Meopta Meostar R1r 3-12x56RD Scope

As I’ve said before Meopta are from the Czech Republic and as a name for quality optics do not perhaps have such a prominent position as other Europeans. However, from previous experience I would say it would be a mistake to ignore them, as this test shows! Where else could you get a 3-12x56 illuminated of this quality for under £800?
What I have here is a variable from their Meostar range, which ticks all my boxes for practical hunting glass. The magnification range is a useful 3-12 and the big, 56mm objective is going to let lots of light in, add in illumination and this scope would be equally at home on a deer or foxing rifle.

No Surprises

No real surprise on the build with a 30m, one-piece, hi-grade alloy body tube with medium height, hunter turrets with a raised dialling bar underneath removable caps. On the left of the saddle is the rheostat, which offers 7-settings with switch off stops between each position. The mag ring is slotted for grip with a raised blade for a bit of extra purchase. From the box you get tethered rubber lens covers.
Click values are ¼” @ 100-yards (0.7cm @ 100m) with 32-clicks (8”) per turn and 5 ¾ (46”) rotations in both elevation and windage. They move round positively and are easy to hear so no problems dialling in corrections. But as ever; put the caps back on and use good old hold-over for bullet drop correction.

Ideal Hunting Reticule

The reticule is a No 4-type with three thick outer bars at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and a fine inner cross dropping down from 12 o’clock. In the centre of this is a fine, floating cross hair which is the only part of the pattern that lights up when the illumination is on. This is set in the 2nd focal plane and the general design is a favourite of mine as it offers a good view and precision. Plus the crispness of the cross even at level 7 is amazing.
The rheostat drum is well place for operation as it’s on the left of the rifle and the ability to select a setting then click back one to switch it off is good, as you can quickly enable it when required. Light transmission and general edge to edge crispness of the view is superb, Meopta use a proprietary IMB-5501 anti-reflective coating to a achieve this. In low light tests the Meostar was not found wanting either.
Generally speaking this is my sort of hunting scope in terms of spec and performance, and one that can go head to head with the more famous names…

For: Top quality, practical design and excellent price
Against: Not a thing
Verdict: f you’re thinking top class Euro glass add Meopta to that list

PRICE: £799