DarkLordOfOptics
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Meopta Optika LR 10x42

I am back home after a pleasant, but unsuccessful attempt to find a mule deer in north eastern New Mexico. It was a 4th choice tag, so the unit was not something I had chosen. Three quarters of this unit is large private ranches with access to appropriate public land being a little sketchy.
I found few spots that were worthwhile and one was downright promising. Unfortunately, that one involved a pretty significant hike on rough terrain and I twisted my ankle getting out of there my first evening in the area. Going there again the next day was not appealing and if I were to shoot anything, getting it out would have been... interesting. I found a couple of other spots with easier access, but unsurprisingly came back from there empty handed.
The good part is that I rather enjoy being outdoors and I got to spend a couple of very solid days of glassing with the Meopta Optika LR 10x42 LRF equipped binocular.
I had looked at the Optika LR in the past back when I was comparing the performance of Vortex Fury 5000HD 10x42, Delta Titanium RF 9x45 https://annexdefense.com/optics-and-optic-accessories/delta-optics/ and Meopta Optika LR 10x42. https://alnk.to/6mQcq7o
I rather liked the Meopta back then, but all else being equal, I somewhat preferred the 9x45 mag range of the Delta. A little less magnification and a little more exit pupil help in low light. Meopta does make an 8x50 version of this binocular, but I have never laid eyes on it. For my purposes, I probably would like 10x50 or 12x56 the most. However, 10x42 is by far the most popular binocular configuration, so I get why manufacturers stick with it.
Aside from that difference, the image quality of the Delta and Meopta was very similar and I suspect they are made by the same OEM. That same manufacturer also makes Burris Signature LRF and Leupold BX-4 Range.
They are not all identical. Burris and Leupodl look about the same to me. Meopta has a bit better image quality and it costs a little more. I suspect that OEM has a couple of similar, but not identical designs.
All of these look pretty good to me. Burris is the bang for the buck champ https://alnk.to/9buk7df, but all of these offer very good performance for the money.
The LRF module in the Meopta/Delta/Burris/Leupold is very respectable, but not exceptional by modern standards. Vortex' Fury 5000HD, for example, is a notably better LRF, but also notably worse binocular.
This past weekend, I was hunting with a muzzleloader, so I was not hugely concerned LRF measurement distance, but I needed to see well.
Also, I was trying to figure out whether I want to keep the Optika LR or divest it. I came out of it with somewhat mixed feelings because I really liked using this binocular, but I will end up divesting it shortly. I am just not a fan of the 10x42 configuration. My hands are not the steadiest and a heavier 10x50 just works better for me.
However, for someone who likes the configuration, this is a good choice. Of all of the moderately affordable LRF equipped binos, this OEM seems to be able to pull off an optical system with the least obvious image quality compromises of any non-alpha LRF binos. Color balance is slightly on the warm side and is very close in both barrels. With most inexpensive LRF binos, there is a clear difference in color balance between the barrels (the LRF screen screws it up), but, again, this OEM seems to have that figured out.
Sweetspot is quite large. There is some image quality deterioration right by the edges, but you have to look for it. Apparent FOV is 67 degrees. It is very respectable. Image flatness is quite good with slight pincushion distortion built in. That means no rolling ball effect while panning, which I like.
There is some chromatic aberration if you look for it, but not much. Resolution and contrast are well balanced.
Most importantly, I just spent two days glassing with it without any unexpected eye fatigue. You do get a little tired after a while, but this was absolutely manageable.
There is no ballistic calculator in this one, but it does measure angle. You have a few different options in terms of how you set up the display. The default method for me is to show linear distance and horizontal equivalent distance. That gives me sufficient information to work out a ballistic solution with a simple look up table on the rifle stock or on the forearm. I have attached a simple table for my muzzleloader to this post. Interestingly, I do not really need it now that we are stuck with iron sights only on muzzleloaders, but I added it anyway. Perhaps, I can use my muzzleloader with a scope in another state. The chart goes out to 650 yards because that is where it drops below 1400fps (i.e. dips into the edges of the transonic region).
In terms of size and weight, you will not find anything unusual with this bino. It is right around 32 ounces.
Eyecups have click stops. I used these both with and without glasses without any issues. All the LRF functions are controlled with two buttons. The buttons are nicely tactile, so I do not have to visually look for them. Rubber armoring appears to be of pretty good quality. The front of the hinge assembly sports a 1/4-20 threaded port for binocular tripod adapters.
In addition to the center focus, both barrels have focus adjustments in front of the eyecup. The focuser on the right barrel is for making the LRF screen sharp. The one on the left barrel compensates for the difference between your left and right eyes.
As with all LRF binoculars, mounting it on a tripod makes measuring distance easier. Handheld, I was able to range a pronghorn at a hair under 1000yards and trees out to about 1900. However, it took focus. On a tripod, it was pretty trivial. I used the Vortex tripod adapter, but most standard adapters should work fine. Now that I think about it, as is usually the case, I lost the coverplate that used to protect the 1/4-20 tripod adapter receptacle. I suppose the tripod adapter spigot is there to stay, then.
All in all, I thought it was a nicely worked out LRF binocular. Meopta is very cagey when asked where it is made, but I am 99% sure it is made by a Chinese OEM, albeit a very good one.

