by Keith Wood - Wednesday, January 14, 2015
The riflescope market is comprised largely of two major price categories. The vast majority of models can be had for $500 or less, while top-of-the-line optics typically begin at over $1,000. Somewhere in the middle, though, you can still find a smattering of high-quality scopes that provide many of the high-end features, without the associated cost. Fitting comfortably in that niche is the MeoPro line from Meopta Optics.
The U.S.-made MeoPro scopes begin right at $500 for the 3-9x40mm model and climb to just under $1,000 for the 4.5-14x50mm version, though the "street price" from retailers is often lower. Highly versatile 1.7-10x42mm and 2-12x50mm models are also offered. We tested the 4.5-14x50mm, both on the range and in the field. Here are five features worth mentioning.
1. The Scope is Built on the Traditional U.S. Format
Unlike many of the scopes on the market designed for shooting at longer distances, the MeoPro uses a 1" main tube—which makes mounting simple and situates the reticle on the second focal plane, meaning its size does not change as the scope is adjusted through the power range. While both features have their limitations, many hunters and shooters in the U.S. are more comfortable with these known quantities.
2. Three Reticle Choices are Available
The MeoPro offers two different holdover reticles, on top of the traditional #4 and Plex-Type variants. The 4.5-14x50mm can be purchased with either the McWhorter reticle, calibrated for bullet drop and wind out to 800 yards, or Meopta's own BDC (Bullet Drop Compensating) reticle. Meopta's BDC is a simple, but effective, setup that can provide accurate aiming points for shots at 200, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 yards. In order to use the McWhorter or BDC reticle, the scope must be at the highest power setting.
3. The Twilight Optimized Optics System is Highly Effective in Low Light
Meopta's ion assisted lens coatings transmit 98.7 percent of available light per lens. What does that mean for hunters? I used the scope to hunt whitetails and was able to clearly identify and target animals during every moment of legal shooting hours.
4. User-Friendly Controls
The fast focus eyepiece, side parallax adjustment, adjustment turrets and power ring were all easy to understand and use. While many scopes these days require reading the manual to master, the MeoPro is more of a "plug & play" setup. The ¼" click windage and elevation adjustments tracked as they were designed to and didn't require digging through my pocket for a dime.
5. It Has a Real Warranty
Once registered, the scope's warranty is good for the life of the optic and is transferable—so long the owner resides in North America. The best part is that the scopes are built in New York, not overseas, so getting a scope serviced in the event of a problem is a UPS label away.
