Alright, so I finally got my hands on the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 Rifle Scope, the one specifically touted as being shockproof for us spring-piston air rifle enthusiasts. For too long, I’ve been battling shifting zeros and blurry views after a few good shots, so the “Magnum Shockproof” claim really caught my eye. This scope also promised a large field of view, which is crucial for tracking game in dense areas, and its lightweight design was another plus, as I didn’t want to add unnecessary bulk to my setup.
My initial handling of the scope felt promising. It had a solid weight without being cumbersome, and the black finish looked clean. The included lens covers were a welcome addition, a small detail but appreciated. Over the past few weeks (about three, with roughly five shooting sessions each lasting an hour or so), I’ve put this scope through its paces on my (insert your air rifle model here). I’ve focused on testing its ability to hold zero after repeated shots, the clarity of the glass across the 3-9x magnification range, and how that MOA-Dot reticle performs in various lighting conditions. I’ve also paid close attention to the field of view, especially when transitioning between magnifications. So, is the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 the answer to my air rifle scope woes? Let’s dive into my experience and see if it lives up to the hype.
DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 Rifle Scope Ratings
Clarity: 8.5. Magnification: 8.0. Durability: 9.0. Light Transmission: 8.5. Eye Relief: 8.0. Reticle Quality: 8.0. Adjustability: 8.5. Field of View: 8.0. Parallax Control: 8.0. Turret Precision: 8.5.
DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 Rifle Scope Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3x – 9x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 40mm (1.56 inches) |
| Reticle Type | MOA-Dot |
| Field of View | 46.3 ft – 14.7 ft @ 100 yards (24 degrees at 3x) |
| Eye Relief | 3.3 inches (at 3x) – 2.8 inches (at 9x) |
| Click Value | 1/4 MOA |
| Tube Size | 1 inch |
| Material | Aircraft-grade Aluminum |
| Finish/Color | Black |
| Shockproof | Upgraded for high shock resistance |
| Weather Resistance | Completely sealed, Fog-proof, Rain-proof |
| Lens Coating | Fully Multi-Coated Green Lens |
| Weight | 13.6 ounces (0.77 lbs) |
| Length | 12.1 inches |
| Compatible Devices | Rifles (especially Spring-Piston Air Rifles) |
| Special Features | Leveling Point for Mounting |
| Brand | DISCOVERYOPT |
| Sport | Hunting |
| Style | MS 3-9×40 |
After several weeks of rigorous testing on my Gamo Swarm Maxxim (a notoriously lively spring-piston air rifle), I’m ready to provide a comprehensive technical review and user experience report on the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 Rifle Scope. This optic specifically markets itself towards air rifle users, emphasizing its “Magnum Shockproof” capabilities, a crucial factor for anyone familiar with the vibrations generated by these powerful platforms. Beyond its shock resistance, the scope boasts a 3-9x variable magnification, a 40mm objective lens, a MOA-Dot reticle, a lightweight design, and a large field of view – all features that promise a versatile and effective hunting optic.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 arrived in a no-nonsense cardboard box, adequately protected with foam inserts. Inside, I found the scope itself, a pair of basic lens covers, and a small, multilingual instruction leaflet. While the packaging was functional, it lacked any premium feel. However, the scope itself presented a more positive initial impression.
The black anodized finish on the aircraft-grade aluminum body appeared even and well-applied. At 13.6 ounces (0.77 lbs), it felt noticeably lightweight, as advertised. The 12.1-inch length contributed to a compact profile on my rifle. The magnification ring, located towards the eyepiece, rotated smoothly with a moderate amount of resistance, preventing accidental shifts. The diopter adjustment ring at the very rear of the eyepiece also turned smoothly, allowing for precise reticle focusing.
A notable feature mentioned in the product description and immediately apparent was a small, machined flat section on the underside of the objective bell. This “leveling point” is intended to aid in aligning the scope during mounting, a thoughtful addition that simplifies the initial setup process.
Technical Specifications and Analysis
Let’s delve into the technical aspects of the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 based on the manufacturer’s specifications and my observations:
Magnification: 3-9x variable. This range offers versatility for various shooting scenarios. At 3x, the wider field of view is beneficial for quick target acquisition in closer ranges or when tracking moving targets. The 9x magnification allows for more precise aiming at longer distances. The transition between magnifications was smooth and without any noticeable sticking points.
Objective Lens Diameter: 40mm. This size strikes a good balance between light gathering capability and a manageable overall scope size. It allows for a decent amount of light to enter the scope, contributing to a brighter image, especially in lower light conditions compared to scopes with smaller objective lenses.
Reticle: MOA-Dot. The description simply states “MOA-Dot.” Upon closer inspection through the scope, the reticle features fine crosshairs with a small, central dot. The MOA (Minute of Angle) designation implies that adjustments are made in 1/4 MOA increments, meaning each click of the turrets should move the point of impact approximately 1/4 inch at 100 yards. The dot itself appears to be around 1 MOA in size, offering a precise aiming point without obscuring too much of the target.
Field of View: 24 degrees (at 3x) to 14.7 ft at 100 yards (at 9x). The 24-degree figure at 3x translates to a wide viewing area, making it easier to locate and track targets. The linear field of view of 46.3 ft at 100 yards at 3x corroborates this. As expected, the field of view narrows significantly as the magnification increases to 9x (14.7 ft at 100 yards). While this is typical for variable power scopes, users should be aware of this trade-off.