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AR-15 Handguards with integrated Arca rail

I had a couple of ARs I wanted to set up for long range training. There is more to do with them, but I started out by swapping out the handguards for models with an integrated full length Arca rail. Larger flat on the bottom of the handguard helps it settle on the sandbag and makes it easier to shoot off of a tripod. I also found the ability to slide the bipod to different positions occasionally helpful.

The two handguards I have been testing are:

Fast Track my Catalyst Arms: https://www.anarchyoutdoors.com/fast-track-arca-precision-rifle-handguard-ar-15-rpr-only/?ref=fl0iza41

IWI/CMT HDM https://alnk.to/8iWcTQE

Both work well once installed, but IWI/CMT was ultimately less of a hassle to get properly lined up.

Fasttrack barrel nut arrangement is a little goofy and getting properly lined up took some trial and error. Here is the video they made that shows how it is set up. I was going to do my own, but once I got it all aligned, I did not want to mess with taking it up and ...

00:19:29
Burris XTR PS Wrap-Up

The first Burris XTR PS scope I got my hands on landed here in the beginning of March.
That means I have been messing with this design for a bit under four months. That does not quite qualify as a long term test by my standards, but it is a fair amount of time and quite a few rounds shot, mostly 5.56 and 308.
I have both of the models of XTR PS and both work well.
https://alnk.to/3U3cZEC

For matches and such, I would lean toward the 5.5-30x56 version, but for general purpose use, the smaller 3.3-18x50 model does have an edge. You can shoot a match with it, take it hunting in the mountains or slap a thermal clip-on in front to go shoot some pigs. While not light weight, it is a very flexible design owing to moderate size and mid-pack magnification range.

As I said in the video, I think XTR PS is a meaningful step forward in simplifying how we shoot at distance.

I will provide occasional updates as I continue using the scope.

00:26:02
5x Prismatic Wrap-up

This is not the end of my commentary on 5x prismatics, but it is a wrap for an unintentionally very long term project I had. I spent an unhealthy amount of time evaluating these four prismatic riflescopes:
Element Immersive 5x30 https://alnk.to/gzXEPUr
Swampfox Sabre 5x36 https://alnk.to/aAPTubq
Vortex Spitfire Gen2 5x https://alnk.to/3co4hVD
Primary Arms SLx 5x https://alnk.to/2jOhnT7

Two are large prism designs. Two are small prism designs.

The order in which I list them above corresponds to the image quality, from best to worst, although there isn't a ton of difference between SLx and Spitfire Gen2. Purely on the merits of resolution, Sabre is comparable to them as well, but much wider FOV and forgiving eyebox does put it a step above in terms of performance (at the expense of about a pound of weight). Element Immersive 5x30 is a different beast optically and it should be at a higher price at which it sells. It resolves better, has higher contrast and widest FOV of the bunch. Side-focus adds ...

00:16:40

Leupold Scope dump at CDNN.

