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 madecov 
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Joined: Apr 2003  TX, USA
 Posts: 599 Feedback: 100% (2) |
Posted: 8/11/2011 12:19:03 AM
THE IMAGE ABOVE IS A PAID ADVERTISEMENT First it seems to be a fairly heavy scope and feels well made. Windage and elevation knobs are not the most tactile (almost mushy) and the clicks are hardly audible. This is going to be a set it and forget scope once zeroed. The scope does not have any imprint or engraving for country of origin on it but does have a serial number. The box does say "Japan's secret optics" No caps are included. There is no contact information for an importer or agent in the USA (as discussed with SWFA prior to purchase) so the only warranty is the 10 day exchange from SWFA (unmounted). I installed the included battery and turned the scope illumination on. Indoors the brightest setting on red was crazy bright with lots of spill over. On green it was more manageable. The battery cover has several bent metal springs rather than a central coil that make contact with the battery very positive, in fact it takes a slight effort to get the battery cover on with or without a battery installed. This should mitigate issues with illumination under recoil. It appears to my untrained eye to be a true 1X, indoors I couldn't get focus (maybe I'm just too close in). There is a very slight fisheye effect at 1X. Glass appears to be fairly bright and clear but since I don't own any high end scopes to compare it too  . but it seems to be decent glass.
Overall is the scope worth $150.00, absolutely.There are plenty of comparable scopes out there that cost more. Is it worth paying over $200.00. Nope not without a useable warranty. This optic will be going on a Spikes 14 1/4" light weight LE middy with 13.2" SAR over a Spikes Punisher lower once it arrives. |
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DeltaBravo555
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Team Member
Joined: Nov 2008 SC, USA
Posts: 416 Feedback: 100% (3) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/11/2011 12:53:54 AM
Originally Posted By madecov:
I decided to take a chance on this low cost optic for an upcoming build. I can only provide initial impressions since the upper it will be mounted has not arrived and probably won't for about 4 weeks. I'll be well past the return period before I get to use the optic. First it seems to be a fairly heavy scope and feels well made. Windage and elevation knobs are not the most tactile (almost mushy) and the clicks are hardly audible. This is going to be a set it and forget scope once zeroed. The scope does not have any imprint or engraving for country of origin on it but does have a serial number. The box does say "Japan's secret optics" No caps are included. There is no contact information for an importer or agent in the USA (as discussed with SWFA prior to purchase) so the only warranty is the 10 day exchange from SWFA (unmounted). I installed the included battery and turned the scope illumination on. Indoors the brightest setting on red was crazy bright with lots of spill over. On green it was more manageable. The battery cover has several bent metal springs rather than a central coil that make contact with the battery very positive, in fact it takes a slight effort to get the battery cover on with or without a battery installed. This should mitigate issues with illumination under recoil. It appears to my untrained eye to be a true 1X, indoors I couldn't get focus (maybe I'm just too close in). There is a very slight fisheye effect at 1X. Glass appears to be fairly bright and clear but since I don't own any high end scopes to compare it too . but it seems to be decent glass.
Overall is the scope worth $150.00, absolutely.There are plenty of comparable scopes out there that cost more. Is it worth paying over $200.00. Nope not without a useable warranty. This optic will be going on a Spikes 14 1/4" light weight LE middy with 13.2" SAR over a Spikes Punisher lower once it arrives. I ordered one as well, should be here Friday. Does the owners manual say anything about zeroing or utilizing the BDC that is supposedly designed for 55g 5.56 ~3000 fps? |
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Posted: 8/11/2011 12:57:53 AM
Tag because I'm hoping for more first hand info - Hadn't heard of this optic and have been looking into the 1-4 type scopes for a while now, and this seems like a good entry without breaking the bank.
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Posted: 8/11/2011 1:05:15 AM
Originally Posted By DeltaBravo555:
Originally Posted By madecov:
I decided to take a chance on this low cost optic for an upcoming build. I can only provide initial impressions since the upper it will be mounted has not arrived and probably won't for about 4 weeks. I'll be well past the return period before I get to use the optic. First it seems to be a fairly heavy scope and feels well made. Windage and elevation knobs are not the most tactile (almost mushy) and the clicks are hardly audible. This is going to be a set it and forget scope once zeroed. The scope does not have any imprint or engraving for country of origin on it but does have a serial number. The box does say "Japan's secret optics" No caps are included. There is no contact information for an importer or agent in the USA (as discussed with SWFA prior to purchase) so the only warranty is the 10 day exchange from SWFA (unmounted). I installed the included battery and turned the scope illumination on. Indoors the brightest setting on red was crazy bright with lots of spill over. On green it was more manageable. The battery cover has several bent metal springs rather than a central coil that make contact with the battery very positive, in fact it takes a slight effort to get the battery cover on with or without a battery installed. This should mitigate issues with illumination under recoil. It appears to my untrained eye to be a true 1X, indoors I couldn't get focus (maybe I'm just too close in). There is a very slight fisheye effect at 1X. Glass appears to be fairly bright and clear but since I don't own any high end scopes to compare it too . but it seems to be decent glass.
