Bruce Potts focuses on optics
Bruce Potts focuses on some optics options that will change how you view the countryside
Thermal-imaging scopes and observational devices are now a permanent feature of our shooting kit, with prices and size dropping as quality goes up. Conventional rifle scopes now have better optics, coatings and features, with the cost putting them within reach of many more shooters.
Highland Outdoors markets the Nikko Stirling brand. These were great scopes at a good price when I was a lad and there’s now the new InfiRay brand to boost availability of the latest thermal technology.
Diamond LR 4-16x50mm
The Diamond scopes have a proven history of reliability and optical quality. I have several on my Venom Arms customs and now the long-range version achieves precision sight adjustments as well. This compact scope has a 30mm aircraft-grade aluminium one-piece tube with a saddle parallax focus from 10yd to infinity, thus making this scope good for air rifles all the way to centrefires.
The glass-etched half mil dot or holdfast reticle is great for trajectory compensation and the broad, 4-16x50 power range allows close- or longer-range shots. The 50mm objective lenses give a good blend of light-gathering capabilities and low scope mounting to the rifle, too.
Optical quality, thanks to multi-coated lens Microlux ETE GEN III glass coatings, gives good colour rendition and sharp, crisp images right out to the edge of the lens. The low-light performance was impressive on rabbits fitted to a Lithgow .22 rimfire and for hind stalking in Scotland amidst the gloom.
This model employs the tactical-type turrets for precise instant adjustment with a push-pull locking system that avoids accidental changes. Precise ¼ MOA (minute of angle) turret adjustments tracked smoothly and in the tests returned to zero perfectly every time. Two ballistic drop turrets allow you to customise to your ballistics and the RTZ (return to zero) stop provides a return to zero facility. Add to this the well-defined red/green illumination feature and sunshade included and this scope is a great all-rounder at £300.99.
“As prices drop along with sizes, quality increases”