Just to let you guys know, Falcon Optics have now introduced their 4-14x44mm FFP with a fully illuminated reticule based on the BL20 (mil). They also do a MOA/MOA scope, although I am not sure if that one is available with illumination.
I've been looking for a FFP Mil/Mil scope for my .22LR for a while now, but did not really want to spend $1000 on a rimfire scope.
Previously, I have been a bit leery about buying a Falcon as their scopes had a mixed reputation for reliability. However, given their HQ is not too far from where I live, and they now offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty (officially limited to 10 years in Europe but not in the US) I thought I would give them a try.
Late last year I heard that Falcon intended to release an illuminated version of their 4x14x44mm, so I held off until it was available.
The timescales Falcon promised turned out to be more or less spot on, and last week they arrived in the UK ready for sending out to the dealers. I placed by order through Blackpool Air Rifles and the scope arrived earlier today, and by initial impressions are very favorable.
Its not a S&B PM11, but it a fraction of the price (£240/ $375) and appears to be a lot of scope for the money.
The turrets on the Mil/Mil version offer 26 Mil of adjustment over two turns. The turret is marked in the usual way to allow a visual check on which revolution the turret is set on, but there appears to be no "zero stop"
The clicks are not as "crisp" or "distinct" as my PM11, and on each setting, there is a tiny amount of "slack" or "back lash" noticeable on the turret, but turrets still appear to be very usable.
Optically, it again appears to be quite good, and on first impressions, very comparable to scopes costing twice as much.
Of course,the real test will be under more difficult light conditions such as dawn and dusk, and when using a lamp at night and I will report back once I've used it in such conditions.
The BL20 illuminated reticule is a gem, with the whole of the reticule being illuminated, not just the center dot or cross hair as on some scopes.
The illumination can be either Red or Green, and looks like it will go low enough to be genuinely useful.
With a turn of the appropriate control, the brightness goes from from "off" to gradually full brightness, then to off, and repeats for the other colour. This is a fairly standard, old school system, and while I have seen better, its only on scopes x4 times the price, and the system on the Falcon appears to be perfectly functional.
So all in all, I am very pleased so far. I intend mounting the scope in the next few days once I get some mounts. Once zeroed, i will report back after a few sessions on the range and lamping rabbits.
Providing the scope performs on a par with its looks and is reliable, it looks like the perfect scope for a .22LR trainer.
If the reliability and repeatability of the adjustments hold up, it may be a good budget scope for a tactical build, but only time will tell that.
Regards,
Peter
I've been looking for a FFP Mil/Mil scope for my .22LR for a while now, but did not really want to spend $1000 on a rimfire scope.
Previously, I have been a bit leery about buying a Falcon as their scopes had a mixed reputation for reliability. However, given their HQ is not too far from where I live, and they now offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty (officially limited to 10 years in Europe but not in the US) I thought I would give them a try.
Late last year I heard that Falcon intended to release an illuminated version of their 4x14x44mm, so I held off until it was available.
The timescales Falcon promised turned out to be more or less spot on, and last week they arrived in the UK ready for sending out to the dealers. I placed by order through Blackpool Air Rifles and the scope arrived earlier today, and by initial impressions are very favorable.
Its not a S&B PM11, but it a fraction of the price (£240/ $375) and appears to be a lot of scope for the money.
The turrets on the Mil/Mil version offer 26 Mil of adjustment over two turns. The turret is marked in the usual way to allow a visual check on which revolution the turret is set on, but there appears to be no "zero stop"
The clicks are not as "crisp" or "distinct" as my PM11, and on each setting, there is a tiny amount of "slack" or "back lash" noticeable on the turret, but turrets still appear to be very usable.
Optically, it again appears to be quite good, and on first impressions, very comparable to scopes costing twice as much.
Of course,the real test will be under more difficult light conditions such as dawn and dusk, and when using a lamp at night and I will report back once I've used it in such conditions.
The BL20 illuminated reticule is a gem, with the whole of the reticule being illuminated, not just the center dot or cross hair as on some scopes.
The illumination can be either Red or Green, and looks like it will go low enough to be genuinely useful.
With a turn of the appropriate control, the brightness goes from from "off" to gradually full brightness, then to off, and repeats for the other colour. This is a fairly standard, old school system, and while I have seen better, its only on scopes x4 times the price, and the system on the Falcon appears to be perfectly functional.
So all in all, I am very pleased so far. I intend mounting the scope in the next few days once I get some mounts. Once zeroed, i will report back after a few sessions on the range and lamping rabbits.
Providing the scope performs on a par with its looks and is reliable, it looks like the perfect scope for a .22LR trainer.
If the reliability and repeatability of the adjustments hold up, it may be a good budget scope for a tactical build, but only time will tell that.
Regards,
Peter