Overall is the scope worth $150.00, absolutely.There are plenty of comparable scopes out there that cost more. Is it worth paying over $200.00. Nope not without a useable warranty. This optic will be going on a Spikes 14 1/4" light weight LE middy with 13.2" SAR over a Spikes Punisher lower once it arrives. I ordered one as well, should be here Friday. Does the owners manual say anything about zeroing or utilizing the BDC that is supposedly designed for 55g 5.56 ~3000 fps? Just a small printed sheet on using the BDC. |
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DeltaBravo555
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Team Member
Joined: Nov 2008 SC, USA
Posts: 418 Feedback: 100% (3) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/11/2011 1:11:49 AM
[Last Edit: 8/11/2011 1:17:20 AM by DeltaBravo555]
Originally Posted By madecov:
Originally Posted By DeltaBravo555:
Originally Posted By madecov:
I decided to take a chance on this low cost optic for an upcoming build. I can only provide initial impressions since the upper it will be mounted has not arrived and probably won't for about 4 weeks. I'll be well past the return period before I get to use the optic. First it seems to be a fairly heavy scope and feels well made. Windage and elevation knobs are not the most tactile (almost mushy) and the clicks are hardly audible. This is going to be a set it and forget scope once zeroed. The scope does not have any imprint or engraving for country of origin on it but does have a serial number. The box does say "Japan's secret optics" No caps are included. There is no contact information for an importer or agent in the USA (as discussed with SWFA prior to purchase) so the only warranty is the 10 day exchange from SWFA (unmounted). I installed the included battery and turned the scope illumination on. Indoors the brightest setting on red was crazy bright with lots of spill over. On green it was more manageable. The battery cover has several bent metal springs rather than a central coil that make contact with the battery very positive, in fact it takes a slight effort to get the battery cover on with or without a battery installed. This should mitigate issues with illumination under recoil. It appears to my untrained eye to be a true 1X, indoors I couldn't get focus (maybe I'm just too close in). There is a very slight fisheye effect at 1X. Glass appears to be fairly bright and clear but since I don't own any high end scopes to compare it too . but it seems to be decent glass.
Overall is the scope worth $150.00, absolutely.There are plenty of comparable scopes out there that cost more. Is it worth paying over $200.00. Nope not without a useable warranty. This optic will be going on a Spikes 14 1/4" light weight LE middy with 13.2" SAR over a Spikes Punisher lower once it arrives. I ordered one as well, should be here Friday. Does the owners manual say anything about zeroing or utilizing the BDC that is supposedly designed for 55g 5.56 ~3000 fps? Just a small printed sheet on using the BDC. If it isn't too much trouble could you explain the BDC layout? I couldn't find that info anywhere but ordered one anyway. I can't tell if it has a true BDC or just a reticle with a turret calibrated for 3100 fps 55g. TIA |
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Posted: 8/11/2011 1:54:07 AM
Thanks for the quick review. Still on the fence on this one. I just wish I could get a 1-4x in this price range at 10 inches or less. I know GRSC comes in under 10 but it's also 350ish.
Anyways, thanks again and can't wait to see some reticle pics. |
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FunBobby
Rock or Something
Team Member
Joined: Aug 2008 TX, USA
Posts: 1874 Feedback: 100% (7) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/11/2011 2:15:35 AM
Can we get some pics?
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Posted: 8/11/2011 2:20:04 AM
[Last Edit: 8/11/2011 3:16:21 AM by tjsjr]
Curious why you didn't just get a millett dms-1? Aren't they great and have a known good rep in the under $200 range?
