Introduction
Are you in the market for a riflescope that offers serious magnification without breaking the bank? The world of optics can be overwhelming, with a vast array of choices promising high performance. This review delves deep into the Center Point 6-20×50 scope, a popular option for those seeking a powerful scope at a reasonable price point. We’ll examine its features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your shooting needs.
This review focuses on giving a comprehensive assessment of this Center Point scope. Whether you’re a seasoned airgun enthusiast, enjoy plinking at the range, or are a hunter on a budget, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of any scope is crucial for making an informed decision.
Unveiling the Specifications
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of performance, let’s lay out the core specifications that define the Center Point 6-20×50 scope. These numbers provide a quick snapshot of what to expect.
Magnification: 6-20x
Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
Tube Diameter: Typically, one-inch (25.4 mm)
Reticle Type: Often a Mil-Dot or similar design, sometimes with illuminated features
Adjustment Increments: Commonly, ¼ MOA (Minute of Angle)
Adjustment Range (Elevation & Windage): Generally, a substantial range for adjustments
Parallax Adjustment: Adjustable Objective (AO) or Side Focus (SF) options available
Length: The overall length of the scope
Weight: The scope’s weight
Battery Type: For illuminated reticle versions, typically a small button cell
Waterproof/Fogproof: Usually designed to be water-resistant and fog-resistant
This information is vital for understanding the scope’s potential and its suitability for different shooting scenarios.
Exploring the Scope’s Key Features
Let’s break down the major features of the Center Point 6-20×50 and how they contribute to the shooting experience.
Magnification and Clarity: Reaching Out to the Target
The heart of this scope is its magnification range, spanning from 6x to 20x. This offers a considerable amount of flexibility. At 6x, you have a wider field of view, making it suitable for close-range engagements or acquiring targets quickly. As you zoom in, you can dial up the magnification to 20x, which is perfect for precision shooting at longer distances. The variable nature of the magnification allows you to adapt to changing conditions and target ranges.
The 50mm objective lens plays a critical role. Its size significantly impacts the amount of light that enters the scope. A larger objective lens typically results in a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. This enhanced light transmission can make a noticeable difference when shooting at dawn or dusk, or in shaded environments. However, a larger objective lens also means the scope will be bulkier and heavier.
The Reticle: Your Crosshair for Accuracy
The reticle, the aiming point etched onto the lenses, is a key component of any riflescope. The Center Point 6-20×50 often comes with a Mil-Dot reticle, a popular choice among shooters. The Mil-Dot reticle features a series of small dots that serve as reference points for holdover and windage adjustments. This allows you to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges or account for crosswinds. Learning how to use a Mil-Dot reticle effectively is an essential skill for precision shooting. Some versions may include an illuminated reticle feature, allowing you to illuminate the crosshairs. This can be particularly helpful when shooting in low-light situations, enhancing target acquisition. The illumination, powered by a small battery, adds another layer of usability.
The Turrets: Fine-Tuning Your Aim
The adjustment turrets are the mechanisms you use to correct your point of impact. These turrets typically allow you to make precise adjustments to the elevation (vertical) and windage (horizontal) of the reticle. The Center Point 6-20×50 scopes commonly feature turrets with ¼ MOA click values, which means that each click on the turret moves the point of impact by ¼ inch at 100 yards. Understanding the turret adjustments and their relationship to MOA is critical for accurate shooting. The turrets often have tactile and audible clicks, making it easy to count and track your adjustments, even without looking directly at the markings. The design and feel of the turrets can make a substantial difference in how easy they are to use.
Parallax Adjustment: Sharpening the Focus
Parallax error occurs when the target and the reticle are not on the same focal plane. This can lead to inaccuracies in your shots. The Center Point 6-20×50 usually includes some form of parallax adjustment to mitigate this issue. The most common types are adjustable objective (AO) and side focus (SF) designs. The AO system features an adjustable ring on the objective lens itself, allowing you to dial in the focus at different distances. The SF system has a dial on the side of the scope, which is often more convenient to access, especially when you’re already in the shooting position. Properly adjusting the parallax ensures that the reticle appears sharp and focused at the target distance, maximizing your accuracy.
Construction and Build Quality: Durability in Mind
The build quality of any riflescope is an important consideration. Center Point scopes, including the 6-20×50, are generally made from durable materials. The scope tube is often constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, providing strength and resistance to impacts. The lenses are typically coated to enhance light transmission and reduce glare. A durable finish helps protect the scope from scratches and the elements. It’s important to assess whether the scope feels sturdy and reliable, considering how it will withstand the rigors of your shooting activities.
