Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope Review

Let’s Talk About Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope

The Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope presents itself as a versatile optic aimed at bridging the gap between mid-range precision and rugged field performance. Crimson Trace, a name traditionally associated with laser sights and tactical accessories, steps into the riflescope arena with a feature-rich offering, boasting ED glass, a first focal plane (FFP) reticle, and a durable build. My interest was piqued by the promise of high-quality glass at a competitive price point, a combination that could significantly enhance my shooting experience in various scenarios.

As someone who spends a significant amount of time in the backcountry chasing elk and mule deer, I needed a scope that could handle the rigors of mountain hunting while providing the clarity and precision necessary for ethical long-range shots. The Crimson Trace scope’s combination of a wide magnification range (4-20x) and a MIL-based reticle seemed like a good fit for my needs. Upon unboxing, the scope felt solid and well-constructed, with a matte black finish that looked both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Compared to my existing Vortex Viper PST Gen II and Leupold VX-3i scopes, the Crimson Trace offered a potentially brighter sight picture due to its larger 50mm objective lens. While the Vortex is known for its exceptional value and the Leupold for its lightweight design, the Crimson Trace promised a more advanced reticle and potentially superior glass clarity at a similar price point. I ultimately chose the Crimson Trace hoping for a blend of features and performance that would elevate my long-range capabilities.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The scope appeared to be well-made and packed with features, but I reserved final judgment until I could put it through its paces in the field. There was a hint of excitement about the potential, coupled with the pragmatic awareness that only real-world testing could reveal the true value of this optic.


Real-World Testing: Putting Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope to the Test

First Use Experience

I mounted the Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope on my trusty .308 bolt-action rifle and headed to my local shooting range. The range offered distances out to 600 yards, providing a good opportunity to test the scope’s tracking and clarity at various magnifications. Initial zeroing at 100 yards was straightforward, with the turrets providing audible and tactile clicks.

During my first range session, I encountered a light drizzle. The Crimson Trace scope’s waterproof and fogproof construction proved its worth immediately, maintaining a clear sight picture despite the less-than-ideal conditions. Acquiring targets at longer distances was easy due to the generous eye relief and the illuminated reticle, which was especially helpful in the overcast conditions.

I didn’t experience any major issues during the initial testing phase. However, I noticed that the illumination knob felt a bit stiff, and the parallax adjustment required a fair amount of force to turn. Despite these minor quirks, the scope performed admirably, delivering accurate shots and a clear view of the target.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, including multiple range sessions and a weekend hunting trip, the Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope continued to perform reliably. There were no signs of wear and tear, and the scope held its zero consistently, even after being subjected to the bumps and jostles of a backcountry hunt. Cleaning was straightforward, with the lens cleaning cloth provided proving effective at removing smudges and dirt.

The anodized aluminum tube showed no signs of scratching or fading, indicating good resistance to the elements. Compared to my previous experiences with scopes in this price range, the Crimson Trace held its own in terms of durability and optical performance. It provided a consistent and reliable platform for accurate shooting.

While the stiffness of the illumination knob and parallax adjustment remained, they didn’t significantly detract from the overall experience. The scope consistently delivered a clear and bright sight picture, making it a valuable tool for both range practice and hunting applications. I was especially pleased with its ability to maintain clarity and accuracy even in challenging weather conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope

Specifications

The Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It features a 50mm objective lens for enhanced light gathering and a magnification range of 4-20x, making it suitable for mid- to long-range engagements. The 30mm tube diameter allows for a wider range of adjustment and increased durability.

The scope’s LR1(MOA) reticle, positioned in the First Focal Plane (FFP), ensures that the reticle subtensions remain consistent across the entire magnification range. This is crucial for accurate ranging and holdover calculations. The Crimson Trace also includes fully multi-coated ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, which minimizes chromatic aberration and enhances image clarity.

The 0.1 Mil Rad adjustment click value allows for precise adjustments, while the generous eye relief of 3.7 inches provides comfortable viewing. Other notable specifications include a diopter adjustment range of -3 to +2 dpt, a parallax adjustment range of 10 yards to infinity, and a field of view of 28.9 ft at 100 yards at 4x magnification. The scope operates on a single CR2032 battery for reticle illumination and is constructed from 6061-T6 Aircraft Aluminum for ruggedness.

Performance & Functionality

The Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope performs admirably in its intended role, delivering accurate and repeatable results. Its FFP reticle and Mil-based adjustments make it well-suited for long-range shooting, allowing for precise holdovers and windage corrections. The clarity and brightness of the glass are impressive, providing a sharp and detailed view of the target.

