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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.

Dark Storm Industries, DS-25, modern fighting rifle, MDR, 6.5 Creedmoor, short barreled rifle, sbr, vector optics, micro prism, magnifier,
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

bergara, premier canyon, vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, suppressed, suppressed rifle sitting on a shooting bench with accessories,

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.

vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, adjusting magnification

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.

bergara, premier canyon, vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, suppressed, shooting with pine trees and slopes behind,
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.

vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, rifle scope, unboxing,
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.

Vector Optics, continental, 3-18x50, rifle scope, turret, zero-stop, battery, illumination
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.

bergara, premier canyon, vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, suppressed, suppressed rifle sitting on a shooting bench with accessories, athlon chronograph,
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%.

optics planet, discount,

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 .

vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, adjusting windage turret,

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

us optics, TXH, 3-18x56, vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, Kahles optics, Kales 318i, riflescope, scope,

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.

remington 700, 260 remington, custom rifle, primary arms, glx, 3-18x44, suppressed rifle sitting on rocks with snowy mountain background
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.

bergara, premier canyon, vector optics, continental, 3-18x50, suppressed, suppressed rifle sitting on a shooting bench with accessories,
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

Vector Optics, frenzy, red dot, sight, enclosed emitter, pistol, shadow systems, dr 920, 9mm

Field Testing the Vector Optics Frenzy 1x17x20 MRT Red Dot

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Intro

As red dot sights become more and more popular, many variations of them are being brought to market. The enclosed emitter type is a more recent development, and today I am bringing you a review of another enclosed emitter option. This one comes from Vector optics, and it is called the Frenzy 1x17x20 MRT red dot. The Frenzy family has various models for differing applications, possibly one for every need.

The Vector Optics Frenzy 1x17x20 MRT Red Dot

Standing out from the other Frenzy models, the 1x17x20 MRT uses aspheric lenses and an enclosed emitter. Keeping the emitter sealed inside the housing prevents contamination and deterioration of the reticle. The aspheric lenses on the other hand, improve peripheral vision when looking through the sight. Giving an overall better view than traditional spherical lenses.

the Frenzy and its included accessories

Controlling the Frenzy is done using two rubberized buttons on the left side of the optic. There are nine brightness settings and two for night vision usage. There is a motion sensing option, that will auto shut-off after three minutes of not moving, and power back up instantly upon moving.

Specifications

SpecificationDetails
MagnificationN/A
Window Lens Size / Objective Lens Size17×20 mm / 0.67×0.79 in
Eye ReliefN/A
Parallax≤ 2 MOA
Parallax Setting25 yards
Dot Size / Reticle3 MOA Dot, Circle, Crosshair, etc.
Dot / Reticle ColorRed
SensorMotion Sensor
Click Value1 MOA
Elevation Adjustment Range≥ 90 MOA
Windage Adjustment Range≥ 90 MOA
FootprintMGT (comparable to RMSc/SMS footprint)
Mounting RailWeaver
Illumination Setting9 Daylight & 2 Night Vision
Battery TypeCR1620
Battery Life50,000 hours (Lowest Power Mode)
Battery PlacementSide Loading
WaterproofIP67
Shockproof1500 G
Working Temperature-20~+60°C / 2H
Housing Material7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Mount Material6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
FinishMatte Black
Weight (without mount)26 g / 0.92 oz
Items in the PackageUser Manual, Cleaning Cloth, Vekey, Weaver Mount, Hex Keys, etc.

Features

 Multi-Reticle Options: 3 MOA Dot, Crosshair, and Circle with 9 Brightness Levels & 2 NV Illumination Modes for Diverse Shooting Scenarios. I used the Frenzy with the dot and the circle dot, I like the precise aimpoint of the dot alone, but the larger circle dot is nice for covering targets. The brightness settings all seemed perfectly adequate in daylight and less. I even tried the NV settings which were perfectly visible, though it did seem a little harder to get a clear presentation of everything. But that could be more a NV thing than to do with the Frenzy.

the Frenzy was right at home on my Shadow Systems DR920, seen here with the Nightstick TWM-30-T

· Distortion-Free Clarity: Aspheric Lens Minimizes Aberration, 26g / 0.92oz Lightweight Design Ideal for EDC. I did notice a little difference than with other red dots, it seemed there was better reticle acquisition. As well there was less distortion when moving the red dot, the target area behind the reticle seemed more stable.

