoculars. It seems not only superfluous to have both, and perhaps even a bit gaudy if you throw a rangefinder into the mix as well.

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Durability

As with other Maven products I own, this M.2 Monocular is very well built. Everything is tight and tucked neatly together, I have every expectation that this optic would last for years. There is very little to wrong with it, so unless it gets dropped or run over I don’t see how it might otherwsie fail. And even if it did, Maven has a great unconditional lifetime warranty.

Value

Looking for comparable monocular choices, I found very little that is even close. There is a wide variety of monoculars for significantly less money than the M.2, but they don’t look to be anywhere near the same class either. Most other monoculars that cost more are thermal monoculars that cost thousands not hundreds.

That said, I think you really need to want this monocular in order to justify it. For around the same price you can get a similar pair of binoculars from Maven. Unless you are a one-eyed pirate, there must be a good reason to want the monocular configuration.

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set atop my Two Vets Tripod, this thing is stable and very handy for spotting

Pros and Cons

One reason you might want a monocular is because they are lighter than binoculars. This unit is surprisingly light for what you get from it. If I was on a very remote hunt where every ounce mattered, the lightweight of this unit would be appealing. Its amazing views would be very helpful for both identifying and evaluating trophy animals. As well as general observation. The controls are tight and feel very smooth.

The only downside I can think of is that if you already have comparable binoculars then you probably dont need this. In my opinion it would be an excellent optic to keep handy, unless you already have a pair of binoculars for the same purpose. This does fit easily in the glove box of the truck, giving me an always available high quality optic for observing.

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The Maven M.2 was easily tucked in a pocket of my Eberlestock Pack, always handy for spotting

Last Thoughts

Whether you use this as your main spotting optic, or like me, as a capricious indulgence, the Maven M.2 is a very nice addition to your kit. Its quality build and excellent imagery make it suitable for just about anything you need to look at.

-CBM

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Inexpensive or Cheap? The DiscoveryOpt HD GEN II 5-30X56

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Preface

Today we are taking another look into riflescopes from DiscoveryOpt Optics. Our topic today is their DiscoveryOpt HD Gen II 5-30X56 Riflescope, not a new scope but it is to me. Having had a good experience with another similar scope from DiscoveryOpt, I was curious to see how this model compared. These optics are manufactured in China, which brings a bit of a double edged argument. On one hand, they are very affordable when compared to better known manufacturers. But they are affordable because they are made in China which some folks might find distasteful at best. I have been impressed at how Chinese made optics have improved even in the short time I have been paying attention to them, so let’s get into this scope and see if its worth your time and consideration.

The DiscoveryOpt HD Gen II 5-30X56 Rifle Scope

My very first impressions of the HD Gen II scope were not unsimilar to the last riflescope I reviewed from DiscoveryOpt. Good packaging accompanied the scope on its arrival, and some included accessories that would be very nice.

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In addition to the scope itself, I found they had included a set of 34mm scope ring (the rings are available at additional cost) As well as a 56mm sunshade, and some of the little things most scopes come with like lens cloth, tools and stickers. Also were some nice flip caps that look like a clone of the expensive kind from Tenebraex.

Like the last DiscoveryOpt scope I got, this one has some very standout features like very large turrets. They also included a throw lever on the magnification ring which is nice, and it appears to be removable too. I didn’t remove it for reasons I’ll go into later. At 38 ounces, this beast is NOT lightweight. As soon as you lift it from the box you can tell it is heavy, which comes as no surprise when you come to terms with its physical size. These scopes are built big, bigger than the rest I would say. Every other 56mm scope I have easily fits inside the 56mm objective of this scope.

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The large turrets are quite nice, moving 10 MRAD per rotation which I consider the minimum these days. The clicks are both audible and tactile, and the turret is easily zeroed loosening four tension screws around the top. Underneath the turret you will find the zero-stop lock ring. It is also secured by four tension screws that lock it to the hub of the turret. And the ring engages a machined in post on the housing base, it is easily set once the scope has been zeroed to the rifle.

