Product Review By James Mock
There is an old adage when it comes to buying rifle scopes — one should “buy the best and cry once”. Generally it is true that we get what we pay for. However, we all like to get full value for our hard-earned dollars and it seems that we have several top-flight rifle scopes available to shooters today. Many of these top-tier scopes carry a premium price of $3000 or more. If one has champagne tastes and beer budget, must he/she settle for a second-tier scope?
The answer to the above is “not any more”. Check out the new Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm at under $1600.00 retail. A well known gunsmith told me that if someone made a scope with the quality of glass found in a Nightforce Competition and the reliable tracking plus ability to hold point of aim of the Kahles, they would have a winner. I have shot both of the above-mentioned scopes and they are great scopes. If one could get the best traits of both of these in one package and could get that optic at a good price (relative term), it would be great.
I may have found such a scope with the Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm long range scope, currently $1590.00 at SW Optics. Since I shoot mostly 600-yard matches, I requested the 5X-50X Stryker model with second focal plane (SFP) MOA reticle and 1/8-MOA adjustments. Here are the key features and specifications:
Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm Scope Specifications
Magnification: 5X-50X
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Tube Diameter: 34mm
Reticle: DLS 3 MOA, Second Focal Plane
Maximum Elevation: 100 MOA
Maximum Windage: 50 MOA
Eye Relief: 89mm – 100mm
Diopter Range: -2D/+3D
Field of View: 16m @ 5X and 9.5m @ 50X
Parallax Adjustment: 10m to Infinity
Eye Relief: 89mm (3.5″) to 100mm (3.9″)
Length: 333mm (13.1″)
Weight: 1042g (2.3 lbs)
All Reticle Options: DLS-1, DLS-2, DLS-3
Warranty: 10 Years
Other features: Locking turrets, Zero Stop, Illumination Dot, Rotation Indicator for both windage and elevation
Gen 3 Delta Stryker Long Range Optic
Note: Shown above is Delta Stryker’s new Generation 3 offering. This incorporates features wanted by purchasers of earlier generation scopes. Delta has made some great improvements to this scope. Key Gen 3 upgrades are: 1) Indicator added to show the number of revolutions the turrets have been turned; 2) Locking turrets for both windage and elevation knobs; 3) Unique Zero Stop made of brass rather than plastic; 4) MILRAD models now have .05 mils per adjustment clicks; and 5) Parallax adjustment wheel was given much longer travel which benefits getting the fine adjustments needed.
Other features of this second focal plane (SFP) scope include Japanese ED glass, illuminated 1/10 MOA dot with 11 brightness settings, zero lock turrets, 1/8 MOA click values, and a 10 year warranty. There are three reticles offered in this 5X-50X model. The DLS-1 and DLS-2 reticles are MILRAD types, while the third DLS-3 reticle, the one I tested, is a MOA reticle with each hash mark subtending 1 MOA at 40 power.
Turrets Run Smoothly with Easy to Read Markings
The markings on the turrets are large and easy to read with 10 MOA per revolution. The center dot subtends 1/10th MOA. The illumination on this model illuminates only the dot. The Gen 3 comes with sunshade, hex wrench for adjustments of zero stop, scope caps, a tab for the power ring, an optional large parallax wheel, and glass lens cover. It has a 10-year warranty. When one turns the windage, elevation, parallax, or power change knobs, he or she realizes what a quality scope this is. All of the above adjustments could not be smoother if they were on ball bearings.
The objective lens is 56mm. The image produced by the ED glass in this scope is spectacular — equal to or better than many scopes costing twice as much. There is little of the dreaded “black ring” surrounding the image. The adjustments are very, very smooth and the clicks are positive and without the backlash evident in many scopes. This is very well thought-out scope and represents one of the great values available today.
DEVA Institute Tests Confirm High Light Transmission
Delta enlisted the services of the prestigious DEVA Institute in Germany for an independent evaluation. The Deva Institute gave the scope a thorough “going over”, determining that that the individual lens layer allowed 98% light transmission while the total system allowed 92%. The scope is also very tough and withstood 6500 Joules (~5054 ft-lbs) of recoil energy.
Field Test Results of Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm
My testing began on a cold January 29th, 2022. I designed a tall target with a vertical line drawn with a level and marked that line up 25 MOA in 5 MOA hash marks. I set up my rifle (Stiller Cobra) on the bench and leveled both the rifle and the scope’s crosshairs. The model that I am shooting has 1 MOA hash marks with a 1/10th MOA floating dot. This reticle is ideal for 600 and 1000 yard competition. The rifle is currently chambered in 6mm PPC and I tested with N133 and Bart’s Avenger BT bullets. I will change the barrel to a 6mm Dasher before the next 600-yard match.