· Smart Power Management: Motion Sensor Prevents Wasted Battery, Side-Loading Design Allows Easy Replacement Without Losing Zero. I can’t believe this isn’t standard equipment on every red dot on the market. The auto power off is a great feature to save battery power, and the power-up is instantaneous with any movement. I did notice that it did take slightly longer than advertised to shut down, but that is nothing to worry about in my opinion.

· All-Weather Performance: 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy with IP67 Waterproof Enclosed Design for Reliable Outdoor Use. Another fantastic feature that keeps rain and snow out of the important parts of your sight. Even in pretty thick snow fall, it was easy to just wipe the front and back lenses clear. With no concern of anything getting into the emitter.

· Broad Compatibility: MGT Footprint Fits RMSc/SMS Mounts for GLOCK® 43X/48 MOS, Canik® TP9, Walther® PPS, etc. This was a new one for me, I guess the MGT footprint is one Vector Optics created. It did fit perfectly on various handguns, making it a great choice if you have a variety. I really liked the configurable footprint of my Ruger RXM which the Frenzy-S dropped into perfectly.

Mounting the Frenzy

So far I’ve mounted the Frenzy on two different Glock clone pistols. The first one is my Shadow Systems DR920, it too has variable mounting options for different red dots. But the Frenzy fit snugly, and easily allowed the use of the rear sight when looking through the window of the sight. The Frenzy has a rear sight incorporated to its housing, so in the event your pistol’s rear sight is too short or removed to run a red dot you can use this one.

The Frenzy came with various different mounting screws that can be used in different pistol slides. This was very handy when I decide to swap the sight over to my Ruger RXM. It dropped into place after configuring the recoil pins into the right location. And with a touch of Loctite, I torqued down the screws to keep it in place.

looking through the window of the Frenzy on the RXM

Shooting with the Frenzy Red Dot

Some enclosed emitter red dots have a very narrow field of view, which makes it feel like looking through a small tube, instead of looking through a window like most red dots. I have used some very popular red dot sights that seemed too narrow, and didn’t care for the view. One thing I like about this Frenzy is it doesn’t block out the area around the target, it feels like most open red dots giving a pretty wide field of view.

Zeroing the Frenzy was simple using the miniature rifle shaped tool that was included with it. Adjusting the reticle to match the iron sight position was quick and easy. The two buttons are rubberized which makes them easy to feel, and adjustments are concise with a small click everytime the button is pushed.

adjusting the brightness of the Frenzy is easy using the rubberized buttons. The RXM with the Frenzy and Streamlight TLR-8 is an excellent combination

You can cycle through the brightness settings easily using the two buttons. Changing the reticle is done by holding down the + button until it changes to one of the three options. Carrying a pistol with the Frenzy was great because of its small size. Many enclosed emitter red dots are much bigger than this, making them a little uncomfortable for CCW. With its small size it fit neatly into holsters and doesn’t extend beyond the width of the slide.

the Frenzy mounted on the Ruger RXM fit perfectly into my Safariland Incog-X holster

Pros and Cons

The Frenzy feels well built, with its aluminum housing that appears to be machined from a single piece. The lenses are clear and give excellent transmission without much reticle flare. The MSRP of $249 might seem a bit steep to some, but it can easily be had for as little as $169.99 That is reasonable considering I’ve seen many others priced comparably that are inferior.

And not only does the Frenzy come with a limited lifetime warranty, they also come with a 15 day money back guarantee. They give you plenty of ways out should you not like the product, but I expect you will. The only strike against the Frenzy is arguably that it is made overseas. But nearly all red dots are made in Asia, and it hasn’t stopped some of them from being among the most desireable sights on the market.