Accessories: What’s in the Box?
A scope usually comes with accessories. Typical inclusions are lens covers to protect the objective and ocular lenses from dust, scratches, and impact. Some kits also provide a sunshade, which can reduce glare and improve image clarity in bright sunlight. Mounting rings, allowing attachment to your firearm, might or might not be included, which is an important consideration, as you need to purchase appropriate rings if they are not. Knowing what accessories are bundled with the scope can influence its overall value.
Putting the Scope to the Test: Performance on the Range
Specifications and features are important, but the true test of any scope is how it performs in the real world. We’ll now examine the practical performance of the Center Point 6-20×50.
Mounting and Setup: Getting Ready to Shoot
Setting up the scope is the first step. Mounting the scope to your firearm correctly is crucial for proper alignment and consistent performance. The process will depend on the type of mounting system and the firearm you’re using. Ease of mounting, compatibility, and any necessary tools are critical considerations. Carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions and ensuring the scope is securely mounted is important.
Image Quality and Clarity: Seeing the Details
Image quality is paramount. The Center Point 6-20×50 provides a clear image. Assess the image sharpness, brightness, and clarity at different magnification levels. Does the image stay crisp across the magnification range? Are there any noticeable optical issues, such as chromatic aberration (color fringing) or distortion at the edges of the field of view? These observations help determine how well the scope delivers a usable and enjoyable viewing experience.
Adjustment and Zeroing: Hitting the Mark
Zeroing the scope – adjusting the reticle to align with your point of impact – is essential for accuracy. The zeroing process involves making elevation and windage adjustments using the turrets. Evaluate the ease with which you can make these adjustments. Are the clicks on the turrets precise and repeatable? Is it easy to track your adjustments and return to your initial zero? This is a critical aspect of the scope’s overall usability.
Tracking Performance: Consistency Under Fire
A scope’s tracking performance is the consistency of the reticle’s movement in relation to the adjustments made. Test the scope’s tracking ability to ensure that its adjustments are consistent. This often involves shooting a group of shots at a target, making precise adjustments to the elevation and windage turrets, and then observing if the point of impact shifts accordingly. If the scope tracks accurately, your adjustments will consistently move the point of impact as expected. This is crucial for long-range shooting and making accurate corrections.
Durability and Weather Resistance: Holding Up to the Elements
Durability and weather resistance are important factors. Is the scope designed to withstand the elements? Does it resist water or fogging? Evaluate any claims made by the manufacturer. Real-world experiences with the scope in various conditions can inform your perception of its ruggedness and reliability.
Reticle Useability: Aiming with Precision
A reticle’s design must make it useful. How easy is it to use the reticle for ranging, holdover, and windage correction? The Mil-Dot reticle, often found in the scope, offers these capabilities, but they require practice and familiarity. Assessing the ease of use helps you determine whether the reticle’s features fit your shooting style and the distances you typically shoot at.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Let’s summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the Center Point 6-20×50.
The Upsides
The main advantages are frequently related to the price point, offering exceptional value for the features provided. Its magnification range gives it broad utility, while the objective lens diameter provides a bright image in varying conditions. Good turrets and a useful reticle can all be seen as positives.
The Downsides
The potential downsides may include build quality not being comparable to more expensive scopes and any optical compromises needed to accommodate the budget price. Other issues might include limited warranty coverage, and some users might find it lacking the features of a higher-end scope.
Comparing the Center Point to Other Scopes
Though not an exhaustive comparison, it can be useful to briefly contrast the Center Point 6-20×50 with similar scopes available in its price range or with its magnification capabilities. Evaluate how it measures up against competing products.
The Value Equation
Ultimately, a scope’s worth depends on its value for money. Is the Center Point 6-20×50 a good buy for its price? Does the scope deliver a good performance given its price? Is it a solid choice for the intended user? This assessment helps provide a clear recommendation.
Conclusion
The Center Point 6-20×50 scope provides a compelling option for shooters seeking a high-magnification riflescope without spending a fortune. Its magnification range, generous objective lens, and functional features contribute to its usability.
The user must weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Its performance and build quality are typically appropriate for casual use, but it may not meet the needs of professional shooters or those seeking the highest-end optics.
If you are looking for an affordable scope with substantial magnification, the Center Point 6-20×50 is a worthwhile consideration. It delivers a solid level of performance, and its price tag makes it accessible to a wide range of shooters. Its suitability is high for airgun enthusiasts, plinkers, and small game hunters.
Overall, for its price, the Center Point 6-20×50 offers a compelling package. Consider the user’s shooting needs, and the conditions, and then make your decision.
