Vortex Optics Gen III Razor 6-36×56

June 22, 2025Optics, Product review6-36x56, gen III, gen III Razor, vortex optics, vortex Razorcoldboremiracle

Introduction

It would be hard to have a conversation about modern sport and shooting optics without mentioning Vortex Optics. Few companies have done more to bring the features shooters want at a reasonable cost than the folks at Vortex. I remember when I was much younger, getting my first Vortex PST riflescope with a serial number of 000004. My experience with that scope and many others since have solidified my opinion of the product line. Today we are taking a look at a new to me rifle scope from company, the Vortex Optics Gen III Razor 6-36×56.

Vortex Optics, Razor Gen III, gen III, Vortex Razor, 6-36x56, Desert Tech, SRS M2, 338LM, Two vets Tripod, — the **Desert Tech SRS M2** and Gen III Razor mounted on the **Two Vets No Name V2 Tripod**

With a wide variety of optics from inexpensive scopes made in China to top notch scopes made in Japan, there is something for everyone. The extremely successful line of Vortex Razors has long held the standard as the most desireable Vortex optic to have. I’ve used the Gen I, Gen II and now the Gen III scopes, and I’m excited to share my results.

The Third Generation Razor

The evolution of the Razor line has brought a great deal of advancement. Whether it be the reticle options or the mechanical features, Vortex has put their best options into the Razor line. Built on a robust 34mm tube, the Razor 6-36 boasts a massive erector assembly with a first focal plane EBR-7D reticle.

Ten MRAD per revolution of the turrets gives the Gen II Razor quite the spread with maximum elevation travel of 36 MRAD. The locking turrets have a very interesting zeroing feature that makes for quick and precise zeroing of the turret without the disassembly typically needed. Standard features like illuminated reticle and a side focus/parallax adjustment round out the operation of the Razor.

To increase value, there are other included accessories as well like the typical sunshade, Defender rubberized flip-caps and an aluminum throw-lever. And of course the tools you’ll need to adjust and zero the scope.

Specifications

Vortex Optics Gen III Razor 6-36×56
Length	15.3 Inches
Weight	45.1 Ounces
Power Magnification	6-36 X
Tube Diameter	34 Millimeter
Objective lens Diameter	56 Millimeter
Reticle Focal Plane	1st Focal Plane
Turret Click Value	1/10 Milradian
Turret Travel per Rotation	10 Milradian
Total Turret Travel	36.1 Milradian
Eye Relief	3.5 Inches
Reticle	EBR-7D MRAD Glass Etched Reticle
Lenses	XR Coated HD lenses
Battery	Lithium CR2032 cell

On the Range

For testing the Razor Gen III, I would mount it to a Desert Tech SRS M2. The SRS does particularly well in the heavy hitting 338LM, and if the Razor could perform well with a heavy hitter it would certainly do for my day to day shooting.

Mounting

To mount the big Razor, I would use a set of Vortex 34mm rings, just to keep things uniform. Setting the rings on the 30 MOA tapered rail of the SRS would give me the ability to get better use of the Razor’s 36 MRAD of travel.

After leveling the scope, I torqued the screws down to ensure a solid connection. I then pulled the bolt from the rifle so I could boresight the rifle using my toolless method. With the rifle and scope ready for the range, I grabbed some 338 ammo and my Athlon Velocity Pro Chronograph and headed to the range.

Zeroing

The first shot from the rifle was on paper as I expected, but would require refinement. This is where the Gen III turrets would come in very handy. In the tops of each turret there is a finger adjustable sub-turret, basically a turret within a turret. With the simple loosening of a single screw, you can unslave the inner turret from the main outer turret. With clear graduations marked on the end, you can adjust the exact amount needed to zero the rifle. All this while the main turret stays locked on zero.

Both the elevation and windage turret have a push/pull locking feature. This is a tried and true feature for many manufacturers, and it works well here too.

After zeroing the scope, I fired a few shots to confirm zero. I aimed at the bullet hole from my first shot, and to my great satisfaction, the hole only slightly opened after my second shot. With zero confirmed I figured I would attach the throw-lever to assist in switching back and forth while viewing targets.

Optical Clarity

With the scope mounted and zeroed, I started paying great attention to what I was seeing downrange. It didn’t take long to really appreciate the optical clarity of the Gen III Razor. Using 36X for shooting groups at 100 yards almost seems like cheating, picking which side of a bullet hole I was going to aim at. This of course after adjusting the diopter at the rear of the occular housing.

the EBR-7D reticle, hard to do scope images justice through pictures

Picking out distant objects also assured me of the detail visible through the Razor. The fine points of the EBR-7D reticle allowed very precise measurements and placement on target. This was even more appreciable because of the accuracy of the SRS, making tiny differences apparent on paper. Looking at equipment in the distance you could see details like flaws in paint and textures in welds from great distances.

One thing that was really impressive was how clear the razor was even at max power. Most scopes, even those in the top end of quality suffer varying amounts when they are at maximum magnification. The Razor seemed to be less affected by this phenomenon, as even at max-power it provided a great image.

Pros and Cons

There were only a few things I found that I disliked about the Gen III Razor. First off, it does feel a bit heavy. But that’s a very subjective, this could be seen a good thing for competitors that like adding weight. Ten ounces heavier than some of its competitors.

My one gripe about the turrets was the push/pull locking feature. The click isn’t quite as definite as I would have preferred, certainly not a deal breaker but worth noting.

On the positive side, the Razor is a beast of a scope. It has amazing power and feels like you could drive nails with it. The image and clarity are outstanding, making long-range engagements easier. The turrets are precise and reliable making corrections perfectly, as well as with the reticle. It does all this for less than some of its close competitors like the Nightforce ATACR 7-35 and the Kahles K328i.

Report Card

Optical Performance (A)– the edge to edge clarity at all power settings was beautiful, the bright clear image was sharp at every power setting.

Turret Execution (B+)– very large and strong turrets with positive and audible clicks, very defined for accurate corrections, and bonus points for the zeroing feature.

Reticle (A)– I’ve always liked the EBR reticles, and this one is a perfect blend of versatility without being too obtrusive.

Durability (A)– This scope feels like it’s overbuilt, and made to last like a tank.

Accuracy (A)– Click values and reticle movement are on point, allowing for perfect corrections

Value (A)-With a street price around $2999, the Razor offers comparable performance to the ATACR 7-35 and K328i for significantly less.

Final Thoughts

I’ve always liked the Vortex Optics brand, and the Gen III Razor only gives me more reason to like them. The Razor 6-36×56 might not be what most consider an entry level scope, but it gives a shooter nearly everything you could ask for and at a reasonable price. Whether it be for a PRS competition rifle, or for a police sniper rifle, the Gen III Razor gives the steady and accurate performance you seek.

-CBM

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TriStar Matrix 12 gauge Shotgun

June 9, 2025Product review, Shooting hardware12 gauge, matrix, semi-auto, shotgun, tristarcoldboremiracle

Introduction

Tristar is a firearms company with a specific stated purpose of specializing in value and firearms. With a variety of products manufactured in Turkey, they bring a great variety of firearm products at a very affordable price. Today we are taking a look at one of Tristar’s newer releases, the inertia driven Tristar Matrix 12 gauge Shotgun .

