Meopta Meostar R1 7x56 RD

In the world of quality optics a name that might have passed you by is Meopta of the Czech Republic. Which is a pity as they make some really good glass that in my opinion is on a par with Schmidt & Bender and similar, it’s just that they don’t seem to be so high profile…

There are two options; the original, steel-bodied Artemis series and the newer Meostar, which uses aluminium alloy construction. Both offer variable and fixed magnification models and what I have here is the latter in a 7x56 format with illuminated reticule.

Mission-Specific

I would be the first to admit that fixed power scopes are not exactly modern and not a primary choice for a general use optic. However, for certain tasks they can be highly mission-specific. For example where shots are long you do not need a variable and a decent power of x7 or 8 is more than enough, as you might find in hill stalking. Combine this with a big objective to let maximum light in and the simplicity of the build and you do have a useful piece of glass.

However and for my needs I find this sort of specification ideal for 17HMR use on rabbits and hares out to 160/170-yards. Most work is done at night or low light so a big 56mm objective really helps and minimum ranges are 50/60-yards so no problems with too much magnification. Last year I tested an S&B 8x56 on my Ruger M77/17 All-Weather, which was very good. The 7x56 Meostar is a similar build though just x1 smaller on the magnification, which if anything is a tad better for slightly closer range targets. 

Keep It Simple Stupid!

Like any fixed scope the build is simple! The Meostar shows a one inch, one piece body tube so reasonably high mounts are the order of the day so the big, 56mm objective does not foul the barrel. At the rear is a fast-focus eyepiece and the saddle shows three turrets. Top and right are the capped elevation and windage adjusters and on the left the 7-position rheostat for the illuminated reticule.

Click values are ¼” @ 100-yards or 0.7 cm @ 100-metres. The turret drums are flat-topped with a raised dialling bar, which is a tad awkward to operate, but once zeroed you never have to change them again, so no real hassle.

There are 30-clicks per turn (7.5”) and seven (52.5”) full rotations in either plane. Not that generous but it should be enough. The drums are marked with 30 divisions and operation is positive with firm and audible clicks. The turret outer at 12 o’clock shows a fixed reference mark.

Number 4

The reticule is what I would call a #4-type with three thick posts at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock with a fine inner cross that rises to 12 o’clock. I like this pattern as it’s simple and works well for both framing a target and fine aiming. The centre is open and shows a dot, which is the only part that is illuminated.

The rheostat is quite subtle in illumination with the dot only just visible at setting 2, even at 7 (full power) it does not flare or blow your eye out, and still offers a round and precise aim point. Nice too is the fact you have OFF positions between each power setting, so you can select what you want then turn it off knowing ON is just a click away. For low light/night work with the 17HMR I have always found this facility useful.

Optical quality is excellent, with a decent and crisp image right to the periphery of the view and good low light performance. This we are told is down to Meopta’s IMB-5501 anti reflective coatings and a unique ION-assisted applications process, which ensures increased light transmission of 99.8% per glass surface! Whatever it certainly works and is most apparent when it’s ‘magic time’ as the light is sliding into darkness.

I fitted the Meostar to the new Browning 17HMR T-BOLT rifle I have on test and have no complaints at all. The x7 magnification is more than enough for sensible HMR ranges, with the flat base of the outer bars as they intersect the inner cross making useful aim off points, for hold over past my set zero of 100-yards.

A few evenings hare and rabbit bashing showed the 7x56 RD is very much the equal of comparable, European optics and typically at less money too. With seven models in the range including variables and the option of illumination on most of them the Meostar offers a good choice for the shooter looking for top quality glass.

For: Good build quality and performance day or night
Against: Fixed power might not suit your needs
Verdict: A top quality European scope at very good money

PRICES: £580