Final Thoughts

This Vector Optics Frenzy 1x17x20 MRT is definitely a red dot that will stay on my more frequently used pistols. I have really grown to appreciate its clear view and easily picked up reticle. There is very little not to like about this dot, so it will stay in my collection of most used red dots.

-CBM

rokstad, vector optics, tripod, carbon fiber, nikon, fieldscope, remington 700, .260 remington, us optics,

Rokstad Tauron Carbon Fiber Tripod

Ancillary gear, Product review, , , , ,

Introduction

Tripods have become a big part of shooting activities. Whether it is for building a support position for your rifle, or positioning support optics, tripods are a fantastic accessory. I have had the good fortune to use a variety of different tripods of various types and situations. This has opened my eyes to the value of a good tripod, in the right situation. Today I am bringing you a review of another tripod, built specifically for shooting sports. This tripod comes from the folks at Vector Optics, but it is a sub-brand. The Rokstad Tauron carbon fiber tripod is of heavy duty construction, with extendable carbon fiber locking legs. Using the tripod together with Rokstad’s 56mm ball-head gives you impressive mounting and manipulation.

Having arrived right before hunting season would give me a great opportunity to put this tripod to work. Using the Rokstad tripod to support both firearms, spotting scopes, and other items. Over the next couple months, I would use the tripod on the range, out in the deserts and in the high frozen country of the Rocky Mountains.

rokstad, vector optics, tripod, carbon fiber, nikon, fieldscope, Nikon Monarch 82ED-A Fieldscope
my Nikon Monarch 82m Fieldscope mounted in the Rokstad tripod

Rokstad Tauron Specifications

Leg Sections4
Leg LocksTwist
Folded Length56 cm / 22.05 in
Maximum Height169 cm / 66.54 in
Main Tube Diameter34 mm
Max Load35 kg / 77 lbs
Tube MaterialCarbon Fiber
Angle AdjustmentsYes
Feet Tripod SpikeYes
Weight2.12 kg / 74.78 oz
Items in the PackageStorage Bag and Hex Keys

Much thought went into the design of this tripod, adding some clever features. And at the exact same time, the tripod is a simple device. With four extendable sectioned legs, it is a very tall tripod, one could put a sheet around it and use it as a rain shelter.

Attaching a ball head or other device on top of the tripod is done using either a 1/4 threaded stud, or a 3/8 threaded stud. The cunning design has a spring loaded stud, that allows you to pull out the one you want to use, while the other stud collapses inside.

Vector Optics, Rokstad, tripod, carbon fiber, shooting tripod, ball head,

The lightweight carbon fiber legs are very stiff and strong, the rubberized twist-locking rings allow fast deployment. At the bottom end of the legs there are rubber feet, the feet can be twisted up revealing steel spikes for better traction. Additionally, the legs lock in three different angles, allowing you many options for configuring the tripod.

Vector Optics, Rokstad, tripod, carbon fiber, shooting tripod, ball head, feet, spike,

With its robust construction, the Tauron Tripod can hold up to 77lbs on top. Which is more than I would ever plan on putting there. Rokstad offers a 38mm and 56mm ball head to mount on the Tauron tripod, I selected the 56mm.

Rokstad 56mm Ball Head

The ball head itself is also built well, with a nice finish and look all around. The ball head features 360 degree rotation, and also includes the typical 90 degree drop notch that allows you to hit extreme angles.

On top of the ball, there is a dual clamp that is tightened by a thumb-screw. The clamp itself is designed to hold both ARCA rail systems as well as picatinny rail systems. This will allow you to mount a variety of firearms and other items to the tripod.

