2016 Optic of the Year: Zeiss Terra XB75 Crossbow Scope

by
posted on May 6, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
zeiss_gba_f.jpg

“Best in class” just about says it all. It announces to the world that you stand head and shoulders above your peers. To those companies whose products are featured herein, we say, “Welcome to the ‘best’ class.”

Optic of the Year: Zeiss Terra XB75 Crossbow Scope
Modern crossbows store far more energy than those of old but crossbow scope advancements have not kept pace—until now. Zeiss’ Terra XB75 2X-7X-32mm scope ($443) is a low-profile, 13-ounce marvel sporting a patented ballistic reticle with aiming points from 20-75 yards in 2.5-yard increments—based on the chronographed speed of our crossbow.

Six crosshairs represent 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 yards; the top of the bottom reticle wire is the 75-yard mark. The top and bottom of each crosshair are 2.5-yard marks. The ocular ring is marked with bow speeds from 275-425 fps. Zeiss engineers matched the subtensions of the reticle and magnification to speed, so dialing up speed also increases magnification.

Calibration is not complicated, either, as AH Senior Editor Karen Mehall Phillips learned (“Hardware,” September ’15). “In a short time I was hitting the target exactly where I aimed at various yardages,” she wrote. She toted the scope mounted on a Mission crossbow to a South Africa waterhole. “I put the reticle’s 25-yard mark behind the shoulder of a warthog at 24 yards and squeezed—and secured my birthday present!”

Editor's Note: Winning products must be tested by the editors, meet or exceed expectations on innovation, and provide hunters and shooters with value for their money. NRA Publications will present the annual Golden Bullseye Awards at an invitation-only breakfast during the 2016 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Louisville, Ky., May 20-22.

Latest

W H2026 06 Hardware W3820 TAH 8188
W H2026 06 Hardware W3820 TAH 8188

Hardware Review: Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR

Check out Frank Melloni's review of the Henry H23 SPD PREDATOR.

First Look: Hawke Optics Vantage HD 30 SF

Hawke Optics has introduced its Vantage HD 30 SF, a second-focal plane riflescope line boasting System H2 optics for clarity.

Pyrodex Turns 50

Pryodex, the revolutionary black powder substitute that continues to be one of Hodgdon Powder Company’s most popular products for hunters who head afield with a “smoke pole,” was first introduced at the 1976 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

Know How: Understanding and Obtaining a Cold-Bore Zero

Have you ever spent hours at the range zeroing a rifle only to learn it is nowhere near center when you go to confirm it at camp? Many attribute this malady to scope shift during travel, and that can sometimes be the case. However, far more often this point-of-impact change can be attributed to the way we zeroed back home.

First Look: Winchester Air Rifles Single Action Western Revolver

Built to recall the Wild West, the Single Action Revolver from Winchester Air Guns is the perfect sidearm for junior-shooter summer fun.

#SundayGunday: Ruger Harrier

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at the latest modern sporting rifle from Ruger, the Harrier. Chambered in classic 5.56, this is a great rifle for any hog or predator hunter targeting large packs or sounders. Learn more in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.