Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane Review

First Impressions of Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane

The Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane aims to be a budget-friendly optic tailored for air rifles and rimfire platforms, promising clarity and adjustability without breaking the bank. Coming from years spent behind high-end glass in demanding environments, I approached this scope with a healthy dose of skepticism mixed with genuine curiosity. Can an optic at this price point truly deliver a usable and reliable experience, or is it just another piece of kit destined to gather dust in the back of the safe?

I’d been looking for a scope to mount on my son’s .22LR, something simple, reliable, and with an adjustable objective for close-range target practice. He’s just starting out, and I didn’t want to overwhelm him with complicated features or saddle him with the responsibility of an expensive piece of gear. The Wulf Optics Fireball seemed to tick those boxes.

Unboxing the scope, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall fit and finish. It didn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The matte black anodizing was evenly applied, and the turrets clicked with a reassuringly positive feel. Compared to a Bushnell Banner I considered, the Wulf Optics Fireball felt more substantial and offered the adjustable objective, a feature I deemed essential for close-range work. Similarly, compared to a Leupold VX-Freedom, the Leupold had a brighter and clearer sight picture, however, it also was about 4 times the price of the Wulf Optics Fireball.

My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The Wulf Optics Fireball certainly looked the part, and I was eager to see how it would perform on the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at an outdoor shooting range on a partly cloudy afternoon. I mounted the Wulf Optics Fireball on my son’s Ruger 10/22 using the included dovetail mounts. The mounts proved adequate for the job, although I always recommend a quality set of aftermarket rings for optimal security and alignment. I started at 25 yards, focusing on zeroing the scope and getting a feel for the adjustments.

The adjustable objective (AO) was immediately useful, allowing me to dial out parallax and achieve a crisp image at that distance. Performance was acceptable, though not outstanding. The glass provided a reasonably clear sight picture, sufficient for accurately targeting paper. One issue that occurred was the need to readjust focus when changing between 3x and 9x magnification.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Wulf Optics Fireball has proven to be a reasonably durable and reliable scope for its intended purpose. I’ve taken it out in light rain and exposed it to dusty conditions, and it has continued to function without any noticeable degradation in performance. The finish has held up well, with no significant scratches or wear marks. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe down with a lens cloth is usually all that’s needed.

Compared to higher-end scopes I’ve used in the past, the Wulf Optics Fireball obviously doesn’t offer the same level of optical clarity or robustness. However, for a budget-friendly option intended for light use on an air rifle or rimfire, it performs admirably. The only real disappointment is how critical eye relief is, especially at 9x magnification.

Breaking Down the Features of Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane

Specifications

• The Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope features a 3-9x magnification range, making it versatile for various shooting distances. This magnification range strikes a good balance for both close-range plinking and longer-range target shooting.
• It has a 40mm objective lens, providing a decent amount of light gathering for a clear image. While not exceptional in low-light conditions, the 40mm objective is sufficient for daytime shooting.
• The scope uses a Half Mil-Dot reticle in the Second Focal Plane (SFP). This means the reticle remains the same size regardless of magnification, which simplifies aiming at different distances.
• It features a 1-inch tube diameter, which is a common size and allows for easy mounting with a wide variety of rings. A one-inch tube is generally lighter and more compact than larger tube sizes.
• Eye relief is listed at 87.5mm, which is a comfortable distance for most shooters. However, in practical use, I found the eye relief to be quite critical, requiring precise head placement, especially at higher magnifications.
• The scope weighs 435g (approximately 15.3 oz), making it relatively lightweight and suitable for mounting on lighter rifles. This helps maintain a balanced feel on the rifle.
• It has an adjustment click value of 0.1 Mil Rad, allowing for precise adjustments to windage and elevation. The Mil Rad adjustments provide a more modern and intuitive system compared to MOA, especially for shooters familiar with metric measurements.
• Total internal adjustment is 29 MRAD (98.6 MOA), offering plenty of room for zeroing and making adjustments for bullet drop. This is a generous amount of adjustment for a scope in this price range.
• The Manufacturer is Wulf Optics. They offer a WULF Titanium Lifetime Warranty, providing peace of mind.

Performance & Functionality

The Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope performs its job adequately for its intended purpose: providing magnified aiming assistance for air rifles and rimfires. Accuracy is acceptable, allowing for consistent groupings at reasonable distances when properly zeroed. The adjustable objective is a standout feature, enabling parallax correction down to 10 yards, crucial for close-range accuracy with air rifles.

Its main strength is its affordability combined with essential features like the AO and Mil-Dot reticle. The biggest weakness is the glass quality; it’s acceptable but lacks the clarity and brightness of higher-end scopes. It meets expectations for a budget optic but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality feels solid enough, with a 1-inch aluminum main tube and a matte black finish. The scope is relatively lightweight and doesn’t add excessive bulk to the rifle. The turrets are capped and have a low profile, preventing accidental adjustments.

While the design is functional, the ergonomics could be improved. The eye relief is quite critical, and the fast-focus eyepiece requires careful adjustment. Overall, there’s a small learning curve, but once dialed in, it is pretty user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Wulf Optics Fireball should last a reasonable amount of time with proper care. It’s waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof, offering decent protection against the elements. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lenses and exterior.

Accessories and Customization Options

The scope comes with a set of medium-height 1” dovetail mounts, which are suitable for some rifles but may need to be replaced depending on the specific firearm. No other accessories are included.

Customization options are limited, as the scope is a self-contained unit. However, it’s compatible with any standard 1-inch scope rings, allowing for different mounting solutions.

Pros and Cons of Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane

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Who Should Buy Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane?

The Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope is perfect for:

• Beginner shooters looking for an affordable and functional scope.
• Air rifle enthusiasts who need adjustable parallax correction.
• Rimfire shooters who want a versatile scope for target practice and small game hunting.
• Casual plinkers who don’t want to invest in high-end optics.

Who should skip this product?

• Experienced shooters who demand top-tier optical clarity and performance.
• Hunters who require reliable performance in low-light conditions.
• Anyone mounting a scope on a larger caliber rifle with significant recoil.

A must-have accessory is a higher-quality set of scope rings, especially if mounting on a firearm with any significant recoil.

Conclusion on Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane

The Wulf Optics Fireball 3-9×40 AO Rifle Scope, 1in Tube, Second Focal Plane is a solid budget optic that delivers acceptable performance for its price. Its key strengths are its affordability, adjustable objective, and lightweight design. While it doesn’t offer the same level of optical clarity or robustness as more expensive scopes, it’s a decent option for beginner shooters and those on a tight budget.

The price is certainly justified for the features and functionality it offers. For someone just starting out, it’s a great way to get into shooting without breaking the bank.

I would recommend it to anyone looking for a budget-friendly scope for an air rifle or rimfire, with the caveat that they understand its limitations. If you’re looking for an affordable and functional scope for your air rifle or rimfire, the Wulf Optics Fireball is worth considering. Give it a try and see if it fits your needs!