Riflescope

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STYRKA S7 2.5-15X50 RIFLESCOPE

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   There is a new optics manufacturer, that should be on your watch list. It is called Styrka, pronounced Steer-Ka. Being new to the market, I had not heard of them until a few months ago. They offer riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and red-dots. They sent me a riflescope and a reddot, today we will discuss the S7 2.5-15x50 riflescope. 

Tree at about 400 yds

  When I first received the scope, I noticed all the nice little extras that came with it. Probably my favorite accessory is the scope cover that is in the box. The neoprene scope cover does a nice job protecting the optic when it isn't being used. Also included is a lens cloth, one of the nice ones that you shove back in its holder when not using it. A battery is also supplied for the illuminated reticle, it's a CR2032, so pretty standard.

  I mounted the Styrka on my Savage that is mounted in the MDT chassis reviewed earlier. This scope has really clear glass. Styrka states that the S7 has blackened edges on the lenses to reduce glare and enhance image contrast. Images come through clear with no distortion around the edges, so I guess it works as advertised. The S7 is their "top of the line" scope and has Styrka's SXL-MAX optics coating to reduce glare, add light and color transmission, and give optimum clarity. I used it in low light and some pouring down rain. The scope remained clear out to about 400 yards during this, probably farther, but I couldn't test any farther where I was at. It is also waterproof, fog proof, etc. 

  The S7 2.5-15x50 they sent has an illuminated mil-dot reticle. The illumination is the typical red offered by just about everyone. Styrka also offers this scope in an illuminated duplex reticle, and a non illuminated BDC reticle. Even in all but the brightest days, the illumination is visible. The illumination has 6 brightness settings with an off position between each setting. I really like this feature for the simple fact that it only takes one click to get you to the brightness that one usually uses. The brightness knob is located on the left side, on the end of the parallax adjustment knob, along with the battery compartment. This makes the combination stick out farther then some other scopes, just something to note. The adjustment turrets are capped. Since the S7 is a hunting style scope, this made perfect sense. However, under the caps are some fairly nice target style turrets. These use the standard 1/4 MOA click adjustments. The turrets also can be reset to zero after you have sighted the rifle in. To do this, just loosen the top of the adjustment with a coin, pull the knob up, set to zero, push knob down, and tighten the screw. The turret clicks are extremely crisp and clean, which is a nice touch. 

  One thing I noticed about the S7 is the length. It is longer than I expected for a scope in this zoom range. It is not a problem, just something to consider if mounting it on a short rifle. The scope has a second focal plain reticle, so in order to use the mil-dot, you must turn the zoom all the way to max power, in this case 15x. Don't worry, the scope is quite clear at the full setting. I was really hoping for a first focal plane, but you can't have everything. 

  I really like this range of this scope. At 2.5x, it is low enough magnification to take shots extremely close. Then at 15x, it can still take long shots. I am really glad that Styrka let me try this S7 out. It is extremely clear, easy to adjust, has a lifetime warranty, and you can send it back every year for a free tune up. Give Styrka a look if you are in the market for a nice hunting scope. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Hunting scope with Illuminated Mil-dot reticle

Target Market:

Hunters, Target shooters

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • SXL-MAX Fully Multi-Coated Optics
  • 30mm 6061-T6 Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Tube
  • Side Focus Parallax Adjustment
  • Illuminated Reticle
  • Blackened Lens Edges
  • 100% Waterproof
  • Nitrogen Purged
  • Fast Focus Eyepiece
  • 50mm Objective Lens
  • 3.94" Eye Relief
  • Weight of 23.7 ounces
  • (LxWxH) in inches 13.69x3.09x2.37
  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Standard Illuminated Plex Reticle

Ballistic Drop Reticle (BDC)

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars @ OpticsPlanet

Above and Beyond

This scope has performed beyond my expectations. Everything seems well thought out. Love the simple reticle. Holds zero flawlessly and turrets are silky smooth. Well worth the cost of admission. Feels like some of the much more expensive European scopes.

5/5 stars @ Amazon

Outstanding Glass

When delivered, mounted on a S& W M&P 10 .308 with Burris high rings.
Using a laser boresight at 30 yards, scope was within 1/2 inch horizontally and one inch low vertically. Closest I have ever had one from the factory. Glass is clear, adjustments are precise and accurate, and above all east to work with, especially parallax adjustment.
Have fired at ranges to 200 yards, so far, with no loss of accuracy after 400 rounds.
Highly recommend it for a mid priced scope.
Will purchase another for a 5.56.

