First Impressions of Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane
The Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope enters a crowded market promising feature-rich performance without breaking the bank. Wulf Optics aims to deliver a versatile optic suited for both air rifles and centerfire rifles, targeting a broad spectrum of shooters. Key features like tactical locking turrets, illuminated reticle, and side focus down to 10 meters immediately piqued my interest.
I needed a reliable scope that could handle both close-range air rifle target practice and longer-distance centerfire shooting. My old scope lacked the clarity and adjustability needed for consistent accuracy across different platforms. I wanted something with repeatable adjustments and a reticle that wouldn’t obscure smaller targets at longer distances.
Unboxing the Hurricane, the first thing I noticed was its solid feel; the 30mm tube suggests robustness, and the turrets felt surprisingly tactile. The weight, 735g, felt balanced, not overly heavy but substantial enough to suggest quality construction. The matte black finish appears durable and should minimize reflections in the field.
I was also considering the Vortex Diamondback Tactical 4-16×44 and the Athlon Talos BTR GEN2 4-20×50. I chose the Wulf Optics Hurricane mainly due to its impressive minimum focus distance of 10 meters and the illuminated reticle, features I felt were essential for my diverse shooting needs. The aggressively priced Wulf Optics Hurricane presented a compelling option.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic; the features promised are impressive for the price point, but I needed to see how it performed in the field. The tactical locking turrets and illuminated reticle sparked excitement, but the real test would be its optical clarity and tracking accuracy at different magnifications.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds were a local shooting range and a controlled environment on my property for air rifle use. I mounted the Wulf Optics Hurricane on both my .223 AR-15 and my .22 caliber air rifle to evaluate its versatility. The range provided a controlled environment to zero the scope, test the turret adjustments, and evaluate its optical clarity at various distances.
The scope performed admirably across a range of conditions; the illuminated reticle proved useful during dusk shooting, and the side focus allowed me to quickly adjust for targets at varying distances. The Wulf Optics Hurricane maintained a clear sight picture even during brief periods of light rain. The ease of use was immediately apparent; the turrets were easy to adjust, and the locking mechanism provided reassurance that my settings wouldn’t be inadvertently altered.
After the first range session, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall performance; the scope was easy to zero, and the image quality was respectable for its price. I did notice a slight loss of clarity at the highest magnification, but nothing that significantly impacted my ability to hit targets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Wulf Optics Hurricane has proven to be a reliable optic for both my air rifle and centerfire rifle. The scope has maintained its zero through numerous shooting sessions and transportation in a rifle case. I’ve also used it during a weekend hunting trip, and it held up well to the rigors of the field.
The Hurricane shows minimal signs of wear and tear after several weeks of use; the finish is holding up well, and the turrets still feel solid and precise. I’ve only needed to wipe down the lenses with a microfiber cloth after each use; no special cleaning or maintenance has been required. The Wulf Optics Hurricane has exceeded my expectations, especially considering its price point.
Compared to my previous optic, the Wulf Optics Hurricane offers significantly better clarity, a more precise reticle, and much more repeatable adjustments. The side focus and illuminated reticle are game-changers for shooting in varying conditions, making it a marked improvement over my previous experiences.
Breaking Down the Features of Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane
Specifications
The Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope features a 50mm objective lens paired with a 4.5-18x magnification range. The Hurricane uses a 30mm tube for increased internal adjustment range and light transmission. The Half Mil-Dot reticle resides in the Second Focal Plane (SFP), meaning the reticle size remains constant regardless of magnification.
The reticle is illuminated in both red and green, with five brightness settings for each color, providing flexibility in different lighting conditions. It offers an eye relief of 89mm, which is comfortable and helps prevent scope bite. The Hurricane weighs 735g, adding a moderate amount of weight to the rifle.
