First Thoughts on the Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange
The Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange aiming transfers promise a simple solution for improving scope visibility. For a mere $5.99, Gunstar offers two transfers designed to enhance aiming point clarity. As someone who has spent years struggling with fading reticles and challenging lighting conditions, this product immediately piqued my interest.
My journey to discover these aiming transfers began with persistent frustration during low-light hog hunts. My scope’s reticle would often fade into the dark background, making precise shots difficult, even dangerous. I’ve tried illuminated scopes and different reticle patterns, but they often introduce their own issues, like battery dependence or excessive brightness in near darkness. The Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange seemed like a simple, non-electronic, and affordable potential fix.
Upon receiving the package, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. Two small, orange crosshair transfers – that’s it. The material feels like a high-quality, thin vinyl, similar to what’s used for durable stickers. Build quality seems decent considering the price; they are cleanly cut, and the adhesive appears strong.
In terms of initial comparisons, I’ve experimented with scope paint and even considered etching reticles in the past. Scope paint is messy and permanent, while etching is, well, definitely permanent. The Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange offers a non-permanent, reversible, and easily replaceable alternative. It’s also far less expensive than upgrading to a high-end illuminated reticle scope.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I wasn’t blown away, but I was intrigued. The simplicity is appealing, and the potential for enhanced visibility for such a low price definitely made me excited to test them out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange took place at my local shooting range. I mounted one of the transfers onto my trusty .308 hunting rifle scope, carefully centering it over the existing reticle. The initial application was straightforward, peeling off the backing and gently pressing it onto the lens.
I tested the rifle under bright sunlight, overcast conditions, and late afternoon shadows. The orange crosshair immediately popped against the darker target backgrounds. The enhanced visibility was especially noticeable during the late afternoon when the standard black reticle started to fade.
However, I did encounter a small issue during the application process. Air bubbles were tricky to completely remove, and even the slightest bubble distorted the image slightly. Also, if not perfectly centered, the orange crosshair created a distracting “double vision” effect, particularly at higher magnifications.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of range sessions and a simulated hunting trip, the Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of peeling or fading, even after repeated cleanings of the scope lens. The transfer remained firmly in place, despite temperature fluctuations and mild bumps during transport.
Durability seems adequate, but I noticed that the edges of the transfer can lift slightly if directly rubbed against a rough surface. Maintenance is simple; just avoid harsh solvents when cleaning the lens. A soft cloth and lens cleaner work perfectly.
Compared to my previous attempts at improving reticle visibility (like using a grease pencil), the Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange is a significant improvement. It’s more durable, easier to apply, and provides a much cleaner and more professional-looking result. It doesn’t completely replace an illuminated reticle in extremely low-light conditions, but it offers a substantial boost in visibility for most daylight and dusk scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange
Specifications
The Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange is a deceptively simple product. It consists of:
- Aiming transfers: Two (2) per pack, offering a spare or the ability to use them on multiple optics.
- Material: Thin, durable vinyl with adhesive backing. Designed for application on scope lenses or other optical surfaces.
- Color: Bright orange, chosen for its high visibility against various backgrounds.
- Intended Use: To enhance the visibility of scope reticles and aiming points in different lighting conditions.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the product’s effectiveness. The thin vinyl ensures minimal interference with the scope’s image, while the adhesive provides a secure hold without damaging the lens. The bright orange color is crucial for contrast and quick target acquisition.
Performance & Functionality
The Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange performs its core function well: enhancing reticle visibility. The bright orange color provides excellent contrast, making it easier to acquire targets quickly, especially in cluttered environments or low-light conditions. The transfers are particularly useful for shooters with aging eyes or those who struggle with seeing fine reticles.
The main strength is definitely the improved visibility. However, the transfer’s small size can also be a limitation. At high magnification, the orange crosshair can appear somewhat thick, potentially obscuring very small targets at long distances.
Overall, the product meets expectations for a simple, low-cost solution to improve reticle visibility. It won’t replace a high-end optic with an illuminated reticle, but it offers a noticeable improvement for a fraction of the cost.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is minimalist, focusing on functionality over aesthetics. Build quality is decent; the vinyl is thin and flexible, allowing it to conform to the lens surface. It doesn’t add any noticeable weight or bulk to the scope.
The product is user-friendly; application is simple, although careful alignment is crucial to avoid distortion. There’s a slight learning curve involved in mastering the application technique to minimize air bubbles.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my testing, the Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange should last for a reasonable amount of time under normal use. The vinyl is resistant to scratching and fading, and the adhesive seems strong enough to withstand temperature changes and minor impacts.
Maintenance is simple; just clean the lens with a soft cloth and lens cleaner as needed. Avoid using harsh solvents or abrasive cleaners, as these could damage the transfer.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options besides choosing where to place the transfer on your optic.
The product is inherently compatible with most scopes and optics, as long as there’s a flat surface to adhere to. However, it might not work well with scopes that have very small objective lenses or unusual lens coatings.
Pros and Cons of Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange
Pros
- Significantly improves reticle visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Very affordable; at $5.99, it’s a low-risk investment.
- Easy to apply and remove (if needed) without damaging the scope lens.
- Durable and long-lasting under normal use.
- Simple, non-electronic solution; no batteries required.
Cons
- Can be tricky to apply perfectly without air bubbles or misalignment.
- Orange crosshair can appear thick at high magnification, potentially obscuring small targets.
Who Should Buy Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange?
The Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange is perfect for:
- Hunters who struggle with reticle visibility in low-light conditions, especially during dawn and dusk.
- Shooters with aging eyes who need extra contrast to see the reticle clearly.
- Budget-conscious individuals who want to improve their scope’s performance without buying a new optic.
Who should skip this product?
- Competitive shooters who require extremely precise aiming points.
- Users who already have high-end scopes with illuminated reticles.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A good quality lens cleaning kit to prepare the lens surface before application.
- Patience and a steady hand during the application process.
Conclusion on Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange
Overall, the Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange is a surprisingly effective product for the price. It delivers on its promise of enhancing reticle visibility, making it a valuable tool for hunters and shooters who struggle with seeing their reticle clearly.
The $5.99 price tag is easily justified, given the noticeable improvement in performance. While it’s not a perfect solution and requires careful application, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
I would definitely recommend the Gunstar Standard Crosshair Orange to anyone looking for a simple, affordable way to improve their scope’s visibility. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your shooting experience. Give it a try – you might be surprised at how much it helps!