Vortex Solo 8 x 36

This has to be the best-value field optic on the market. The Vortex Sol R/T is light (10.2 oz), compact (5.3”x2.3”) and wrapped in a coat of tough, grippy, grey armour.  The 7.5 degree field of view covers a huge 131 yards @ 1000 yards, and the image is bright and sharp. Multiple lens coatings on all air/glass surfaces eliminate internal reflection and a flexible rubber eye cup cuts out stray light from the rear. There’s a standard (forest green) version too, but having tried this Recon/Tactical model I reckon it’s worth the every penny of the extra £19.

As with most good riflescopes, a fast-focus ring lets you get the most of the pin-sharp laser-etched reticle. This provides 60 mil-spaced hash-marks on the 12 and 3 o’clock axes emphasised every 5 mils by a double-width (1-mil) mark, for fine measurement, and 50 mils of measurement on the 6 and 9 o’clock axes, with the first ten following the same pattern and the next 40 marked out in 10s on a bolder line for faster estimation and greater visibility in poor light.

The asymmetrical 60/50 reticle also leaves the centre of the image clear for detailed observation of the target. Finally, you get a set of four “figure 12” outline silhouettes in the lower right quadrant for fast ranging of man-sized targets at 300m-600m.

Distributors Riflecraft tell me these are selling like hot-cakes to the lads in the thick of things, and I can quite see why. You don’t have to sign up to find this useful though, it’s an excellent tool for the airgun hunter, stalker or long-range varminter who likes to travel light. It comes with a lanyard and Cordura case too. The price? A staggeringly low £92. For more information or to order, contact Riflecraft on tel. 01379 853745 or visit www.riflecraft.co.uk