Photo below shows the setup with tall target at a measured 100 yards. I measured 100 yards with a steel tape to make certain that I did not skew my results but shooting at a greater or less distance. I will do some more testing at this distance when the weather warms a bit.
Tall Target Test — 25 MOA Up and Back Down
For this test I created a target with two sighting points placed a measured 25 MOA apart. I shot a few rounds of old ammo to get a rough zero and then fired an initial sighter. After an adjustment, I fired the first test shot and it hit in the proper location (inside the lower circle). Then I adjusted the elevation up 25 MOA. I fired again and the bullet impact was VERY close to my measured +25 MOA hash mark. Then I cranked 25 MOA back down and fired. That drilled the third test shot in the original circle at virtually the exact original elevation. This confirmed the accuracy of the click values.
Below is a picture showing the impact with the 25 minutes dialed in the scope. Although it is not perfect, it is VERY good. This scope tracks very well. The picture below shows the great tracking at 25 minutes up.
Point-of-Aim Test with Power Change
The final test done today was one in which I tested for shift in point of aim with power change. The first two rounds were fired at 40X, then I moved followed by one at 30X, another at 25X, then the final two rounds at 15X.
For each of the test magnification levels I had an aiming box on a vertical line. I started with 40X, then moved my point-of-aim down to the next box in sequence as I reduced the magnification level: 30X, 25X, and finally 15X. As you can see, the impact was very good at all the tested magnification levels.
Excellent Quality Image Viewed through the Lenses
Delta Optical is located in Poland. The company’s devotion to excellence is very evident. The brightness and clarity of the Delta lenses is amazing and the scope has large internal lenses as demonstrated by the sight picture. The tunnel effect with the black ring surrounding the image is absent in this fine scope.
Let me add that on two occasions, I have tested with extreme mirage and this scope handles the mirage as well as any I have tested. After all of my shooting, I can say that this scope has passed the tests with flying colors.
SUMMARY — Excellent High-Magnification Optic and Great Value
I have previously named other scopes as being the best value in long range scopes, but I may have to reconsider that statement. For a scope as versatile as the Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm, the price is very reasonable ($1590.00 at SW Optics). There are scopes that cost $1000 more without the features of this offering. My testing will continue and there will be updates. I want to thank Mr. Grzegorz Matosek of Delta Optical. He made it possible for me to have this scope for testing.
My shooting partner, Kent Bennett, remarked recently when we were testing several guns at his range, that this scope is as clear as any [high-magnification optic] he has looked through.
I predict that this Delta 5-50x56mm scope will sell very well in the USA. When the word gets out about the features and overall quality of this instrument, I believe that long range shooters will want to try it. There are two USA importers with which I am familiar: SW Optics & Equipment (Arizona) and EDgun West (California). My prediction is that those who try this scope will not be disappointed with quality or price. — GOOD SHOOTING! — James Mock
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Brownells — Howa 1500 USA Flag Chassis Rifle, $1299.99
With its “battleworn” stars and stripes Cerakote finish, Howa’s USA Flag Chassis Rifle is an eye-catcher. AND this handsome Howa shoots as good as it looks. This .308 Win rifle features a quality 26″ barrel with factory muzzle brake. The Howa 1500 action cycles very smoothly (better than a Remington or Savage), and this rifle comes with Howa’s fine HACT 2-stage trigger. This rifle includes a 4-16x50mm Nikko Sterling scope mounted to an EGW +20 MOA scope rail, Luth AR buttstock, plus a 10-round detachable box magazine. Howa even includes a Buffalo River swivel bipod with 6″-9″ adjustable legs. With this rig, all you need is ammo! Price is $1299.99 with scope and bipod. NOTE: This is also offered in 6.5 Creedmoor, but that is currently out-of-stock. Check with other vendors.
2. Bruno’s — Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm Sale, $2160.00
You can’t walk up to any respectable match line and not see a bevy of Nightforce scopes. The Nightforce 15-55x52mm Competition scope is still one of the very best scopes for serious F-Class and long-range competitors. Now Bruno’s is selling the 15-55x52mm NF for $2160.00 — that’s nearly $200 cheaper than other vendors. Bruno Shooters Supply has the Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm optic as well as countless other Nightforce scopes on sale. Get yours now before prices go back up.