Vector Optics, Rokstad, tripod, carbon fiber, shooting tripod, ball head, nikon, fieldscope,

Controls on the ball head are very easy to operate. There is a smaller tension knob that controls the resistance when panning the ball head. And the larger knob adjusts the clamping resistance on the ball itself, the knob has various numbers showing the resistance setting. Interestingly, these controls typically add resistance as you tighten the knob. But on this ball head, the resistance as you tighten the knob doesn’t seem to increase with commensurate resistance on the ball. This allow easy manipulation of the ball head with less effort.

The ball head comes with a small rubberized section of ARCA that can be used to attach a rifle, spotting scope or other device to quickly attach to the tripod.

Vector Optics, Rokstad, tripod, carbon fiber, shooting tripod, ball head, custom 10/22, primary arms, glx, 22lr, .22lr, suppressed, spectre 2,
shooting from the Tauron tripod was steady and comfortable, seen here my custom 10/22 with the Primary Arms GLx 3-18 scope and Silencerco Spectre 22 suppressor

In the Field with the Rokstad Tauron Tripod

Whether on the range, out in the desert, or high in the Rocky Mountains chasing mule deer, this tripod was a fantastic tool. I used it for supporting my spotting optics, my camera, rifles and other items.

rokstad, vector optics, tripod, carbon fiber, nikon, fieldscope, sig sauer, kilo 10k,
the Rokstad Tauron is extremely stable for glassing with these Sig Sauer Kilo 10k Binos

I found the controls of the tripod and ball head to be very easy and intuitive to operate. While the tripod is very light compared to non-carbon fiber options, but I didn’t often choose to pack it along during hunts. This size of tripod is great for short walks and or range operations. It isn’t often I would take this or any comparable tripod on long hikes through rough country.

Vector Optics, Rokstad, tripod, carbon fiber, shooting tripod, ball head, maven optics, spotting scope, compact, CS 1A 15-45x,

Using both the rubber feet and the spike s underneath the tripod made a very sturdy structure. Making an excellent platform to shoot from, as well as watching target animals. I did notice occasionally the rubber feet would rattle loose, which would expose the spikes. This isn’t a big deal, as the rubber feet are captured and cannot fall off when loose, but it was a slight inconvenience at times.

Locking the legs in their various positions was quick and easy using the locking lugs, I did find that I like other designs slightly better. Because the locks can be pulled from the front or pushed out from the back. The Rokstad design can only be pulled from the front, this is a minor issue that you likely would miss unless you were used the something else.

Quality

One of the concerns many folks have about foreign built products is the level of quality in construction. I have been quite impressed with the quality of other Vector Optics products, so it came as no surprise that I was also pleased with the Rokstad sub-brand as well. The finish on this tripod is great, the carbon fiber has an excellent build. All the machine work is done well, and there is even a touch of style to it.

rokstad, vector optics, tripod, carbon fiber, nikon, fieldscope, desert tech, srs m2, continental,
if that rifle looks familiar its because my Desert Tech SRS M2 is wearing the Vector Optics 6-36×56 scope, its mounted in an Area 419 scope mount, and on top you can see the US Optics RISE red dot.

The controls are crisp and strong, you definitely feel like you can push against this tripod. By that I mean both physically and against its stops. The leg extension locks are very tight, and don’t require heavy torquing to lock the extensions in place. Same with the leg angle locks. And the ball head controls are very tactile allowing sharp control of friction settings.

Usability

I found the Tauron tripod to be every bit as comfortable to use as other tripods I’ve used. The rubberized leg extension locks are quick and easy to use, and deploying the legs of the tripod is quick and smooth. The articulation of the legs allows me to get into most any setup with this tripod, giving excellent support.

rokstad, vector optics, tripod, carbon fiber, nikon, fieldscope, desert tech, srs m2, continental,
you can see the ball tension knob, as well as the smaller pan tension knob, multiple bubble levels are also built-in various places on the tripod

Articulating the ball head took a moment to get used to, but once I’d figured it out I quite liked it. Being able to lock both ARCA rails and picatinny rails was a great benefit. Two of the three legs have a foam grip area for comfortably carrying the tripod. Which is especially nice in extreme cold weather.

