Nikko Stirling Mountmaster 4 x 40 scope

Mark Camoccio finds good value in the Nikko Stirling Mountmaster 4x40AO

Little stands in the way of the advance of technology, and it affects most areas of life these days. As shooters, we’ve benefited in a multitude of ways, and the humble telescopic sight is a classic example. Whilst top of the range models are at the cutting edge, many features trickle down through the range; to the point where today’s enthusiast is well and truly spoilt for choice.
Value for money has also become ever more important whilst we see ourselves through difficult economic times, and the scope featured here,is a real bargain, coming in at a little over £50.

Pedigree

Of course at that price, it has to be classed as entry level, yet as a first scope or budget option, it has much to recommend it. Nikko Stirling have really upped their game of late, and their competition scopes have been going down a storm on the FT circuit. Given the company’s undoubted pedigree then, it goes without saying that any model bearing their logo, just has to be worth a closer look.

The full moniker for this model is the 4X40 AO Mountmaster, denoting a fixed magnification of 4x and a front objective lens diameter of 40mm. ‘AO’ stands for adjustable objective lens, and when you consider that this scope even comes complete with a set of ring mounts and lens covers, that RRP seems even more amazing. Built around a one inch body tube, this scope features the usual quick eye focus at the rear. The reticle is in keeping with modern trends too, since it features dots evenly spaced on four equidistant central crosshairs. Each crosshair has four dots, and the cross hairs themselves are framed by bolder outer lines.

Image quality on the test model was extremely good, with a bright, crisp picture, and no discernable aberrations or distortions on any part of the lens. On such a low magnification as 4x, most target distances appear reasonably clear anyway, yet that adjustable objective lens allows the shooter to correct parallax, and therefore clarity, right down to 30ft. The next graduation marked in white on the front collar, is 50ft, followed by 25yds and 50yds, and the collar itself moves with just a nice amount of resistance.

Stop Creep!

Fitting the scope to any rifl e is a simple affair, via the split ring mounts supplied. A screw-down arrestor stud sits inside the rear mount, and if it needs to be lowered, then just remove the rear mount from the scope tube, screw out the stud using an allen key, and then position the mount so that the stud locates into a hole on the gun’s receiver, (if one exists). This should be enough to prevent the scope and mount from moving backwards under recoil; stopping the dreaded scope creep in its tracks.

Setting Up

Turrets are fitted with waterproof caps, and are of the ‘raised-bar’ finger friendly twistable variety, requiring no screw driver or coin to turn. Graduations represent 1/4inch @ 100yds. On test they tracked through adjustments correctly.

All models in the Mountmaster range are nitrogen filled, fully waterproof and fogproof. So if your new to the sport, or just on a budget, give this Mountmaster some consideration. It’s hard to see where a better bargain exists right now!

PRICE: £53.79
CONTACT:
Highland Outdoors
tel.01858 88049
www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk