Discovery VT-2 3-12x44 SFIR-N

Discovery is a relatively new brand, which started in 2014, and interestingly, they are manufactured in a factory founded by an ex-designer of Vortex. Look beyond that lairy yet distinctive blue livery, and they come brimming with features too, all for a very reasonable price.

On test here is the VT-2 3-12X44 SFIR models, where the ‘SF’ denotes side focus, and the ‘IR’, an illuminated reticle. It’s a pleasingly compact design, and the specification includes flip-up lens covers, sunshade, push lock tactical turrets, a floating HMD reticle, variable magnification from 3x-12x, and even a set of mounts. At just shy of £140, it all seems incredible value too, so let’s take a closer look.

First impressions are favourable, as the VT-2 feels well finished. It looks quite stylish too, with those ventilated lens covers and that twisted grip on the magnification ring. But one feature that really appealed when I first saw it, was the turrets. Whilst they are the tactical-style, push and pull lockable variety, they are far more low-profile than several rivals, which means that unlike some, they aren’t too wide to stay padded in a hard case! They are very clearly marked with graduations, and once pulled to open the mechanism, the clicks are also nice and positive. Values are ¼ MOA on both windage and elevation, and there’s plenty of adjustment.

Mounting

Included mounts can often be a bit cheap and basic, but the ones here seem reasonable enough. That said, with split ring sets from class acts like Sportsmatch hardly going to break the bank, I would normally invest in a top-quality set regardless. With the VT-2 all set up, it was time to gauge performance. The side parallax dial on the left moves with a satisfying amount of resistance, enough to give you the feeling that it won’t move off adjustment. Minimum parallax is marked from 15-yards, and on test, for my eyes, this came in spot on. The dial doesn’t move lower than this, but interestingly, with parallax set to just under 25-yards, and the magnification ring at 9x, targets viewed from 8 through to 45 yards had an acceptable level of blur. This means the VT-2 is up to the rigours of a Hunter Field Target course, and all that that entails. Basically, with that side focus, clarity can be set to the desired point, and then left, in accordance with HFT rules. Opt to hunt with this scope, and those same features will come into play.

Visuals

This discovery is specified with fully multi-coated, anti-reflective lenses, and I can certainly vouch for its edge to edge sharpness, which is impressive. As for the reticle, the fine floating HMD design gives precise aim points. The four equidistant outer posts are hollow, so don’t obscure the target, and this can be handy for long range shooting, where the trajectory can drop away significantly. The main cross hair is marked with full and half Mil-Dot reference points, so there’s a multitude of aim points ready and waiting. HFT-sized kill areas 15mm and 25mm can be clocked and gauged via the bracket method with practice, given the proportional increments. Overall, I would feel very happy tackling a target course with the VT-2 onboard!

I’ve never been too bothered about reticle illumination, but I know plenty of shooters that are!

So, for fans of the ‘IR’ element, red or green illumination of the entire floating reticle is possible here, with five levels available in each colour. Control is via the rheostat drum at centre top of the rear ocular lens, with the central position between the colours being the off point. Sunshades are another feature that can come in handy, helping to eliminate reflections, glare and such like, in overly bright conditions. The VT-2 comes complete with a 3” version, (erroneously called a kill flash, which is a totally different concept) with cut-outs, surely that defeats the object a bit, as the idea is to keep the light out?

Guarantees

Overall then, I felt at home with this VT-2 model, and its pleasing specification, which should be equally at home in the field, against live quarry, or tackling an HFT course around a wood. The variable magnification brings added versatility, allowing shooters to alter the set up to suit the individual, but overall build quality is also up to the mark, all in a scope which belies its price tag.

Conclusion

All the usual reassurances are here; nitrogen gas purging, O-ring sealed, water and shockproof. It also comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, so there’s plenty of back-up for all that bold presentation. There’s currently another model available; the VT-2 4-16X50 SFIR, retailing at £149.99, so another good value option, from a brand that looks like making a real impact.