Premier Optics Light Tactical

The light tactical version of Premier’s scope line, although on paper looking similar to its multiple 3-15x offerings, differs through the choice of turret design and smaller body. A one- piece, 30mm aluminium tube is neatly presented with smooth anodising and a compact build. Knurling is found on magnification and fast focus eyepiece allowing simple alterations (-3 to +2.5 dioptre) a theme shared with external, fingertip-sized, double turn turrets.

Elevation is marked in Miliradians (Mrad) cm at 100m and along with a zero stop, has a neat lower window to indicate 1st on 2nd turn, you cannot get lost within the 12 Mrad on offer, 6 per turn (60 clicks). The windage turret is similar and shows identical 6 Mrad adjustments in both left and right directions from the centre mark 0. Both turrets can be zeroed using a small Allen key to slacken off their fittings and under the fast dial external knob, there are 18 Mrad (62 MOA) of initial adjustment available.

1st Focal Plane

The reticule is a `Gen2 XR`, a variation on the standard Mil-Dot with extra hash marks every half Miliradian. Set in the 1st focal plane (FFP), it allows Mil-Dot range finding and with the 5x erector tube fitted here, varies 5x in size from x3-15 magnification. FFP is increasing in popularity, not just for hunting, and I find the compromise in reticule size far outweighs any mistake-free range finding potential.

The 2nd focal plane (SFP) reticules are though, far less tolerant of manufacturing tolerances and perhaps Premier want to prove their mechanics before they also offer the 2nd focal option. The easily identified Achilles heel of SFP (NOT FOUND HERE) scopes is their not holding zero throughout the magnification range if tolerances are sloppy. A rotation indicator is included on the dual turn turret and although the clicks are perhaps a little light in weight, they are both definite and easily dialled. I shouldn’t be too picky as these are smaller, more finger rather than fist friendly!

On the left of the saddle is a parallax adjustment drum and within it, the illumination dial, sitting just proud. Settings 1-11 are separated by off clicks so quick to return to your favoured setting. Internally the crosshair illuminates centrally and then all the way to the base of the 6 o’clock post. Being a very fine reticule, daylight illumination was visible only at maximum brightness but as light faded it came into its own and at no point flared up or illuminated the tube’s internals as is seen on lower quality optics. Parallax was easily dialled in without any backlash in either direction from 50m to infinity and there are happily no markings on the drum, which are often wrong anyway.

It Was Going So Well…..

With the 5-25, Premier generously supplied a proprietary pop up eyepiece cover and standard Butler Creek at the front end. This time we encounter not only an oversized, knurled ring on the objective’s rim, but similar knurling at the rear, these both require oversized clip on protectors. Yes they are supplied, fit easily and open and close with expected simplicity, but the downside is they both rotate freely and show bulky construction. With the scope mounted at the correct height above the action/barrel, I couldn’t mount the front cover, it wouldn’t fit between the scope and barrel, and the rear cover obstructed the bolt travel. I did wonder whether this was a deliberate design feature allowing short range parallax alteration but it didn’t slacken, adjust or feature in the instructions in any way so I presumed not. The knurling on the objective’s rim was a needless design point and I cannot fathom why it was done, creating problems to solve.

Neither a Fault Found, Nor A Love Discovered

The 30mm tube slipped nicely into a pair of Warne, quick release, Weaver-style rings and mounted easily onto my .222 Rem. Zeroing went without hitch and again, I cannot fault the simplicity of being able to both click/dial and aim off and measure targets with a Mil-Dot reticule in the 1st focal plane, but after that I only find them a hindrance.  A 2nd focal simply requires a repeated setting on the magnification ring to do all of these functions and you can choose where that compromise is, Mils at x10 and ½-Mils at x20 for example. I don’t think FFP is compatible with an x5 erector tube! Otherwise, all the mechanics operated perfectly with accurate click values and return to zero.

I Feel Guilty Now, I Loved the Build Quality

The x3-15 magnification on offer here is what I would specify as more of a hunting scope, characterised in general by larger targets. Excellent optics with complete edge to edge clarity, generous, non-variable eye relief and European quality low light performance mean Vermin shooters will find the x3-15 magnification range excellent on all but the longest targets. At 250 yards, I found x15 magnification limiting on small targets.

With illumination set on full in low light and at generally closer ranges, foxes and deer wouldn’t be a problem, but of course that reticule diminishes with low mag and here is where we find the wider field of view favoured by the hunter.

As for tactical use, well I found the magnification a little lacking at longer ranges and a conversation with both a police marksman and internationally respected competition shooter told of their preference of SFP reticules. In general, any type of UK target shooting involves smaller targets at longer ranges to compensate for our more restrictive courses of fire. A backward step maybe, but stay with a x4 erector and go 5-20 x 50 please Premier for a true `Light Tactical` if you insist on FFP.

For

Compact design
Excellent glass
Rotation Indicator and zero stop

Against

Pointless knurling of objective rim
Strange specification compromises

Verdict

Superb mechanics and optics but FFP Mil-Dot reticule combined with an x5 erector tube shows limited versatility

PRICE: £1999.00
OPTIONS:
MOA turrets, counter clockwise rotation option
Gen 2 Mil-Dot Reticule
Non illuminated is £100 cheaper

CONTACT:
LGA supplies
www.lgasupplies.com
01904 608365