I believe I've given up on a FFP scope for the time being. The one I think I'd be happy with (I played with one at the local gun store) is a Leupold 3x9 which costs nearly $1,400! That won't happen!
The transitional distance between hash marks on most MIL dot and MOA scopes, are only accurate at some given setting—typically 10 power. When most of your hunting is under 100 yards, the field of view, and the exit pupil size all but eliminate quick shots. In an effort to fix this issue, I opted to buy a lower power scope. After much soul searching, I settled on a Barska Level model, in 1.5x6x44.
I tried ordering the scope from them, but they don't ship items the same day unless you order before 9 am. I don't know how to do that, as they don't open until 9 am! As the attached clearly explains, I managed to get around that, but I still missed a couple of days afield. So here is the (verbatim) email I sent them.
As you folks are aware, I did my best to order a scope (1.5-6x44mm, Level model rifle scope,with MOA reticle, 30 mm tube, and rings) directly from your company. Unfortunately, your shipping schedule didn’t fit mine! I cancelled the order with you folks, and placed an order with Amazon. As it was, I ended up missing all but the last day of a special hunt, which is also unfortunate. But the truth is, it isn't the shipping schedule (or my hunt) I’m writing about. Rather, it is my state of confusion.
The description uses the word Level. Indicating of course, that the scope has one. Guess what, it doesn’t have one built in, or even an external one! If it doesn’t, why does the descriptive name include the term—Level?
As with all MOA and MIL reticle scopes, the measurement between segments is at some specific power level. If one reads the single-sheet manual, it references 10 power. How can that be? The scope only goes to 6 power! And, nothing in the manual says anything about what power to use so that the described MOA is correct. Turns out, setting the scope to about half way between the marked 4 and 5 on the scope’s power ring, sets the transitioned distance between full and half hash markings at ≈4 inches at 100 yards! Correct MOA at any power, it is not!
It is also noted that in the box there is an Allen wrench for the scope's mounting rings. However, there isn't the requisite Torques wrench for the scope adjustment towers to allow resetting to zero. That’s an oversight, no pun intended.
All is not bad, however. The scoped image is very clear, and the distance markings are very precise when properly focused. Rather surprising, actually. The fit and finish is also very good, and it appear rugged from outward appearances.
Nonetheless, I’m a bit perplexed. I can return this scope to Amazon, and send along a copy of this email. Obviously, there wouldn’t be any argument about a refund. But I’m giving you all an opportunity to make this right. How you do that, is up to you. At a minimum, you should supply a correct manual for the scope, rather than a generic, cover-all-models, sheet of paper!
And lastly… I’d actually prefer to call you folks to discuss these issues. Unfortunately, no one ever answers the Customer Service line—it always goes to voice mail and into never, never land!
Alan Applegate
What Barska does is unimportant, even if it is nothing. I'll just spend some target time to get the correct power versus the hash marks, and move on. My comments about a clear image is dead on. Again, no pun intended, as the comment is truthful. It makes the Hammers I've been using, look rather dusty in comparison.
The parallax adjustment as noted, is close enough to be scarily accurate. I spent about 20 minutes cross-checking the distances with my laser range finder. That fact alone will probably cinch the deal for me as I spend too much field time fiddling with the rangefinder on shots over 75 yards or so.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the eye relief and field of view. Obviously, most of that is a result of the lower overall power. But when you've been using 10 power as long as I have, getting back to half that is a relief in more ways than one!