Yes, you read that right, the Matrix clones the clean and reliable operating system used big names like Benelli and Franchi. And while the Matrix is no slouch when it comes to looks, you might feel better about trouncing through the field or marsh with it instead of a more expensive shotgun.

The Tristar Matrix

The Matrix is their first venture into inertia driven shotguns, but hardly their first semi-auto. I’ve had the good fortune to shoot other Tristar shotguns, and I was impressed. With the Matrix using inertia to operate the action, the gun operates clean and requires less maintenance. And with a five-year warranty you can trust it will stay that way.

tristar, Matrix, 12 gauge, shotgun, semi-auto, inertia driven, — the controls of the Matrix are big and easy to find

The Matrix is offered in three different color patterns; a finished Walnut (tested here), a synthetic model with black polymer furniture, and a camo model featuring RT-MAX-7 wetland camouflage. All three finishes are also available in a 26-inch 20-gauge option for those looking for a lighter option.

Both options feature a 14.25-inch length of pull, and weigh in just over seven pounds with the 20-gauge models being about a 1/4 pound lighter. There appears to be a dovetail cut into the top of the receiver, though I couldn’t find an option for mounting anything to it.

Apart from the chokes included, there is also a different stock wedge you can use to adjust the angle of the buttstock. At the very rear you’ll find a soft rubber recoil pad for comfort.

the Matrix came with a set of chokes and wrench, as well as stock wedges

Matrix Features

Inertia Action
Oversized Operating Handle
Slam Button Bolt Release
Fiber Optic Sight
3 Chokes and Wrench (IC, M, F)
3-inch Chamber
28-inch Barrel
Ventilated Sight-Rib

Shooting the Tristar Matrix

To give the Matrix a good test, I figured we would put it to work on a case of clay targets. An afternoon and a case of shells ought to be enough to see what makes this Tristar shine. On a cool spring morning, my kids and I went up into the snow-covered Rocky Mountains. The cold breeze carried clay targets high into the blue sky and created that bobbing up and down while they flew.

We threw clays by hand, taking turns between throwing and shooting. Burning through a case of clay targets and box after box of ammunition. The handsome and curious walnut color shined beautifully in the afternoon sun.

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Maximum Magnification; Finding the Right Magnification for Your Scope

May 27, 2025blogmagnification, riflescope, scope, zoomcoldboremiracle

Introduction

Riflescopes have become standard equipment on most rifles. And optical sights have also become standard for many modern carbines. Their popularity is partially because they allow the user to aim with more precision and accuracy than with open sights. However, using a telescopic sight at maximum magnification may not always be ideal. And high-power scopes in general might not be the best option for some purposes. Today we are discussing maximum magnification; finding the right magnification for your scope, and whether or not you need all that power.

PFI, pride fowler industries, evolution, rifle scope, bergara b-14, hmr, rapid reticle — FFP scopes like this one from **Pride Fowler Optics** make great long-range optics for rifles like this **Bergara HMR**

Variable Power

Most modern riflescopes or optical sights can fall into one of two types; variable power zoom optics, and fixed power optics. A fixed power optic like a Trijicon ACOG might have 1.5X or something more like 3.5X or 4X. Variable power scopes come in a variety of ranges, for example; a 4X scope might have a 4-16X zoom, while a 6X scope might have 5-30X magnification.

athlon Talos 10x42 — This Athlon Talos is a fixed 10X, which was very common once upon a time. The **Athlon Talos line** has a variety of variable power scopes worth looking at as well

Variable scopes can further be broken down into two additional subcategories; front focal plane, and second focal plane scopes. Front focal plane (FFP) scopes feature the reticle in the front or first focal plane and are therefore magnified with the target image. This results in the reticle changing size depending on the power setting used.

First and Second Focal Plane

Second focal plane scopes have the reticle fixed after the magnification feature. These reticles remain the same size regardless of magnification setting. One of the potential downsides to second focal plane scopes is that their reticles are typically calibrated at max magnification. Many of them also have a clearly marked mid-power setting. This is so you can use the reticle there as well with double the indicated values.

There is also a downside to some FFP scopes, with high-power zoom’s the reticle can often be magnified enough to be obtrusive. If the reticle gets too thick at high magnification it can be challenging to aim precisely with it. If you are shooting groups at a hundred yards this may not be an issue. But if you are shooting small targets at long-range, it certainly could become a problem.

as you can see, shot placement can be precise without heavy magnification

Why Too Much Magnification Could be Bad

Depending on your purpose, there can be such a thing as too much magnification. I used to hunt quite a few rabbits, and using a scope at high magnification was not helpful as the small animals darted between brush piles. I ended up setting my scope at it’s lowest setting 3X for the best results.

While hunting bigger animals like deer 3X might work in some situations, I often would prefer to have more if possible. The rifle I hunted with last season had a US Optics TXH 3-18 scope, and I found it to be perfect. It gave me the ability to use three power when sneaking through thick woods where shots wouldn’t go beyond 75 yards. But when I stepped out of the forrest into the wide open canyons of the Rocky Mountains, the 18X of the scope would make even long-range shots doable.

mule deer, Patriot Valley Arms Modus rifle, 6.5 PRC, US Optics TXH 3-18x50 — you can read more about this rifle the Patriot Valley Arms Modus

When shooting on a range where the furthest target might be two-hundred yards away, you don’t really need high magnification. And yet some still do, probably because they need a higher degree of precision. Shooting tiny targets at 150 yards with a .22Lr could certainly justify using a higher power scope. Whereas shooting IPSC targets at the same distance with a 5.56 carbine can be easily done with a red dot or low power variable optic (LPVO).

primary arms PLx Compact 1-8, eotech VUDU 1-8, vector optics Continental 1-10, lpvo, low power variable optic, scope, — LPVO’s are outstanding choices for close to medium range shooting. They can be used at longer ranges as well, these three are some of my favorites Lto R: **Primary Arms PLx Compact 1-8**, the **Eotech Vudu 1-8**, and the **Vector Continental 1-10**

Using Your Scope at Max Power

One reason why telescopic sights may not be ideal at maximum power is because of the reduced field of view. The higher the magnification the narrower your field of view. This can make it more difficult to acquire and track moving targets, especially at close range. In hunting situations, this can be particularly problematic, as game animals can move quickly and unpredictably.

reticle, steiner, moose — Here you can see how at max power in low light, you can lose a lot of a scope’s brightness, but to be fair the view through this **Steiner TX6 5-30** is still pretty good from over a mile away

Another reason why telescopic sights may not be ideal at maximum power is because of the reduced depth of field. This means that the area in focus becomes shallower, making it harder to maintain proper sight alignment and focus on the target. This too can be especially problematic in low-light conditions or when your target is moving.

Other Factors

Overall, while telescopic sights can be a valuable tool for shooters, using them at maximum power may not always be the best choice. You should consider their specific shooting situation and adjust the magnification accordingly to optimize their accuracy and success. When a riflescope is set to its maximum magnification, the image can become less clear due to a few different factors.