3. Midsouth Shooters Supply — End of Year Clearance Sale
End of year means CLEARANCE at Midsouth Shooters Supply, with prices up to SEVENTY PERCENT (70%) off normal pricing. We’ve posted just a few of the nearly 800 items we found in their clearance section and with prices that can’t be beat it’s worth your time to scour the pages. Head to the Midsouth clearance sale to what you can’t live without before you hit the range again. Note, this End-of-Year Clearance sale ends today December 31, 2018. Don’t hesitate if you see a bargain you like.
The Leupold Ventana S-1 15-45x60mm spotting scope offers a good 15-45X range of power along with a 60mm objective. For a competitor using the spotter mostly for watching mirage and shot markers, this may be all you need in a spotter. And this is compact and easy to transport in a range bag. As one Amazon reviewer said, “TERRIFIC scope! 45X is plenty. Most people with 60X scopes rarely use more than 40X power so I decided to go for this smaller, lighter scope. We used it on wolves in Yellowstone this week at distances of 1/2 to 1 mile. This scope is tack sharp. I was able to compare to Swarovski, Vortex, and Nikon and this Leupold seems just as sharp at a fraction of the price. The amount of eye relief is generous, even better than some of the Swarovskis I looked through.”
5. Midsouth — Hornady L-N-L Auto Progressive Press, $378.99
If you need large quantities of pistol or rifle ammo, it makes sense to get a progressive press. This auto-indexing, 5-station press will give you one loaded round for every complete cycle of the loading handle. We’ve used this Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive press and can confirm that it works well. We actually prefer the rotary powder measure to the sliding powder system on Dillon progressives. We find it much easier to change load weights with the Hornady system (which uses inserts), and it is more precise with certain types of powder. This press also uses convenient quick-change die bushings. Right now you can save $113.00 with the $378.99 sale. NOTE: Press purchasers can get 500 free bullets through the Hornady Rebate Program but that ends 12/31/2018!
6. EuroOptic — Leica CRF 2000-B, $399.00
This may be the best deal we’ve seen on the vaunted Leica 2000-B Laser Rangefinder (LRF) with 7-power optic. This unit is rated out to 2000 yards on reflective objects (in real-world use it will laze a deer well past 800 if you can hold steady). The Leica 2000-B features air pressure and temperature sensors, plus on-board inclinometer. Angle correction works out to 1200 horizontal yards equivalent, with the true hold-over displayed in both MILs and MOA. The compact Leica CRF 2000-B weighs just 6.5 ounces and measures 4.5″ L x 2.25″ H x 1.25″ W. It has a waterproof outer shell.
Are you tired of using pan scales and trickling your charges just to spend a day at the range? Now for under $170.00 you can set your charges and watch them automatically drop quickly and efficiently. The Hornady Lock-N-Load auto charge powder dispenser gives you the confidence and speed whether you’re doing load development or just looking to make some rounds for a day at the range. With this $164.99 sale price, this Hornady dispenser over $90 cheaper than an RCBS Chargemaster Lite.
Have you ever been ready to run to the range and blow off a few rounds only to find that you’re out of targets? If you’re like us that’s one of the most frustrating things that can happen when heading to the club and nobody likes using printer paper and a marker to make a target. Pick up this 100 count set of sight-in targets and you won’t have to run to the store last minute or dig through the range trash cans hoping to find a barely-used target. This is a great value — only 18.4 cents per target!
9. Amazon — Caldwell Zeromax Rifle Rest, $28.99
No this basic, inexpensive rest won’t work for benchrest matches. However, it will suffice to sight-in a hunting or varmint rifle. AND it will do double duty as a cradle for rifle cleaning and maintenance. In fact this Caldwell rest is less expensive than some cleaning cradles than can’t be used for shooting at all. Pick up one of these Caldwell Zeromax Rests for only $28.99 and you’ll have a handy back-up rest you can keep in a vehicle or lend to a friend. Plus, some low-cost modifications can improve the rest’s adjustability. One purchaser noted: “The back foot is just a threaded bolt with a rubber end cap, but it does not turn or move. Changing the elevation with the front two bolts, and keeping everything level can be a challenge, so I added elevation adjustments to the back bolt as well. I did this by taking a bolt spacer from Ace Hardware super glued to a nut, and using that to lift or drop the back. Total cost was about $4.”
Credit Forum Member F-Class John for preparing most of this week’s deals.
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Review by James Mock
If you were charged with building a scope for F-Class or long range Benchrest, what features would you want? Vortex asked that question, received feedback from many competitors, and then set out to build a new high-magnification, zoom comp scope that would set a new “performance for price” standard.
