First Thoughts on the Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green
The Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green. It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, does it? But for a mere $8.49, this little set promises to enhance target shooting with high-power lenses. The Gunstar company seemingly aims to provide affordable aiming solutions.
My journey to this reticle set began with frustration. I was struggling to consistently acquire targets at longer ranges using a high-powered scope on my AR-15. Standard crosshairs felt too fine and disappeared against certain backgrounds. I needed something bolder, more easily visible, and optimized for precision at distance.
Upon unboxing, I found exactly what I expected. A simple set of green reticle decals on a backing sheet. The material felt like a decent quality vinyl, thin enough to not significantly impact light transmission. I picked these Gunstar reticles over similar offerings due to the claimed “Mongo” design and the vibrant green color, hoping for superior visibility.
My first impression? Cautiously optimistic. The price was right, and the concept was sound. Only real-world testing would reveal if the Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green could truly deliver on its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green at my local shooting range. I applied the reticle to the objective lens of my 20x scope mounted on my AR-15. Conditions were sunny with a slight breeze.
Initially, the green reticle popped against the brown and tan backdrop of the target range. The bold lines of the “Mongo” design made target acquisition significantly faster than with my standard reticle. However, under bright sunlight, the green became slightly washed out, impacting clarity at the extreme edges of the visual field.
Installation was surprisingly easy, thanks to the thin and pliable material. I experienced no issues with bubbles or peeling.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the reticle set has held up reasonably well. I’ve run about 500 rounds through my AR-15 with no noticeable degradation in the reticle’s adhesion. There’s been some very minor fading of the green color, especially in the center bullseye.
Cleaning the lens is a delicate process. I found that gently wiping with a microfiber cloth works best to avoid lifting the edges of the decal. It has performed better than I anticipated, given the incredibly low cost.
Compared to my initial experience with standard crosshairs, the Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green offers a clear advantage in target acquisition speed. However, it lacks the precision and clarity of a professionally etched or illuminated reticle.
Breaking Down the Features of Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green
Specifications
- Product Name: Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green. This clearly defines what you are purchasing, so you know you’re getting a set of reticles.
- Target Application: Designed for target shooting with high-power lenses. This implies suitability for precision shooting over longer distances.
- Color: Green. Green offers good contrast against common background colors.
- Material: (Unspecified, but assumed to be vinyl or similar thin adhesive material). This likely contributes to the low price point and ease of application.
- Price: $8.49. This makes it one of the most affordable aiming solutions on the market.
These specifications matter because they dictate the reticle’s visibility, ease of use, and overall effectiveness. The green color aims to provide contrast and faster target acquisition. The adhesive material makes installation simple but may compromise durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green performs its primary job adequately. It enhances target visibility, especially in low-light conditions or against cluttered backgrounds. The bold “Mongo” design facilitates faster target acquisition compared to fine crosshairs.
However, the reticle lacks the precision of etched or illuminated reticles. At very long ranges, the thick lines can obscure smaller targets. The green color can also wash out in extremely bright sunlight.
It meets expectations for its price point. It’s a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive aiming solutions.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is consistent with its price. The vinyl material is thin and flexible, making it easy to apply to the objective lens. The weight is negligible, adding no noticeable bulk to the scope.
The reticle is relatively user-friendly. Installation is straightforward, requiring no special tools or skills.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability is a potential weakness. The adhesive may eventually fail, particularly with frequent cleaning. The vinyl material is also susceptible to scratching and fading.
Maintenance involves gentle cleaning with a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories are included with the Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green. It’s a standalone product designed to be applied directly to the objective lens of a scope. There are no compatible accessories or customization options beyond selecting different colors or reticle patterns from other manufacturers. Be sure that the size of the reticle fits your specific scope.
Pros and Cons of Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green
Pros
- Extremely Affordable: At $8.49, it’s a very low-risk investment to improve target acquisition.
- Enhanced Target Visibility: The green color and bold “Mongo” design offer improved visibility against various backgrounds.
- Easy Installation: The thin vinyl material makes application simple and straightforward.
- Faster Target Acquisition: The bold reticle facilitates quicker target acquisition compared to standard crosshairs, particularly at close to medium ranges.
- Instant Upgrade: Provides an immediate improvement to existing optics without requiring disassembly or modifications to the firearm itself.
Cons
- Limited Precision: The thick reticle lines can obscure smaller targets at longer ranges.
- Durability Concerns: The adhesive may fail over time, and the vinyl material is susceptible to scratching and fading.
- Color Washout: The green color can become washed out in extremely bright sunlight, reducing visibility.
Who Should Buy Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green?
The Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green is perfect for recreational shooters, casual target practice enthusiasts, and airsoft players looking for a budget-friendly way to enhance their scope’s visibility. It’s also a great option for individuals with impaired vision who struggle to see fine crosshairs.
Who should skip this product? Serious competitive shooters, precision marksmen, and hunters who require the utmost accuracy and reliability from their optics should invest in higher-quality, etched, or illuminated reticles.
A must-have modification would be to select the proper size and possibly even test the reticle before adhering to the lens to avoid adhesion issues with removal.
Conclusion on Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green
The Gunstar Pro Series Mongo Reticle Set Green is a surprisingly effective and incredibly affordable aiming solution. While it lacks the precision and durability of higher-end reticles, it offers a noticeable improvement in target visibility and acquisition speed for a mere $8.49. The Gunstar company has a hit for budget-minded marksmen.
The price is definitely justified, especially for casual shooters looking for a quick and easy upgrade. I would personally recommend it to anyone on a tight budget who wants to improve their target shooting experience.
For a few bucks, you can add a splash of green to your scope and potentially shave seconds off your target acquisition time. It’s a cheap thrill that might just surprise you. Give it a shot; you might just be surprised!