Barska Point Black .223 6-24 and my Axis.
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So, here's the deal.... I know all the sayings that go along with the daunting task of purchasing a scope. Cry once and buy the good scope, you get what you pay for, your gun is only as good as the glass. In some ways these sayings can be true. I used to shoot marksman rifles every day, and I was paid to be good at it. Now I shoot as a hobby, and while I still have good taste in quality equipment and weapon systems, Uncle Sam isn't footing the bill for my toys anymore. I've turned knobs on Shmidt Bender scopes, and taken shots while looking through the eye bell of a Leo MK 4., and I loved every single shot. Some might think that after using those optic systems, you may never be able to look through a lesser scope and not cringe, I tend to disagree. I bought this scope on Amazon for 69.99 used, and it should have been 169.99. I really did it more on a whim, since I already have a Bushnell XLT 3-9 Mil dot. Which is a **** fine scope by the way! Anyways, I just thought I'd buy one of these dreaded Barska scopes and see if all these horror stories stack up. I guess I'll have to buy another one to find out, because this scope is not bad at all. It has the BDC dials that you can use for different bullet weights, and I'll be honest with you, I didn't even use them. I zeroed, reset my turrets, and cranked those knobs like a pepper grinder. The first test I ran was the box test, and to be completely honest, I've box tested Nikon scopes that did worse than this one did. I didn't get a chance to get any pictures up because it was after work, and getting dark, and I left my phone in the truck. I'm going out again this weekend and I'll give a full workup on loads, box test, groupings at 100 and 200 m, and probably a little video as well. This scope also has an illuminated reticle, which I winced about at first, but it was actually a really nice one. there was no edge ghosting, flooding, or any of the other problems that you usually get with a cheap illuminated optic. I ran the mag from 6-24, making stops along the way to take shots and check for changes in point of aim, and I didn't find a one. I know this may sound crazy, and contrary to most of the stories you've read, or maybe experiences you've had personally, but I have to say this is a solid piece of kit, and I wouldn't be afraid to use it on out to 600 m. Maybe even further. All in all I'm very glad I bought this scope, and it's on the do not sell list, purely because I am so impressed and happy with it. The finish, and build quality are no better or worse than any run of the mill Simmons, Bushnell, or Weaver scope you have ever seen, and it also carries a little bit of heft to it. My closing statement will be this. There is nothing better than ranging, doping your math, turning your clicks, squeezing the trigger and hearing that steel ring back at 400 m on the first shot. I was able to do it with this scope, and that's why it's a winner in my book.
Stay Frosty.
Andy
