Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope Review

Let’s Dive into Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope

The Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope promises a lot: variable magnification, illuminated reticle, and tactical features, all at a price point that doesn’t require a second mortgage. Barska aims to bridge the gap between affordability and functionality, offering features like side adjustable parallax and a first focal plane Mil-dot reticle. Is it truly tactical and practical, or just a budget scope trying to punch above its weight?

I was looking for a scope that could handle both medium-range target practice and potentially longer-range hunting scenarios without breaking the bank. I needed something with enough magnification to reliably identify targets at distance and a reticle that would allow for holdover adjustments. The appeal of a first focal plane (FFP) scope at this price point was a major draw.

Unboxing the Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope, my initial impression was that it felt surprisingly solid. The matte black finish looked decent, and the turrets seemed positive enough. It’s a long scope, no doubt about it, and the weight (26.87 oz) is noticeable.

I was considering a Vortex Crossfire II 6-18×44 or a Bushnell Banner 6-18×50. However, the FFP reticle and the illuminated reticle of the Barska swayed me. These features, combined with the slightly higher magnification, seemed to offer more flexibility for the type of shooting I planned to do.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve used high-end scopes before, so I knew compromises were likely. However, if the Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope could deliver even a portion of the performance of those higher-priced optics, it would be a fantastic value.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope at an outdoor shooting range on my AR-10 (.308). The weather was clear and sunny, but there was a slight breeze. My distances ranged from 100 to 300 yards, shooting at paper targets.

The scope performed adequately in these conditions. The glass was clear enough to see my targets, but not exceptional. Adjusting the parallax helped sharpen the image at different distances.

It took me some time to get used to the FFP reticle. It was different seeing the reticle grow as I increased the magnification. I found the eye relief to be quite short, requiring me to be very precise in my head placement to avoid scope shadow.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope is still holding zero. I’ve put around 300 rounds through my AR-10 with it mounted. There are some minor scratches on the finish from general handling.

The turrets still feel positive, but I’ve noticed a slight mushiness to the clicks. Cleaning the lenses is straightforward with a lens cloth. The scope has held up well enough, but it certainly doesn’t have the robust feel of higher-end scopes.

Compared to a Leupold VX-3i I have on another rifle, the Barska falls short in terms of glass clarity and overall build quality. However, considering the price difference, it provides a decent level of performance for the money.

Breaking Down the Features of Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope

Specifications

• Magnification: 6-20x – Offers versatile use for medium to long-range shooting.

• Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm – Allows for decent light gathering, though not exceptional for low-light conditions.

• Reticle: Mil Dot IR (Illuminated) – Provides aiming points for holdover and windage adjustments, with added illumination for low-light visibility.

• Field of View: 16/5.3 ft@100yds at 6x, 5/1.7 ft@100yds at 20x – Field of view is adequate for target shooting, but can feel restrictive at higher magnifications.

• Exit Pupil: 8.3-2.5mm – The smaller exit pupil at higher magnifications can make it challenging to maintain a clear sight picture.

• Eye Relief: 3.1 inches – A shorter eye relief makes proper head placement critical.

• Click Value: 1/4 MOA – Standard click value for making precise adjustments.

• Tube Diameter: 1 inch – Common tube diameter, making it compatible with a wide range of scope rings.

• Finish: Black Matte – A non-reflective finish helps to prevent detection.

• Weight: 26.87 oz – Relatively heavy, which can add noticeable weight to your rifle.

• Length: 16.3 inches – A long scope, potentially impacting balance on some rifles.

• Side Adjustable Parallax: Allows for fine-tuning the focus for different distances.

• First Focal Plane (FFP): The reticle subtensions remain consistent regardless of magnification, aiding in accurate range estimation.

Performance & Functionality

The Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope performs adequately for its price point. Accuracy is acceptable, and it holds zero well enough for recreational shooting. However, the glass clarity is not comparable to higher-end scopes.

The illuminated reticle is useful in low-light conditions, but the illumination isn’t incredibly bright. The side parallax adjustment is a nice feature to have. The short eye relief is a definite drawback.

This scope meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly tactical optic. However, it does not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope features a robust alloy construction. The matte black finish is practical, though not particularly refined. The scope feels solid, but the long length and weight are noticeable.

The target-style turrets are easy to grip, but the clicks aren’t as crisp as I would like. There’s a slight learning curve with the FFP reticle, but it becomes intuitive after some use.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its alloy construction, the Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope should last for several years with proper care. Time will tell. Cleaning is simple with a lens cloth and occasional wipe-down.

It’s not a scope I would subject to extreme abuse, but it should handle typical range use and hunting conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope includes scope caps. It is compatible with standard 1-inch scope rings. There are no other readily available accessories or specific customization options offered by Barska for this model.

Being a standard 1-inch tube, it will mount on any standard Picatinny rail with appropriate rings. I have used both Burris and Leupold rings with this scope.

Pros and Cons of Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope

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Who Should Buy Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope?

The Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope is perfect for recreational target shooters and hunters on a budget. It suits those who want to experiment with FFP reticles without investing heavily. It’s also suitable for airgun enthusiasts requiring adjustable parallax.

Competitive shooters requiring pinpoint accuracy should skip this product. Those who prioritize high-end glass clarity and rugged durability should also look elsewhere.

Must-have accessories include a good quality set of scope rings and a lens cleaning kit. Consider a cheek riser for your stock to improve eye alignment due to the short eye relief.

Conclusion on Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope

The Barska 6-20×50 IR Tactical Rifle Scope AC10776 Rifle Scope is a budget-friendly optic that offers a decent level of performance for the price. It’s not perfect, but it delivers key features like FFP and illuminated reticle. All while remaining surprisingly affordable.

The value proposition is strong for those who understand its limitations. The price is justifiable.

I would recommend it to shooters on a budget who want to try an FFP scope. Just be prepared to work around the short eye relief and accept the slightly lower glass quality. It’s a solid entry-level tactical optic.