Sometimes I come across the argument over whether we should purchase the affordable scopes like the ones from Barska.
You can check yourself on the Internet and you will find many Barska scope reviews full of different opinions.
From my own experiences, you can definitely find a great deal from this manufacturer as long as you know how.
That’s why I made this brief buying guide for you to choose the best Barska scopes. Let’s get started!
Things to consider when choosing a Barska scope
First of all, there are some critical factors that you need to consider when looking for the best Barska scope for your weapon.
Magnification
The magnification of a scope allows you to have a better view of your target. You can take a look at any scope and easily notice a mark in the standardized form like 45x60mm.
The magnification capability lies in the number before letter x. In the example above, the scope is capable of magnifying to 45.
Also, the magnification can be indicated by another way of marking like 20-30x60mm. In that case, the magnification is not fixed and can vary from 20 to 30. This kind of magnification can give a higher versatility to your weapon.
In order to figure out how powerful you need the magnification to be, it’s advised that you should think about your main purpose of use.
Typically, a scope with a strong magnification is more effective in offering a good view for hunters.
However, a scope with less powerful capability of magnifying your target can still be a good choice if it suits your need and financial condition.
Objective lens
The size of the objective lens plays an important role in ensuring good performance of your Barska scope.
Basically, the lens in large scales can enable a lighter view for the owner. Of course, this means that it helps you more to work in the night time or in the areas with the poor light source.
Also, possessing a large objective lens can assist you to get a clear view when targeting because it creates a broad field of view.
In addition to the size, you should also pay attention to the quality of the lenses in order to ensure that it performs properly and is compatible with your gun.
The coating
The coating is used mainly for decreasing the unpleasantly bright light as well as focus more light for the scope. It is particularly beneficial for you if you have to work in the low-light areas.
There are several ways of making the coat for the scope whose cost varies from one way to another. The higher price often means better quality if all the products can meet the manufacturing standards.
The body type
A standard scope is most likely has one of two body types which are straight and angled. Each of them can assist your performance in different ways.
Thus, think about your purposes carefully before starting to look for a scope because it will help you save a lot of money and effort.
The crosshairs
These lines are really useful for you to get a clear view and take the accurate shots. However, targeting using the reticle is a skill that you have to learn if you want to take advantage of it effectively.
It takes you quite a lot of time to be skillful at, too.
In fact, the method of targeting using reticle is a traditional approach that has lasted for a long time.
So far, some modern technologies have been applied to the guns, thereby enabling some other ways to target without using crosshairs.
The eye relief
The distance in which you can stay safe from the gun but still have the good eyesight is called the eye relief.
You can go for one that suits your need but remember to choose a scope with eye relief of more than 15 mm. This minimum distance can make sure that you are comfortable to put your head and do your targeting.
However, if you are near-sighted and have to wear glasses, it’s advised that you ensure that the eye relief of no less than 20 mm.
Review of top 5 Barska scopes
Now I am going to recommend five of the best Barska scopes that you can find on the market so far.
| Product Name | Product Detail |
|---|---|
Barska 1-4x28 IR Hunting Scope Key Features ● 1-4x magnification ● Illuminated mil-dot reticle ● Uncompromising clarity ● Solid cantilever mount ● Dependable durability | |
| EDITOR’S CHOICE Barska 6.5-20x50 AO Varmint Target Dot Riflescope  Key Features ● 6.5-20x Magnification ● Fine Crosshair Reticle ● 50mm Objective Lens ● Parallax Adjustable Objective Lens | |
BARSKA 3-12x50 IR Huntmaster Pro 30/30 IR Cross Riflescope  Key Features • Large objective lens • Multi-coated optics • 3-12x magnification • Adjustable windage | |
| AFFORDABLE CHOICE BARSKA 3-9x32 Plinker-22 Riflescope  Key Features ● 3-9x magnification ● Water, fog, and shock-proof ● Fully multi-coated ● Built for Versatility | |
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope  Key Features ● 3 MOA Red Dot ● Multi-coated optics ● Amber-Bright™ high contrast lens coating ● 100% waterproof/fogproof/shockproof construction |
1. Barska 1-4 x 28 IR Hunting Scope
Some people believe that good quality does not come with a pleasant price.
It’s true that you can hardly expect the outstanding performance from a low-priced product.
However, it doesn’t mean that you cannot find one having both good quality and an affordable price. Take this model from Barska as an example.
I was quite impressed with its firm body at the first I got my hands on it. If you are looking for a durable model, this can be your great deal.
Regarding its capability of magnifying, the model has variable magnification so you can adjust the setting to fit your need.
Also, the objective lens of 8 mm, coupled with the crosshair which can illuminate in the low-light areas, assists you better to target the objects.
The scope works the best in the distance of around 300 yards thanks to its magnification. I think the precision of the scope is pretty cool and useful for hunting.
The weight of the scope is 16 oz. which is average for the portability. It’s hard to expect a well-built and durable scope to be lightweight.