Howa, m1500, mini, 22arc, suppressor, yhm, — Having a broad spectrum of magnification gives you more options, this **Lucid Optics MLX** was a perfect fit for the **Howa Mini 22 ARC**

Firstly, at higher magnifications, the image can become dimmer. Increasing magnification causes a reduction in brightness. This effect can be particularly noticeable in low-light conditions, such as at dawn or dusk.

Second is something I have noticed over the course of many years and countless scopes from nearly every manufacturer. Almost all scopes are brighter and sharper when not zoomed all the way in. In my experience it seems like when they are at 80-90 percent of their maximum power is when they offer the best image. This is more often the case with lower priced scopes, and not as much with the high-end scopes.

Using all the features of the reticle also sometimes requires using less than maximum power, like in this **Burris Veraci t y PH**

Its also worth mentioning that some of the modern reticles we have today aren’t even fully visible at max power. Much of the reticle features are better used with 75-90% of magnification.

Use Application

Obviously if you are shooting static targets on a bright sunny day with a good target spotter, max power is a great option for precise shooting. Its important to practice and understand when and where to adjust your scope’s zoom, optimizing its use for your needs.

I often find myself adjusting my scope for the terrain and anticipated use as I move from one scenario to another. I do the same thing with the parallax adjustment on my scopes when present.

junior first deer — My son and his first deer, shot at 490 yards with a **1-6X LPVO**, you can watch the video here

I like to start new shooters out on LPVO’s. With their incredibly forgiving eye-box and low magnification, it’s MUCH easier to get a new shooter on target quickly. If all they see is tree bark and leaves when they look through the scope its hard to guide them to a target like a deer.

When my son was just a little guy, I would use these low-power scopes to ensure he could see the target. If the image in the scope is very similar to what they see unmagnified with their own eyes its much easier to pick out where the target is. And once they find the target you can zoom in as needed for better point of aim placement.

More Magnification Means More Range?

I once thought that more magnification meant you could shoot further, but your rifle has the same capability for accuracy at distance regardless of what scope you put on it. The difference is what you can see at a given distance.

With a good scope you can shoot just fine at long-range even with low power optics. I’ve made some outstanding repetitive hits at a kilometer using my 6 ARC WLVRN using a simple US Optics TS-8 LPVO. While I wouldn’t exactly recommend that kind of scope for shooting that far, just know it can be done.

Desert Tech WLVRN suppressed with Eotech VUDU optic — the **Desert Tech WLVRN** with the **EOtech Vudu** is a potent shooter

For all the reasons I’ve mentioned, when shooting long-range I often will use my scopes at less than maximum power. It seems that generally I like 10-14X for much of my long-range shooting. This seems to give me the right field of view to keep the target in sight, as well as allow me to spot my own shots. Sometimes I will use more zoom, and sometimes less. Practice helps build skill in knowing what power to use.

Final Thoughts

I’m not trying to talk you out of high-power scopes, or even using high magnification. I’m simply saying that its not always the best option. Many years ago when I was first getting into the long-range shooting game, all I wanted was more magnification. But now I find myself looking at 4-16’s and 3-18’s with as much excitement.

-CBM

Fast Twist and Quiet Shooting: The 8.6 Blackout

May 22, 2025blog300 blackout, 300blk, 338, 338 arc, 338arc, 450 bushmaster, 450bm, 8.6 Blackout, 8.6 BLK, 8.6blk, subsonic, Suppressedcoldboremiracle

Introduction

Every so often there are new cartridges that break onto the shooting scene, most of the time it is part of a marketing campaign, but sometimes there is a higher purpose. Some new cartridges offer a marginally better performance like some extra feet per second, or a faster twist for modern bullets. But today we are looking at a bit of an oddball, in that to some folks it seems like a step in the wrong direction. The subject of discussion today is the very popular fast twist and quiet shooting: The 8.6 Blackout. A relatively new cartridge brought to us by the folks at Q LLC.

athlon Rangecraft velocity pro chronograph, Garmin Xero C1 chronograph, chronograph, comparison, review, garmin, athlon, 8.6 blackout, — the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Chronograph was used to measure velocity

Blackout Background

The bigger blackout, the 8.6 follows the same line of thinking as the popular 300 Blackout. *Record scratch* The 300 Blk has been around for a long time, first as the 300 Whisper. The cartridge has done well particularly in AR15 platform rifles. Its main idea is contrary to popular trends in ammunition; slowing bullets down to reduce the sound signature. Of course with slower velocities the only way to keep energy on target up is to increase the bullet weights used in these situations. The heavier bullets typically shot at these slow speeds, require faster than average twist.

the **CGS Group Hekate 338 suppressor** was a fantastic option to keep the 8.6 quiet

Slowing bullets down to below the speed of sound is by design with Blackouts, doing so removes the supersonic shockwave produced. And when coupled with a suppressor to remove the muzzle report of the firearm, the result is near movie quiet shooting. This is where both Blackouts shine, when they are shot suppressed with subsonic bullets, there is a level of anonymity that is appealing to many hunters.

The 8.6 Blackout

It should come as no surprise that the boys at Q came up with the 8.6, carrying on from their previous work. The cartridge is based off of the 6.5 Creedmoor case, that is opened up to accept .338 caliber bullets. Bullets typically weigh between 200 and 350 grains, again, using heavier bullets is part of increasing energy on target when increasing velocity is not an option.

Loading the 8.6 Blackout is usually done with faster burning powders typically used in pistols and cowboy cartridges. Again, this is because velocity is not the goal of the 8.6. It has a very specific purpose, to propel big bullets right up to the speed of sound but not exceed it.

I was turned onto the 8.6 Blk a few years ago, when I sat down to speak with Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. As nerds often do, our discussion quickly went to numbers and the science behind 8.6 ballistics. A brilliant part of the 8.6 design that departs from the 300 Blk predecessor, is the barrel twist. Taking the fast twist for heavy bullets to an extreme, has more than just stabilization benefits. The 8.6 typically uses a one twist in three inches (1:3), yes it almost looks more like threads than rifling. This incredibly tight twist does far more than stabilize long and heavy bullets.

8.6 Blackout, 8.6blk, brass, loading, desert tech, srs, srs a1, sig sauer, tango 6

The Numbers

Let us again look at numbers, the point of the Blackouts is to keep bullets under the speed of sound. Subsonic bullets are quiet, and if you can’t increase speed the only way to increase the energy on target is to increase the mass of the bullet. At least it was the only way, but there is another. The 1:3 twist of the 8.6 drastically increases the rotation of the bullets, and as the RPM of 8.6 bullets increase, so does the energy they impart on the target.

8.6 Blackout, 8.6blk, brass, loading, 300 grain, sierra match King — The 300 gr. Sierra Match King is a great bullet for the 8.6Blk, they were provided by **Wideners Reloading supplies**

This of course only works if the bullet grossly deforms from its smooth shape. Imagine if you could, removing the blade of your favorite blender, and putting a bullet in its place. Even if you filled the blender with tomatoes, the spinning bullet wouldn’t do much. But imagine now that the bullet opens up like some are designed to do, with broad petals and increased diameter. You can imagine what this blender bullet might do to organs, even though its velocity is subsonic.