Link to other reviews:

None to be found

Price point:

MSRP = $814.95

Retail = $679.00 @ Shop Styrka

             $679.00 @ Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Styrka or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Extremely clear for the price

  • Precise turret clicks

  • Reset to zero turrets

  • Turret caps

  • Illuminated reticle

  • Off setting between each illumination setting

  • Neoprene scope cover included

  • Warranty

Cons:

  • 2nd Focal Plane Reticle

  • Parallax and brightness knob stick out pretty far

  • Poor battery life (Battery died after 1 month of being left on brightness position #4)

  • Length of entire scope is almost 14"

Score: 8.00 Great

 

Chad's Favorite Link: Veterans FOB

 

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Lucid L7 1-6x24 Rifle Scope

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   Now that the review of the Lucid L5 4-16x44 is done. It is time to move on to the L7 1-6x24. The L7 is Lucid's quick adjustable, True 1x to 6x power optic. Lucid was kind enough to send me the L7 when they sent me the L5. 

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  Lucid's new L7 optic comes with some pretty nice features. First up, it has a one piece 30mm tube that allows plenty of light through the 24mm objective lens. Second up, the variable power adjusts from a true 1x to a usable 6x. The L7 also comes supplied with an optional throw lever to adjust zoom. If you opt for the throw lever, just install it with the supplied allen wrench. The L7 uses Lucid's P7 reticle set on the second focal plane. At 1x, one can use the scope as a pseudo red dot. Except the L7 has an illuminated blue inner reticle, yes Blue. I found the blue to be an excellent choice. I was able to pick the reticle up on all different color backgrounds. When it's not illuminated, you will see the full MOA etched reticle, so even if you happen to have a blue target, it will still be noticeable. The marks on the reticle are spaced at 8 moa apart. If using on a 5.56/.223, they really don't allow for bullet drop. But if using something big and slow, like the 300blk subsonic, they work quite well.  The throw between 1x and 6x is about 180 degrees. The MOA reticle is calibrated to the 6x magnification setting. 

Reticle Illumination

208gr .300Blk. 50 yd zero at 6x

Standard 5.56 55gr. 50yd zero at 6x

  Now, my favorite thing about Lucid scopes is the adjustment knobs. To adjust the reticle up/down or left/right, one must first pull up on the adjustment knob. Then turn it, and push it back down. This locks the turret from moving. The turrets have a very nice tactile click to them. On the L7, each click is 0.5 or 1/2 MOA. To set the turrets to zero, just loosen the screw with the supplied allen wrench, pull up even farther, turn to zero, push back down, and tighten the screw. Next to the turrets, on the left side, is the brightness knob. It also holds the CR2032 battery. There are 11 brightness adjustments. I would have liked the reticle to be brighter,  because in daylight it is hard to see the illumination.  

  I mounted the Lucid L7 1-6x on a 16" AR. Which is really what the L7 was primarily designed for. The first thing I noticed was how clear the optic was. I have seen 1-4x optics in the same price range that aren't this clear! The scope also comes with flip covers. A nice touch, but the covers are pretty flimsy. 

  Lucid has done a reasonably good job with the L7 1-6x24. It is very clear, has Lucid's excellent knobs, has blue illumination, and is a true 1x. They only thing I would change, is the MOA hash marks. Maybe make them 2 or 4 MOA apart to better work with the 5.56/.223 cartridge. Give Lucid Optics a look, they may have something worth sighting through. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quick adjust 1-6 power optic with blue center illumination 

Target Market:

3-gunners, hunters, Law enforcement, or anyone wanting a quick adjustable low power optic. 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • True 1-6 power
  • 30mm tube
  • 10.75" long
  • 20.4 ounces
  • Waterproof  
  • Fogproof
  • Shockproof up to .458 SOCOM 
  • Multi coated optics
  • Illuminated P7 etched reticle
  • 1/2 moa adjustments
  • Lockable turrets  
  • 60 moa adjustment range (Each side of center)
  • Comes with Flip caps
  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None available 

What others are saying?:

Kurt at Optics Planet. 5/5 stars

Outstanding Optic

I wanted a 1-6x optic that wouldn't break the bank but also wouldn't be something that I knew was "cheap". A friend suggested the L7 and even after reviewing the website I still had some questions. A quick call to Lucid...and a chat with the president of the company, answered them. When the optic arrived, I was glad to see that it felt solid and rugged and wasn't something that would fall apart if it got a few dings and scratches. The glass is clear and the reticle is crisp. A word about the reticle...I like how the various steps on the "ladder" are a fixed distance so not only does it operate as a BDC, it also will function as an ersatz range finder.

