MTC Mamba Lite 3-12x44 scope

MTC Optics has become very established in a relatively short space of time. Originally their imported Optisan scopes catered for the ‘serious’ airgun hunter wanting fully featured optics with useful multi-aimpoint reticles. Now they have a host of optics to suit all hunting situations and rifle calibres right upto .50BMG. Such a high ‘recoil capable’ rating obviously isn’t really needed for the airgunner, but then again nice to know if you use a springer or gas ram - more on the relevance of this tech spec’ later.

The Long Term Test Scope

The MTC Mamba Lite range consists of two models, the 3 – 12 X 44 shown here on test and a 4 - 16 X 44 but for the specific purposes these scopes cater for, that’s all that’s needed.

They feature the same ETE microlux fully multi-coated lenses as the company’s higher specification Mamba series but is built around a 1” body tube as opposed to the ‘Mamba’ 30mm body. This enables a closer alignment to the barrel. My initial thoughts on this were that’s not such a great selling point, as you still often need high mounts to clear the protruding magazine on certain multi-shot PCP air rifles. However, remember the recoil rating? I now firmly believe this is one of the better multi-aim-point reticle optics for mechanical action rifles. Mine now being long paired up with my treasured V-Mach tuned Air Arms Pro-Sport.

As you’d expect, of this robustly built scope it has a ‘hunter’ matt black finish and is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof and Nitrogen purged. The chunky eye-bell features fast focus ocular adjustment and a smooth but positive zoom magnification ring, both having aggressive outer ribbed lugs allowing ease of operation in cold weather and if wearing gloves. The ultra low profile cover capped turret adjuster’s have finger friendly serrated edge dials that offer a very precise ¼” MOA adjustment. Both click positively to each station offering 60 clicks per turn with 8 full rotations. Both windage and elevation turrets have Verniers and are lined and numbered on the outer face.

Reticle

The now established and acclaimed multi-aim-point SCB (Small Calibre Ballistic) reticle is set on the 2nd focal plane. As a reticle design I feel it’s still one of the best on the market for general airgun usage.

The side parallax dial has a similar but smaller ridged design outer for ease of operation. The plain section closest to the scope is range marked for 10, 15, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500yds as well as the ‘00’ infinity symbol. There’s room to mark a ‘few’ useful reference ranges on the dials inner outside edge between 10 and 15yd, even one between both 15-25yds and the space between 25–50yds. However, as it’s not high enough in magnification to be used to precisely determine range, the side-parallax is of more use for fine focusing on the quarry’s kill zone.

I’ve used this scope season in and season out for over 3 years now and in that time have found it ideal for general airgun hunting from farmyard to field and it also copes perfectly well in dawn/dusk low light conditions.