8.6 Blackout, 8.6blk, brass, loading, desert tech, srs, srs a1, sig sauer, tango 6, anechoic, anechox 35, suppressor

Popular Firearms in 8.6 Blackout

As the popularity of the 8.6 has increased, many firearm manufacturers have brought new guns to the market chambered thusly. And the volume of manufacturers doing so, seems to show some faith in the concept. It would be far too time consuming to list them all, but its safe to assume you can find one from your preferred brand. Whether it be one of the Fix’s by Q, or one of the CMMG variants, or more bargain branded guns like Bear Creek Arsenal. The 8.6 I am shooting today is like many others a custom one, a sixteen-inch 1:3 twist barrel for my Desert Tech SRS.

my **Desert Tech SRS 8.6Blk** with the **Anechoic Anechox 35 suppressor** and **Sig Sauer Tango 6 riflescope**

Of course the 8.6 Blackout can also be used as a supersonic cartridge as well. There are plenty of options out there in the 180-230 grain class that can also be used. Though my personal opinion is if you are going to shoot super sonic cartridges there are better options.

Suppressors

Shooting the 8.6Blk without a suppressor makes no sense to me, so I wanted to try a few different options to see what worked best. It should come as no surprise that the CGS Group Hekate won that competition. This DMLS suppressor is well known for its superior suppression, and it made the 8.6 sound like a distant duck fart in quiet water.

a little spread of some of my **8.6 Blk handloading supplies**

I purchased a set of dies by Lee Precision, and started trying various loads to see where the 8.6 would take me. I will say that I did find it a touch more challenging than loading the 300Blk. It took a little more work to find the right powder and suppressor combination that would produce quiet results.

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Comparing Subsonic Bullets to SuperSonic
Velocity	300gr SMK 8.6Blk	% of Loss from start	300gr SMK 338LM	% of Loss from start
Muzzle	1000 fps / 666 Ft lbs	100%	2730 fps / 4963 Ft lbs	100%
250 Yards	965 fps / 620 Ft lbs	96% fps / 93% Ft lbs	2484 fps / 4111 Ft lbs	91% fps / 83% Ft lbs
500 Yards	932 fps / 578 Ft lbs	93% fps / 87% Ft lbs	2250 fps / 3373 Ft lbs	82% fps / 68% Ft lbs
750 Yards	900 fps / 539 Ft lbs	90% fps / 81% Ft lbs	2027 fps / 2738 Ft lbs	74% fps / 55% Ft lbs

Left to Right: 300 Blk, 8.6 Blk, 450 Bushmaster, 338 Lapua Magnum. The three on the left are loaded subsonic for quiet work

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All You Need to Know About Parallax

May 20, 2025blogadjustable objective, focus, long-range, long-range scope, long-range shooting, parallax, parallax adjustment, parallax correction, riflescope, scope, side focuscoldboremiracle

Introduction to Parallax

If you deal with optical devices used for measuring or observing purposes, you are likely to run into the topic of parallax. Parallax is the optical phenomenon of two objects on differing planes appearing to move at different rates to the observer. Today we are going to dive into how this can effect your shooting experience; with all you need to know about parallax.

this Primary Arms GLx 3-18 shows off some of the features we discuss today

What is parallax?

If you look at two objects one close and the other far, it is difficult to focus on both at the same time. The parallax adjustment in your riflescope is designed to bring the target image and reticle image together in the scope. We take it for granted that we should be able to see both the target and the reticle clearly through our scopes. When in fact, it is through the hard work of optical engineers who’ve designed them to correct for this characteristic.

**Here you** **can see an illustration of how parallax setting can cause problems**. not having the reticle and target projection aligned can allow your reticle-to-target positioning to vary

Adjustable parallax riflescopes use internal optical correction to adjust the presentation of the reticle to match that of the target. Parallax is the difference in position when the viewing point is moved. Much like distant mountains appear motionless while clouds, trees and other parts of the landscape move when viewed from a moving vehicle.

The same thing can happen within your riflescope, albeit to a lesser degree. But we know it doesn’t take much to induce change in our point of impact. Even your own heartbeat can often be seen as movement through the scope.

Looking Through Your Scope

The eye box is the area where your eye can see through the scope, if you move too far out of the eye box you lose sight picture. And if you move too much within the eye box with uncorrected parallax, you might miss

You can see the effect of parallax sometimes looking through a stationary rifle scope. Without moving the rifle or scope, if you move your eye ever so slightly within the eye-box of the scope. You might see the reticle shift similarly on the target. With nothing physically moving but the eye of the observer, the optical anomaly can be seen.

Apex Optics Rival Desert Tech SRS M2 — Side focus knobs like those found on this **Apex Rival** are used to both focus the image and set parallax

How Does Parallax Effect Your Shooting?

You can imagine now how even the slightest shift in reticle position can effect your bullet’s impact once the trigger is pulled. If your eye is misaligned slightly, any parallax present in the image could cause you to aim incorrectly. The optical misalignment might make you think you’re aiming center of the target when you might be holding a measurable amount off.

This image (right) shows an exaggerated amount of optical misalignment. when parallax is present in your optic this example shows how a good shot can suddenly become a bad one.

We’ve all seen when you move your eye too far left/right or up/down a shadow appears on that side of the image. If you move just a little, before the shadows appear, you might see the reticle wandering on the target. This is because you haven’t adjusted your parallax properly, and you could be in for a miss.

**A closer look at the image from above, you can see how the point of aim has been compromised**. **or at least appears to be**

If you’ve done any shooting at longer distances, you know how often the difference between holding center and even the thickness of the reticle off center can be the difference between a hit and a miss. Removing parallax is important to ensuring you have the correct image while aiming.

**Corrected parallax allows both target and reticle to be seen on the same plane. With both images aligned together there is far less room for error**

Fixed or Adjustable Parallax

Not always but typically any good riflescope designed for long-range shooting will have adjustable parallax. Whereas short range optics like red dots and low power variable optics (LPVO’s) generally have fixed parallax. Cheap scopes typically also come with non-adjustable parallax. It might be fixed at one-hundred yards, or infinity. You should understand this when buying your next scope. If your purpose is shooting up close on a range, 100-yard fixed parallax is fine. Whereas if you plan on shooting precision shots at long-range, fixed parallax at 100-yards would be less ideal.

Focus or Parallax?

Most riflescopes with adjustable parallax also use the same control for image focus. Let me clarify; I’m not speaking of the diopter at the rear of the scope used to focus the ocular image. I’m speaking of what is usually a side focus turret or an adjustable objective. Either of these two control options usually does the same thing, it focuses the target image and sets parallax.

winchester model 100 leupold rifle scope — this old Leupold VXII scope has an adjustable objective to compensate for parallax

Perhaps you’ve experienced a binocular where both barrels needed focus adjustment for each of your eyes. Bino’s typically have a diopter on one side, the idea being you use the center focus knob to focus the other barrel. And adjust the opposing barrel with it’s diopter, once you’ve done that, both barrels are adjusted equally by the center focus knob. I expect parallax and focus are yoked together in a similar way inside the scope. But are focus and parallax the same thing?

No, you can have a focused image and still have uncorrected parallax or vice-versa. I expect that adding another precisely controlled internal device would grossly increase the price of riflescopes.

Because they can be optically measured and corrected for at the factory, and adjusting the focus of the image and the parallax are similar movements. Coupling them into the same control makes sense. But they aren’t the same thing, they are set and then slaved together to work as one.

