My first impression of Aim Sports Alpha 6 Black Anodized 2.5-15x 50mm 30mm Tube MR1-MRAD Reticle
The Aim Sports Alpha 6 Black Anodized 2.5-15x 50mm 30mm Tube MR1-MRAD Reticle promises professional-grade features at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. The promise of high-definition glass and a versatile magnification range immediately piqued my interest. I’ve spent years behind various optics, from high-end European glass to more budget-friendly options, so I was eager to see where this scope landed in terms of performance and value.
My need for this scope stemmed from a desire to upgrade my AR-15’s current optic. I wanted something that could handle both close-quarters engagements and longer-range precision shooting. I’d been using a red dot sight, which was great for quick target acquisition, but lacked the magnification I needed for accurately engaging targets beyond 200 yards. The Aim Sports Alpha 6 seemed like it could bridge that gap, offering a good balance of versatility and clarity.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the solid feel of the one-piece aluminum tube. The black anodized finish looked clean and durable. The weight, at 26.50 oz, felt substantial without being overly heavy. Compared to some of my other scopes, like my Vortex Viper PST Gen II, the Alpha 6 felt a bit less refined aesthetically, but still seemed well-built. I chose it over a similar-priced Primary Arms scope because of the Alpha 6’s locking turrets.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The Aim Sports Alpha 6 appeared to offer a good set of features for the price, but the true test would be its performance in the field. I was excited to mount it and see how it performed at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Aim Sports Alpha 6 Black Anodized 2.5-15x 50mm 30mm Tube MR1-MRAD Reticle to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Aim Sports Alpha 6 at my local shooting range, which offers distances out to 300 yards. The weather was sunny with a slight breeze. I mounted the scope on my AR-15 using a cantilever mount. Initial zeroing was straightforward, and the audible clicks on the turrets were a welcome feature.
The glass clarity was surprisingly good for the price. At 2.5x, the image was bright and clear. As I increased the magnification, the image remained sharp, although there was a noticeable drop in brightness at 15x. The MR1-MRAD reticle was easy to see and use for holdovers. I found the side focus parallax adjustment easy to manipulate, allowing me to get a crisp image at various distances. After about 50 rounds, everything seemed to be holding zero just fine.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Aim Sports Alpha 6 has proven to be a reliable optic. I’ve taken it through several range sessions and even a weekend hunting trip in the mountains. Durability has been better than expected. There are no signs of internal fogging, and the adjustments remain consistent.
The anodized finish has held up well, with only minor scratches from handling. Cleaning the lenses is simple, and the scope maintains its clarity after wiping away dust and dirt. Compared to my Leupold VX-3i, the Alpha 6 doesn’t have quite the same level of optical clarity, but it performs admirably for its price point. I would consider the Aim Sports Alpha 6 to be an improvement to my previous experiences with optics in the same price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Aim Sports Alpha 6 Black Anodized 2.5-15x 50mm 30mm Tube MR1-MRAD Reticle
Specifications
- Magnification: 2.5-15x. This wide range allows for both close-quarters and longer-range engagements.
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm. The large objective lens gathers plenty of light, improving visibility in low-light conditions.
- Tube Diameter: 30mm. A larger tube diameter provides more room for internal adjustments, resulting in a wider range of elevation and windage correction.
- Reticle: MR1-MRAD. This MIL-based reticle allows for precise holdovers and ranging.
- Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane (SFP). The reticle size remains constant regardless of magnification, which can be advantageous for certain shooting styles.
- Material: Aluminum. Aluminum construction provides a good balance of durability and weight savings.
- Color: Black Anodized. The anodized finish offers corrosion resistance and a sleek appearance.
- Focus Type: Side Focus. The side focus adjustment allows for easy parallax correction without having to remove your eye from the scope.
- Parallax Adjustment: Side Focus. Correcting for parallax ensures the reticle and target are on the same focal plane, improving accuracy.
- Weight: 26.50 oz. The weight is manageable for most rifles and shooting styles.
