Zero Compromise Optic ZCO420 4-20x50

So, hands up who has heard of Zero Compromise Optic? I must admit that when I received a call from UK distributor, Edgar Brothers, with regards to running a review, I hadn’t. Apparently, this prestigious brand has only been in business for around 5 years, yet they’ve definitely hit the ground running, quickly making a name for themselves in the world of high-end glassware. Zero Compromise Optic (ZCO) are effectively an international collaboration of optical experts, from Austria and the USA. “Working closely with shooters, and focussing on the highest standards of quality”, is an admirable starting point, as per their stated aims, but when I relay their mission statement – “to build the best riflescopes in the world”, it soon becomes clear that this operation has demanded top status from the off.

Reassuringly expensive
On test here is the ZCO420 4-20x50 model, and when I tell you it has an RRP of £4050, you may wish to go and lie down for a while. You do get a set of elasticated lens caps, a lens cloth, a battery, tools, a neoprene cover, and instructions, but so you should! The neoprene cover is a bit of a stretch, but it does its job. As for the scope, first impressions are of an incredibly robust, highly sophisticated piece of glassware. So, who is it aimed at, I hear you ask? Well, these beautifully crafted units of optical excellence are aimed at the dedicated shooter who’s prepared to pay for what is perceived to be the very best, irrespective of the asking price. Obviously, with rugged tactical turrets and military-grade strength, specialist customers and Special Forces will be eyed, but look closer, and the specification is actually wholly suitable for airgun use too, garnering my interest along the way.

Mounting systems
At 34.8 oz, this is quite a weighty scope, which will have to be taken into account for some combinations. But I know many shooters to whom weight isn’t really an issue. More of an initial potential irritation comes from these scopes being built around a 36mm single-piece body tube. Although this comes with some advantages, it could be seen as annoying when trying to source mounts. You won’t find much of a choice with 36mm but fret ye not, as ZCO, unsurprisingly, has taken the step to produce their own mounting systems. Bear in mind that mounts can be the weakest link where scopes are concerned, it’s a positive move from ZCO, ensuring that their classy scopes get appropriate mounts. The ZCO BM-0MIL-D36-H38 One-Piece Mount is on show here, and this retails for £445. Not exactly cheap either, but it is about the most robust mount I’ve ever encountered, so it should do the job. Made in Austria using state-of-the-art CNC machines, ZCO mounts are formed from anodized coated EN AW-7075 aluminium. Star torque bolts throughout, a Picatinny profile, and there’s even a swing-out spirit level. ZCO also makes ring mounts, so there are more options.

Let’s talk turrets
Initial tweaking of the fast-focus ocular dioptre returned a nice amount of resistance, and only minor adjustments were needed to get the reticle sharp. There’s a locking ring in any case, but no rubber surround. On the left side turret, we have the rheostat, which controls reticle illumination. One way offers levels compatible with night vision, so not visible to the naked eye, and the other offers brightness levels in red. ZCO’s Automatic Illumination Management (AIM) system kicks in after three minutes of inactivity, or depending on position/direction, when the scope exceeds 45º to either side or 75º up or down. Illumination will also shut down totally after two hours, helping to save battery power.
The left turret also includes the parallax dial, which is marked down to a minimum of 25m, although it wound past that mark to around 20m. Markings are then 30, 40, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 500, 800, and infinity. Airgun use is very much on the cards then.
This model comes in the First Focal Plane (FFP), so all reticle gaps and values stay constant, irrespective of the mag selected. In other words, everything stays in proportion.

Reticle choice
My test scope came fitted with the MPCT1 reticle, and this has thick outer posts left, right, and up top, then Mil-Dot markings across the main cross stadia. 0.1 MIL markings feature, and on lower magnifications, it does seem a little ‘busy’ so to speak. Reticle design is quite a personal thing in my experience, but there’s no doubt this one offers very precise aim points, with plenty of reference. Again, the central dot is incredibly fine, but personal eyesight dictates here. I found it practical from 10x mag up, and too fine below.
With those bold, chunky, exposed target turrets, it’s fair to term this ZCO a tactical scope, and the turrets feature the popular push-pull locking system. Just pull up to adjust the settings, then push down to lock when all is zeroed and set. The click values for both windage, and elevation are 0.1 MIL, and the click movement itself is about as positive as it gets. All very reassuring of course, and what you would expect in this extraordinary price bracket! On test, running my standard grid test proved the system, and all adjustments proved reliable and most importantly, repeatable.

In use
Set to be parallax-free at 25m, and with the magnification dialled to 10x, this could double as an HFT scope, although with the 50mm objective, its real calling is as a supreme hunting machine. The angled throw lever, integral to the collar, just feels spot on, and dialling through the powers is both smooth and perfectly weighted. The crystal-sharp image and edge-to-edge clarity are just so satisfying, and the vivid image just enhances the shooting experience.

Guarantees
You may have guessed that, yes, I was incredibly impressed with this scope. Granted, given the asking price of an arm and a leg, that shouldn’t come as a surprise, but it’s worth noting that there are reassurances and guarantees for those fortunate enough to invest in this premium tool. Zero Compromise offers an ‘owner-transferable’ Lifetime Warranty, covering mechanical and optical defects in materials and workmanship. Abuse, including improper mounting, will obviously not be covered. Electronic components get a 2-year warranty for the record, but having now played with the merchandise, and having seen the build quality, there shouldn’t be much to worry about.

Conclusion
The performance in low light is a big advantage, given the quality of the lenses here, but that overall feeling of utter precision, supreme build quality, and optical excellence, just elevates this scope to a level rarely encountered. As usual, the increase in quality over several big players at the upper end may not seem in proportion to the price differential, which begs the question of whether that significant asking price is justified. And here, it’s wholly down to the individual. If the quest for that nth degree, a subtle edge, and that extra level of quality is paramount, then this Zero Compromise is wholly likely to put a smile on the face. ‘Made in Austria’ has for years been a hallmark of excellence in scopes, and ZCO seems to be continuing the tradition in style. Three cheers for choice I say!