I just got an email, multiple models and reticles for 3HD, 4HD and 5HD scopes. You need call to get prices.

https://www.cdnnsports.com/optics.html?manufacturer=LEUPOLD

Independence Day, 2025

Publishing a "Happy Independence Day!" a day after independence day is probably bad form. It is also bad for posting affiliate links. Everybody and their grandmother is having discounts and I am not posting any links. To be honest, I do not particularly like posting general links and I simply did not have time to dig through everything and come with specific product links.
Still, if you plan to be buying something from one of the retailers I have an affiliate account with, I would appreciate it if you were to start with one of my links listed in the FAQ: https://darklordofoptics.locals.com/faq

I started writing the more substantive part of this post yesterday, but got sidetracked with thinking about the origin of the ideas that make America and ran out of time. I was only able to get back to it now. I suppose, better late than never.

We live in the world that, as far as the details go, is dramatically different from the world of the founders of the United States.

For the majority of this ...

July 04, 2025

This is a good deal:

https://alnk.to/c0a5bf9

Scoping Gas Guns
an interesting question that acme in via PM

I received this question via a private message and thought it was interesting enough to answer it in some detail.  I have been thinking a lot about appropriate optics for gas guns recently, so this came it at the right time.

 

Here is what I ahve been messing with last few days:

 

Above: 18" WOA barrel 5.56 AR-15 with Burris XTR PS 5.5-30x56 on it.

Below: 22" Satern barrel 224Valkyrie AR-15 with Delta Stryker 3.5-21x44 on it.


For obvious reasons, I am not posting who asked the question, but what I'll do is send him a link to this article, so that he gets an answer and we might have a good discussion.
Here is what I received:

Had a question for you
I have a Knights Armament SR25 6.5CM with a 14.5" barrel - I plan on shooting 100 - 600 yards at targets at 100 yd intervals
I am favoring the TT 315P with an Aimpont Acro mounted on top -( see you liked the TT315M) - would that be enough magnification?
I saw the SB SB 5-20 which offer more top end - I like the turrets on the Tanget and tooless Zero - what are your thoughts between the 2?
If I stayed 400 and under - how do you see the TT315P with the Acro Red dot against the SB 1-8 Short Dot (saw your review on that)

There isn't really enough information in the question for a simple answer, so let's consider a couple of options.

What is the gun for? 

For shooting medium range (out to 600) with occasional close range use?  If yes, go with a conventional scope and offset or piggybacked RDS.

For shooting at close distance with occasional med/long range use? If yes, so with a nice LPVO like the above mentioned S&B Short Dot 1-8x24 https://alnk.to/3J8vlFv.  It is quite capable at long range, but where it will really knock your socks off is up close and personal.

The question of what is enough magnification is pretty personal.  For me, 3-15x is plenty, but I shoot a lot off of the tripod and off of barricades which likely influences my decision.  For that, my 3-15x50 TT315M Tangent works great and 6mrad of elevation is plenty.  https://alnk.to/gVNkUXB  175gr #08 out of a shoter tube will drop in the 5 to 5.5mrad range at 600 yards.

For a dedicated long range semi-auto, other than the looks, there isn't much downside to a larger scope, which is why I set up Burris' XTR PS on the 5.56 AR pictured above.  It is for my son to learn to shoot at distance and to us in next year's BOTC match.  https://alnk.to/gp33YuR

If I were setting up an accurate semi-auto and wanted a high mag scope for it, I would likely lean toward March 4.5-28x52. https://alnk.to/dLjHgjh  It is compact, relatively light and very good optically for any use other than the dead of the night (for which we should be using clip-ons anyway).

S&B Short Dot is a very nice scope, but March is a newer design and, other than the lowest light, has an edge in terms of image fidelity and stray light control.

TT315P Tangent is a veyr ncie scope and toolles turrets are appealing.  However, there is a weight penalty to that.  For me, that was not worth it.  I ahve 5-25x56 and 7-35x Tangents and those toolless turrets are spectacular.  However, in a 3-15x50, I am quit ecomfortable with simpler 6mrad per turn knobs on the TT315M.

 

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A morning with a chronograph

When I tell people that I am using Hornady's factory ammo for matches, I get occasionally surprised looks.  Occasionally.  Most of the time, I get fairly condescending looks from handloaders who would not let a factory round pollute the chambers of their precision rifles if their lives depended on it.