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here you can see the zero-stop lock ring, and the post it stops against

Specifications

Magnification– 5-30X

Focal Plane– FFP(First)

Objective– 56MM

Tube Diameter– 34MM

Iluminated– Red, 6 Brightness Settings

Length– 15.0in(380mm)

Weight– 38.1 oz(1080g)

Click Value– 0.1 MRAD | 0.25 MOA

Turrets Functions– ZERO-STOP

Elevation Adj. Range– 33 MRAD | 116 MOA

Windage Adj. Range– 17 MRAD | 60 MOA

FOV– 25FT(7.6m)~4.0FT(1.2m)/100YDS

Exit Pupil– 9.3-1.9MM

Eye Relief– 3.5 in(9.0cm)-3.4 in(8.6cm)

Parallax– 25-∞ YDS

Recoil Rating– .50 BMG

Fog Proof– Nitrogen Purged

Waterproof– IP67

Battery– CR2032

Inside the scope you will find the MRAD reticle, which uses the popular “Christmas tree” stylings. With great detail that allows you to measure and correct for all kinds of downrange eventualities. The reticle is illuminated using the control stacked on top of the parallax turret on the left side of the scope. Only the center 1-MRAD of the reticle illuminates, which I like, as well as the center dot of the reticle that I prefer. The parallax itself is adjustable down to 25 yards, which is handy for those who intend on using this scope that close.

discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, scope rings, 34mm,
A closer look at the DiscoveryOpt rings

Mounting and Zeroing

Before I even started mounting the scope, I did find a problem. It’s hard to say whether this damage occured before or during shipment but either way it’s not good. Either the packaging foam isn’t enough for a scope this heavy, or it happened prior to shipment. For full transparency, the box showed no signs of damage.

The damage itself became apparent while trying to thread on the sunshade. After an abnormally long effort to try and thread the sunshade onto the objective, I found that the scope bell had been slightly bent (from impact I assume), this out-of-round-ness made it near impossible to align the sunshade properly and engage the threads.

discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, HD, Gen II, Gen 2, 5-30-x56, riflescope, ffp, long-range, precision, rifle scope, damage, objective,

Mainly because I understand that things can happen, and I am hard on equipment, and also because my Saintly Mother didn’t raise any quitters; I chose to correct the issue myself. With a soft plastic hammer, I gave the objective a couple taps back in the right direction against a soft but solid surface. Once the circular geometry was reinstated, I threaded the sunshade on carefully.

I can totally understand why some folks wouldn’t have done this, and would have instead opted to send the scope back for a replacement. I guess I am a little less concerned with cosmetics and such. As long as it works as designed I am ok with making it work. Furthermore, it was quite apparent that the damage was only affecting the shade installation. As the damage didn’t even get close to the objective lens.

After correcting the issue, I decided to mount the scope to a host rifle. For that I chose one of my favorite rifles of all time. A custom Tikka T3 chambered in 25 creedmoor, and paired with a KRG Bravo chassis. You can read more about the rifle itself in the article: Operation Quarterlord.

discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, HD, Gen II, Gen 2, 5-30-x56, riflescope, ffp, long-range, precision, rifle scope, KRG, Bravo chassis, tikka, t3x,

The included rings that came with the scope looked perfectly good, with four cap-screws and two screws for the foot. I mounted them to the picatinny rail on the rifle, and settled the scope into place to level it and adjust for eye relief.

With that done, I carefully torqued down all the fasteners, keeping an eye on the level and equal closure.

Zeroing

Later, in the field I zeroed the scope to the rifle by first bore-sighting the scope to get close, followed by making a few adjustments. Using the reticle, I measured the distance between where my first shot impacted and my point of aim. With that correction in mind, I turned the turrets a commensurate amount to bring the point of impact and aimpoint together. I fired a couple additional shots to confirm a good zero.

Shooting in the Field

discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, HD, Gen II, Gen 2, 5-30-x56, riflescope, ffp, long-range, precision, rifle scope, KRG, Bravo chassis, tikka, t3x, tripod, two vets tripod, cole tac, suppressor, suppressed, mountains with snowy background,
shooting supported from the Two Vets Carbon Fiber tripod

My first trip into the field with the DiscoveryOpt HD Gen II was a visit to one of my favorite deer hunting spots. A place where this rifle and scope combination would be a perfect tool for taking a Mule deer. Ranges varied from as close as 100-yards, and as far as I dared shoot. I ended up shooting a variety of different scenarios out to around 920-yards.

As is typical for me this time of year, much of my shooting involves small white naturally occurring quarts stones. Contrasting brightly against the wet dark mountain soil as snow melts around it. The wet soil is great for spotting misses, and impacts are clear when the puff of white dust comes from the target, or it is obliterated entirely.

discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, HD, Gen II, Gen 2, 5-30-x56, riflescope, ffp, long-range, precision, rifle scope, krg bravo chassis, tikka t3, 25 creedmoor, shooting supported from bipod across a snowy alpine canyon,
another trip into the mountains, this time sporting the Banish Buck 30 suppressor

Shooting different directions and angles gave plenty of opportunity to test this scope out. Dialing different corrections for different ranges, as well as adjusting focus and parallax for the conditions allowed.

