<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">Pros</span></span>
Optical clarity is good – some fuzziness at the outer edges.
The windage/elevation (W/E) knobs are a bit more tactile than the 4.5X18 Falcon. Not a big difference - but noticeable.
I think the three screw W/E knobs are an improvement. It is much easier to zero the knobs compared to the 4.5X18 Falcon.
I’m not having any problems with ocular alignment. I can set up very quickly with it, but it’s not a hunting scope – at least for furry, four legged animals. Once I make a range trip I can write more about this and the eye relief. I don't think eye relief should be a problem for a rifle with reasonable “kick”. Magnum rifles should be able make use of the scope, depending on weight, stock configuration, and severity of the recoil. The rubber piece on the ocular is quite substantial and can save you if you let yourself get too close – just don’t use the supplied flip cap (hard, sharp plastic on the end). There is also a dot on the ocular to indicate magnification setting (not on pre-production model).
The ML16 reticle is pretty easy to see and use at low magnification. At high magnification it gets thick, but the target should get large as well. Personally, I don’t find it objectionable. I imagine a 25X SFP optic would provide a better target picture for long range paper punching.
At first glance, the scope looks solid. It’s a serious looking optic without any advertisement (names, markings, etc.).
<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">Cons </span></span>
The rubbery paint used on the magnification ring feels ok, but looks like an afterthought. Falcon could do a better job applying the coat.
All the knobs had the finish rubbed-off at the edges. I happened to have some “aluminum black” that corrected the problem.
The optic does not focus at less than 25-30 feet, and that’s at the lowest power setting (5.5X). Higher magnification needs much longer distances. My 4.5X18 Falcon can focus at 30 feet at the highest magnification.
So far I’m happy with it – will make a trip to the range and provide update later.
Optical clarity is good – some fuzziness at the outer edges.
The windage/elevation (W/E) knobs are a bit more tactile than the 4.5X18 Falcon. Not a big difference - but noticeable.
I think the three screw W/E knobs are an improvement. It is much easier to zero the knobs compared to the 4.5X18 Falcon.
I’m not having any problems with ocular alignment. I can set up very quickly with it, but it’s not a hunting scope – at least for furry, four legged animals. Once I make a range trip I can write more about this and the eye relief. I don't think eye relief should be a problem for a rifle with reasonable “kick”. Magnum rifles should be able make use of the scope, depending on weight, stock configuration, and severity of the recoil. The rubber piece on the ocular is quite substantial and can save you if you let yourself get too close – just don’t use the supplied flip cap (hard, sharp plastic on the end). There is also a dot on the ocular to indicate magnification setting (not on pre-production model).
The ML16 reticle is pretty easy to see and use at low magnification. At high magnification it gets thick, but the target should get large as well. Personally, I don’t find it objectionable. I imagine a 25X SFP optic would provide a better target picture for long range paper punching.
At first glance, the scope looks solid. It’s a serious looking optic without any advertisement (names, markings, etc.).
<span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-weight: bold">Cons </span></span>
The rubbery paint used on the magnification ring feels ok, but looks like an afterthought. Falcon could do a better job applying the coat.
All the knobs had the finish rubbed-off at the edges. I happened to have some “aluminum black” that corrected the problem.
The optic does not focus at less than 25-30 feet, and that’s at the lowest power setting (5.5X). Higher magnification needs much longer distances. My 4.5X18 Falcon can focus at 30 feet at the highest magnification.
So far I’m happy with it – will make a trip to the range and provide update later.