Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA Review

Let’s Dive into Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA

The Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA is designed for hunters and recreational shooters looking for an affordable and reliable optic. This scope promises fully coated optics for better light transmission and a crisp image, along with a simple 30/30 reticle for easy target acquisition. When you’re on a budget but still need something better than iron sights, the Barska Colorado aims to be that solution.

I was looking for a scope to put on my .22LR rifle that I use for small game hunting. I needed something that wouldn’t break the bank, but still offered decent clarity and adjustability for accurate shots at varying distances. The Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA seemed to fit the bill based on its price point and advertised features.

Upon unboxing, the scope felt surprisingly solid for the price. The black matte finish looked decent, and the turrets turned with audible clicks. My initial thought was, “Okay, this might be better than I expected.”

I considered the Simmons Whitetail Classic and the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn as alternatives. Ultimately, I chose the Barska because it seemed to offer a good balance of features and affordability, and I was curious to see how it performed in real-world conditions. First impressions were cautiously optimistic – I was eager to get it mounted and see how it performed at the range.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was overcast, but visibility was still good. I mounted the scope on my .22LR rifle using the included rings (though I’d eventually swap these out for something more robust).

The scope performed adequately in the daylight conditions, offering a usable image at 3x and 9x magnification. However, I did notice some slight distortion around the edges of the sight picture, and the clarity wasn’t as impressive as some higher-end scopes I’ve used. The adjustments for windage and elevation seemed accurate, but required more clicks than I expected to get zeroed.

After the first use, I was neither blown away nor completely disappointed. The scope was functional, but I could see its limitations, particularly in terms of optical clarity and overall build quality.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA has held up reasonably well. There are no major signs of wear and tear, but the finish does seem prone to scratching. I wouldn’t consider it for hard use.

Maintaining the scope is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a lens cloth keeps the glass clean. Compared to my experiences with higher-quality optics, the Barska doesn’t offer the same level of confidence or image quality, but for the price, it’s a decent performer. I still find myself wishing I had spent a bit more on something with better glass.

Breaking Down the Features of Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA

Specifications

The Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA features a variable 3-9x magnification range, making it suitable for close to medium-range shooting. It has a 40mm objective lens that helps to gather light, aiding in visibility during dawn or dusk. The scope utilizes a 30/30 reticle in the Second Focal Plane (SFP), meaning the reticle size remains constant regardless of magnification.

The scope has a 1-inch tube diameter and offers 1 MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation. It is advertised as being waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. With an eye relief of 109-60mm, it should accommodate a variety of shooting positions. These specifications are decent for an entry-level scope, but the true test is how they translate to real-world performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA is functional and performs its basic job of magnifying the target. Accuracy is acceptable once zeroed, but the adjustments can be a bit finicky. It certainly meets the basic requirements for a budget scope.

Its primary strength is its affordability, making it accessible to shooters on a tight budget. The main weakness is the optical clarity, which is noticeably inferior to more expensive scopes. Image distortion and less-than-ideal light transmission are definite drawbacks.

Design & Ergonomics

The Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA sports a simple, functional design with a black matte finish. The build quality is adequate for the price, but it doesn’t exude premium craftsmanship. It’s lightweight at 14.5 oz, which is a plus for rifles where weight is a concern.

The scope is relatively user-friendly, with clearly marked adjustment turrets. The magnification ring is easy to turn, but the included rings are definitely on the cheaper side. There is a very slight learning curve, mostly related to getting used to the reticle and adjusting for parallax (which is fixed at 100 yards).

Durability & Maintenance

The Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA, with proper care, should last for several years of moderate use. However, I wouldn’t expect it to withstand the same level of abuse as a high-end scope. It’s best suited for recreational shooting and hunting in relatively mild conditions.

Maintenance is simple – keeping the lenses clean and ensuring the mounting hardware is secure are the main concerns. Repairing the scope is likely not cost-effective; if something major breaks, it’s probably better to replace it.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA comes with basic mounting rings, though I recommend upgrading these for better stability. The scope itself doesn’t offer many customization options. It’s fairly standard.

It is compatible with most standard 1-inch scope rings and bases, allowing for some flexibility in mounting. Beyond that, there aren’t many ways to customize this scope.

Pros and Cons of Barska 3-9×40 Colorado Rifle Scope, 1 MOA