ETA: Didn't realize it was a combo price of $150! anyone know why it shows the combo with ssalt for $150 but the scope alone is $199? |
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Posted: 8/11/2011 10:11:55 AM
Originally Posted By DeltaBravo555:
Originally Posted By madecov:
Originally Posted By DeltaBravo555:
Originally Posted By madecov:
I decided to take a chance on this low cost optic for an upcoming build. I can only provide initial impressions since the upper it will be mounted has not arrived and probably won't for about 4 weeks. I'll be well past the return period before I get to use the optic. First it seems to be a fairly heavy scope and feels well made. Windage and elevation knobs are not the most tactile (almost mushy) and the clicks are hardly audible. This is going to be a set it and forget scope once zeroed. The scope does not have any imprint or engraving for country of origin on it but does have a serial number. The box does say "Japan's secret optics" No caps are included. There is no contact information for an importer or agent in the USA (as discussed with SWFA prior to purchase) so the only warranty is the 10 day exchange from SWFA (unmounted). I installed the included battery and turned the scope illumination on. Indoors the brightest setting on red was crazy bright with lots of spill over. On green it was more manageable. The battery cover has several bent metal springs rather than a central coil that make contact with the battery very positive, in fact it takes a slight effort to get the battery cover on with or without a battery installed. This should mitigate issues with illumination under recoil. It appears to my untrained eye to be a true 1X, indoors I couldn't get focus (maybe I'm just too close in). There is a very slight fisheye effect at 1X. Glass appears to be fairly bright and clear but since I don't own any high end scopes to compare it too . but it seems to be decent glass.
Overall is the scope worth $150.00, absolutely.There are plenty of comparable scopes out there that cost more. Is it worth paying over $200.00. Nope not without a useable warranty. This optic will be going on a Spikes 14 1/4" light weight LE middy with 13.2" SAR over a Spikes Punisher lower once it arrives. I ordered one as well, should be here Friday. Does the owners manual say anything about zeroing or utilizing the BDC that is supposedly designed for 55g 5.56 ~3000 fps? Just a small printed sheet on using the BDC. If it isn't too much trouble could you explain the BDC layout? I couldn't find that info anywhere but ordered one anyway. I can't tell if it has a true BDC or just a reticle with a turret calibrated for 3100 fps 55g. TIA Just a turret calibration. and the clicks are not all that great. I'll try to get some photo's over the weekend if I can |
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Posted: 8/11/2011 7:22:49 PM
[Last Edit: 8/11/2011 7:25:37 PM by GrantS]
OOps. Stuck this in the wrong topic at first.....
 Oh well, here's where I meant to post.
Link to the Optisan reviews: http://www.opticstalk.com/optisan-14x24-mamba_topic29849.html One guy has good luck, my scope that just arrived hazes over when the illuminated dot is turned on. We'll see, might keep it as a non-illuminated, might trade it back in at SWFA. Good looking scope other than that problem. |
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Posted: 8/11/2011 11:17:16 PM
Good review just a few questions
1. How does this compare to the Burris Tac 30 1-4 as far as clarity of glass 2. Is it a true 1x or similar to the Burris, or Millett ( to me the Burris is acceptable but the Millet didn't work for me at all) 3. How is the eye box difference between 1x and 4x? Thanks for the review |
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Posted: 8/11/2011 11:23:02 PM
I can't compare it to other scopes since I have not handled any other 1X4
Eye relief seems to be good, about 3" at 4X it is a little more picky and requires better alignment but it's not bad. to my eyes it seems to be a true 1X |
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DeltaBravo555
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Team Member
Joined: Nov 2008 SC, USA
Posts: 420 Feedback: 100% (3) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/12/2011 8:00:19 PM
I got my scope today as well, I agree with everything you have said above very accurate. I also had spill over indoors with the higher power settings but outside I used setting 3 out of 5 and had nice clear glass other than maybe some fog due to the rain.
Also the reticle is still visable without illumination which I like. There is a spare battery inside the turret cover FWIW. I understand the reticle now and how it is not a BDC like I thought it was, you just select your distance on the turret and still use the dot as your POA / POI unlike my ACOG where POA / POI varies on the reticle relative to distance. I will zero it tomorrow and post up an AAR here if you don't mind, that might make it easier for people searching for info on this scope. Here is a pic of it on my AR, I didn't want to take my ACOG off of my ACR and lose zero just to test a $150 scope. 
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Posted: 8/12/2011 8:14:25 PM
You guys are getting me all exicited and stuff. How does it do with both eyes open on 1X trying to use it like a red dot?