Value

Rokstad’s Tauron tripod is definitely less expensive than some of the competition. Even compared to some other tripods built overseas, it is still much more affordable. There is obviously good reason behind this, we all know there is no free lunch. While it is lighter than some comparable tripods, it is far from the lightest. It has great features and controls despite others having some better options. But all this should come as no surprise for a tripod that cost only four hundred and fifty dollars (at time of publication). Many of the comparable tripods cost double or triple what this one costs. I am sure I am not the only one who often will take the affordability over a slight advantage in performance.

rokstad, vector optics, tripod, carbon fiber, nikon, fieldscope, desert tech, srs m2, continental,

Pros and Cons

I found very few things to hate on the Rokstad Tauron tripod. It was comfortable and easy to operate, and the controls were intuitive and easy to figure out. The product is well-built giving great stability for either observation optics or firearms. All the control surfaces have textured grip, and the sticky rubber grip areas make short work of extending the legs.

Vector Optics, Rokstad, tripod, carbon fiber, shooting tripod, ball head, maven optics, spotting scope, compact, CS 1A 15-45x,
my compact Maven CS 15-45 spotting scope mounted to the Tauron

If I had to change something about this tripod, it would probably be the following; I’d love to put it on a diet. It’s not like a boat anchor or anything, but it could be lighter. That could be said for most comparable tripods as well, so keep that in mind. I’d also like it if they vented the legs, the air pressure built when extending or collapsing the legs does create some resistance that could be neutralized by venting the interior of the legs.

rokstad, vector optics, tripod, carbon fiber, nikon, fieldscope, desert tech, srs m2,
Here you can see the extended leg-locks that allows a hard stop for each leg

Also, I really like the dual clamp on the ball head, but I wish it had a lever to tension the clamp instead of a thumbscrew. Thumbscrews are a little less tactile for tensioning such a clamp, especially in the cold. And lastly, the tripod came with a very handy and well made carry bag, complete with a shoulder strap and such. Unfortunately they made the bag too small to use with the ball head installed, which is a massive drawback. I will likely never use the bag now, as I’m not likely ever going to be removing the ball head while transporting the Tauron.

Final Thoughts

Overall I think the Tauron is a great little tripod, meaning I think most folks out there would at minimum find it adequate if not better. If you are new to carbon fiber shooting tripods, I think this will work great for you. And if you have a collection of them as I do, this will fit in to it just fine.

rokstad, vector optics, tripod, carbon fiber, nikon, fieldscope, remington 700, .260 remington, us optics,
here you can see CBM Junior’s rifle mounted in the tripod via the pic rail up front

Rokstad’s Tauron tripod gives great quality and features at a price well below much of the competition. Like it or not, the price is likely due to its overseas construction. If you are looking for a great little tripod to put in your shooting gear, this one is worth looking at.

-CBM

vector optics, continental, 6-36x56, long-range riflescope, ffp, mil, mrad, Desert Tech, SRS M2, anechoic, anechox 35 suppressor, two vets tripod

Vector Optics Continental 6-36X56

Optics, Product review, , , , , ,

Intro

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

The Continental 6-36×56 Rifle Scope

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

Specifications

Magnification6-36x
Objective Lens Dia56 mm
Focal PlaneFirst Focal Plane
Eye Relief100 mm / 4.0 in
Lens CoatingFully Multi-coated
Linear Field of View @ 100 yd21.6 – 3.6 ft @ 100 yards
Linear Field of View @ 100 m7.2 – 1.2 m @ 100 meters
Angular Field of View °4.13 – 0.69 °
ReticleVEC-MBR2
Tube Dia34 mm
Side Focus15 yards to Infinity
Click Value1/10 MIL
Turret FunctionZero Stop, Turret Lock
Elevation Adjustment Range≥ 31 MIL
Windage Adjustment Range≥ 18 MIL
Diopter Compensation-3 to +2
Illumination Setting11 brightness settings, On/Off between each
Battery TypeCR2032
WaterproofIP67
FogproofNitrogen Filled
Shockproof1000 G
Housing Material6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
FinishMatte Black
Length404 mm / 15.9 in
Weight861 g / 30.4 oz
Items in the PackageUser Manual, Plastic Wrench, Cleaning Cloth, Sunshade, Flip-up Caps, Spare Turret, 34mm Picatinny Rings, etc.
desert tech, srs m2, vector optics, continental 6-36x56, prs, competition, snipers hide cup,
after many months of hard use and even some competition, the Continental continues to perform

