First Thoughts on the Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange
The Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange offers a simple solution to a common problem: enhancing visibility of your reticle in challenging lighting conditions. These aren’t your typical high-dollar optics; they’re aiming transfers designed to be applied to any scope or lens, giving you an instant, bright orange crosshair. For the price of a fast-food meal, Gunstar promises increased aiming confidence.
I’ve always struggled with thin reticles disappearing against complex backgrounds, especially in low light. I needed a quick, affordable fix that didn’t require replacing my existing optics. Upon unboxing, the Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange appeared as advertised: two sheets of adhesive crosshairs, bright orange and seemingly easy to apply.
Similar products exist, such as illuminated reticle scopes or even paint-on reticle enhancers. I picked the Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange because I wanted something non-permanent, and easily removable if my visibility needs changed. Initial impressions were cautiously optimistic; the material felt a bit thin, but the adhesive looked promising. I was hopeful this inexpensive solution would live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange at my local shooting range, specifically on a cloudy afternoon to simulate low-light conditions. I applied one crosshair to a 3-9×40 scope mounted on my .22LR rifle. Application was straightforward, though ensuring perfect alignment took a little patience and a steady hand.
The immediate difference was noticeable; the bright orange crosshair popped against the dark target. Even with overcast skies, the reticle remained clearly visible. My first few shots were surprisingly accurate; the Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange didn’t obscure the target significantly. No issues arose during the first range session, but I noticed that focusing on the target was ever so slightly more difficult with the slightly enlarged reticle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including one particularly dusty outdoor session, the Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange showed no signs of peeling or fading. It remained firmly adhered to the scope lens. Cleaning the lens was a breeze; the transfer resisted standard lens cleaner without any issues.
Compared to using a standard black reticle in similar lighting conditions, the Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange offered a significant improvement in target acquisition speed. It hasn’t completely replaced the need for good shooting technique, but it’s definitely enhanced my confidence. It outperforms any basic reticle paint because of its consistent application and design.
Breaking Down the Features of Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange
Specifications
- Aiming Transfers: The product consists of adhesive transfers designed to be applied directly to the scope lens. This allows for easy installation and removal without permanently altering the scope.
- Four Plex Rifle Style Crosshair: Each transfer features a standard four-plex rifle crosshair design with thin center lines. This provides a familiar aiming point for most shooters.
- Orange Color: The bright orange color is designed for enhanced visibility in various lighting conditions. It offers a high-contrast aiming point.
- Two Per Pack: Each pack includes two individual Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange transfers. This provides a spare or allows for application on multiple scopes.
These specifications matter because they address a specific need: improving reticle visibility without significant modification or expense. The orange color increases contrast, and the multiple transfers offer flexibility.
Performance & Functionality
The Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange performs admirably at its core function: making the reticle more visible. Target acquisition is noticeably faster in low-light and cluttered environments. It does its job and exceeds my initial expectations.
The strength is its simplicity and affordability. A potential weakness is the added thickness on the lens may cause distortion to some users.
Design & Ergonomics
The Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange boasts a simple, functional design. The thin lines minimize target obstruction. Applying the transfer can be a bit fiddly but isn’t overly complicated.
The build quality is adequate for its intended purpose. The material is thin but reasonably durable, and doesn’t obstruct your view.
Durability & Maintenance
The Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange is likely to last for a decent amount of time, provided it’s properly applied and not subjected to extreme abrasion. Its lifespan is hard to determine exactly, but a year of consistent use seems reasonable.
Maintenance is minimal. A simple wipe with a lens cloth is usually sufficient.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange itself is a customization accessory, designed to enhance existing optics. There are no specific accessories designed for it. However, it can be used in conjunction with other scope accessories such as lens caps or sunshades. There are no customization options outside of its intended use.
Pros and Cons of Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange
Pros
- Affordable way to enhance reticle visibility.
- Easy to apply and remove without damaging the scope lens.
- Bright orange color provides excellent contrast in low light and against complex backgrounds.
- Simple design that doesn’t significantly obstruct the target.
- Comes with two transfers for multiple applications or spares.
Cons
- Application can be a bit tricky, requiring a steady hand for perfect alignment.
- The added layer on the scope can introduce slight distortion at higher magnifications for some users.
Who Should Buy Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange?
Perfect for hunters who frequently encounter low-light conditions, or shooters who struggle with reticle visibility against cluttered backgrounds. Also a great choice for budget-conscious individuals seeking a quick and easy reticle enhancement.
Those who demand absolutely perfect optical clarity or require a more robust, permanent solution should probably skip this product. If you have higher end scopes, you may wish to not obscure the glass with these reticles.
A must-have accessory to consider is a high-quality lens cleaning cloth to ensure a clean application surface.
Conclusion on Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange
The Gunstar Rifle Crosshair Orange is an excellent value proposition for those seeking a simple, affordable way to improve reticle visibility. At only $5.99, it’s a low-risk investment that can significantly enhance your shooting experience. I would definitely recommend it to fellow shooters looking for a budget-friendly reticle enhancement solution. Give it a try; for the price of a cup of coffee, you might just find your aiming woes are a thing of the past.