- Windage/Elevation Adjustment: Adjustable. Allows the user to zero and make corrections based on environmental factors.
Performance & Functionality
The Aim Sports Alpha 6 Black Anodized 2.5-15x 50mm 30mm Tube MR1-MRAD Reticle performs admirably within its price range. The glass clarity is good. The adjustable parallax focuses down to a nice crisp view of the target and reticle.
The scope’s strengths lie in its versatility and ease of use. The MR1-MRAD reticle provides precise holdover points, and the locking turrets prevent accidental adjustments. A weakness is the slight dimming of the image at higher magnifications. Overall, it meets expectations for a scope in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Alpha 6 features a solid one-piece aluminum tube construction. It feels durable in the hand, and the black anodized finish is aesthetically pleasing. The side focus knob is easily accessible, and the turrets provide tactile and audible clicks.
The scope has a fairly intuitive design. The eye relief is forgiving. The locking turrets keep you from accidentally adjusting your windage or elevation after zeroing. There is a slight learning curve in fully understanding the MR1-MRAD reticle.
Durability & Maintenance
The aluminum construction and anodized finish suggest the Alpha 6 should have a decent lifespan with proper care. The Argon purging is a plus and should prevent internal fogging in varying weather conditions. Cleaning the lenses is simple.
Regular inspection of the mounting system is recommended. Keep the lenses free of debris. I believe this optic will last for many years with responsible care and maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Aim Sports Alpha 6 does not come with many accessories, usually including only lens covers. Compatibility with aftermarket 30mm scope rings and mounts is excellent. I recommend a good quality cantilever mount for AR-15 platforms.
No other accessories are required for this product, but aftermarket sunshades, kill flashes, or anti-reflective devices, could be added. The Alpha 6 is generally compatible with commonly available accessories
Pros and Cons of Aim Sports Alpha 6 Black Anodized 2.5-15x 50mm 30mm Tube MR1-MRAD Reticle
Pros
- Versatile 2.5-15x magnification range. This magnification allows for versatility for both close-quarters and longer-range engagements.
- MR1-MRAD reticle for precise holdovers. The MR1-MRAD reticle provides a measurable system for aiming.
- Locking turrets prevent accidental adjustments. Locking turrets can protect against accidental loss of zero.
- Good glass clarity for the price point. The clarity for the money is impressive.
- Durable aluminum construction. The strong aluminum construction of the tube can handle some bumps.
Cons
- Image darkens at higher magnifications. The glass clarity does diminish somewhat at the higher magnification.
- May not be as rugged as higher-end optics. While sturdy, it will not stand up to severe abuse like more expensive optics.
Who Should Buy Aim Sports Alpha 6 Black Anodized 2.5-15x 50mm 30mm Tube MR1-MRAD Reticle?
The Aim Sports Alpha 6 Black Anodized 2.5-15x 50mm 30mm Tube MR1-MRAD Reticle is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who want a versatile optic for their AR-15 or other modern sporting rifle. It’s well-suited for recreational target shooting, hunting, and even some tactical applications. The MR1-MRAD reticle makes it a good choice for those who want to learn how to use MIL-based ranging and holdover techniques.
This optic may not be ideal for professional shooters or those who require the absolute best optical clarity and durability. People who demand the most rugged build for extreme conditions should probably skip this product. A must-have accessory is a quality cantilever scope mount to ensure proper eye relief.
Conclusion on Aim Sports Alpha 6 Black Anodized 2.5-15x 50mm 30mm Tube MR1-MRAD Reticle
The Aim Sports Alpha 6 Black Anodized 2.5-15x 50mm 30mm Tube MR1-MRAD Reticle offers an impressive set of features and solid performance at an affordable price. While it may not compete with high-end optics in terms of absolute clarity and ruggedness, it provides excellent value for the money. The price is more than justified.
I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a versatile scope for recreational shooting or hunting. It’s a great way to get into MIL-based shooting without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly optic that can handle a variety of shooting scenarios, the Aim Sports Alpha 6 is definitely worth considering. Give it a shot, you won’t be disappointed!