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

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

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

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

Mounting the Continental 6-36

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

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

Zeroing the Scope and Zero-Stop function

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

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

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

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

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

Shooting with the Continental 6-36

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

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

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

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

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

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

Optical Clarity

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parallax Adjustment

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

Turret Function & Tracking

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

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

vector optics, continental, 6-36x56, long-range riflescope, ffp, mil, mrad,
the push/pull locking system is crisp and solid. The elevation turret is marked with numbers for three rotations.

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

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

Reticle

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

Pros and Cons

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

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

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

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

Concluding Thoughts

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

-CBM

Click here for more Riflescope Reviews

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, desert tech, quattro 15, aero precision, quadmag 53, yankee hill machine, fat cat, suppressor

Vector Optics Continental 2-12X44

Optics, Product review, , , , ,

Preface

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

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret, bergara, premier canyon,
almost an LPVO? check out more on that subject here

Vector Optics Continental 2-12

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

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

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

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

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret,
note rotation indicator pin elevated on top of the turret. On the 1st rotation it pops up red, and on the second rotation it exposes the silver under the red.

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

Specifications

Magnification2-12x
Objective Lens Dia44 mm
Focal PlaneFirst Focal Plane
Eye Relief100 mm / 4.0 in
Lens CoatingFully Multi-coated
Linear Field of View @ 100 yd62.4 – 10.8 ft @ 100 yards
Linear Field of View @ 100 m20.8-3.6 m @ 100 meters
Angular Field of View11.92 – 2.06 °
ReticleVET-CTR 2 Etched Glass
Tube Dia34 mm
Side Focus10 yards to Infinity
Click Value1/10 MIL
Turret FunctionZero Stop, Turret Lock
Elevation Adjustment Range≥63 MIL
Windage Adjustment Range≥30 MIL
Diopter Compensation-2 to +2
Illumination Setting11 Gears, On/Off Switch
Battery TypeCR2032
WaterproofIP67
FogproofNitrogen Filled
Shockproof1000 G
Housing Material6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
FinishMatte Black
Length317 mm / 12.5 in
Weight767 g / 27.1 oz
Items in the PackageUser Manual, Cleaning Cloth, Plastic Wrench, Lens Caps, Spare Elevation Turret, sunshade, scope rings

Unboxing the Continental 2-12

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

plenty of added accessories included

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

Mounting Solution

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

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, rings,
the included rings from Vector Optics

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

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

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

Shooting with the Vector Continental 2-12

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

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, desert tech, quattro 15, aero precision, quadmag 53, yankee hill machine, fat cat, suppressor

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

Round Two

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

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

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

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

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret, FFP, reticle
The VET-CTR 2 reticle seen at 12X left, and 2X right. When illuminated the outer ring and center most ring are lit.
Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret, FFP, reticle, illumination,
illumination setting 9 out of 11 as seen at 5X

Zero Stop

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

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

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret,
the two elevation turrets, the zero-stop feature is present only in the left cap with the red pin

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

Turrets

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

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, turret, bergara, premier canyon,

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

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, desert tech, quattro 15, aero precision, quadmag 53, yankee hill machine, fat cat, suppressor
check out the YHM Fat Cat suppressor

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

Optical Performance

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

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

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

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

Pros and Cons

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

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

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

Last Words

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

-CBM

Vector optics, continental 2-12x44, riflescope, desert tech, quattro 15, aero precision, quadmag 53, yankee hill machine, fat cat, suppressor
Vector Optics, continental, 1-10x28, ffp, lpvo,

