There is a new optics manufacturer, that should be on your watch list. It is called Styrka, pronounced Steer-Ka. Being new to the market, I had not heard of them until a few months ago. They offer riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, and red-dots. They sent me a riflescope and a reddot, today we will discuss the S7 2.5-15x50 riflescope.
Tree at about 400 yds
When I first received the scope, I noticed all the nice little extras that came with it. Probably my favorite accessory is the scope cover that is in the box. The neoprene scope cover does a nice job protecting the optic when it isn't being used. Also included is a lens cloth, one of the nice ones that you shove back in its holder when not using it. A battery is also supplied for the illuminated reticle, it's a CR2032, so pretty standard.
I mounted the Styrka on my Savage that is mounted in the MDT chassis reviewed earlier. This scope has really clear glass. Styrka states that the S7 has blackened edges on the lenses to reduce glare and enhance image contrast. Images come through clear with no distortion around the edges, so I guess it works as advertised. The S7 is their "top of the line" scope and has Styrka's SXL-MAX optics coating to reduce glare, add light and color transmission, and give optimum clarity. I used it in low light and some pouring down rain. The scope remained clear out to about 400 yards during this, probably farther, but I couldn't test any farther where I was at. It is also waterproof, fog proof, etc.
The S7 2.5-15x50 they sent has an illuminated mil-dot reticle. The illumination is the typical red offered by just about everyone. Styrka also offers this scope in an illuminated duplex reticle, and a non illuminated BDC reticle. Even in all but the brightest days, the illumination is visible. The illumination has 6 brightness settings with an off position between each setting. I really like this feature for the simple fact that it only takes one click to get you to the brightness that one usually uses. The brightness knob is located on the left side, on the end of the parallax adjustment knob, along with the battery compartment. This makes the combination stick out farther then some other scopes, just something to note. The adjustment turrets are capped. Since the S7 is a hunting style scope, this made perfect sense. However, under the caps are some fairly nice target style turrets. These use the standard 1/4 MOA click adjustments. The turrets also can be reset to zero after you have sighted the rifle in. To do this, just loosen the top of the adjustment with a coin, pull the knob up, set to zero, push knob down, and tighten the screw. The turret clicks are extremely crisp and clean, which is a nice touch.
One thing I noticed about the S7 is the length. It is longer than I expected for a scope in this zoom range. It is not a problem, just something to consider if mounting it on a short rifle. The scope has a second focal plain reticle, so in order to use the mil-dot, you must turn the zoom all the way to max power, in this case 15x. Don't worry, the scope is quite clear at the full setting. I was really hoping for a first focal plane, but you can't have everything.
I really like this range of this scope. At 2.5x, it is low enough magnification to take shots extremely close. Then at 15x, it can still take long shots. I am really glad that Styrka let me try this S7 out. It is extremely clear, easy to adjust, has a lifetime warranty, and you can send it back every year for a free tune up. Give Styrka a look if you are in the market for a nice hunting scope.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Hunting scope with Illuminated Mil-dot reticle
Target Market:
Hunters, Target shooters
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
- SXL-MAX Fully Multi-Coated Optics
- 30mm 6061-T6 Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Tube
- Side Focus Parallax Adjustment
- Illuminated Reticle
- Blackened Lens Edges
- 100% Waterproof
- Nitrogen Purged
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- 50mm Objective Lens
- 3.94" Eye Relief
- Weight of 23.7 ounces
- (LxWxH) in inches 13.69x3.09x2.37
- Lifetime Warranty
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
Standard Illuminated Plex Reticle
What others are saying?:
5/5 stars @ OpticsPlanet
Above and Beyond
This scope has performed beyond my expectations. Everything seems well thought out. Love the simple reticle. Holds zero flawlessly and turrets are silky smooth. Well worth the cost of admission. Feels like some of the much more expensive European scopes.
5/5 stars @ Amazon
Outstanding Glass
When delivered, mounted on a S& W M&P 10 .308 with Burris high rings.
Using a laser boresight at 30 yards, scope was within 1/2 inch horizontally and one inch low vertically. Closest I have ever had one from the factory. Glass is clear, adjustments are precise and accurate, and above all east to work with, especially parallax adjustment.
Have fired at ranges to 200 yards, so far, with no loss of accuracy after 400 rounds.
Highly recommend it for a mid priced scope.
Will purchase another for a 5.56.
Link to other reviews:
None to be found
Price point:
MSRP = $814.95
Retail = $679.00 @ Shop Styrka
$679.00 @ Amazon
I need it now! Availability:
Our Rating:
Pros:
Extremely clear for the price
Precise turret clicks
Reset to zero turrets
Turret caps
Illuminated reticle
Off setting between each illumination setting
Neoprene scope cover included
Warranty
Cons:
2nd Focal Plane Reticle
Parallax and brightness knob stick out pretty far
Poor battery life (Battery died after 1 month of being left on brightness position #4)
Length of entire scope is almost 14"