Link to other reviews:

Major Pandemic

Price point:

MSRP = $449 at Lucid

Retail = $389 at Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Lucid, Amazon, or Optics planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Blue Illuminated Reticle
  • Clear Glass
  • Good Light Transmission
  • Turret Locks
  • Reset to Zero Turrets
  • Target Turrets
  • Tactile adjustment clicks
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Included Throw Lever

Cons:

  • 8 MOA elevation marks

  • Illumination could be brighter

  • Flimsy Flip Caps

Score: 8.0 Great

Chad's Favorite Link: U.S. Tactical Supply

 

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CCOP USA 1-6X30 Tactical Rifle Scope with Illuminated Reticle Review

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1624i_1Allow me to let you into a little industry insider secret. Everyone walking the SHOT show has a shopping list.  It doesn't matter if you are from the media, a retailer, manufacturer, owner or representative, we all walk around the grounds of SHOT with an item in mind we want to checkout/try/asses for the purposes of buying it later.  I’m no different, one of my top items in mind while I was wondering the endless halls of the 2014 SHOT show was a variance 1-4X or 1-6X tactical scope for my favorite AR15.  Don’t get me wrong. ACOGs are great and so are EOTechs but they are very specialized and wonderfully engineered tools that will execute the task they were built for flawlessly while burning a very big hole in your pocket… I was on a task to find a good quality glass that will give me both the CQB red-dot reflex sight capabilities but will also give me some magnification capabilities for the 75-200 yard range where a red dot sight starts to be more of a guess and less of a precision tool.  I could, I suppose, go for an EOTech with a magnifier, but there are 2 things I didn’t like about this combo: first, the logistics of mounting/un-mounting and the need to carry the magnifier somewhere while it’s not mounted was a little too annoying for me. Second was the painful $1000 price tag (on the low end!)  All of the above made the variance scopes very popular recently with the tactical shooting community, particularly the AR15 and AK47 owners.

So, I’ve set a goal to find something good for a sub $300 budget.  Now don’t get me wrong, I checked, felt and drooled over ALL the optics in the 1-4X/1-6X categories. I’ve been to every optics vendor from Sun Optics to NightForce. I checked the offering from Vortex, US Optics, Leupold, and many other vendors I can’t remember their names (so, so many…)  After 3 loooooonnnnnggg days of wondering the grounds, in a dark corner of the basement level, I ran into a small booth of a company called CCOP-USA. A new(ish) Chinese manufacturer that I haven’t seen before that offers all kinds of optics and optics accessories. Tired and disappointed that I couldn't find what I was looking for, I had no big expectations for their product and figured they’d be low quality as most of the other no-name eastern manufacturers I saw so far.

1624i_6Boy was I wrong. First, they had both 1-4x AND 1-6X options. The first thing you notice when you look through the glass is how clear it is and how much light goes through it. This is probably due to the 30mm tube (most other 1-4X optics have a 24mm tube which let less light through.The Illuminated reticle and the big diameter make it feel like a red-dot reflex sight. Having the reticle backed by the black reticle and lines guarantee that even if the battery runs out you can still use the optics (point down for EOTech on this one).  One huge compliment for these guys is that their 1X is the closest 1X I’ve seen in any of these 1-4X/1-6X optics. Including some of the expensive brands!

1624i_3A twist of the ring and you get up to 6X magnification. Considering most “budget” scopes are 3-9X this covers a very good distance.  So, getting one is a little slow (about 7-10 days to get it) but when I got it, I couldn't wait to mount it and head to the range.

I had it mounted on my PS90 with a one piece scope mount that also positioned the optics high enough at my eyes level.

