Re: Best optics for $300 or less
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ryznstr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What does everyone think about Barska SWAT Tactical models? Also what is the advantage of having a larger objective lense so a 50mm vs a 44mm? </div></div>
I use quite a few budget scopes among my rifles, and over the years have gone through quite a few different brands searching for the decent ones out there. IMHO, you're better off staying away from Barska for long range applications. Some of them make a decent scope for just punching paper at 100 yards, but most have several things against them once the range increases.
-All but their 3.5-10X model use 1/8" clicks, which becomes a pain to calculate for and dial in for extended ranges.
-Most versions I've seen and used have had very little internal adjustment for reticle elevation/windage, around 35-40 MOA of total travel
-Eye relief tends to be short (shorter than advertised) on most models. On magmum rifles, count on being bitten. Often.
-Like most Chinese manufactured scopes, the exit pupil gets incredibly small once the magnification gets cranked up above about 16X. On the 40X versions, it's almost impossible to get a clear sight picture on max magnification, any slight movement of your head and the view through the scope goes black.
-Light transmission through the scope also becomes problematic as magnification is increased. If you can manage to maintain sight picture through the scope while adjusting the magnification level, the effect is very similar to turning down the dimmer knob of a light switch. Magnification goes up, everything gets darker. On the 40X versions especially, things get very dim.
The Larger 50 or 56mm Objective lenses are supposed to gather more light. Combined with using a larger 30mm tube, it should allow more light transmission through the scope for a brighter image. From my experience, you probably wont notice this on Barska scopes. Their internal construction seems to negate any benefits of the larger tubes and lenses.