The new Vortex Golden Eagle has features that this shooter really appreciates. It has a power range of 15x to 60x with a 52mm objective lens. Vortex has attempted to keep the weight as low as possible and the cost reasonable. My initial impression is that Vortex spared no expense in developing this scope. The “street price” for this premium scope is a reasonable $1499.00. Plus it has Unconditional Lifetime Warranty. Given its features, performance, and price, I believe that this scope will sell very well.
Premium HD, extra-low dispersion glass
APO (apochromatic) objective lens system with index-matched lenses
XRP multi-coated lenses for max light transmission
ArmorTek extra-hard lens coating to protect lens from dust, dirt, and smudges
Fogproof and Waterproof (Argon gas purged)
Specifications
Field of View at 100 yards: 6.3 feet at 15X; 1.7 feet at 60X
Main Tube: One-piece 30mm
Length: 16.1 inches; Weight is 29.7 ounces
Objective Lens: 52mm
Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
Reticles: SCR-1 FCH; ECR-1 MOA
Testing the Golden Eagle
I recently tested a Golden Eagle with the ECR-1 reticle. On this model the Hash Marks subtend 1 MOA at 40X. There is also a fine crosshair reticle (SCR-1) available. Initial tests with the scope were done on June 28th and I was very impressed with what I saw. With a new scope I always shoot the square (box test) to test tracking and amount of movement. I shot the square today after shooting a 5-shot group at 250 yards (my longest available distance). Below is a picture of the box test target that I shot. Yes, shot #5 went through the exact same hole as shot #1.
Below is the 250-yard target I shot before doing the box test. To get to the 100-yard target, I clicked down 14 clicks (1/8th MOA) and the scope was spot on. It is really a pleasure to use instruments that do exactly what they are supposed to do. With the Louisiana mirage, I shot this orange/white target at 40X instead of the maximum 60X. I did not have any problem seeing the 6mm bullet holes at 40X. The optics in this scope are to my old eyes are as good as any that I have used (regardless of price).
Competition Test Success — Golden Eagle Delivers a Win
My next use of this scope was at our monthly 600-yard match on July 15th. It was a typical mid-July day in north Louisiana — very hot and humid with light switching winds. The mirage was terrible, but I managed to squeak out a victory with a 188/5X score out of 200/20X possible. I shot the Golden Eagle at 40X all day and it performed perfectly. No one could see bullet holes today, even with the high powered premium spotting scopes. This is a quality scope and it may be a “lucky” scope in that I did not expect a win with a 6mm Dasher barrel with 2500 or more rounds through it.
Point of Aim Test with Hood Scope Checker
I also tested the Golden Eagle for holding Point of Aim (POA). For this procedure, I used the Hood scope checker (loaned to me by Bart Sauter). To use this, one mounts two scopes side by side. Ideally one scope has proven its ability to hold POA. Here I used a Valdada 36X BR model as my control scope. It has proven over an 8-year period of time to hold its point of aim. I mounted these scopes on my BAT/Leonard 6mm PPC and adjusted each to the same point on the target.
As one can see in the above picture, these are big scopes. After the first shot, I noticed that the reticle dot on the Vortex seemed to be about 1/8th MOA to the right of its original position. I stopped to check for ring slippage (which I had experienced in prior tests). There was no apparent slippage, so I checked the parallax and found that there was some parallax correction needed. This was probably the source of the apparent shift in point of aim, but I cannot be sure of that. I fired three more shots (checking after each) and found no shift.
After testing for POA shift, I fired the remaining rounds using different aiming points. I fired 5 rounds (upper left) using the Vortex and 3 rounds to the right of those using the Valdada scope.
CONCLUSION — A Very Fine Optic at a Reasonable Price
While testing this Vortex Golden Eagle scope, I developed a real fondness for it. I appreciate its great optics, eye relief and crispness of adjustments. If I thought that this scope did not hold POA, I would use my old Valdada in the 600-yard matches in which I participate. Further testing has shown no tendency to shift point of aim.
If I am allowed to keep this scope until the fall, I am sure that I will be able to see 6mm bullet holes in the white at 600 yards. Seeing those 6mm holes is very difficult, but that is my dream for a premium high-powered scope. During the summer months in north Louisiana, the air is much too “dirty” to spot small holes at 600 yards. By October, there should be some conditions in which one can use the premium optics to see bullet holes in the white at 600.