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DeltaBravo555
Member
Team Member
Joined: Nov 2008 SC, USA
Posts: 421 Feedback: 100% (3) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/12/2011 8:47:17 PM
[Last Edit: 8/12/2011 8:49:38 PM by DeltaBravo555]
Originally Posted By tjsjr:
You guys are getting me all exicited and stuff. How does it do with both eyes open on 1X trying to use it like a red dot? That's the million dollar question and I do not have a proper answer yet. Hopefully I will tomorrow. I have been shooting 3Gun with my TA33RH ACOG and I feel the 3x put me at a disadvantage for <25m shots on various small targets Vs 99% of people running 1-4x scopes on 1x for close range shots. I have been working on using the BAC ( both eyes open ) with my ACOG but bought this Optisan as a cheap way to see if I would prefer a 1-4x without dropping $1000 and just hoping for the best. Still messing with the mounting location / eye relief of the 1-4 so I may move the 1-4 further forward on the rail. At 6'1 with long arms I usually shoot with the stock extended not collapsed on both weapons not usually NTCH unless using irons. Can't say much for only handling it in the house and a little outside but I do like the reticle. The reticle also stays the same size on both 1x and 4x as well as everything in between. Showdown, ACOG Vs 1-4 coming soon. 
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Posted: 8/12/2011 11:59:40 PM
Originally Posted By DeltaBravo555:
I got my scope today as well, I agree with everything you have said above very accurate. I also had spill over indoors with the higher power settings but outside I used setting 3 out of 5 and had nice clear glass other than maybe some fog due to the rain. Also the reticle is still visable without illumination which I like. There is a spare battery inside the turret cover FWIW. I understand the reticle now and how it is not a BDC like I thought it was, you just select your distance on the turret and still use the dot as your POA / POI unlike my ACOG where POA / POI varies on the reticle relative to distance. I will zero it tomorrow and post up an AAR here if you don't mind, that might make it easier for people searching for info on this scope. Here is a pic of it on my AR, I didn't want to take my ACOG off of my ACR and lose zero just to test a $150 scope.
http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k543/HighDragLowSpeed555/IMAG0274-1.jpg Please post your findings here, Spikes says my upper will ship some time next week. It may be a few weeks before I get out and sight mine in. |
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PAPPYO
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Joined: Feb 2001 OH, USA
Posts: 4061 Feedback: 100% (22) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/13/2011 12:57:36 AM
[Last Edit: 10/12/2011 7:05:34 PM by Lancelot]
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DeltaBravo555
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Joined: Nov 2008 SC, USA
Posts: 422 Feedback: 100% (3) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/13/2011 10:11:55 PM
I am going to put dessert before the meal and tell you upfront without you having to read to the end of some long winded AAR that I think this scope / mount combo deal is worth every bit of $150 if you are looking for a backup optic or cheaper 1-4x.
Since I have to work tomorrow, I only shot 2 out of my 4 IDPA stages this morning before heading to my buddys hunting property to show him this scope and get it zeroed. If you saw my other videos you may remember my shooting buddy who has the LWRC MK12 Mod 0 build with the Leupold scope on it. He would tell me if he thought this thing was crap but by the end of the shoot he kept asking " only $150 for the scope AND mount? ". He was impressed as was I for the price. I thought that was funny. I did move the scope more forward on the rail. I like the current postition and will likely leave it there. We had a nasty storm rolling in so this was what I call a hasty zeroing. Out of the box I shot at 50 yds just to see if I was remotely close. To my suprise windage was spot on, I never touched it. Elevation was a bit high so I adjusted down a bit then factored in my guess for drop at 100 to get me close. Within the first 8-9 shots right out of the box I was able to shoot a 1/4 - 1/2" group with PMC Bronze .223 55g ammo @ 100yds. I messed up by transitioning from using the green reticle on the red paper target then using the same green reticle on the green dot target,I could not see my POA and that was my fault. I switched to the red reticle and put the next two shots dead center of the green dot at 100 yds. I would say that any crappy shots were my fault and not the scope, I should have took more time with my shots etc but we were ready to go home and foggy sunglasses were not helping. The video link is under the two pictures. Anyway, I have to shoot more with this scope and get out to 300 yds to check it's calibration but as of now, I am impressed with it especially for $150 with a mount. 
YouTube Video |
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PAPPYO
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Joined: Feb 2001 OH, USA
Posts: 4064 Feedback: 100% (22) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/13/2011 11:49:46 PM
I wish I could give a review on mine. All I can say is the scope is decent and the SSALT mount is equall to a burris.
Now for Coyote hunters. Night time hunting this scope needs a lower setting for brightness controll, On the lowest setting at night with a forend mounted 250 lumen red filtered light it's reticle is to bright for me. That's me though, and common with most cheaper chi com lit reticle scopes. I've lit up bunnies out back at pitch black and it's to bright on the lowest setting. Still for folk's punching paper steel ect, it should be fine. |
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Posted: 8/17/2011 1:41:28 AM
Has anyone here bought the lens cap kit? I wanted to see if they are the flip up kind or the elastic bikini kind?