One of the strengths of the Crimson Trace scope is its consistent tracking. Adjustments are accurate and reliable, ensuring that the point of impact changes predictably with each click. However, the stiffness of the illumination knob and parallax adjustment could be improved.

Overall, the scope meets expectations for its price range, offering a good balance of features and performance. The Crimson Trace scope is a reliable tool for both hunting and target shooting. It provides the necessary features for accurate long-range engagements.

Design & Ergonomics

The Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope features a solid and well-thought-out design. The matte black finish provides a non-reflective surface that minimizes glare. The scope’s weight, while not the lightest on the market, feels well-balanced and doesn’t add excessive bulk to the rifle.

The turrets are easy to grip and adjust, even with gloves on. The 30mm tube provides a robust platform for mounting, and the included flip caps offer added protection for the lenses. The scope body also has self-leveling indicators, which are designed to aid in mounting.

The diopter adjustment allows for a clear and comfortable view for shooters with varying eyesight. While the illumination knob and parallax adjustment are somewhat stiff, the overall design is user-friendly and intuitive. The Crimson Trace is a comfortable and ergonomic scope that enhances the shooting experience.

Durability & Maintenance

Constructed from 6061-T6 Aircraft Aluminum, the Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope is built to withstand the rigors of field use. The anodized finish provides excellent resistance to scratches and corrosion. The waterproof and fogproof construction ensures reliable performance in adverse weather conditions.

With proper care, this scope should last for many years. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lenses with the provided cloth. The included accessories, such as the flip caps, add an extra layer of protection.

The Crimson Trace offers a Lifetime Protection Guarantee Warranty. This warranty is a testament to Crimson Trace’s confidence in the durability and reliability of their product. Overall, the Crimson Trace is a durable and well-maintained scope that is built to last.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope comes with several useful accessories. These accessories include a battery, flip caps, and a lens cleaning cloth. The flip caps provide protection for the lenses during storage and transport, while the lens cleaning cloth ensures a clear sight picture.

While the scope itself doesn’t offer extensive customization options, it is compatible with a wide range of 30mm scope rings from various manufacturers. This allows users to choose the mounting system that best suits their needs and preferences. Additionally, the Mil-based reticle and adjustments make it compatible with various ballistic calculators and apps.

There are no specific Crimson Trace-branded accessories designed for this scope beyond what’s included. However, the compatibility with standard 30mm rings and Mil-based systems provides ample opportunity for customization with aftermarket products. Crimson Trace has made a scope that is ready to use out of the box, and easy to customize.

Pros and Cons of Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope

  • Pros

    • High-quality ED glass provides excellent clarity and minimizes chromatic aberration.
    • FFP reticle ensures accurate ranging and holdovers at all magnifications.
    • Durable construction from 6061-T6 Aircraft Aluminum withstands harsh conditions.
    • Waterproof and fogproof design ensures reliable performance in adverse weather.
    • Mil-based adjustments allow for precise and repeatable corrections.
  • ## Cons

    • Illumination knob and parallax adjustment can be somewhat stiff.
    • Some users may prefer a different reticle design.

Who Should Buy Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope?

The Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope is perfect for hunters seeking a versatile optic for mid- to long-range engagements. It also suits competitive shooters who appreciate the precision of a Mil-based system and the clarity of ED glass. Tactical shooters who require a durable and reliable scope for various conditions will also find value in this optic.

This product may not be ideal for those who prioritize lightweight scopes or require extremely high magnification ranges. Shooters who prefer MOA adjustments over Mil-based systems may also want to consider other options. Users who require a very fast diopter adjustment may want to consider other options.

A must-have accessory for this scope would be a high-quality set of 30mm scope rings from a reputable manufacturer like Seekins Precision or Nightforce. A ballistic calculator app, such as StrelokPro or Applied Ballistics, would also be beneficial for maximizing the scope’s long-range capabilities. A bubble level is another modification that will make sure that the scope is properly level during mounting.

Conclusion on Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope

The Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope is a well-rounded optic that offers a compelling blend of features and performance. The ED glass, FFP reticle, and durable construction make it a solid choice for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical users alike. While the stiffness of the illumination knob and parallax adjustment is a minor drawback, it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall value of this scope.

At a price of $898.95, the Crimson Trace scope offers a competitive value proposition. It provides many of the features found in higher-end scopes at a more affordable price point. I would personally recommend the Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope to anyone looking for a versatile and reliable optic for mid- to long-range shooting.

If you are looking for a scope that combines clarity, precision, and durability, give the Crimson Trace 3 Series 4-20x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope a try. It could be the optic that takes your shooting to the next level. It is definitely worth the investment.

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