Optical Quality

discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, HD, Gen II, Gen 2, 5-30-x56, riflescope, ffp, long-range, precision, rifle scope,
A Mule deer doe seen through the scope

With big lenses like this, I expected the view to be quite sharp. And while it was certainly serviceable, I found it to have just enough aberration to irritate me. Mainly at the higher power settings like 25x plus, it seemed there was a slight fuzziness of the image. Almost like part of the image was focused and part of it wasn’t.

This phenomenon was only slightly irritating, and it was less noticeable when it wasn’t zoomed in. While I’m sure that scope snobs who are used to high end Japanese and German optics would find it unacceptable, I am less concerned. Mainly because this scope retails for $270, and at that price I think it isn’t as big a deal.

discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, HD, Gen II, Gen 2, 5-30-x56, riflescope, ffp, long-range, precision, rifle scope, krg bravo chassis, tikka t3, 25 creedmoor, suppressed, cole-TAC, python suppressor cover,
the 25 Creedmoor rifle suppressed here by the Anechoic Anechox 35 underneath that Cole-TAC Python cover

The color and image otherwise seen through the scope are above average at this price point. Like other scopes in this ballpark, it could also do a little better in twilight. But again, using this scope for normal daytime shooting at anything other than maximum power is still fine.

Usability

Using the controls on the HD Gen II were simple and intuitive. The larger turrets are easy to grip, and you can both feel and hear clicks when adjusted. The sweep of the magnification ring is pretty broad since this is a 5-30 power scope. But the added throw lever makes short work of adjusting the zoom.

discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, HD, Gen II, Gen 2, 5-30-x56, riflescope, ffp, long-range, precision, rifle scope, krg bravo chassis, tikka t3, 25 creedmoor, hunting, squirrel hunting,
This combo didn’t leave much squirrel for the dinner table

I did find that the parallax adjustment was a bit touchy. You can focus as close as twenty-five yards, it then goes up to fifty, then one and two hundred. The final increments are 500 and infinity, but there is very little adjustment between even the two-hundred and infinity. This makes the parallax adjustment very short across the range of adjustment where you need it most.

discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, HD, Gen II, Gen 2, 5-30-x56, riflescope, ffp, long-range, precision, rifle scope, krg bravo chassis, tikka t3, 25 creedmoor, two vets tripod,
the DiscoveryOpt HD Gen II went well with my 25 Creedmoor, supported on the Two Vets Carbon fiber tripod

I like the reticle, it has enough subtensions to be very useful without overcrowding the scope making it hard to see. The illumination only lights up the center MRAD, which is a nice touch. A couple other features that are icing on the cake, are the zero-stop, flip caps, and the included scope rings.

Reliability

Testing the values of this scope were easily done with this rifle, and its well known predictability. Measuring the movement of the reticle against the turret values proved to be accurate enough for long-range shooting. Using data from previous engagements gave good accurate hits.

The only thing left to see as far as durability, is how this scope stands up to weather, use and abuse. I intend on giving it a great workout during this spring and summer. So check back later as I will update this story in the future.

discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, HD, Gen II, Gen 2, 5-30-x56, riflescope, ffp, long-range, precision, rifle scope, KRG, Bravo chassis, tikka, t3x, tripod, two vets tripod, cole tac, suppressor, suppressed, mountains with snowy background, mountains and trees in background,

Pros and Cons

Pros

  1. Very affordable price point
  2. large objective for good image gathering
  3. 10 MRAD Turrets
  4. Zero-stop feature
  5. included accessories (caps, rings, shade, throw lever)

Cons

  1. Heavy construction and bulky size
  2. Very tight parallax adjustment
  3. Optical aberrations (particularly at high power)
discoveryopt, discoveryopt optics, HD, Gen II, Gen 2, 5-30-x56, riflescope, ffp, long-range, precision, rifle scope, krg bravo chassis, tikka t3, 25 creedmoor, two vets tripod, snowy mountain background,
the turrets on this scope are fantastic

My Conclusion

All in all, I think the DiscoveryOpt HD Gen II is a good scope. I have certainly had much worse over the years, and paid more money for them as well. Its truly hard to believe you can get a scope like this for so little. While there are some deterring things about the scope, I think they are comepletly subjective to the end user. For some folks the drawbacks I mentioned might not even be a concern, especially considering the price for this scope. While I do like this model, I think I prefer the other DiscoveryOpt scope I have, its only a little more, and worth it in my opinion.

