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.
- Side-by-side comparisons document exactly when I can no longer identify critical details (such as antler points at 75 yards).
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.
- Box testing involves firing a shot, then adjusting windage and elevation turrets in a square pattern (up, right, down, left), firing after each adjustment.
- A final shot after returning to original zero reveals the scope’s ability to track accurately and return to zero.
- Tracking is tested across the entire adjustment range.
- Deviation is measured in MOA—scopes with significant deviation are rejected.
Return-to-Zero Capability
- Scopes are deliberately moved off zero and then returned to assess consistency.
- This test is repeated under various temperature conditions.
- Zero verification occurs every 50 rounds during field testing.
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
A scope’s spec sheet tells you nothing about whether it’ll hold zero after bouncing down a ranch road or getting knocked against a truck door. Every scope undergoes real-world abuse testing:
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.
- Any scope that loses zero by more than 1 MOA after abuse testing is rejected.
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.
- Scopes that fail during extended testing don’t make my recommendations.
6. Field Testing
This is where the rubber meets the road. I take each scope out for extensive field use through actual shooting conditions, including:
- Long-range precision shooting sessions at multiple distances
- Simulated hunting or tactical scenarios in various terrains and weather conditions
- Rapid target acquisition drills
- Low-light performance evaluation during dawn and dusk conditions
- Night vision compatibility tests (where applicable)
During these sessions, I pay close attention to:
- Overall usability and ergonomics
- Reticle performance in various lighting and background conditions
- Battery life for illuminated reticles
- Compatibility with other gear (night vision, magnifiers, mounting systems, etc.)
Reticle Performance Verification
For scopes with specialized reticles (BDC, Mil-Dot, MOA-based, etc.), I conduct extensive verification:
- Multiple shot groups at various distances to verify holdover accuracy
- Testing with appropriate ammunition to document actual point of impact
- Results are documented in MOA or Mil to show real-world accuracy
- Any reticle features that don’t perform as claimed are noted in the review
- Simple reticles are evaluated for visibility and target acquisition speed
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
My Performance Rating System
Unlike simple numerical scores that reduce complex optics to a single number, I evaluate each scope across seven critical performance categories. Each category receives a score out of 10 based on extensive testing, with detailed notes explaining the rating.
Rating Categories
Optical Clarity (Out of 10)
- Evaluates lens coatings, light transmission, resolution, and contrast
- Tests conducted across various lighting conditions
- Edge-to-edge sharpness assessment at multiple magnification levels
- Comparison against competing scopes in same price range
Reticle Design & Usability (Out of 10)
- Assessment of reticle visibility in various conditions
- BDC accuracy verification through live-fire testing (where applicable)
- Ease of use for quick target acquisition
- Appropriateness for intended application
Mechanical Reliability (Out of 10)
- Box test tracking deviation measured in MOA
- Return-to-zero consistency after adjustments
- Zero retention after drops, rough handling, and extended shooting
- Turret feel, precision, and durability
Ergonomics & Comfort (Out of 10)
- Eye relief measurement and forgiveness
- Eye box evaluation from various shooting positions
- Weight distribution and rifle balance
- Control placement and accessibility
- Overall comfort during extended use
Durability & Construction (Out of 10)
- Build quality and materials assessment
- Results from drop tests and abuse scenarios
- Weather resistance (fog, rain, temperature extremes)
- Submersion test results
- Long-term wear patterns
Magnification Range (Out of 10)
- Appropriateness of magnification range for intended use
- Low-end performance for close encounters
- High-end utility for maximum practical distance
- Overall versatility
Value for Money (Out of 10)
- Performance relative to price point
- Comparison to competing scopes
- Feature set justification
- Warranty and manufacturer support
Overall Score (Out of 10)
- Weighted average incorporating all categories
- Special consideration for intended use case
- Final recommendation context
How I Assign Ratings
Ratings are based on objective testing data combined with real-world field experience:
- 9.0-10.0: Exceptional performance, best-in-class
- 8.0-8.9: Excellent performance with minor compromises
- 7.0-7.9: Good performance, suitable for most users
- 6.0-6.9: Acceptable performance with notable limitations
- Below 6.0: Significant issues, not recommended
Each rating includes specific notes explaining the score, referencing actual test data such as MOA deviation, group sizes, or measurable advantages over competing scopes.
How I Present My Findings
You won’t find vague generalizations in my reviews. Instead, I provide:
- Detailed Performance Tables: Specifications, field test data, and side-by-side comparisons
- Specific Test Results: Actual group sizes, tracking deviation in MOA, zero retention data
- Real-World Scenarios: Specific hunting situations where the scope excels or falls short
- Honest Pros and Cons: Clear assessment of strengths and weaknesses
- Detailed Rating Tables: Category-by-category scores with explanatory notes
- Targeted Recommendations: “Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Scope” sections
- Comparative Context: How each scope performs against direct competitors
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 scopes 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.