In summary, let me say that this scope has become one of my all-time favorites because of its bright, clear images and its great reliability. If you are looking for a great long-range scope that is reasonable in cost, try the Golden Eagle from Vortex.– James Mock
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At SHOT Show in Las Vegas, March Optics will unveil its new “High Master” series scopes. These top-of-the line optics are designed for Benchrest and Long-Range Competition. We’ve always been impressed with the clarity and sharpness of March optics, and now they are even better. The High Master line of scopes boast class-leading, state-of-the-art ED glass that delivers outstanding sharpness with near-zero chromatic aberration.
The March engineers tell us: “We’ve found a way to improve upon perfection with our new High Master™ line. Meticulously designed and individually hand-assembled by the expert engineers at March, these scopes feature our new Super-ED, high-refractive glass for unparalleled quality and exceptional clarity. This high-tech glass greatly reduces chromatic aberration for a previously unheard-of level of sharpness and brilliance.”
New March High Master Scopes
March 10-60x56mm Zoom Scopes for Ultimate Long Range
(Five Versions: MAR1078 3⁄32 MOA DOT Reticle, MAR1079 1⁄8 MOA DOT Reticle, MAR1080 MTR-1 Reticle, MAR1081 MTR-3 Reticle, MAR1082 MTR-4 Reticle)
NOTE: The new 10-60x56mm scope features the same mechanical precision and user-friendly design as March’s match-winning 10-60x52mm zoom scope, but with a larger 56mm objective lens and enhanced glass.
March 40–60x52mm EP Zoom Scopes for Benchrest Competition
(Three Versions: MAR1083 CH Reticle, MAR1084 3⁄32 MOA DOT Reticle, MAR1085 1⁄8 MOA DOT Reticle)
NOTE: For shooters seeking “one-hole” accuracy in the Benchrest game, this is the scope. The new High Master 40-60x52mm EP Zoom scope gives serious Benchrest shooters an ultra-sharp, high-magnification variable scope with zero POI shift when changing magnification.
March 48 x 52mm Fixed Power Scopes for Benchrest Competition
(Three versions: MAR1075 Cross-Hair Reticle, MAR1076 3⁄32 MOA DOT Reticle, MAR1075 1⁄8 MOA DOT Reticle)
NOTE: These new March 48-power scopes look to set new quality standards among high-magnification, fixed power scopes for benchrest competition. Fixed-power scopes are lighter and simpler than variable scopes of equal magnification. In weight-limited Benchrest classes this fixed 48X will be a top choice.
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Establishing zero at 300 yards. Dennis says: “Wow you can really drive that crosshair into the center of the bull with ease” with the 4.5X optic.
Dennis Santiago recently received the all-new Nightforce Competition SR Fixed 4.5x24mm Service Rifle scope. He will be using this at Camp Perry soon, so he needed to get zeros (and click values) for all his yardages. Off he headed to the Burbank Rifle and Revolver Club (BRRC) for a Zero Session.
After establishing a 100-yard, base-line zero from the bench, Dennis put on his sling and jacket to work out to 200, 300, and 600 yards. When shooting at 200, Dennis said: “The target is huge in that 4.5X scope. Fun to drive. Next stop NRA Week at Camp Perry!”
Above you can see Dennis working up two elevation zeroes for 600 yards. First he fired a center hold using the crosshair inside the circle to “pie” the bull. Next, he shot with a 12 o’clock hold using the lower leg of the crosshair to bisect the target. You can see the target at 600 yards in the top right of the photo.
Zeroing Task accomplished, Dennis is ready to take this rifle to Camp Perry for the National Championships. He says: “In the end, it’s always about your handy-dandy notebook.”
New 2016 CMP/NRA Rules Allow 4.5X Optics
Dennis Santiago explains the Service Rifle rule changes that now allow scopes up to 4.5X max magnification (and max 34mm objective):
“Per the 2016 Rulebooks of the CMP and NRA, today’s Service Rifle is now defined to include an M-16/AR-15 variant with an optical sighting system not to exceed 4.5X magnification. So, this optic-equipped rifle goes head-to-head with the match-tuned M-16A2/AR-15A2 iron sight guns in the same class. The rules were updated to take into account that some military branches no longer train service members to shoot iron sights as their primary marksmanship method and have switched to reliance combat optics. The rules were debated and tried in 2015 and codified at the beginning of this year. This will be the first Nationals where the old and new generation guns compete side-by-side.
Here is my personal prediction: There will be improved scores by Expert class shooters who figure out how to work with optics jumping into Master class. At the High Master level, there may be a slight rise in numerical scores but there will be a massive jump in X-Count. EICs will remain the all-out race they’ve always been; whoever makes the fewest mistakes wins the day.”
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Point-of-Aim Test with Power Change
Competition Test Success — Golden Eagle Delivers a Win
