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MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope

MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope

MTC Optics are a relatively recent name on the scene; but with Gary Cooper and his wife Sammie at the helm, it’s an outfit that’s already hit the ground running.

Their experience on the Hunter Field Target circuit has resulted in the development of a range of scopes highly suitable for the sport, but they also have scopes to suit just about every air rifle discipline, so their company remit reaches further afield than just HFT.

For review here, is the 3-12x44 model taken from the Mamba range. It comes fitted with the German 4a reticle, a standard design but one that is surprisingly versatile in use – more of which in a moment. The scope shares the same rugged features as the range topping Viper series, and as you’ll see it comes rather well equipped. All MTC scopes are manufactured by Optisan, and seem to offer extremely good value for money, whilst keeping quality to an acceptable level.

A Hunter’s Scope

The Mamba spec scopes are all aimed primarily at hunting applications, and I have to say that when I first handled this model, the first impression was one of a quite heavy, solidly made product that should be retailing for double the asking price.

Just take in this specification and you’ll see what I mean: side wheel parallax adjustment; battery powered reticle illumination; variable magnification; integral flip-up lens covers; screw-on sunshade; and finally split ring mounts - all included in the price!

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That German 4a reticle has 3 large square ended posts, with a fine hair going up from the centre. The centre point is effectively a floating dot within fine crosshairs that don’t quite meet, and is fine enough to allow for accurate shot placement, whilst fully seeing the target.

The turrets are covered by rubber sealed screw caps, which even conceal a spare battery for the illuminator. The finger adjustable turrets give 1/4inch at 100yds per click, with 6.5 full revolutions available. With a rotating outer ring to mark the point of zero, keeping track is simple. The adjustment clicks are reasonably positive and better than many, and all tracking of adjustments came in perfectly on test.

Side parallax focusing is something that has really taken off of late, and the benefits of being able to easily adjust the clarity whilst keeping on aim are obvious. This is a hunting scope remember, so parallax adjustment on the relatively low mag of 12x max. is mainly just to achieve a clear sight picture, rather than for any range finding properties. That said, it performs well, and the smooth dial does give a rough guide as to target distance - especially at close quarters.

To have metal flip-up lens covers which are actually fine-threaded into the scope body, is a classy feature, and on this Mamba, they add a real feeling of quality. If the sunshade is added, the cover just screws into this instead - neatly done!

In use, the German reticle was a delight, and I even found the centre area bracketed a 15mm circle at 25yds on 10.5x mag, so some homework will pay dividends in the field. Clarity from 10-45yds is usable, so whilst it’s perfect for hunting, HFT would also be possible, given the reticle proportions.

My only criticism concerns the illuminator, which (unless both batteries supplied were dodgy) seemed a little feeble (or just too subtle for my liking!) compared to some.

That apart, this scope really appeals, and with a robust high quality feel, sharp optics and a comprehensive package, it’s something of a snip at £184.

PRICE: £184

  • MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope - image {image:count}

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  • MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope - image {image:count}

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  • MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope - image {image:count}

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  • MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope - image {image:count}

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  • MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope - image {image:count}

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  • MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope - image {image:count}

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  • MTC Mamba 3-12x44 scope - image {image:count}

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gun
features

  • Model: MTC Mamba 3-12x44
  • Manufacturer: Optisan
  • Reticle: German 4a
  • Body Tube: 30mm
  • Magnification: 3-12x
  • Object lens: 44mm
  • Weight: 570g
  • Eye relief: 3.5-3.2"
  • Battery: CR2032
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