AGS Cobalt Scope

Highland Outdoors has recently re-launched their original AGS (AirgunSport) Cobalt range of optics, complete with a slight re-design as well as giving them the company’s VMX (Value Max) denotation. At present there’s seemingly only a 2 X 20 pistol scope, a 3 – 9 X 40 and a higher spec’ 6 – 24 X 50IR – the latter having an illuminated ‘Half-Mil-Dot’ reticule and a side-parallax adjuster. As I only have a brief description of the specifications of the latter I can only fully detail the scope that came in for test – the 3 – 9 X 40.

STANDARD MIL-DOT

Measuring 12.5” this particular optic is fitted with a standard Mil-Dot’ configured reticule set in the 2nd focul plane plus comes pre-fitted with a pair of single strap 11mm mounts and flip up lens covers. Built around a one-inch black anodised aluminium body tube, the lenses are treated with what the company term ‘AGS Clear Coating’, the ‘bar-assist’ finger adjustable 1⁄4” MOA turret adjusters are low in profile and have screw on/off cover caps.

At the eye-bell this general specification optic features the rather ‘old school’ design adjustable ocular with lock ring – nothing wrong with that as once set to suit your particular eyesight and locked in place - it isn’t going to move. The zoom ring has an easy-grip ridged outer and operates smoothly – useful in cold weather or if wearing gloves.

60 PER TURN

The capped turret adjusters operate positively and gives six full rotations of travel with 60 clicks per turn. Once I’d set a zero on this pre- parallaxed 35yd optic it didn’t deviate from the set aim point. The Mil-Dot ‘style’ reticule on this (and pistol scope) model is seen as four dots sat astride the central crosshairs. In use they prove quite useful as both for ‘bracketing’ a target and as ‘reference’ points for when you need to allow for hold under/over or windage off set.

The coating on the optics is seen outwardly as a slight blue tint (hence the Cobalt denotation), which certainly helps reduce glare under front-lit conditions. The lenses transfer a clear and bright image to the very edges of the sight picture.

Prices: from £52.99
Contact: Highland Outdoors 0845 099 0252 www.highland outdoors.co.uk

FOR: Positive turret adjusters, smooth operating zoom ring, useful reticule and good lens quality
AGAINST: Not a lot
VERDICT: A good quality optic that will suit airgunners on a tight budget