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MTC Cobra 3-9x50 AO scope

MTC Cobra 3-9x50 AO scope

MTC Optics may have only been on the scene for a short while, but their comprehensive range of scopes has already made quite an impression, and all importantly, it caters for a variety of budgets. With Gary and Sammie Cooper behind the company, and they are both keen shooters and HFT competitors, so their range of scopes has been developed from experience, and is manufactured to their spec in Japan by Optisan.

The scope up for review here hails from the budget end of their range, yet offers a genuine no-nonsense specification, which simply has you scratching your head to see how it can all be done for… wait for it… just £70!

That’s no misprint by the way; so what exactly do you get for the price? Well this model, the Cobra 3-9x50AO, as it suggests, offers variable magnificiation from 3-9x, and a large light-gathering 50mm front objective lens. Front parallax adjustment is achieved by rotating the large graduated ring, which allows for a minimum focusing range of 10yds, yet the markings start at 25yds, then 30, then jump to 50, so we’re talking general markings rather than precise readings. Clarity is remarkable for the money.

Since the Cobra range is primarily designed for hunting on a budget, the parallax is more for clarity rather than range-finding (as opposed to large mag FT scopes). On the test model the front parallax ring turned very easily, whilst the magnification ring at the rear was very stiff, even with it’s retaining screw slackened off. However, this will probably ease with use, and at this price, let’s face it, I’m just nit-picking.

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The reticle supplied is a Mil-dot variety, and whilst I set up at 25yds, I found that 2 dots bracketed a 40mm FT kill on 5x mag. OK, force of habit, but even in a hunting scenario, size proportion is relevant to range estimation. Since the scope is second focal plane, experimentation can be useful to see what mag suits your situation.

Bearing in mind the incredibly low price tag, you’d be forgiven for expecting ultra crude mechanics under the turret caps, yet I have to report that the finger friendly (twistable studs) have super-positive clicks, and after the classic ‘left-right-up-down’ test at 25yds – the zero tracked the adjustments and returned to the pin dot… perfect.

Conclusions

MTC now include free flip-up lens covers with their Cobra models, and whilst they are a bit crude and spindly, they will keep rain and dirt out when in the field. Once again - just what do I expect for £70!!!

I still can’t believe that price. If you’re new to the sport, or just want a budget no-frills scope for hunting, take a close look at these Cobras first – you won’t be disappointed.

PRICE:£70 including free mounts

  • MTC Cobra 3-9x50 AO scope - image {image:count}

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  • MTC Cobra 3-9x50 AO scope - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • MTC Cobra 3-9x50 AO scope - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • MTC Cobra 3-9x50 AO scope - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • MTC Cobra 3-9x50 AO scope - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • MTC Cobra 3-9x50 AO scope - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • MTC Cobra 3-9x50 AO scope - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Model: MTC Cobra 3-9x50 AO
  • Manufacturer: Optisan, Japan
  • Reticle: Mil-dot
  • Body Tube: 1inch
  • Magnification: 3-9x
  • Object lens: 50mm
  • 13.75inch: Length
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