To be fair, if I had the time, I might be reloading as well.  I might be able to do better than modern factory ammo, but the truth is that I am not a quarter MOA shooter, so a lot of that would be lost on me.  The UKD matches I fidn most interesting can be done by a competent shooter with a 1MOA gun.  I am working on that first part.  I reload when I have to, but if I can get factory ammo that's not outrageously expensive and that shoots well, I will go with that every time.

I looked around and realized that I have about 600 rounds of Hornady 147gr 6.5CM factory ammo from two lots.  400 rounds from one that I will use during the match later this month.  The remainder I will likely use up practicing prior to that.

I woke up early and snuck out to the range while my family was still asleep earlier today.

I set up in the 100 yard tunnel we have.  I took my four shots to zero with the lot I plan to use for the match.  Then I fired a six shot ~0.7MOA group.  That's accurate enough for my purposes.

Here are the chronograph results:

It is slow, but accurate and consistent.

Then I shot a five round group of Hornady 147gr ammo from the other lot.

Both of those lots are not too shabby for factory ammo.  POI was within 0.2mrad between the two lots, all laterally.  

 

I had some other ammo on hand, so I fired two five shot groups with Berger 144gr hybrid target ammo and Sako TRG 136gr.

Here is what I got for five rounds of Berger:

That's not a ton of statistics, but it is a data point.  The group was ~1.1MOA

 

Here the data for the Sako TRG 136gr ammo:

This ammo showed some mild pressure signs, but not too significant.  

Again, this is not a ton of data, but Hornady is looking pretty decent here.

I'll repeat the zero retention and consistency tests a couple more times between now and June 18th when we head to Wyoming.

I might pick up a couple more boxes of Hornady 147gr from a different lot to get some more data.

More to come.

 

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First PRS Match is behind me
High Noon at Del Norte

My first PRS match is officially behind me.  It was, I think an officially sanctioned regional PRS match at the shooting range called Del Norte about an hour from me (just east of Rio Rancho).
As I discussed previously, rather than using the rifle I originally prepared for it, I ended up having to change gears at the last moment and slapping a 5-25x56 Tangent on my daughter's 6ARC MiniFIx.  A lightweight 16" Proof barreled 6ARC is not an ideal set up for PRS competition, but, in the grand scheme of things, the rifle did hot hold me back at all.  I had a couple of weights that fit the Q-cert handguard, so I slapped them on there as well, which got the rifle to right around 12lbs.  The balance point was almost where I want it, but not quite.  In all other ways, this was a very handy rifle to shoot.  I am actually thinking of getting a couple more weights that I can stack on it (Sawtooth weights are stackable), so that I can shoot some future local matches with it.  It shoots Hornady's Black 105gr ammo very well (it also shoots 108gr ELD-M and 103gr ELD-X well, but I had a larger supply of Hornady Black ammo on hand).

It chrono'ed pretty consistently for factory ammo.  Here are the measurements for a 20 shot group.

If I were to take out the fastest shot, SD drops down to 8fps.  

In terms of wind performance, it is a 5mph rifle, so slightly better than the 308 ammo I was going to use originally, but not as good as the 6.5CM that was my intended match rifle for this year (we make plans, but then life happens).

I do have to admit that I really enjoyed shooting the match with the MiniFix.  So much so, that I am seriously thinking of building another one for myself, since this rifle is technically my daughter's.

The closest shot we had was a bit over a couple of hundred yards.  The furthest was around 1150.  That was a bit challenging for the 16" barreled 6ARC, especially since the terrain there is tricky and wind is doing strange things.  Morning was relatively quiet wind-wise, but then the wind becamse gusty with changing directions.

It was a one day match with about 30 shooters (six squads) and ten stages.  The 17 year old kid who won the match was in my squad with his dad.  Apparently he is on the US team, so it should not be surrpising that he won.  He was very good.

Overall level of the shooters in the match was quite good.  I really was not sure what to expect.  Somewhat paradoxically, the only matches that I have shot in so far are the much larger two day NRL Hunter matches.  In those, I am just out of the bottom third in terms of skill level.  In this match, it was pretty much in the same spot, I think.  

The terrain was a little bit like Cameo, I think (I have been there, but not shot there), with some angle changes and sufficient vegetation to make getting on target occasionally troublesome. 

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