Konuspro M30 12.5-50x56

The Konus brand was founded in Italy in 1979, and now produce a range of optical products and sporting goods across disciplines. On test, here, is one of their larger rifle scopes, specifically aimed at Field Target (FT) shooting, and has plenty to offer, all in for a very competitive retail price.

To boldly go

The Konuspro-M30 12.5-50x56 comes packed complete with lens cloth, flip up lens covers, and a 3” sunshade, and at 30.6oz, it sits as a mid-weight contender in this sector of the market. Target turrets, side focus, and an illuminated, modified Mil-Dot reticle are all part of the specification; all in for £383.

The 12.5-50x would seem well suited to FT, as ultra high magnification is the name of the game, to take advantage of the shallow depth of field created. So, with 50x at our disposal, the Konus would seemingly be well appointed for the task in hand. It’s 56mm objective lens in mm, is again about right for this spec overall.

Set-up

Mounting the Konuspro-M30, as with any scope, takes time and patience to get everything in exactly the right position, with no or minimal strain in the aim. Flip-up lens covers, as mentioned, come supplied as standard, and are of high quality, snapping open and closed in a precise manner. The supplied, 3” sunshade screws into the objective thread, and the lens cap can accommodate that easily.

The range of adjustment in the turrets is less than some rivals, but given that many FT shooters now mount the scope using fully adjustable mounts (such as the Sportsmatch ATP65 set used on test), this detail is largely academic. Click values are 1/10th Mrad, equating roughly a cm@ 100 yards, and a quarter of that over 25. Turrets are lockable, using a pull-up (rotate) push down (lock) mechanism, clicks are audible and positive in movement, which is always reassuring.

Focus

Image quality is pretty good, and as usual with ultra-high magnification, once the mag is wound up to the top end, there is reflection to deal with, which is where a lens enhancer shroud is highly recommended, to cut out back light. My usual grid check confirmed THAT the shot tracking was all working well. The large dial on the left of the saddle is the parallax adjuster, and for the record, no side wheel is supplied. However, there’s an optional 5.25” wheel, which is probably mandatory for FT.

As standard, the side focus knob is pre-marked with ranges, from 10, then 12, 15, 20, 30, and then 50 yards. In use, the movement is extremely smooth, with the perfect amount of resistance for accurate readings. On test, the minimum 10 yards was born out, and range finding proved impressively accurate from the off. I found I could still be within a couple of yards when ranging on 40x instead of the full 50x too. Naturally, on the lower magnification, the corresponding field of view (FOV) is greater, making for a more relaxed experience. Favour 50x for range finding, and it’s here.

Importers, Range Right, sent me the side wheel, and this is apparently made with titanium and magnesium for strength and lightness. I’m not so sure about the garish blue plastic insert, however. Side wheels effectively extend the arc of adjustment, so the gaps between different range markings should appear slightly greater.

Get over it

The wheel works well. Fitting is easy, slacken off the two Allen screws, position the wheel over the parallax knob, and gently re-tighten them; I had my doubts but it all felt solid.

The wheel has no markings, so the best route is to have a calm measured session down the range, and add temporary markings using tape, or Tippex correction fluid, to mark the distances. Make fine adjustments to these as required over a few sessions. Don’t be in a rush, and you should arrive at accurate range markings. A range pointer is needed, and these can be bought as official items from the likes of Sportsmatch, or just make your own with a small piece of wire clamped in the mount.

All importantly, the Konus came in with consistent markings for the critical 50 and 55yard targets, and this is where we really need reliable readings. I was normally within two yards or less each time, and I’m sure with familiarity, this scope would prove a dependable friend in the heat of competition.

Illuminating

One other point to note, is that head position is critical to get a clear full edge to edge image, and that is good from the point of encouraging an ultra-consistent head mount. Konus have also built in a spirit level bubble inside the bottom lip of the image, although to be honest, if I were using this scope in FT, I would still favour using an external spirit level, either mounted on the mounting rails, or to the scope’s body.

The reticle fitted to this model is a Modified Mil-Dot, which is a great design, with hollow thick outer posts, and fine graduated stadia along the central cross. The rheostat is on the ocular bell, and this lights up the entire inner cross stadia (not just the very centre as per the illustration) allowing for five brightness levels in either red or blue.

Conclusion

All the usual guarantees are here, water, shock and fog-proof, and at £383 + side wheel it still represents great value for money, as one of the cheapest options offering full FT specification currently available. It certainly impressed on test, as a solid, no-nonsense model, fit for purpose.