With focus and parallax adjusted properly, the target and reticle are clear and stable, as seen through this **US Optics FDN1 7 X**

Last Thoughts

You should be able to identify parallax in your particular setup. Knowing what to look for, and how to correct it is an important part of long-range shooting. Hopefully it makes a little more sense to you, and you can apply it to your shooting for improved results. Remember; Little things matter at a distance.

-CBM

Primary Arms PLxC 1-8 SFP Riflescope

May 14, 2025Optics, Product review1-8, ACSS NOVA 556, compact, lpvo, nova 556, plx, plxc, primary arms, sfpcoldboremiracle

Preface

If you haven’t noticed, it seems there is a large trend of red dots and low power variable optics LPVO’s going on. And despite my defiance to trends I have stepped right into the deepest part of this one. Today I am excited to share with you another fantastic LPVO, this one came from out of left field for me. The Primary Arms PLxC 1-8 S FP riflescope is the subject of our scrutiny today, a compact model from the good folks at Primary Arms. Since I already have a variety of great similar optics, I was curious if this one had what it takes to become my favorite.

primary arms, plx, plxc, lpvo, 1-8x24, low power variable optic, compact, riflescope, scope, quattro-15, desert tech, — my Quattro-15 made a fun host for the PA PLxC

I am no stranger to Primary Arms, and I’ve had the good fortune to use several of their products you can read about here. So as I opened up the box for this PLxC, my curiosity was high.

Unboxing the PLxC 1-8

Presentation has come a long way, and Primary Arms does a fine job. The PLxC came in a magnetically sealed box, with a variety of accessories you can see below. A factory added throw-lever is nice, as was the rubber bikini lens cover. I wasn’t expecting a sun shade on this scope so that was an added bonus. For some reason I haven’t figured out yet, the windage turret was uncapped and the cap fit in a pocket in the box foam. Of course there was also the typical lens cloth, owner manual and warranty information.

primary arms, plx, plxc, lpvo, 1-8x24, low power variable optic, compact, riflescope, scope,

The Primary Arms cantilever mount you see in my pictures is a perfect fit for this scope. And though I included it in the pictures it is not included with the scope. It is available separately in either a 30 or 34 millimeter option with either zero or twenty MOA cant built into it.

As I said, it is a very nice quality presentation. But as I lifted the scope from the box my interest grew even more. The PLxC is quite compact, more so than I had expected. It wasn’t what I would call heavy, but it does have that quality thick feel to it. I was particularly impressed when I put the scope up to my eye, the image was outstanding. The optical performance of this scope and its compact size are likely what demands its asking price of $1499. After some additional inspection, it was time to get this scope mounted.

Features

Primary Arms Compact PLxC 1-8X24 SFP Rifle Scope Features
Battery	CR2032
Click Value	.1 MRAD per click
Color	Black
Exit Pupil Diameter	Low: 8mm / High: 3mm
Eye Relief	Low: 3.2 in / High: 3.7 in
Field of view @100 yards	Low: 121 ft / High: 15 ft
Focal Plane	Second
Reticle / Illumination	ACSS NOVA-556 / Red
Length	9.2 Inches
Magnification	1X – 8X
Tube Diameter	30MM
Objective Diameter	24mm
Reticle	ACSS NOVA 5.56 BDC
Total Elevation Adjustment	100 MOA
Total Windage Adjustment	100 MOA
Turret Type	Capped Turrets, Low Profile, Tool Adjustable
Weight	16.8 Ounces
Warranty	Lifetime

With the PLxC mounted to a rifle, it was much easier to evaluate its features. The throw lever is a nice touch, particularly for these kind of optics. The turrets are easily adjusted by hand, and you can cap them to protect them from moving while shooting. Though to be fair, they are very lo profile and have good resistance so they are unlikely to be inadvertently moved. Even the turret caps are nice, with a rubber gasket to keep them from rattling loose and coming off.

The illumination is also very high quality. Its extremely bright red center of the reticle can be used as a red dot, and made visible even in bright daylight. This feature is bolstered by Primary’s AutoLive® battery cap, which has an auto-shutoff after a specified time of inactivity. To my surprise, the AutoLive® cap can also be used on scopes manufactured by other optics companies as well.

The bright glass, sharp reticle, tough turrets, clean illumination and the whole finish of this scope gave a great impression of quality. I hadn’t even fired a shot yet, and I was already excited about it.

Steyr, AUG, AUG A3 M2, AUG A3 M2 NATO, bullpup, steyr aug, primary arms, PLXC, LPVO — the **Steyr AUG A3 M2** with the **Anechoic Anechox 35 suppressor** was a great host for the PLxC

On the Range

A proper range outing was in order to see how the PLx stood up to other optics I’ve used. Among the many LPVO’s I’ve used I figured I would bring along one of my favorites for comparison. An obvious difference was how much more compact the PLx was compared to my Eotech Vudu 1-8. Once the scope shade was added to the PLx it was more comparable to the size of most other LPVO’s, but obviously that is optional. I like sunshades for keeping the sun out of the scope, but almost equally as much for keeping fingers away from the lenses.

the PA PLxC next to a **Eotech Vudu 1-8**, note how much smaller the PLx is

Shooting on the range out to two-hundred yards seemed like a great way to test out the capabilities and virtues of the PLx. With targets set at 50, 75, 100 and 200 yards, I’d be able to take full advantage the PLx features.

I would shoot with the PLx on two different rifles, first was my Desert Tech Quattro 15 AR. It is one of my favorite AR’s, it shoots well and it’s predictable accuracy is ideal for comparing scope performance. The other rifle was a brand new to me Steyr AUG A3 M2, which also turned out to be very handy and fun to shoot using the Primary Arms PLx.

Optical Performance

My very first impressions of the PLx were how fantastic the image is, bright and sharp. I love it when scopes seem to disappear in front of your eye, almost like the image is a bubble floating above your rifle. Instead of a thick black ring with an image within it. Surely this is due to the extra low-dispersion lenses.

iphone camera does no justice to how good this scope looks

The illuminated center dot of the reticle is particularly bright and intense. On all but the lowest of power settings, the dot is very easy to see and use as an aimpoint. In fact at lower magnification settings, it feels more like a red dot than a scope.

The NOVA 556 reticle is also crisp and particularly easy to position over targets, the parallax is fixed apparently at 100 yards based on my experience. Shooting groups at 100 yards was much easier than I’ve experienced in the past with low powered optics like this, I was even able to pick out 5.56 holes in the paper.

athlon Rangecraft velocity pro chronograph, Garmin Xero C1 chronograph, chronograph, comparison, review, garmin, athlon, steyr AUG A3 M2, primary arms PLXC, — testing velocity with the Athlon Rangecraft Chronograph

I’m not a huge fan of BDC reticles, but the NOVA reticle seemed simple enough. And the hold points were close enough to my ammunition that I had no problem hitting 1 MOA targets within the range of reasonable engagement with 5.56 ammunition.

Control Features

The turrets were very nice, and made zeroing the scope to each rifle quite easy. I don’t usually use LPVO’s for long range shooting so I wasn’t going to dial many corrections with these turrets. Adjusting the brightness of the center dot is simple using the Autolive turret, there are off settings between each brightness setting. In today’s market I think that should be a requirement.

