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AGS COBALT Redi-Mount MIL DOT series

AGS COBALT Redi-Mount MIL DOT series

Mention AGS scopes and most will remember the high magnification 30mm tubed, macho looking SWAT series. Highland Outdoors who now have the new Webley brand has apparently acquired the AGS name too. Sensibly they’ve decided to add a small but comprehensive choice of optics. They’re known as the Cobalt series or to be specific COBALT Redi-Mount MIL DOT. They come ready fitted with good quality, two-piece, double screw mounts and a few higher spec models with flip up scope covers and the largest in the range comes with a sunshade too.

All the Bases Covered

There are currently five in the range - a 2 X 20 (long eye relief pistol type), 4 X 40, 3 – 9 X 40, 3 – 9 X 50IR, 4 – 16 X 50IR PA. Now that pretty much covers all bases! Now these aren’t the older AGS scopes with those rather naff, black topped, brass-edged adjusters or the latter ones that came with lockable turrets that tended to shift. These are traditional styled scopes airgunners have used for many a moon and with utmost confidence. The bonus is they’re now much better built with superior lenses and coatings – not forgetting a few surprises found on certain models.

To save on repetition here’s an overview of build and features common to most in the range. On specified models, a one piece aircraft grade aluminium alloy tube is used for greater strength and rigidity. They’re all completely sealed and nitrogen-purged to prevent moisture ingress, with anti-fogging, waterproof and shockproof construction. Only the high quality machined parts are used in the construction so they operate smoothly and accurately.

Cobalt Bright

A Cobalt-bright, multi-layer lens coating is used for better light transmission and a much improved image clarity. Mil-Dot reticles are used except on the pistol scope. On the Illuminated models, you have a red, green anti-glare technology; the adjustable IR intensity is calibrated to suit all shooting conditions. Parallax error free at 35-yards making them true airgun scopes. This feature isn’t present on the parallax adjustable model or the pistol scope.

All have ¼ MOA, finger-adjustable, bar-type and cover capped turret adjusters. A fast focus ocular is used except on the pistol model. As previously mentioned, pre-fitted with two piece double clamp aircraft grade aluminium alloy mounts. All adjuster’s offer 6 full rotations and 60 clicks per turn and all scopes have a limited lifetime warranty.
 
Model Behaviour

First up is the 2 X20 pistol scope. This uses a lock ring focus, which is very much set and forget for the sort of use it will be put to.  The Duplex reticule consists of thicker stadia which turn wire thin towards the very centre, ideal for a precise aim point for pistol use. Length is 8 ½”. I’ll be hoping to try that on the Webley Alecto soon.

The 4 X 40 is not your usual compact as it’s 12” long which is a length I like! I say this as it would be a nice ratting scope so handy to have the extra body tube room to fit a laser/light combo. The general specification 3 – 9 X 40 is 12 1/8” long, and this like the next model has a ridged zoom ring with raised lug that are firm but smooth in operation.

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It comes like the others from now on in with rubber grip surround press on flip-up lens covers. The rear is amber and the front clear. I quite like this, as when using two amber covers you darken the sight picture.

Ace in the Hole

Next could well be an ace in the pack, the 3 – 9 X 50 Illuminated Mil-Dot. At 13 1/8” long without covers, the rheostat dial for the IR is positioned on the left of the saddle and ridged for ease of use. It takes power from a CR2032 3V Lithium battery housed under the serrated edge cover cap of the dial itself. With 5-levels of adjustment for either red or green the anti-glare technology claimed earlier certainly seems to work with no flaring even on the brightest setting and the reticule doesn’t blur so you can still use those fixed aim off points.

Finally the 4 – 16 X 50 IR PA Mil Dot. Measuring 13 7/8” long with a 4” sunshade it’s the only model to have an adjustable objective, the fine ridging on the outer aids grip and the housing isn’t too stiff in operation. It’s marked for 10, 15, 20, 35, 50, 100, 200 yards and 8. There’s plenty of room to put your own markings between the 10 and 50-yard marks where it can get dodgy judging range in certain conditions. Same layout and power supply for rheostat dial and performance but of the four riflescopes I’d still tend to gravitate to the 3 – 9 X 50 IR, possibly because this low light traditional model specification benefits from the illuminated reticle. Then again, the versatility, features and extras of the 4 – 16 is very tempting

To sum up, all ‘Cobalts’ seem well built, robust, practically featured have precise turret adjustment and afford clear sight pictures to the edges of the lenses. No fancy frills and you’ll be pleased to note the prices reflect this. 

For: Comprehensive range of airgun/pistol scopes

Against: Low price might put some off

Verdict: Fully featured and cost effective

PRICES:
AGS 2 X 20 £39.99
AGS 4 X 40 £39.99,
AGS 3 – 9 X 40 £48.99,
AGS 3 – 9 X 50IR £59.99
AGS 4 – 16 X 50IR PA £79.99

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  • AGS COBALT Redi-Mount MIL DOT series - image {image:count}

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  • AGS COBALT Redi-Mount MIL DOT series - image {image:count}

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  • AGS COBALT Redi-Mount MIL DOT series - image {image:count}

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  • AGS COBALT Redi-Mount MIL DOT series - image {image:count}

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  • AGS COBALT Redi-Mount MIL DOT series - image {image:count}

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