Konus 3-12 x 50 Compact

Normally compact optics means a low magnification range (1.5-6 etc) and smaller objective lens (24 – 32mm). OK for certain types of hunting with the advantage of a lightweight package, but even at realistic airgun shooting distances a bit of flexible magnification and greater light gathering potential is not to be sniffed at.

WELL SUITED TO

Though not exclusively an airgun scope the KonusPro T30 3-12x44 seems well suited to hunters as it offers a medium/high specification in what is a short and light build; chunky might be a better word! From the box the T30 is well presented with a smooth, matt black anodised finish laid over a one-piece body tube. The objective has a slight hood at the top and flip-up lens caps come as part of the package. The magnification drum is slotted and tapered for easy operation and the numbers are marked in gold. The eyepiece is completed by a fast focus system.

At just 10” and 18.5oz weight size is not an issue. Turrets are hand-dialable under removable caps and offer ¼” clicks @ 100 yards. They are clearly marked UP – DOWN (elevation) and L – R (windage). Drums are marked in 1” divisions and sub-divided into 1/4s, elevation goes from 0 – 15 and windage is split with 7.5” in either direction. You get 15” per turn and a generous 12 full revolutions. Clicks are easily audible and crisp in movement.

A MATTER OF INTERPRETATION!

On the left of the saddle is a rotary rheostat with the battery under the outer cap. It’s a standard, drum-type set up but in this case offers red and blue illumination with five levels in either direction. At first I was not sure about the blue, but in use it gives a crisp and contrasting colour that works better than red against some backgrounds.

The reticule is in the second focal plane and KonusPro calls it a 550, it consists of an outer #4-type with a Christmas tree inner. Looking at the instructions it’s plain to see it was designed with firearms shooters in mind, as the hash marks go from 50 to 550 in 50 yard increments with lead bars and marks etc. For the airgunner forget the quoted distances, just praise the fact you have lots of drop points that can be easily used out to our effective shooting distances. It’s purely a matter of interpretation!

Optical clarity is surprisingly good and at our ranges so is light transmission. Generally this is a well presented and functional sight, with a useful reticule!