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Posted: 8/17/2011 8:03:59 AM
They are butler creek flip up caps
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Posted: 8/17/2011 9:33:00 AM
Im glad to finally hear some people talking about these things. My first contact with an Optisan was about a year ago at a gunshow. It was a "Prestige" 1-6x though, and was an awsome scope. The asthetics of it grabbed my attention first, and then the quality of it impressed me as well. When I got home all i could find online was the models swfa had, and I found one Prestige in like Belgium. Ive been curious ever since about the Mamba.
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DeltaBravo555
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Joined: Nov 2008 SC, USA
Posts: 430 Feedback: 100% (3) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/17/2011 9:44:42 AM
[Last Edit: 8/17/2011 10:05:20 AM by DeltaBravo555]
Originally Posted By sandmountaindriller:
Im glad to finally hear some people talking about these things. My first contact with an Optisan was about a year ago at a gunshow. It was a "Prestige" 1-6x though, and was an awsome scope. The asthetics of it grabbed my attention first, and then the quality of it impressed me as well. When I got home all i could find online was the models swfa had, and I found one Prestige in like Belgium. Ive been curious ever since about the Mamba. 1-6x? I never heard of it but I would be interested in finding out more about one of those if possible. If it was a true 1x and the same quality of the 1-4x Mamba I would prob pay up to $300 for it. The one major downfall of the Mamba is that there is NO warranty with this scope where as some other scopes have a lifetime warranty. |
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wetidlerjr
Flamma fumo est proxima.
Life Member
Joined: May 2002 IN, USA
Posts: 14751 Feedback: 100% (2) Link To This Post |
Posted: 8/17/2011 11:36:19 AM
Originally Posted By DeltaBravo555: And that fact alone speaks volumes. There is no free lunch. Originally Posted By sandmountaindriller: 1-6x? I never heard of it but I would be interested in finding out more about one of those if possible. Im glad to finally hear some people talking about these things. My first contact with an Optisan was about a year ago at a gunshow. It was a "Prestige" 1-6x though, and was an awsome scope. The asthetics of it grabbed my attention first, and then the quality of it impressed me as well. When I got home all i could find online was the models swfa had, and I found one Prestige in like Belgium. Ive been curious ever since about the Mamba. If it was a true 1x and the same quality of the 1-4x Mamba I would prob pay up to $300 for it. The one major downfall of the Mamba is that there is NO warranty with this scope where as some other scopes have a lifetime warranty.  |
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Posted: 8/17/2011 2:54:56 PM
The one I looked was a true one power scope. The guy offered it to me for like 520 with a burris mount. From what I could tell that was about right, like you guys were saying its hard to give that for something your not sure of and this was the first time i had ever saw one. Id rather get a viper pst 1-4x and have the awsome warranty from vortex for that kind of money. Heres a link
http://nordjagt.dk/sigte-kikkert-99/optisan-102/optisan-prestige-6z-1-6x24raq-41618.html and a translation Optisan Prestige series gives you all the best finesse you wish you of a sieve binoculars. Produced by 30 mm steel tubes and equipped with Paralax alignment on the page, from 9 to 450 metres. Mounted lens protectors included. Freedom of choice between red and green light and the possibility of adjusting the brightness. 30 mm steel tube Paralax alignment Optional red or green light Mounted lens protectors 30-year warranty |
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Posted: 8/17/2011 2:59:43 PM
Originally Posted By wetidlerjr:
Originally Posted By DeltaBravo555:
And that fact alone speaks volumes. There is no free lunch. Originally Posted By sandmountaindriller:
1-6x? I never heard of it but I would be interested in finding out more about one of those if possible.
Im glad to finally hear some people talking about these things. My first contact with an Optisan was about a year ago at a gunshow. It was a "Prestige" 1-6x though, and was an awsome scope. The asthetics of it grabbed my attention first, and then the quality of it impressed me as well. When I got home all i could find online was the models swfa had, and I found one Prestige in like Belgium. Ive been curious ever since about the Mamba. If it was a true 1x and the same quality of the 1-4x Mamba I would prob pay up to $300 for it. The one major downfall of the Mamba is that there is NO warranty with this scope where as some other scopes have a lifetime warranty.
Well, to a certain extent maybe. It isn't because they don't believe in the optic, but that Optisan has no operations in the US and these are being imported by a 3rd party, thus there is no support here yet. So while it is a downer that there isn't support, I don't think that fact is a reflection on the scope's build quality at all (though the price very well may be). |
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