I always appreciate throw levers on scopes, and this one is quite handy. And the 180 degree rotation gave full spectrum of the PLx magnification. Its big enough to get a hold of, without being obtrusive.

Accuracy

Turret values were accurate, allowing for exact adjustments when zeroing the scope. The steel on steel internals of the scope are likely responsible for the sharp tracking.

Pros and Cons

The only thing I could find with this optic that I didn’t like was the price. And that’s not to say it isn’t worth it, just that $1500 isn’t a small pill. However, when compared to others like the Nightforce NX8 its a more affordable option. And much cheaper than something like the Trijicon VCOG 1-8, and a better choice in my opinion. The PLx is definitely a significantly better option than the sub $1200 LPVO’s I’ve used.

On the positive side, this is a beautiful little scope to behold. Everything from the machine textured surfaces to the image all feel extremely high quality. The resistance on the controls and the feel of the clicks are all what I expect for a scope at this price point.

The day visible dot is fantastic for rapid target engagement, and the bright optics are fantastic for looking into shadowy interiors from the bright and sunny outside. A perfect option for a short or medium-range carbine in my opinion.

Conclusion

I guess you’ve figured out by this point that I really like the Primary Arms PLxC. Don’t be surprised, I am a bit of an optics nerd. I’ve played with quite a few of them, and this one was an impressive unit I plan to keep close on one of my favorite rifles. If you ever see me on the street, hit me up and I’ll let you have a peak through it.

-CBM

Check out more LPVO reviews here

Steyr AUG A3 M2 NATO

May 12, 2025Product review, Shooting hardwareAUG A3 M2 nato, bullpup, steyr, steyr AUGcoldboremiracle

Introduction

Its another one of those iconic gun stories here today folks. Many of us grew up watching the apex of cinema that was the 1980’s, and you couldn’t watch good films back then without seeing iconic firearms. The Steyr AUG became extremely popular in the late 70’s and thereafter with a variety of law enforcement and military adoptions. Much like FN’s P90 and the HK MP5, the AUG (which I will always pronounce AWE-g) was so different and interesting that it demanded attention. As a true bullpup aficionado, I felt required to revisit the AUG with the release of the new Steyr AUG A3 M2 NATO version of the rifle.

There has been other variants of the rifle, like the famous waffle mag AUG, and even a 9mm version. But the A3 M2 NATO version of the rifle seems to have the best features of all. This rifle uses standard NATO Stanag magazines, but also incorporates a bolt release. This makes the AUG a bit more formidable and useful in tactical operations (at least thats what I think as an absolute unit of a civilian). I could spend a lot of time talking about the history of the AUG and all of its accolades, but you can go scroll through Wikipedia for that. All you need to know is that the Alpha-male terrorist guy from 1988’s smashing hit Die Hard chose the AUG because of his tactical prowess. And thats good enough for us today.

Karl would for sure have traded his waffel AUG for my NATO A3 model, sadly he turned to ballet and we lost him in 1995. RIP Karl

The Steyr AUG A3 M2 NATO

The curious looks of the Steyr AUG is matched by an equally interesting operation. The polymer buttstock houses the sear-pack, recoil pad, and magazine well. The receiver is captured by a sliding plastic former after being pushed in from the front. The barrel features external lugs not unlike a the bolt, both of them are inserted to the receiver and rotate to lock in.

Operation

The barrel assembly has a spring-loaded locking detent making barrel removal extremely quick and easy. The gas piston is located on the right side of the receiver, and pushes a long operation rod that is attached to the right side of the bolt-carrier.

On the opposite side of the bolt-carrier, there is a near twin operating rod that engages the charging handle on the left side. The charging handle has a polymer folding design, it can be folded in both at the front and rear of its travel. It also features two snap-springs that hold the charging handle in place to the front while shooting to stop reciprocation.

Steyr, AUG, AUG A3 M2, AUG A3 M2 NATO, bullpup, steyr aug, primary arms, PLXC, LPVO, charging handle — left-side detail: note folding charging handle, and safety behind the trigger

The safety is a push-push type, a simple plastic square that goes through the receiver behind the trigger. The trigger itself is also polymer, and attaches to two steel rods that transfer movement to the sear pack in the rear.

Steyr, AUG, AUG A3 M2, AUG A3 M2 NATO, bullpup, steyr aug, primary arms, PLXC, LPVO, charging handle, bolt release

Also on the left-rear-side of the buttstock, you will find the bolt-release that makes this A3 M2 model so much better than previous versions of the rifle. It allows you to seat the magazine and drop the bolt almost in one motion.

Other Features

Up front you will find the down-grip, one of the AUG’s famous features. The grip can be pulled and folded parallel under the barrel for lower profile. Right above the down-grip on the right side, you will find the gas block and gas valve.

Because its not 1988 anymore, and the petulant tyrants who banned the import of this Austrian beauty for years because of its incredibly dangerous features; I choose to shoot the AUG suppressed like my other guns, for sporting purposes and whatever else I see fit. So I have the suppressor gas valve for the rifle, which helps reduce overgassing due to suppressor backpressure.

the AUG A3 M2 made a great suppressor host for my **Anechoic Anechox 35**

On the right side roughly two o’clock position there is an accessory pic rail for adding accessories. And across the top of the receiver you will find another picatinny rail for mounting sights. There is also a factory made 3X optical sight that can be installed in place of the pic rail. But it DEFINITELY came from the 80’s, and there it should stay.

Steyr, AUG, AUG A3 M2, AUG A3 M2 NATO, bullpup, steyr aug, steyr 3x optic, AUG optic, AUG scope, — the factory **Steyr AUG 3X optical sight**

Range Preparation

I was excited to get this rifle on the range, mainly to see how it compared to other bullpups I’ve shot. Which are not few. But before that, I would need to pull the flash-hider that made it so dangerous to import once upon a time. I would try a couple suppressors, first the Yankee Hill Machine Fat Cat because it is super short. Keeping the already compact AUG as short as possible would maintain its designer’s purpose. I’d also use my Anechoic Anechox 35, it too does a great job taming noise. Its flow thru design would hopefully keep me from suffocating in exhAUGst from the ejection port.

For sights, I installed my Primary Arms PLxC 1-8 low power variable optic (LPVO). The impressive clarity and sharpness would come in handy for shooting this rifle.

I grabbed a few different mags to see how they each faired in the AUG. And to fill the magazine, I would use a few different options. Some PMC Xtac 55 grain ammo, as well as some Hornady 62 grain FMJ ammo, and for accuracy I figured I’d try some PMC Match 77 grain.

we tested a variety of different Stanag magazines, and they all worked

Shooting the Steyr AUG A3 M2

I do a lot of my shooting outdoors and in the wild mountains that surround me. But today I took occasion to frequent a local range which I don’t often do. For todays purposes it would be fine. The two-hundred yards available to me were more than enough to test the legs of the AUG.

a wiff of burnt powder is inevitable when shooting suppressed

Shootability

As an ardent bullpup fan, the AUG came to me as very familiar. The balance and weight was like others I’m used to. But since I was used to other rifles like my WLVRN, I did have to reconfigure a few of my muscle memories.

