Nikko Stirling

As has been said in the past there’s not really any such thing as a dedicated airgun or firearms scope. OK certain makes do seem to be favoured by the various and different shooting communities/ disciplines. Likewise certain specifications are better suited to specific conditions, for example most Field Target shooters require a very hi end magnification with x30 as a minimum. Whereas something between 3-9x40 and 3-12 x 50 are seen more for general hunting be it airgun or firearm quarry species.

ONE SCOPE THREE CHOICES

What I have here is what I would term as med to high magnification target/ precision scope from Nikko Stirling with a spec of 5-20 x 50 called the Target Master. The top end is probably too low for Field Target, which is needed for rangefinding, but will probably appeal to those looking for a fully featured and powerful variable optic. As we shall see this model is offered with three different reticule choices, which will suit many needs.

My test unit came fitted with the LRX reticule, which is what I would call a varmint-type, as it allows both range estimation by bracketing a target of a known height at a set/known magnification and also holdover for correct shot placement. More on this later. Also available is the FT reticule, which is a ladder-type with multiple hash marks that correspond to 50mm (2”) at 100-yards. So with a bit of working out it’s not hard to understand that they are worth 25mm at 50 and 12.5mm at 25-yards. These offer both vertical and horizontal stadia so are equally useful for both range and windage correction too. Finally there is the now familiar Mil-Dot option, with its usual 3.6” (between dots) subtensions at 100-yards.

NUTS AND BOLTS

Over the years Nikko Stirling has lifted itself from its ‘cheap scope’ image and today offers far more sophisticated and consistent build characteristics that suits both firearm and airgun shooters. The Target Master is no exception and to me represents the leading edge of this company. The build goes for a 30mm body tube in a one-piece build. The 50mm objective lens is big enough to let in a lot of light, but nor does it give mounting problems like the larger 56mm front end can, that could require super high rings to suit.

There’s the typical, 3-way saddle with elevation and windage in the usual places (top and right) on the left is a combined side focus and rheostat for the illuminated reticule. Now seemingly a common feature on scopes of this type are lockable turrets. This trend appeared a few years ago and in some ways offers the best of both worlds. As you don’t have all the hassle of unscrewing a cap to adjust a setting, all you do is release the lock and dial, which is faster and with no risk of accidental movement on an uncapped target turret.

SUPER SIMPLE

In this case Nikko have gone for a super simple lift and turn facility and dialling is smooth and easy with decent, audible click stops. Once set just push down on the top of the turret to lock the position. Markings are white on black and easy to see with movement indicators U (up) and R (right). Click values are 1/8” @ 100-yards with the drums divided into six sections, further sub-divided into 1/8ths. So for each turn you get 6” of movement and a top to bottom of 15 full rotations, which equals a maximum of 90”.

Windage is the same in terms of movement values and markings; the only difference being the drum has a middle position (0) and moves both left and right out to 3. This is common for windage as corrections are often required in each direction due to wind direction. Turrets once zeroed can be returned to 0 by undoing the slot- headed screw in the top one turn, which disconnects them from the mechanism so they can be realigned with the centre line.

DOUBLE DUTY

On the left of the saddle at the very end of the drum is the rheostat, which is marked from 0 (off) to 11 (maximum) illumination, the battery (supplied) sits in the screw-off end cap. The focus or parallax is marked 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500-yards then ?. At the back is a fast-focus (European) eyepiece and the magnification ring shows a three row castellated grip for easy operation. In fact all turrets etc are similarly finished.

Included in the package is a 100mm sunshade and flip-up, see-through lens caps along with the battery and a lens cloth. On that point lenses are coated in ETE Mirolux coatings for maximum light transmission. What did surprise me was the lack of a larger and separate sidewheel, which will allow smoother and more precise focusing or rangefinding. Past experience with NS scopes of this type always had one included.

General operation was good with turrets, magnification ring and focus offering smooth and easy operation. The only anomaly here was the parallax drum that was very stiff at first but soon freed up.

CHRISTMAS TREE

The LRX reticule is like a Christmas tree with an expanding line of hash marks, which are used for both range and lead. Set at x10, which is the ranging magnification the first mark gives an inch of drop at 100-yards, the next 2” then 4” and so on out to the last one, which is 20”. It’s then easy enough to calculate range providing you know the height of the target. Say a fox is 12” from breast bone to shoulder and when you see it it subtends 4”. All you do is divide 12 into 4 = 3” then multiply by 100 = 300-yards. It’s not a hard system to learn and regardless of what you are shooting it does work.

Overall an impressive and well featured scope, with much to offer and as always at an attractive price.

PRICE: £270.59