-CBM

If you are looking for great inexpensive riflescopes, click here to see more.

vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, reticle, holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, Bersa M2XI, EAA Girsan Witness 2311, 9mm,

Enclosed Micro Comparison: Vortex Defender CCW VS. Holosun SCS Carry

Optics, Product review, , , , , , ,

Presentation

Red dot sights have become extremely popular, and I consider myself an enthusiast on the topic. You might have read my last comparison between theVortex Defender XL VS. the Holosun 507 Comp, two large windowed XL red dots. Today we are looking at two micro red dots in the same way. We are reviewing the Vortex Defender CCW VS. Holosun SCS Carry, both of these red dots are RMSc footprint compatible, and they both feature an enclosed emitter.

vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, reticle, holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, Bersa M2XI, EAA Girsan Witness 2311, 9mm,
comparing the two red dots on two similar pistols, the Bersa M2XI and the Girsan Witness 2311

They are very comparable and I expect very popular candidates for folks looking to put a red dot on their CCW pistol. I’ve put quite a few rounds through both of them, and today I’ll give you my opinion on their comparison.

vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, reticle, holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot,

Specifications

On paper these two sights are pretty similar, the main difference in construction being that the Defender uses a dual power source. A removable CR2023 battery whereas the Holosun uses its solar panel as a source, keeping an internal battery (non-serviceable) battery charged.

vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, battery, cr2023,
the easily removable CR2023 battery of the Defender

Both of these are small and ideal for a CCW pistol, but because they are enclosed emitters that means they are slightly bigger than traditional open emitter red dots. The Vortex defender is a little bigger than the SCS Carry, though I’m not sure if thats because of the battery housing or because they wanted to make a bigger window.

holosun, red dot, scs, carry, solar, solar panel, holosun red dot,

Configurable reticles are becoming more the norm, and I like that. Both of these can be configured with a dot, circle, or circle-dot reticle.

Specification Comparison
FeatureVortex Defender CCW SolarHolosun SCS Carry
Footprint CompatibilityShield RMScHolosun K & RMSc
Reticle Description3 MOA Dot + 32 MOA circle2 MOA dot + 32 MOA circle
Reticle ColorRedGreen
Magnification 1X1X
Weight1.30 Ounces1.05 Ounces
Power SourceSolar + CR2023Solar + internal battery
Parallax SettingParallax FreeParallax Free
Eye ReliefUnlimitedUnlimited
Adjustment Graduation1.0 MOA1.5 MOA
Dimensions1.1”T x 1.6”L x 1.2” W.98”T x 1.6”L x .95”W
Material7075 Aluminum7075 T6 Aluminum
Bersa, Bersa usa, m2xi, 9mm, 2011, 1911, holosun, SCS Carry, red dot, surefire X300,
The Holosun SCS Carry made a great option for the Bersa M2XI 9mm pistol

On the Range

I’ve spent a lot of time shooting with both of these sights, but in fairness I have more time using the Holosun. I have run the SCS Carry on several different pistols, both 9mm and .22LR. The Defender CWW Solar Micro has lived on my Girsan 2311 since I got it. Realistically though, you can get to know a pistol sight well enough without having to go through a bunch of pistols. Though I did run both sighs on the same pistol for a while to get a solid comparison.

GPS, pistolero, backpack, rangebag, pistol, handgun, eaa, girsan, witness, 2311, 9mm, 2011, ammunition,
the Holosun SCS Carry mounted to the Girsan 2311, read more about the Pistolero Backpack here

Mounting and Zeroing

The Holosun SCS Carry uses a K footprint, that can also be dropped onto an RMSc footprint. The Defender is an RMSc footprint, so either of these can fit in most of the same mounting situations. I had not issue mounting them on several different similar pistols.

holosun, scs, carry, red dot, holosun red dot,
unboxing the Holosun SCS Carry

When mounting red dots, I usually try and line them up as close to the iron sights as possible before torquing them down. This usually makes for minimal adjustments to zero the sight. The Vortex model has 110 MOA of adjustment available, while the Holosun is plus or minus 30 MOA. That might make the Vortex a little better for certain host weapons, but in general you probably don’t need that much.

Vortex, vortex optics, defender, CCW, red dot, solar, micro, packaging,
The Vortex Defender and its accessories

The Vortex also gets extra points since it came with a plethora of mounting screws and accessories for mounting on different hosts.