The adjustment click value is 0.1 Mil Rad, aligning with the Mil-Dot reticle for easy range estimation and holdover adjustments. Wulf Optics has chosen Mil Rad adjustments, which are becoming increasingly popular for their ease of use and compatibility with ballistic calculators. The scope utilizes a CR2032 battery for illumination. These specifications directly impact the scope’s performance, providing a balance of magnification, clarity, and adjustability for both close-range and long-range shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope performs its intended job effectively, offering a clear sight picture, precise adjustments, and a versatile magnification range. Its accuracy is commendable, allowing for consistent shot placement at various distances. The scope’s reliability is a strong point, maintaining zero and performing consistently across different shooting sessions.
The Hurricane’s illuminated reticle is a definite strength, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. The locking turrets are another positive feature, preventing accidental adjustments and ensuring consistent performance. A minor weakness is the slight loss of clarity at the highest magnification, although it doesn’t significantly hinder performance. Overall, the Wulf Optics Hurricane meets and, in some cases, exceeds expectations for its price range, offering a feature-rich experience for a variety of shooting applications.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wulf Optics Hurricane features a robust aluminum main tube, providing a solid foundation for the internal components. The matte black finish is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, minimizing glare and providing a durable exterior. The overall build quality is impressive, instilling confidence in the scope’s ability to withstand recoil and harsh environmental conditions.
The Hurricane is relatively user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a straightforward design. The side focus knob is easy to access and adjust, allowing for quick parallax correction. The magnification ring is smooth and precise, providing easy adjustment throughout the entire magnification range. There is a slight learning curve associated with using the Mil-Dot reticle for range estimation, but it is easily overcome with practice.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and high-quality materials, the Wulf Optics Hurricane is expected to last for many years with proper care. The nitrogen-purged and sealed construction ensures waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof performance, enhancing its durability in various environmental conditions. The Hurricane is easy to maintain; regular cleaning with a microfiber cloth and occasional inspection of the mounting rings are sufficient to keep it in top condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope does not come with a plethora of accessories; typically, users will need to purchase mounting rings separately. The scope is compatible with any standard 30mm scope rings, providing a wide range of mounting options. There are no readily available customization options for the scope itself; however, users can customize their rifle with various accessories to enhance overall performance. It’s noteworthy that the Wulf Optics Hurricane is rated for all calibers, making it a versatile choice for different firearms.
Pros and Cons of Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane
Pros
- Aggressively priced, offering excellent value for the money without sacrificing essential features.
- Tactical 0.1 MRAD Locking BDC Turrets provide precise and repeatable adjustments, enhancing accuracy at long range.
- Side Focus down to 10 Yards (9 Metres) enables versatile use for both air rifles and centerfire rifles, making it suitable for various shooting disciplines.
- Second Focal Plane Illuminated 5 Step Red/Green Half Mildot Reticle offers enhanced visibility in low-light conditions and precise aiming points.
- WULF Optics’s Titanium Lifetime Warranty provides peace of mind and demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product.
Cons
- Slight loss of clarity at maximum magnification (18x).
- The Half Mil-Dot reticle might be too busy for some users.
Who Should Buy Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane?
The Wulf Optics Hurricane is perfect for hunters seeking a versatile and reliable optic for various game species. It’s also well-suited for target shooters who appreciate precise adjustments and an illuminated reticle for enhanced accuracy. Air rifle enthusiasts needing a high-quality scope with close-focus capabilities will find this scope to be a perfect fit.
Those seeking a scope with top-tier glass clarity at extreme magnifications or those who prefer first focal plane reticles should skip this product. A must-have accessory would be high-quality 30mm scope rings to ensure a secure and stable mounting platform.
Conclusion on Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane
The Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope is an impressive optic that delivers excellent performance and a rich feature set at an affordable price point. Wulf Optics has successfully created a versatile scope suitable for various shooting applications. The price is justified, considering the features offered, such as tactical locking turrets, illuminated reticle, and close-focus capabilities.
I would personally recommend the Wulf Optics Hurricane to anyone seeking a reliable and versatile scope for both air rifles and centerfire rifles. The Wulf Optics Hurricane is a compelling option if you need a feature-rich scope without breaking the bank. Upgrade your shooting experience today with the Wulf Optics Hurricane 4.5-18×50 Rifle Scope!