1624i_2

Zeroing was real easy thanks to the “clicks” adjustment mechanism on the scope (which usually only exist on the more expensive scopes).1624i_4

I had it zero at 25 yards and then switched to 50 yards, 75 yards and 100 yards. I had no problem staying on target and hitting every time.  SO, to the question you’re probably asking yourself by now, what’s the cost?  Well, this is one of the coolest thing about this scope. MSRP is only $310 and you can find retail in the $190-$250 range.  I gave this product a score of 8.0.  The only reason I didn’t score it higher is because I don’t have it long enough to testify to its long term usage durability but I promise I’ll have a follow up review in a few months.

I guess SHOT was successful after all…

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Best Bang for your buck in the variance range tactical scopes

Target Market: Tactical shooters / AR15 and AK47 owners that look for a budget aware alternative

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Model: SCP-1624i
  • Magnification: 1X-6X
  • Tube Diameter: 30mm
  • Objective Diameter: 24mm
  • Field of view @100yards: 115-19.2ft
  • Eye Relief: 4.5"-4"  
  • Exit Pupil: 10-4mm  
  • Click Value: 1/2"  
  • Length: 265mm  
  • Weight: 508g
  • Reticle: CQB
  • Illumination: Red / Green
  • W/E: ≥40'  

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Comes with a soft elastic scope cover

What others are saying?: Their eBay store has over 3700 reviews with a positive percentage of 99.7%

Price Point:

MSRP = $310 Retail = $225

I need it now! Availability: CCOP USA 1-6X30 Tactical Rifle Scope is available here.

Our Rating:

+ Easy on the budget + A twofer: you get a CQB sight and a 6X scope in one package + Zero adjustment is easy with no tools required + Shock proof + Water proof + Fog proof + Illuminated reticle + Black reticle marking to backup in case of dead battery

- New/unfamiliar manufacturer with no history or long term reviews. - Shipping could take up to 10-15 business days

Score: 8.0 Great80

 

 

Joseph's Featured Link:

Big D Armory

BigDArmory

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Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm Scope Review

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Vortex Diamondback Welcome to Vortex Anonymous, my name is Ryan and I'm an addict. It's been 6 days since I last bought a Vortex scope, and I don't know how long I can resist the urge to buy another. Who wants to be my sponsor?

Its easy to become a Vortex fan after picking up any one of the Viper scopes. For the moderate price tag, you get really clear glass, superb reticles, a plethora of magnification options, and a lifetime/no questions asked warranty that will cover just about anything you can throw at the optic. I already owned two Viper scopes, but was interested in picking up something from the cheaper family, known as the Diamondback series for testing and evaluation.

I picked up a Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40mm scope to add to a 22-250 bolt gun. I bought it as Sportsman's Warehouse for the average retail price. Comparing the glass indoors with other brands in the same category including Nikon Prostaff, Redfield Revenge and some of the low end Leupolds, the Diamondback certainly seemed to be as good in most areas, with an edge over most in glass clarity. The other factors that stand out most are eye relief, light transmission and turret manipulation.

I found that I was doing the 'chicken neck' much more with the other scopes to get proper relief, whereas the Diamondback's eyebox was just easier for me to find rapidly, even at high magnifications. The clarity and light transmission of the glass were very good, and even when holding side-by-side with a Viper scope in the same magnification the difference are very small. The capped turrets are surprisingly pleasing. Rotation is smooth but tight, with lightly audible clicks and fine tangible detents with every 1/4 MOA turn. I boresighted with a laser at night under 2 minutes because throwing the scope up to check the point of aim, then turning the turrets just by feel was accurate and fine. They are slotted for a coin as well but really not needed at all. Once zeroed, they can be rezeroed so that adjustments in the field or at the range for known variables are easy to make and then return to zero.

Vortex Diamondback DBC Reticle

If I were asked to pick the negative aspects of this scope, it would be that at 12x objects beyond 100 yards do come a little fuzzy.  Also, the limitations of factory preset parallax at 100 yds is something I can't help but notice. If you want adjustable parallax, save up those pennies and get a Viper. Also most Vipers come with a sunshade, something you will be hard pressed to find to work with this Diamondback.  But if value and budget are your concern, this scope still has plenty of shining features that will prove its worth in the field time and time again.