Brightness

One very convenient thing about the SCS Carry is its auto-brightness correction. The solar panel uses ambient light to adjust the reticle brightness. I really like this feature though every so often I wouldn’t, let me explain. Typically in dark areas, I occasionally found that the SCS Carry was a touch dimmer than I would have liked in such a scenario. Outside in daylight I never had an issue.

holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, reticle, green,
Holosun’s SCS Carry reticle (seen through magnifier)

The Vortex Defender has a manual brightness adjustment, which can be both good or bad. You can set it where you want it, and know what to expect everytime you present the pistol. But you also might have it set a little bright, or a little dim for any particular scenario. I am still unsure which way I prefer, but I kind of default to the manual setting, because I like control.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, reticle,
Looking through the Vortex Defender CCW Solar Micro

Sight Picture

Both of these optics are compact, though the Defender is a touch bigger as I mentioned. But the Defender also has a noticeably bigger window, and a little bit means a lot with sights this small. The bigger window definitely gives more room for target acquisition and aiming. Both of them gave precise aiming, but I think I have to give the Defender an edge here.

One thing worth mentioning here, the Holosun SCS Carry does incorporate a notch rear sight as part of its housing. Which is one thing I wish the Defender had, in case the electronics were to fail.

holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, solar, Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011,
the Girsan Witness 2311 made an excellent host for testing both optics, seen here with a Surefire X300 light

Parallax and Clarity

One thing I noticed with the SCS carry from the very first time I mounted it, was a touch of fuzz when focusing on it. I never worried too much about it as I would look past the sight at the target, and hold the reticle over it. Doing this I never had any issue sharply seeing the reticle.

vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, reticle, holosun, scs, carry, holosun red dot, reticle, illumination,
not a great pic of the reticles, but here you can see some comparison, as well as the window size

On one of my test guns, I removed the SCS to install the Defender and immediately noticed the Vortex did not have that issue. Regardless of where I focus the Vortex Defender is sharp and clean, whereas the Holsun SCS Carry did have a little fuzziness depending on how you looked through it.

holosun SCS Carry rds, taurus tx22, YHM Phantom 22
my Taurus TX22 Toro made a great host for the Holosun and the YHM Phantom 22 suppressor

Accuracy and Zero

With 3 and 2 MOA dots, both of these optics give you a fine aim point. And with an accurate firearm I found them both to be very useful. When zeroing the optics I found they were smooth, and moved evenly. I can’t stand a sight that doesn’t show any change when you adjust it, and both of these were great in that aspect. The quality of these two sights also show in that neither of them needed to be re-zeroed at any point, they held zero nicely, and after hundreds of rounds they hadn’t moved.

Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, zeroing, adjustment,
both dots were easily adjusted with tools provided

Value

I have no doubt that both of these optics are manufactured overseas, it’s hard to find a red dot that isn’t these days. To be honest I was a bit surprised that the Holosun tends to cost more at popular online retailers. At publishing, it seems the SCS Carry is usually around $400 like here at Primary Arms. While the Vortex Defender CCW Solar Micro is typically priced around $300 like here at Optics Planet. With prices like that, the Vortex seems to offer a significant advantage.

optics planet, discount,

Report Card

You may have gathered, I like both of these sights. But it didn’t surprise me that the Vortex won me over, after a short while shooting it I could tell I was going to like it more than the Holosun SCS Carry. That is certainly not to say the SCS Carry is not a good option as well. Though I like them both I would have to pick the Defender CCW Solar Micro if I had to pick only one. Luckily I don’t, and I can have both of them for different purposes.

Vortex Defender CCW SolarHolosun SCS Carry
Mounting & ZeroingA+A
BrightnessAA
Sight PictureAB+
Parallax & ClarityAB
Accuracy and ZeroAA
ValueAB+
Cumulative Score96%92%
Girsan, witness 2311, 9mm, eaa, 2011, vortex, vortex optics, defender CCW, enclosed, red dot, zeroing, adjustment,

Last Words

Hopefully this has helped you decide which of the two options might best fit you. Both are certainly good choices for your concealed carry pistol, but it would be a good idea to look at them in person as well to help close the deal for you. Both of these dots will continue to be used in my collection, and I look forward to what’s new from both of these great companies.

-CBM

Like Vortex and Holosun? Here is another comparison

Bersa, Bersa usa, m2xi, 9mm, 2011, 1911, holosun, SCS Carry, red dot, surefire X300,