Here are what like from this Barska scope:
- Multicoated optics
- Firm construction
- Illumination and a great reticle
- Variable magnification
About what I don’t:
- Sometimes the LED lights work improperly
2. Barska 6.5-20 x 50 AO Varmint Target Dot Riflescope
This model from Barska is currently one of my most preferred scopes to use for varmint hunting despite its quite heavyweight.
The scope is really well-finished and has a firm body that ensures its endurance while you are on your hunting. Its design also helps itself to resist unfavorable weather conditions such as rain and smog.
Furthermore, I find its turrets quite helpful in giving me the flexibility in setting up the scope to suit the conditions. The sound it makes when switching is a bit loud but it’s okay to me.
The most noticeable thing about this scope is its ability to give you the impressively clear images. The quality can be attributed to its multicoated glass which can focus more light on the lens.
The quality of what this scope offer you can be comparable with some models whose prices are over $100 that I’ve experienced.
Here are what I like about it:
- An affordable price
- Great visual quality
- The turrets are easy to use
- Multicoated glass
About what I don’t:
- The turrets are exactly the same as each other so I cannot distinguish them.
3. BARSKA 3-12 x 50 IR Huntmaster Pro 30/30 IR Cross Riflescope
This is another model from Barska that I want to recommend. It’s intended for riffles and equipped with the durable and firm body.
The well-made scope can resist water and shockwaves so you can carry it along in all weather conditions.
The advanced technology included in the scope allows you to get the great eyesight while targeting even in the night time. It can be used for various purposes from hunting to informally fun shooting.
I’m quite impressed with the optics which enhance its capability of giving users clear images.
The light source is well-focused. Also, it has the variable magnification that we can use to adjust when encountering different situations.
The eye relief of 2.7 inches at maximum also help you to feel more comfortable when using the scope.
Here are what I like:
- Long eye relief
- Firm body
- The light is well-focused
- Variable magnification
- Water resistance
What I don’t like
- The images get a bit unclear at the maximum magnification
4. BARSKA 3-9 x 32 Plinker-22 Riflescope
The first thing to mention about this model is that it has a lightweight. It doesn’t mean that it is chinsy. Its construction is still reliable and it has great endurance.
I’ve tried carrying it along it a hunting game in the light rain weather and it was fine. I think it is also thanks to the rubber ring and the cover included to protect the equipment.
In addition to the 3-9x magnification, the scope also has adjustable turrets which are set at 0.25 inches per level. You will find it quite helpful especially for targeting the objects in the short distances.
From my own experiences, the scope works the best in the distance of around 50 yards. It can still perform quite well at about 100 yards but the precision level is not as high as before.
So, there are some points I love about this scope:
- Adjustable magnification up to 9x
- Lightweight
- Helpful turrets
- Effective targeting
What I don’t:
- A bit hard to mount into the gun
5. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
Although my initial intention is making a totally Barska-focused scopes review, this model from Bushnell is chosen for some reasons. I personally think that it is a great choice for outdoor hunting games.
I was first impressed by its lightweight and small design. It is only about 3.7 ounces in weight has a length of about 2.5 inches.
The eye relief is also one of my favorite features. You can put your eyes on anywhere on the gun because it has nothing to do with your eyesight.
Your performance is even assisted more thanks to the design which enables fast targeting.
Also, the model from Bushnell is equipped with the durable cover that can keep itself safe from water and shocking pressure.
Here are what I like:
- The crosshairs are well-made and easy to target
- The price is reasonable
- Compact size
What I don’t:
- Sometimes the distortion happens if over lighted.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have recently been receiving many questions regarding the inexpensive scopes like ones from Barska. So I listed below some most frequently asked questions and gave you the brief answers for them:
1. Is it possible to use the Barska scopes for smartphones or DSLR cameras?
A: No, it isn’t. The Barska products are intended only for targeting with a gun.
2. How should I put my eye when targeting?
A: Well, it depends on the eye relief of your scope. But however long it is, avoid putting your eye too close.
3. I encounter some distortion when setting the magnification to the highest level. Is my scope of bad quality?
A: No, not really. That happens to almost every scope you can find on the market except for the really high-end products.
4. Can I use the scopes for stargazing?
A: No, you can’t. The gun scopes are not capable of assisting your eyesight at that far distance.
5. How can I find a Barska product?
A: There are several ways that help you to get a Barska product. You can go to their website and purchase from the online store. Or, you can find them by visiting the stores of many distributors in your area.
Conclusion
We have gone through some of the best scopes on the market. If having to choose the best scope among them, I am going for Barska 6.5-20×50 AO Varmint Target Dot Riflescope.
It meets almost every requirement from a gun scope. It offers a good quality view when targeting while ensuring the lifespan of itself by possessing a firm and durable body.
Also, its variable magnification is what we all can benefit from. I didn’t expect an affordable price to have all of those but it really does.
What about your choice? Tell me on the comment below!
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