Hello, I’m Mike Fellon, and I’ve dedicated my career to providing the most thorough and honest rifle scope reviews you’ll find anywhere. My passion for precision shooting and optics has driven me to develop a testing process that goes far beyond what most reviewers offer. Here, I’ll take you through the exhaustive journey each scope undergoes before I share my findings with you.
My Testing Philosophy
- Unwavering Independence: I purchase every single scope I test with my own funds. No manufacturers’ freebies, no sponsored content – just honest, unbiased opinions.
- Extensive Hands-On Experience: Each review is the result of weeks, sometimes months, of personal use and rigorous testing.
- Real-World Conditions: I don’t believe in sterile, laboratory-only tests. I put scopes through their paces in the environments where you’ll actually use them.
- Complete Transparency: My entire process is an open book. I want you to understand exactly how I arrive at my conclusions.
- Continuous Learning: The optics world is always evolving, and so is my testing process. I’m constantly refining my methods to ensure I’m providing the most relevant and accurate information.
How I Test Scopes
1. Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The testing begins the moment I open the box. I take note of:
- Packaging quality and protection
- Included accessories (lens caps, sunshade, tools, etc.)
- Initial feel and build quality
- Clarity of instructions and documentation
2. Mounting and Basic Setup
I mount each scope on multiple rifles to assess:
- Ease of mounting
- Ring compatibility
- Initial bore sighting process
- Any unusual challenges or conveniences in the setup
3. Optical Performance Deep Dive
Clarity and Resolution
- I use a combination of standard optical test charts and real-world targets at various distances.
- Tests are conducted in different lighting conditions: bright daylight, overcast, dawn/dusk, and with artificial lighting.
Color Fidelity and Contrast
- I compare the scope’s rendition of colors to known standards and to the naked eye.
- Contrast is evaluated using both high-contrast and low-contrast targets.
Low-Light Performance
- I conduct extensive dawn and dusk testing to simulate real hunting conditions.
- Indoor low-light tests are performed using controlled lighting to measure light transmission capabilities.
Magnification Range
- I test the entire magnification range, noting any sweet spots or weak points.
- Edge-to-edge clarity is assessed at various magnification levels.
Eye Relief and Eye Box
- I measure the actual eye relief and compare it to manufacturer claims.
- The forgiveness of the eye box is tested in various shooting positions.
4. Mechanical Reliability Trials
Tracking Accuracy
- I perform extensive box tests at multiple distances.
- Tracking is tested across the entire adjustment range.
Return-to-Zero Capability
- Scopes are deliberately moved off zero and then returned to assess consistency.
- This test is repeated under various temperature conditions.
Turret and Adjustment Feel
- I evaluate the tactile feedback and audibility of clicks.
- Turrets are tested for accidental adjustment risk.
Parallax Adjustment (where applicable)
- The accuracy of parallax markings is verified.
- I test for any shift in point of impact when adjusting parallax.
5. Durability Stress Tests
Weather Resistance
- Scopes are subjected to rain, snow, and extreme temperature changes.
- Fog testing is conducted using rapid temperature transitions.
Shock Resistance
- I perform drop tests from various heights onto different surfaces.
- Scopes are mounted on high-recoil rifles to test their ability to hold zero.
Submersion Test
- Each scope is submerged in water to verify waterproofing claims.
Long-Term Use Simulation
- I replicate years of use through repeated adjustment cycles and environmental exposure.
6. Field Testing
This is where the rubber meets the road. I take each scope out for extensive field use, including:
- Long-range precision shooting sessions
- Simulated hunting trips in various terrains and weather conditions
- Rapid target acquisition drills
- Low-light and night vision compatibility tests (where applicable)
During these sessions, I pay close attention to:
- Overall usability and ergonomics
- Reticle performance in various conditions
- Battery life for illuminated reticles
- Compatibility with other gear (night vision, magnifiers, etc.)
7. Comparative Analysis
No scope exists in a vacuum. I always test similar scopes side-by-side to provide context. This includes:
- Comparing to direct competitors in the same price range
- Evaluating against both higher and lower-priced alternatives
- Assessing value proposition and price-to-performance ratio
8. Long-Term Evaluation
My testing doesn’t end after a few weeks. I continue to use and evaluate scopes over extended periods:
- Follow-up tests are conducted at 3, 6, and 12-month intervals
- I check for any changes in performance over time
- Long-term durability and finish wear are assessed
How I Present My Findings
You won’t find simple numerical scores in my reviews. I believe the complexities and nuances of a quality optic can’t be reduced to a single number. Instead, I provide:
- Detailed narratives of my experiences with each scope
- Specific scenarios where the scope excels or falls short
- Comparisons to other scopes you might be considering
- Honest assessments of who I think the scope is best suited for
My Commitment to You
Every review I publish is the result of countless hours of testing, thousands of rounds fired, and a genuine desire to help you make the best choice for your needs. I’m not here to sell you the most expensive scope or to push any particular brand. My goal is to arm you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
If you ever have questions about my process, need clarification on a review, or want personalized advice on choosing a scope, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me directly through the website, and I’m always happy to help fellow shooting enthusiasts.
Remember, the best scope isn’t always the most expensive or the one with the most features. It’s the one that best fits your specific needs, shooting style, and budget. My job is to help you find that perfect match.
Thank you for trusting scopesreviews.com for your optics research. Let’s continue to aim for perfection together!
What Do I Get Out of It?
Now, while reviewing scope is something I love, I don’t do it for free. But wait; if my reviews are free, and I don’t publish paid reviews, how do I make money?
Simple, through affiliate links.
I’m a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Program, which means I make money by advertising and linking to Amazon. I also participate in the affiliate program from Opticsplanet.com. And frankly, these are the two sites I strongly recommend for your scope purchases (not just because they pay me).
Okay, but how do I make money out of it? The process is quite simple:
- You read my comprehensive and entirely free reviews.
- You find a scope that interests you and click on my affiliate link that redirects you to the product page.
- If you purchase the scope, I get a commission, and you get your top-quality scope. This is a classic example of a win-win situation.
I use the commission to run the site and keep those sweet, honest scope reviews coming.
In other words, it is you who help me share my passion with the world. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my reviews as much as I enjoy writing them.