The mag release works great, and makes sense to have it there. But I wouldn’t mind if it was more like my WLVRN or an X95. The balance on this rifle was outstanding, even with a suppressor up front. You could single-hand shoot this rifle all day.

Reliability

The Steyr AUG has been well known for its reliability. Both in law enforcement and military the AUG has seen long-term service on basically every continent. We found the AUG A3 M2 to be perfectly reliable, with no malfunctions experienced during testing.

Ergonomics

You definitely don’t want to shoot the AUG left handed, it’s ejection will likely hit you in the mouth or chin. The seamless back end of the rifle doesn’t offer a great deal of adjustment. So there is no way to adjust the comb-height or length of pull.

The grip has a cutlass style trigger-guard, normally I would say I don’t like them. But the way the trigger is seated within the guard and tucked up I think was well done. The controls in general are simple and no nonsense. The safety is easy to function, though it does feel like a fifty year old design. The charging handle is foldable both at the front and rear of its travel, it can be a little close to optics mounting which can cause occlusions with your knuckles.

Steyr, AUG, AUG A3 M2, AUG A3 M2 NATO, bullpup, steyr aug, primary arms, PLXC, LPVO, YHM fat cat suppresor

Trigger feel is often a concern with bullpup rifles. I have experienced both poor triggers and excellent triggers from some of my favorite bullpup rifles. Previous versions of the AUG were among what I would call ok triggers, but this one seems a little better. Not mushy and more short and crisp than I expected.

Accuracy

I was quite happy with the accuracy of the AUG A3. I wasn’t expecting to be anything fantastic, but 1.5 MOA was decent best groups. Especially considering I was using an LPVO at 8X, I expect I could have done better with a little more scope.

Value

The bullpup 5.56 field is getting pretty deep, though the AUG has been in it for longer than most. The IWI X95 is particularly popular with many folks, and while I don’t hate it there are others I prefer. The X95 can be had for about the same price as the AUG A3 M2, and I think I prefer the Steyr. The Springfield Armory Hellion is around the same price on any given day, and it too shares a strong service record like the AUG and X95.

If you want something cheaper, you could go with the Keltec RDB, and if you want something made in the USA the Desert Tech WLVRN is my favorite of all of these bullpup rifles. If you’re curious about that, you can read my article on the WLVRN Here.

The barrel is quickly and easily removed from the rifle, you can also see the gas valve here.

Pros and Cons

I’m not gonna lie, I really like the Steyr AUG A3 M2 more than I expected to. It shoots well, has a nice impulse, and is quite compact. There are really only a few things I suppose I would change; I’d like a mag-release that could be done with your trigger finger, I really like that feature in the other rifles. And I suppose I’d also like one of the different fore ends made for the AUG by the aftermarket. The down-grip is comfortable but I think I might like something a little different. Lastly it would be nice if there was some modularity in the back end of the gun, like for length of pull and such.

Steyr, AUG, AUG A3 M2, AUG A3 M2 NATO, bullpup, steyr aug, bolt carrier, — the AUG bolt carrier

Its no wonder to me that this gun has remained as popular as it has. It is fun to shoot, and with the added capabilities of the NATO mags, and the new bolt release it really brings the AUG to a better place.

Last Words on the AUG A3

Bullpups are my thing, so I suppose you shouldn’t be surprised I liked one of the most popular models out there. But I’ll also say its not just because I’m a bullpup guy. I found the AUG A3 M2 NATO offers a bit more than its predecessors, and all the good features of every other AUG model. So if you are simply looking for a reliable, compact and fun rifle to shoot the AUG could fill that role. And while you do it you can LARP as the 1980’s action hero you watched as a kid.

-CBM

Chronograph Comparison: Athlon Rangecraft VS. Garmin Xero C1

May 10, 2025Ancillary gear, Product reviewathlon optics, athlon vs. garmin, chronograph, comparison, Garmin, Garmin vs. Athlon, rangecraft, rangecraft velocity pro, versus, xero, xero c1coldboremiracle

Preface

Technology is working its way into every facet of our lives. As the shooting sports and tactical market have continued to flourish, there are more and more technological gadgets involved. Today we are talking about chronographs, a device made to measure the velocity of a projectile moving in flight. Chronographs have changed a lot even since I started using them, and today we are taking a comparative look at two leading chronograph models that you definitely should consider; the Athlon Rangecraft VS. Garmin Xero C1 doppler radar chronographs.

Who Needs a Chronograph?

If you are reading this you are probably like me, looking to upgrade to something better than what you’re used to. Long-range and precision shooting require accurate data for ballistic solvers, and velocity is one of the top data points.

Athlon Optics, Rangecraft chronograph, Velocity pro radar chronograph, desert tech, SRS M2, Apex Rival

For years we setup sky-screens and carefully aligned devices to avoid shooting our gear. Then things changed with Magneto Speed bayonets, carefully attached to the firearms itself. This was a big step in simplifying the process of getting your data. But now we live in a world of bluetooth and Doppler radar. And todays subjects have crammed the technology into something you can carry in your pocket, and simply set them near your rifle to obtain velocities.

I love the idea of being able to easily and quickly setup one of these devices to get an accurate and current velocity for what my ammunition is doing right here and now. This incredibly valuable data once input to your ballistic equation can be the difference between a hit and a miss at any significant distance.

Comparing the Athlon Rangecraft and Garmin Xero Chronographs

Garmin Xero C1 versus Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Chronograph
Feature	Garmin Xero	Athlon Rangecraft
Dimensions	3.03″ x 2.38″ x 1.36″	3.5” x 2.7” x 1.2”
Internal Battery	LIthium Ion	Lithium Ion
Water Rating	IPX7	IP67
Display Type	sunlight-visible, transflective, monochrome	Transreflective LCD Screen
Weight	3.72 oz without tripod 5.67 oz with tripod	4.7 oz without tripod 9 oz with tripod
Battery Life	6 hours	6 hours
Temp Operating range	14°F to 131°F / -10°C to 55°C	14°F to 122°F / -10°C to 55°C
Memory/Shot History	50 Sessions / 100 Shots per Session	50 Sessions / 100 Shots per Session
Charging/Interface	USB-C	USB-C
Connectivity	Bluetooth Enabled	Bluetooth Enabled
Mobile App Interface	ShotView™	Athlon Ballistics

In the Box

Lets start with the basics, these are two very similar products. Both come packaged in a handsome box filled with manuals and information on how to use it. The Athlon unit came with a zippered semi-rigid soft-case that holds the chronograph and tripod neatly.

The Xero also has some nice accessories, you just have to buy them. I found several nice options on Amazon like a silicone exterior for the Xero, and a nice soft case similar to the Athlon one.

Both units com with a compact tripod, and both of these units are very lightweight, there isn’t a lot to them. The Garmin tripod is polymer, and the Athlon tripod appears to be metal. To be honest I like the Athlon tripod better, its heavier weight is more likely to keep the tripod standing. Especially if its anywhere near a muzzle brake.

Both chronographs came with a USB-C charging cable, for easy charging with the rest of your stuff. I even charged mine in the car on the way to the range.

