Alrighty, so these are not going to be available until June. However, my Meopta rep just dropped by and let me get hands on with one of their new Optika6 scopes. I am absolutely impressed as long as they line out exactly what reticles are going to be available.
So, these scopes are definitely good to go and exactly what I was hoping for. There is no doubt about it, these are European glass and I'm extremely excited to have them on board with us. My rep is excited about working with us as well, since I'm an optics nerd. In fact, I was the first person to call him on them when the email dropped to begin with so he made it a point to get over to me and let me see the new scope first hand. I'm glad he did.
At the end of the day, when comparing these to other brands, the main thing that sets them apart is the overall polish of the scope. LOW over in Japan makes some phenomenal optics, but the one nit pick that I've always had with them is that the parts always seemed less refined. The Europeans definitely have a better grasp on that side of things and the Czechs came through on this scope.
Overall, the line boasts a 6x power range, availability in front and second focal, a ridiculous number of reticle options and even comes in their new dichromic technology. The power ring felt great, turned smoothly and firmly without being overly tight and felt very solid. The turrets are a lot more finished than the Japanese makers and the anodization is superb. The power ring also includes an integrated throw lever and these are based around 30mm tubes.
In regards to glass, I have to say it is phenomenal. In comparison to the Rudolphs (I'm not comparing to the Ritons because they hit a different niche) it is on par or better in every category that I was able to compare them to except for field of view. There, the Rudolph definitely had a significant edge. Low light was unable to be compared because he came in around 3PM. It was overcast but that's still not really enough to really get into low light comparisons.
One other cool thing... they have scopes coming with BDCs calibrated for 6.5 Creedmoor!
It's not all just unicorns and rainbows, however, as there are some concerns I have. First off, the reticles. For some insane reason, the Czechs have it in their mind to do FFP duplex scopes. WHY!?!?!?!?!?!? They only have ONE dichromic reticle slated for release that includes a BDC reticle and it is absolutely badass. However, it is not available on all scopes and the 1-6x scope dichromic is a simple duplex. Absolutely frustrating in some regards, BUT Rudolph already is killing it with their 1-8x so losing that one isn't a huge deal to me. They look like they are actually releasing more reticles than what is officially in the book, so if they release what it looks like they are going to release, I am 100% on board and happy. If it's what is in the book, eh... cool. The pricelist that I was given was a print out vs a professionally done magazine with the display book, so I am thinking they changed from the display book and the ones listed on the price sheet are correct. They have model numbers and everything there and it looks like it is more up to date. The stuff is so new, my rep didn't have all of the answers but was going to look into my questions on reticles. Funny thing, he loves/hates talking to me. I know more about the overall technology that goes into scopes than he does (outside of the dichromics)
Also, the illumination is very weak it will definitely work during low light, but even with a very overcast day, it was useless when I looked outside with it. After getting the Rudolph 2.5-15x in, I got spoiled with the illumination on it. If you look at this next picture, that's with the illumination turned all the way up.
So, availability:
FFP -
1-6x24 $550-600
non illuminated, dichromic, illuminated
duplex and bdc styles
3-18x50 $650-700
non illuminated, dichromic, illuminated
duplex and bdc styles and 6.5creedmoor
3-18x56 $700-750
non illuminated, dichromic, illuminated
duplex and bdc styles
4.5-27x50 $799
duplex and bdc styles and 6.5creedmoor
illuminated only
5-30x56 $899
dichromic or illuminated
duplex and bdc styles and 6.5creedmoor
SFP
1-6x24 $500
duplex and bdc styles and 6.5creedmoor
illuminated only
2.5-15x44 $500-550
non illuminated, dichromic, illuminated
dichromic or illuminated
3-18x50 $550-600
non illuminated, dichromic, illuminated
duplex and bdc styles and 6.5creedmoor
3-18x56 $600-650
non illuminated, dichromic, illuminated
dichromic or illuminated
4.5-27x50 $650-700
non illuminated, dichromic, illuminated
duplex and bdc styles and 6.5creedmoor
So, great scopes, great price points, and my love affair with Czech gun products keeps growing.
Owner of Texian Firearms:
Dealer in Firearms, Optics, Night Vision and other shooting accessories.
US importer/distributor of Rudolph Optics
Supporting bad financial decisions since 2015
Dealer in Firearms, Optics, Night Vision and other shooting accessories.
US importer/distributor of Rudolph Optics
Supporting bad financial decisions since 2015