Another piece of advice I want to share is the inherent disadvantages of a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) reticle.  The Vortex BDC reticle manual groups data in terms of rifle classes that are pretty generalized. For instance, if your caliber fits into Class A (High Power Big Game | Moderate Ranges) you would use 100 yard zero on main crosshair, the 3rd hashmark would apply to 400 yards, or 30 inches of drop.  But for what grain bullet and what velocity?  The bullet drop of a .308 win 150gr bullet and a 180gr bullet in the same gun will have different rates of drop and a BDC reticle doesn't account for this without the user doing multiple tests with different bullet weights and taking detailed notes.  An MOA EBR reticle shows even subtensions in minutes of angle (or MRAD if you prefer mildots, guy in the back of class wearing a boonie hate) and I find it more advantageous for non-seasoned shooters to think in terms of what is bullet X doing at 415 yards in minutes of angle.  Using any number of ballistic calculators available, you could determine to the fraction of an inch where that bullet will drop, and it is much easier to 'mind the gap' between 2 or 5 MOA dash increments and make a more precise shot. That may not matter much when you have a deer in your scope at 100-200 yard, but the difference exponentially grows at longer distances, and I share a belief that BDC reticles give novice shooter a false sense of confidence that can easily translate to bad call and a poor shot. If that error leads to a shot outside the vitals in a game animal, I can't help but wish that individual did their homework better. The V-Plex reticle is Vortex's take on the tradition duplex reticle and would better serve a shooter who is intimately familiar with the lead they are sending downrange than a novice leaning on the BDC without reading up. Just my 2 cents.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Diamondback riflescopes completely change the rules when it comes to “you get what you pay for.”

Target Market: Rifle owners, hunters, 100-300 yard multicaliber shooting

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Fully Multi-Coated - Increases light transmission with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces.
  • Second Focal Plane Reticle - Scale of reticle maintains the same ideally-sized appearance. Listed reticle subtensions used for estimating range, holdover and wind drift correction are accurate at the highest magnification.
  • Single-Piece 1" Tube - Maximizes alignment for improved accuracy and optimum visual performance, as well as ensures strength and waterproofness.
  • Aircraft-Grade Aluminum - Constructed from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and rigidity.
  • Waterproof O-ring - Seals prevent moisture, dust and debris from penetrating the riflescope for reliable performance in all environments.
  • Fogproof - Argon gas purging prevents internal fogging over a wide range of temperatures.
  • Shockproof - Rugged construction withstands recoil and impact.
  • Hard Anodized Finish - Highly durable low-glare matte finish helps camouflage the shooter's position.
  • Precision-Glide Erector System - Uses premium components in the zoom lens mechanism to ensure smooth magnification changes under the harshest conditions.
  • Capped Reset Turrets - Allow re-indexing of the turret to zero after sighting in the riflescope. Caps provide external protection for turret.
  • Precision-Glide Erector System - Uses premium components in the zoom lens mechanism to ensure smooth magnification changes under the harshest conditions.
  • Fast Focus Eyepiece - Allows quick and easy reticle focusing.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: Black matte finish, multiple magnification/objective sizes available.

What others are saying?: “This is the second Vortex product I've purchased.  Why? Quality and Confidence.  I love the quality of their optics.  Clear glass, great light control, solid construction but lightweight delivery.  I really like the Deadhold BDC reticle and how once I've got it sighted in.  It's extremely accurate, regardless of the change in distance.  My first time using the scope I made three adjustments with the clearly defined dials (no guessing in the field) and was dialed in on the bullseye.  I also have complete confidence that should something happen to my scope, I will have no problems getting back outdoors and doing what I love.  The only improvement I'd suggest is threading for a sun shade. But no question, I'm happily a Vortex customer for life!" Vortex Reviewer

Price Point:

I need it now! Availability: Readily available online at Brownells.

Our Rating: + Sleek, lightweight, perfect for mounting to a hunting rifle + Capped Turrets with Audible and Tangible windage and elevation adjustment clicks, very smooth and firm + Glass is extremely clear + You can beat the scope (against the concrete) but you won't beat that warrantee!

- BDC Reticle in MOA works for some as a quick reference for hunting, but can still cause false-confidence and poor shot placement due to caliber/velocity variances that have been averaged or generalized. - No sunshade, but Vortex does have a Killflash / ARD out there that should work - Object outlines get fuzzy when using 12x magnification

Score: 8.0 Great

 

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