Vector Optics 1-10×28 Continental Rifle Scope

Optics, Product review, , , , , ,

Preface

I am always on the search for the perfect low power variable optic (LPVO), I find them optimal for medium range carbines. And lately, I’ve been on a big medium range kick. Today we are taking a look at a new to me LPVO with some great potential, that scope is the Vector Optics 1-10X28 Continental. The Continental is a 1-10 first focal plane (FFP) scope with a MRAD reticle and 10 MRAD turrets. After a quick look, I felt quite confident I was going to enjoy this scope, but how well could this scope made in China perform?

first look in the box

Vector Optics Continental

The Continental series of optics from Vector feature 34mm tubes, and an impressive erector and turret structure. As a 10X variable, the magnification ring rotates approximately 180 degrees to go from 1X to 10X. The locking turrets give 10 MRAD per rotation with 1/10th MRAD clicks, with very audible and tactile clicks.

The elevation turret also features an impressive zero-stop function, that is both precise and solid. Additionally, there is a visible and tactile indicator that pops up with a red pin that you can both see and feel when you turn into the second turret rotation. And when you turn into the third rotation, it pops up even further, exposing a silver layer under the red pin indicator.

Inside the scope you will find the VET-CTR reticle, a milling type reticle with a large outer ring for encircling targets up close. As you zoom in the scope you will find a Christmas-Tree-style drop grid, as well as a smaller circle around the center crosshair. When illuminated by the 11-brightness settings, only the large outer ring, and the small inner ring are lit up. At 1X the illuminated rings of the reticle closely mimic the reticle used in many holographic sights. Once the scope is zoomed in beyond about 5X, the outer ring disappears leaving only the center ring illuminated. This gives the feel of a red dot aiming scenario, but you obviously have all the rest of the reticle detail as well.

the VET_CTR reticle seen at low power

Features

Tube Dia34 mm
Parallax Setting100 yards
Click Value1/10 MIL
Turret FunctionZero Stop, Turret Lock
Elevation Adjustment Range51 MIL
Windage Adjustment Range51 MIL
Diopter Compensation-3 to +2
Illumination Setting11 Brightness settings
Battery TypeCR2032
Battery LifeN/A
WaterproofIP68
FogproofNitrogen Filled
Shockproof1000 G
Housing Material6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
FinishMatte Black
Length278 mm / 10.9 in
Weight651 g / 23.0 oz
Items in the PackageA Pair of 34mm Picatinny Scope Rings, A Spare Elevation Turret (Without Zero Stop Feature), User Manual, Lens Caps and Cleaning Cloth, etc

My very first impressions of the 1-10 Continental as I lifted it from the box were very good. It feels quality made, and has perfect resistance on the controls. Optically the scope looks fantastic as well, it feels like a true 1X meaning you can shoot with both eyes open with minimal dispersion between each eye’s perception.

the WLVRN works great with the Yankee Hill Machine Turbo T3

Shooting with the Vector Continental 1-10X28

Before heading to the range to shoot with this scope, I wanted to get it mounted and bore-sighted to the rifle. The rifle I chose for testing the Continental is my Desert Tech WLVRN, it is a multi-caliber rifle that I switch barrels back and forth between .223 and a custom 6ARC that I made for it. To mount the scope, I selected a cantilever mount from Zro Delta. After leveling and mounting the scope, I bore-sighted it to be at least close to zeroed before leaving the house.

the VET-CTR reticle seen at 10X

In my humble opinion, LPVO’s are ideal for short to medium range shooting, typically on a carbine rifle. There is great reason to believe that fast and loose shooting is done well with lower magnification, especially if you can keep both eyes open. But because I enjoy shooting further distances as well, the Continental 1-10 also presents you with the option to engage medium range targets as well. The turrets allow you to correct for distance, and provided you have a gun with the reach, you could easily engage out to a kilometer with such a setup.

