Mueller optics is a small optics company here in the US that has been selling good value
scopes for several years now. They have a reputation of very good value and for standing
behind their product with a lifetime warranty. We have had no problems with our initial
tactical scope we reviewed and have since put it through heavy use. But there were a few
questions raised about the size of the objective, click adjustment sizes (1/8) and some other
things in relation to a tactical scope. So Mueller sought to have a better
tactical scope built. They went with a flexible
3-10x power range with a 44mm objective. They also went to 1/4 MOA clicks on the adjustments, simplified
the scope (no illuminated reticule or AO), added lots of adjustments, and best yet,
improved the quality of the lenses and optics! The scope is manufactured in Japan with very
high quality ("camera quality crystal lenses" is what they say) glass and coatings, and
it really makes a difference.
The internals of the scope also received a quality improvement and all gears are steel on
steel for repeatability and longevity. During testing the adjustments have remained precise
and true, and they have a good audible "click", as well as tactile feel. The magnification
adjustment dial is smooth and requires less force then many to operate and offers a good
gripping surface. The finish on the scope is also a good quality matte finish.
The reticule is a mil-dot, no surprises there! The dots are of the ".2 mil" size (actually .22), or
the same as the US Army size dots. They are circular (not oval, or football shape). The reticule
appears to be of the correct dimensions when compared against leupold and other scopes with mil-dot
reticules. The optics on the scope are very good, sharp and clear. We compared it side by side to many
scopes including a swift 6-18x, nikon buckmaster 4.5-14, leupold Mk4 10x & 3.5-10x and burris
fullfield 2 3-9x50mm. The optics are superior to the swift, and slightly better than the nikon and about
the same as the Burris, maybe slightly better. It was not far behind the leupold's when compared side by side with
these very high quality scopes.
Light gathering and contrast are very good, but because of the differing sizes of the objectives
on the comparison scopes, it is hard to rate one better than another.
There are a few things we were hoping for that are not present, the biggest of which is
an adjustable objective (side focus would be PERFECT). But, the scope is very clear at all
ranges that we have used it at so far (up to 600+ meters, we'll be taking it to further
ranges soon). By using a
good, and repeated, cheek weld and sight picture, you can eliminate nearly all problems
associated with paralax, and it does offer a simpler operation, but the AO's are still nice
to have, though it doesn't detract from this scope.
The knobs are the same as the knobs on their other scopes. They are a mid height target
knob and they provide a good feel and work well. We like larger tactical type knobs, and as
such, have had some large knobs made for these mueller scopes (as well as their other models).
You can see a picture of them
here
and we include them with the scope at no charge if you purchase through the
SC store.
Overall, the scope is a 'good' to 'very good' quality scope with 'very good' to 'excellent'
optics and a great
amount of adjustments for a 1" tube scope. (1000y in a 308 will be no problem). An
adjustable objective would be nice, but isn't required and adds to the simplicity and
ruggedness of the scope for its intended use. We plan to use some more of these scopes more
often on other projects in the future.
Thank you to mueller optics for allowing us to review the scope.
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