4X scopes right through the Korean War. But as technology improved the quality of riflescopes, military snipers began fielding a variety of fixed- and variable-power optics with higher magnification.
With accurate cartridges like the .338 Lapua Mag. helping to push the envelope past the 1,500-meter mark, variable-magnification riflescopes in the 5-25X range are now moving to the forefront. While long-range effectiveness has increased, this trading up has cost our snipers several low-power benefits. These include increased field of view, better light transmission, smaller scope size and—most critical in a dynamic
gunfight—the ability to rapidly engage close threats.
Leupold 1.1-8x24 mm CQBSS
While passing through Leupold’s booth at the SHOT Show in January, I noticed crowds gathering around several CQBSS scopes on display. The company’s new optic is user-friendly, and its tactically appealing features were generating much buzz. For example, the zoom function is handled by the entire ocular bell. There’s no need to apply gorilla strength to a small ring. You simply rotate the knurled eyepiece until you reach the desired magnification. One drawback with this setup is that flip-open caps will rotate as power is adjusted, possibly getting in the way of charging or bolt handles.
Leupold’s CQBSS is currently available with the Horus H27 reticle (right), a good choice for those learning the Horus system. Leupold’s TMR will be available soon.
The scope’s 34-mm main tube provides extra rigidity and generous elevation travel. Locking elevation and windage knobs are handled by a spring-loaded design. To adjust windage or elevation, simply squeeze each side of the appropriate knob and turn. Upon release, the spring-loaded half-moon tabs return to their locked positions. The verdict isn’t in yet on this design’s durability after hard use in the blowing sand, talc dust and mud-filled combat environments. If a knob were to get stuck, the good news is that reticle selections are perfectly suited for zeroing and then abandoning the knobs altogether for elevation and windage needs.
The very flexible, combat-proven Horus H27 reticle is standard and well adapted to modern sniping. Leupold’s own Tactical Milling Reticle (TMR) should eventually be available in the CQBSS as well. These reticles allow advanced aiming via .2-mil markings (H27) and 1⁄2-mil markings (TMR) that extend far beyond the traditional 5 mils below center.
The CQBSS’ internal adjustments matched its knob graduations perfectly, and I found the 5-MOA dot’s brightness easy to acquire in any lighting condition. I had trouble seeing the prototype’s dot when my eye wasn’t perfectly centered, but Leupold says this problem has been remedied on production models.
From 5X to 8X, the H27 reticle in my test scope worked very well for precise aiming, and the heavy, main horizontal stadia lines served as a quick reference for rapid aiming at low power with the dot turned off. Lastly, the diopter adjustment on the Leupold has a “jam nut” lock ring that holds it in the focused position. The CQBSS’ quality is better than most U.S.-made riflescopes.
Leupold will also be offering several bullet-drop-compensating (BDC) rings for the CQBSS’ elevation knobs for those shooters who prefer to dial in their dope. All in all, Leupold did its homework on the new CQBSS, and there is no doubt it has upped the ante on quality.
Premier Reticles V8 1.1-8x24 Tactical
Elements of Premier’s Heritage Tactical 3-15x50 mm—the USMC’s newest Scout Sniper day scope—can be seen in the V8 Tactical. The V8’s form and function both reflect specifications asked for by our fighting troops with a few special touches thrown into the mix.
The V8 Tactical includes a two-phase illumination system. At higher magni-
fication, the center section of its 1FP ret-icle is lit. At lower powers, only a 5-MOA hollow dot in the 2FP shines
The most unique feature is a two-phase reticle-illumination system that allows use of either a 5-MOA dot placed in the second focal plane (2FP), or a 1FP fully illuminated reticle. When using the scope between 1.1X and 3X for close-quarters shots where speed is required, the 2FP flash dot remains constant in size regardless of power. Once beyond 3X, the dot disappears and illumination switches to the mil-based, Gen II CQB reticle. This hollow-dot design is easy to see at all powers when illuminated, and its placement in the 1FP ensures reticle size remains relative to the changing target image when changing powers.
The transition between illumination systems is seamless, requiring no action beyond adjusting power up or down. The key benefits are that the center dot doesn’t obscure the target at higher powers, and the illuminated mil dots make the reticle usable during transitional light (dusk and dawn) and when contrast is needed against a night-vision device’s image.
The V8’s locking knobs are Premier’s standard design. Pulling them out allows turning against very positive .1-mil clicks. Pushing the knobs in locks the setting in place, and zeroing or “slipping” the graduated scales can be done without tools. The Gen II CQB reticle subtends to 1⁄2 mil and has at least 95 mils (327 MOA) available in 5-mil increments along the heavy stadia lines. Thus, the V8 provides shooters with the capability to use reticle holds for both windage and elevation.
The rheostat knob unlocks by pulling it out to rotate through “on” settings and locks in the down position. While my test sample had no rheostat clicks, Premier’s production V8 scopes will lock in any “on” or “off” position, and all settings will have distinct clicks. The first three brightness settings are night-vision compatible, allowing illuminated use without washing out image-intensified night optics placed behind the scope.
The forward placement of the V8’s saddle requires unusual mounting to get the eye relief set properly, but I found placing both rings on the same scope section to work well. Premier’s optical quality is unusually good for U.S.-branded riflescopes, and the V8 is no exception. Overall I found the V8 to possess the same quality and solid features as Premier’s other optics. I’d feel comfortable heading into harm’s way with one atop my favorite .308 Win. carbine
Horus Vision 1.5-8x24 mm BlackBird
Horus Vision’s entry is somewhat of an odd-man-out in this category. As tested and currently available, the BlackBird is really a big scope in a little body. It’s significantly smaller and lighter than the others I tested, but still delivers long-range performance. The newly designed H58 reticle provides a quick ranging and acquisition feature, as well as effective hold points for windage and moving targets. At 8X, longer-range targets are where the BlackBird really comes into its own.
The Horus BlackBird’s H58 reticle allows for holdover without windage or elevat-
ion adjustments, but it can be difficult to acquire on short-range targets.
The BlackBird’s shortfall is that it’s difficult to use for rapid target acquisition at low powers. The 1.5X low-end is slightly higher than desired for this type of optic and is further hampered by a dimly illuminated center crosshair area. Even at the bright-est setting, it’s very hard to see except in the darkest environments, which is a huge liability when mounted on a rifle intended for close-quarters battle. Horus is working to fix this problem, and the company told me it plans to replace the dim crosshair with a bright dot in the very near future.
Unfortunately, no help is provided by the non-illuminated portion of the reticle. Its long-range/high-power strength—a very thin reticle for precise aiming—is also its low-power Achilles heel. I found the reticle very difficult to pick up quickly between 1.5X and 3X.
Horus employs capped elevation and windage knobs instead of locking knobs. All Horus reticles eliminate the need to dial in elevation and windage. Once zeroed, the knobs are capped and left alone. I’m very comfortable with this aiming system. The rheostat’s clicks are very positive, providing easy access to the desired brightness position. Although the zoom ring was too stiff for fast manipulation, I’ve found this component generally smooths out through use.
Optical quality on my test sample was very good, and each .1-mil click precisely moved the strike of my bullets downrange. Overall, I like the BlackBird as a minimally sized optic with long-range performance.
The introduction of riflescopes that allow long-range target engagement without sacrificing the ability to deal with close threats completes the sniper’s triad. A few years back, a foreign optics company’s chief engineer laughed at my full-range sniper-scope concept, calling me an idiot and saying it couldn’t be done. While I can’t argue with the first statement, I’m glad he was wrong on the second.