That said, most of our shooting with the Continental was done inside the 400 yard-line. The WLVRN in .223 is quite accurate, and hitting small distant targets from supported positions was pretty solid. And even without support, you can quickly engage and take down targets at closer distances.

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Optical Performance

The bright image projected from the Vector Continental was beautiful. I very much appreciated the edge to edge clarity on the scope, at either end of the power spectrum. The reticle was clear and crisp, which can often be a challenge with FFP scopes.

Vector Optics, continental, 1-10x28, ffp, lpvo, Desert Tech, WLVRN, suppressor,
the Zro Delta scope mount made a perfect companion for the Continental

Picking out small details at distances like five to seven-hundred yards was easily doable, for example; a small animal like a squirrel was easily targeted at these distances. There is perhaps only one thing I would change about this scope and that would be to add adjustable parallax. Many LPVO’s come with set parallax, the Continental like many others comes set at 100 yards. For much of your shooting purposes this will be more than fine, but once you start reaching out to longer distances it can affect your ability to make hits. You can certainly work with it, but it would be very nice to have the ability to adjust for parallax.

Reliability

I really like to turrets of the Continental series of optics. The clicks are very clean and audible, which allow you to be very precise with your measurements. The 1-10 model has an impressive amount of erector movement when you consider the firearms it is likely to be used on. The scope comes with two different elevation turrets, one for use with the zero-stop and the other for use without it.

The controls of the Continental 1-10 are intuitive, and allows the shooter to be consistent in adjusting the sight. Measuring the recticle travel against the turrets show very consistent and accurate erector travel, back and forth movement of the controls proved to show reliable movement.

Ergonomics

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Zero-Stop

The way to set the zero-stop requires removing the elevation turret, you gently push in the inner ring of the turret and rotate it according to the arrow printed on it. If zeroing the rifle requires you to dial down on the turret, you might have to remove the turret and release the zero stop by pushing in and turning it counter to the arrow indicated underneath.

After zeroing the rifle, you can again pull the turret off. This time rotate the inner ring with the arrow indicator. When the inner ring engages a locking pin, you will hear an audible click. That aligns the turret with the zero, and you can reinstall the turret. Check to see that it aligns properly on zero after installing.

Vector Optics, continental, 1-10x28, ffp, lpvo, Desert Tech, WLVRN, suppressor,

Value

The Vector Continental line of scopes seems to offer some outstanding value. Features you would find on much more expensive scopes are included, and they not only look good but they function as you’d expect as well. If you are looking for an affordable 1-10 LPVO scope, you should definitely give this one a look.

Vector Optics, continental, 1-10x28, ffp, lpvo, Desert Tech, WLVRN, suppressor,

Pros and Cons

If I had to mention something I would change about this scope, it would be the parallax. I wish it had the same parallax adjustment of its larger Continental siblings. Mainly because a 1-10 power scope can certainly be used out to distances as far as a kilometer, and at distances like that you absolutely need to adjust for parallax. That said, as long as you understand the fixed setting, this scope is still quite useful at such distances.

On the positive side, this scope offers a great deal of features and a good value. The glass looks fantastic, especially considering the price. The reticle is clear and very useful at all the different magnification settings. The large 34mm tube makes a strong base for the scope, and finish and fit of the whole unit is very satisfying.

Vector Optics, continental, 1-10x28, ffp, lpvo, Desert Tech, WLVRN, suppressor,

Conclusion

If you find yourself evaluating short to medium range optics, you should at least consider the Continental 1-10. Whether it be for a medium range carbine or a small scout style bolt-action rifle, this would be a great optical sight option. Again, if it had adjustable parallax I probably would buy two or three more of these for all my carbines. But that’s just me, many of you may not be concerned or need such a feature. Its a beautiful image with precise aiming points for multi-purpose use, if that is something you are looking for you’ve found it here.

-CBM

Check out more optics review here, including other Vector Optics models