Falcon Endura S10i 1-10x24 MRAD

Falcon Optical Systems has a great reputation in competition circles, and its upgraded X50 Field Target model has been taking silverware all over the place at the highest level. So, we’re talking pedigree with this brand, which is important to many shooters.

New release

Relatively new to the Falcon product line-up comes the S10i 1-10x24 MRAD, and in contrast to the huge X50, this model is all about compactness. I was first made aware of this model when a friend announced that he had just bought two! That’s confidence for you, and it certainly aroused my interest. So, here it is on test, and first impressions, when it’s prised out of its cosseted box, is of the sleek, compact profile and impressive build quality. Falcon’s marketing mentions “understated styling”, and that does actually sum it up well, as there’s an upmarket feel, yet a no-nonsense specification. A one-piece tube/saddle arrangement adds strength, and the spec also includes the usual boast of fully multi-coated lenses, which is always reassuring.

Subtle approach

The Endura S10i is an interesting prospect for that sleek front section. Keeping the objective down to 24mm helps minimise parallax error, in theory, and this model is also fairly unusual in that it has a fixed parallax set at the factory. The standard for firearm use is set to 100m, but my test model, aimed at airguns, is set to 25m. More on that later.

Inside the box, we also get good quality spring-loaded flip-up lens caps, and these are so much better than the rather crude metal screw-in types, which have a knack for undoing themselves at an inopportune moment. We also get a throw lever for the mag ring, plus a screw-on sunshade.

Setting up

The first job is to screw that small throw lever into position on the magnification dial, and this can help adjustment when the light is fading. The 2” sunshade is also best positioned straight away, as it helps to enhance the image and depth of field, which is a big part of the game in HFT. With everything set up, just replace the front lens cap in place over the shade. Mounting the scope is easy given that the 24mm parallel configuration of the objective significantly increases the length of usable body tube for mounting up front.

The click values are 0.1 MRAD and the turrets are low profile. They’re very clearly marked up and are the pull-up to adjust, and push-to-lock design. On test, adjustment was positive and accurate, with crisp audible clicks too.

Up close

Falcon uses its P22i reticle for this model, and the design offers up a myriad of aiming/reference points, plus a fine central floating dot. There’s also a multitude of windage/holdover dots in the lower quadrants, so overall, a neat, compact, and versatile optic.

This model is in the Second Focal Plane (SFP), meaning the segment values on the reticle change as the magnification is increased. True MRAD values are usable when the mag is dialled up to the maximum of 10x, therefore.

Now, returning to the subject of parallax, the fact that this scope comes pre-set to 25m poses no problem. Think about it – if we are talking about a scope for Hunter Field Target, then given that the rules of the sport preclude shooters from making any adjustment for the duration of the tournament, we must pre-set the scope with a compromised setting anyhow, so that targets viewed at the usual distances will appear with acceptable clarity. This means many shooters set the scope to 23 or 25 yards in any case. Plan on taking this scope hunting? Well, many hunters I know don’t make adjustments for each shot. You simply don’t have time, unlike artificial competition scenarios. So again, that factory-set parallax poses no real limitation.

A 24mm objective does mean a little less light is getting through than larger scopes, but as is so often the case, there’s a compromise to be struck in a bid to maximise performance.

Field observations

I stuck this scope on my Air Arms S400 and took it to my local HFT range. Here, I found I really like the reticle design, and with MRAD spec, the divisions are nicely proportional for learning to bracket HFT set size kill zones, and for precise aim points out to the regulation 45 yards. Also, those all-important bold outer posts/shoulders, help on occasions to quickly find the sight picture when light and conditions are less favourable. That said, just a couple of targets positioned inside the undergrowth, whilst they were perhaps a little overly dark with the foliage canopy, did have me floundering to pick up the fine central crosshair and dot. This though, is where the option of illumination comes into play, and my ageing and failing eyesight really benefits from this added assistance. Illumination is fired up using the left side turret, which houses the 12-stage rheostat, and the coin-accessed flat disc battery department in the cap itself. A nice touch is the inclusion of off stages between the 12 brightness stages, meaning it’s just a bit easier to turn the unit off and save running the battery down.

Verdict

Overall, this is a super-compact scope, either for HFT duties or serious hunting. The build quality is spot-on, and it certainly belies the very reasonable asking price when compared to several rivals on the market. The usual guarantees are here, as in ‘nitrogen purged’, and ‘waterproof tested’, but Falcon also makes a point of specifying “hand-tested and quality control passed in the UK”, and that these scopes are recoil tested up to and including .338 LM. Don’t forget the Falcon no charge, no time limit warranty too. All what we want to hear from a manufacturer with pedigree, that continues to impress.