Controls

The Rangecraft chrono has five buttons for controlling the unit; A power/back button, a option/delete and an OK button used for selecting menu items. On the side of the unit there are two up and down selection buttons.

The Xero C1 has four buttons; A power/back button, an OK selection button, and an up and down selection buttons.

The controls on both units are so similar you can almost follow the same process for both when firing them up. Both units give you the option to input the bullet weight you are using, this data point can be used to calculate energy within the chronograph. Both units have a charging point that is covered by a rubber cap.

Using both of these chrono’s on the range together got confusing very quickly. Just because the buttons aren’t in the same place, and I found myself punching the wrong thing as I went back and forth between the two units.

garmin Xero C1 chronograph, athlon rangecraft velocity pro chronograph, chronograph, doppler radar, — testing some 6.5 Grendel loads, need more speed…

Both units allow you to select from various weapons types. There is a setting for rifle, pistol, archery, and air guns. There is also an “other” option, perhaps for AOW’s? 😂🤣😂

In either of the firearm modes, it allows you to select from multiple velocity ranges. The Rangecraft from 600-1800 or 1800 up to 5000 fps. The Garmin version is 600-1700 or 1700 up to 5000 fps. Once again you can see that both of these are extremely similar.

Phone Applications

Both of these chronographs have bluetooth interface that you can use to both analyze the data, as well as store and export. The Garmin app is the ShotView™ application, it has detailed data storage and organization for your shooting sessions.

The Athlon Ballistic app is the app to use with the Rangecraft Velocity Pro chronograph. It does much of the same, allowing you to analyze, store and export data. The added benefit is the data can be used right there in the app to add to your ballistic profiles for immediate firing solutions.

Chronograph Accessories

Besides the carrying case’s there are some other great accessories for these chronographs. Leophoto makes a nice ARCA mounted chronograph support that appears will work for both units. My favorite accessory is the Area 419 ARCA Lock Arm for the Garmin chronograph, and with minimal alteration I got my Rangecraft to fit it as well.

Kinetic Development Group also makes a great looking little Kinect Mount that attaches to your rifle by M-LOK. I haven’t used it before but based on looks and my experience with KDG products I expect it would be a fantastic option. It also appears it might fit both units.

On the Range with the Garmin Xero C1 and Athlon Rangecraft Chronograph

To compare these two units, I made a special range trip. I brought several firearms for a variety of different test results. Results from a 9mm pistol, a 6.5 Grendel, 8.6 Blackout, 5.56 carbine, and a 308 Winchester carbine. It was a fair spread of velocities and bullet types that would all test the capabilities of these chronographs.

my **Desert Tech SRS** fitted with the **Sig Sauer Tango 6** was used for velocity testing

Accuracy

Both of the chrono’s seemed to be within 10-25 FPS of each other on most everything I shot. And they were both within 10-15 FPS of velocities tested against a Magnetospeed chronograph as well. I don’t know what caused the disparity between the units, perhaps using the two together might have been causing the issue. I’m not sure how Doppler works but perhaps they were interfering with each other.

They were both reliable in picking up a signal on each shot. And they were also both good at not picking up bullets that weren’t mine. When someone close to me would shoot, neither of the units would register the shot.

Update: because folks kept asking, I retried a few different times to see how much difference there was between the velocity readings compared to a Magneto Speed chronograph. It does seem that the Garmin Xero C1 was closer to the Magneto Speed more often than the Athlon Rangecraft.

You can also select your preferred metric units. There are FPS, MPS, miles and kilometers to cover everyone. And if you prefer grams and joules over grains and foot pounds you can also select between those on the Rangecraft Velocity Pro. The Xero allows you to customize the layout for your data points for analysis.

Usability

Since these two are very comparable in function and size, it’s a little hard to judge some features. The Athlon has an additional button which gives it a very slight edge in controllability. Only because you don’t have to double up the pushing of buttons for certain purposes. The Athlon is heavier, but we’re talking ounces here so don’t worry about it too much.

The two different screen types definitely show in differing light. I thought the Garmin’s darker screen would be harder to see in hard sunlight, but it wasn’t bad at all. Both units have the ability to adjust the brightness of the screens, and select black on white or white on black. The Rangecraft also has dark setting, and a grey option. Though to be fair the differences were minimal.

The Xero also has a Pro Settings where you can turn the bullet weight entry prompt off and on. As well as the alignment diagram, I kind of wish the Athlon had the same feature. If nothing else just for less clicking buttons while setting up.

The convenience of having such quick access to velocity data is exceptional. And a definite game changer to have something this simple in your pocket for any and all shooting scenarios.

the **Steyr AUG A3 M2** fitted with a **Primary Arms PLxC 1-8** and the **Anechoic Anechox 35 suppressor**

Connection

Both units easily paired to my phone through their respective apps. And both prompt you with a QR code to download the app when you select connection. The connect feature can also be turned off, to isolate both units from connecting. The USB-C charging point was easy to access and keep both units powered up before use.

The battery life is great in my opinion. I rarely have velocity testing sessions that last more than an hour or so, but these units after several hours of use were still showing 75% battery life. And that’s not bad considering all the button pushing and changes I made during that time.

Pros and Cons

Cons

Today we’ll start out with demerits of each unit starting with the Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro; While it is slightly heavier, I actually prefer its heavy bipod to hold it down. I also found that there seemed to be a very slight delay in the button response. Often causing me to select unwanted menu choices and such, this is simply something you’d get used to with use I suspect.

Shooting a pistol standing next to the bench with either unit recorded velocities handily

The Garmin Xero C1 on the other hand is costlier, available on Optics Planet for $599. If you already are a Garmin kinda person, with GPS’s and watches and such that might be worth it to you. I also wish it came with some kind of case, for an additional two hundred clams you’d think they could throw in even the 15$ case I showed above from Amazon.

Pros

On the positive side for the Rangecraft, it is significantly more affordable than the Garmin. It can also be had on Optics Planet for $399. I mentioned the nice case it came with, as well as the more inclusive Athlon Ballistic app interface.

By comparison, the Garmin Xero has much wider aftermarket support. With a great deal more accessory options from big names you can trust. The Xero is lighter overall, and a touch smaller as well, which is great for on the go shooters. Additionally there is a bit more customization option with your data when using the Garmin.

the **Area 419** ARCA Lock Arm was designed perfectly for the Xero C1

Both units are exceptionally convenient, and might be the most pleasant thing to add to your shooting bag this year. Allowing you to get velocities without attaching anything to your barrel. While they are a little more expensive than what we are used to, the added convenience is well worth the money in my opinion.

My Conclusion

If you are the kind of shooter that needs quick access to velocities, then I can fully endorse purchasing either of these units. But I can absolutely make an argument for economy here. You may have been telling yourself throughout reading this review: “he keeps making these sound like the same thing”. And that is almost my exact impression as well.

While either of these units I believe will perform as well as any of us might need, there is very slight difference between them. The Garmin might have a couple data features over the Athlon, but in all honesty, I cannot see anything worth shelling out another two-hundred dollars for. I have nothing against either of them. But if I was to go back in time with six-hundred dollars in my pocket to spend on a chronograph, I’d come back with the Rangecraft and two-hundred dollars worth of primers or something. If that sounds like something you would also do, follow me for more money saving advice.