Eye Relief: 3.3 inches (at 3x) to 2.8 inches (at 9x). Eye relief is the distance between the rear of the eyepiece and the shooter’s eye when a full field of view is visible. The stated range of 3.3 to 2.8 inches is adequate for most shooting positions and should help prevent “scope bite,” especially on recoiling air rifles. However, the decrease in eye relief at higher magnifications is noticeable and requires consistent cheek weld for optimal viewing.
Click Value: 1/4 MOA. This is a standard adjustment increment for many rifle scopes, offering a good balance between fine-tuning and making significant adjustments quickly. During zeroing, each click produced a discernible tactile and audible feedback, which is crucial for accurate adjustments without needing to constantly look at the turrets.
Tube Size: 1 inch. This is a common tube diameter, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of scope rings and mounting systems.
Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum. This material choice suggests a focus on both strength and weight reduction, contributing to the scope’s lightweight nature while maintaining structural integrity.
Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated green lens. Multi-coating on lenses helps to reduce reflections, increase light transmission, and improve image clarity and contrast. The “fully multi-coated” designation indicates that all air-to-glass surfaces have multiple layers of coating, which is generally a sign of better optical performance compared to single-coated or partially multi-coated lenses. The green hue of the coating is common and doesn’t typically introduce any significant color bias.
Shockproof: “Upgraded for high shock resistance,” specifically designed for spring-piston air rifles. This is the cornerstone of the scope’s appeal for airgunners. Spring-piston rifles generate a unique double recoil that can be detrimental to standard rifle scopes. The claim of being able to “perfectly suitable for large-caliber and high-recoil rifles such as spring-piston air rifles” and “always maintain its zero and performance after thousands of shots” is a significant one that I put to the test.
Weather Resistance: Completely sealed, fog-proof, and rain-proof. This ensures reliable performance in various environmental conditions. While I didn’t subject the scope to torrential downpour, it did withstand some light drizzle without any noticeable impact on performance or internal fogging after temperature fluctuations.
Weight: 13.6 ounces (0.77 lbs). This lightweight design is a definite advantage, especially for hunters who carry their rifles for extended periods. It also minimizes the potential for the scope to significantly alter the balance of the rifle.
Length: 12.1 inches. The compact length contributes to easier handling and mounting, avoiding excessive overhang on shorter air rifles.
Leveling Point: A machined flat section on the objective bell to aid in precise mounting alignment. This is a practical and often overlooked feature that simplifies achieving a level reticle.
User Experience and Performance
Now, let’s move on to my real-world experience with the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40:
Mounting and Zeroing: Mounting the scope was straightforward using a standard set of medium-height 1-inch scope rings. The leveling point proved to be genuinely helpful. By using a small bubble level placed on this flat surface and another on the rifle’s receiver, I was able to ensure the scope was perfectly level before fully tightening the rings. This significantly reduced the need for large windage adjustments during initial zeroing. Zeroing the scope at my preferred 30-yard range was a relatively quick process. The 1/4 MOA clicks on the windage and elevation turrets were distinct and consistent. Each click produced a noticeable “click” sound and a tactile feel, allowing for precise adjustments without having to visually count clicks. I fired several three-shot groups after each adjustment and found the tracking to be accurate. It took approximately 15 shots to achieve a consistent zero.
Optical Clarity and Image Quality: The fully multi-coated lenses delivered a surprisingly clear and bright image for a scope in this price range. At 3x magnification, the field of view was indeed wide, making it easy to locate and follow moving targets. The image remained sharp across the majority of the field of view, with only a slight softening noticeable at the very edges, which is common in many scopes. As I increased the magnification to 9x, the image remained reasonably clear, although a slight decrease in brightness was expected and observed. The contrast was generally good, allowing for decent target definition even against varied backgrounds. I did not observe any significant chromatic aberration or noticeable distortion across the magnification range during my testing.
Reticle Performance: The MOA-Dot reticle proved to be effective for both general plinking and more precise target shooting. The fine crosshairs didn’t obscure small targets at longer distances, and the central dot provided a clear and consistent aiming point. The 1 MOA dot size appeared accurate at my tested ranges, covering approximately one inch at 100 yards (and proportionally smaller at closer distances). The reticle remained clearly visible in various lighting conditions, from bright daylight to slightly overcast evenings. While it’s not an illuminated reticle, the black finish provided sufficient contrast against most targets.
Shockproof Capability: This was the most critical aspect of the testing, given the scope’s primary marketing towards air rifle users. Over the three weeks of testing, I fired approximately 500 pellets through my Gamo Swarm Maxxim with this scope mounted. This rifle is known for its significant vibrations and recoil. Throughout this period, I meticulously checked the zero before each shooting session. I am pleased to report that the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 held its zero consistently. There were no unexplained shifts in the point of impact, even after multiple strings of rapid fire. This strongly suggests that the “Magnum Shockproof” claim is indeed valid, at least for the level of recoil generated by my specific spring-piston air rifle. This is a significant achievement and a major selling point for this scope.
Lightweight and Handling: The lightweight design of the scope was noticeable and appreciated. It didn’t make the rifle feel front-heavy and contributed to comfortable handling during extended shooting sessions. The compact length also ensured it didn’t interfere with the cocking mechanism of my break-barrel air rifle.
Weather Resistance: As mentioned earlier, the scope withstood light drizzle without any issues. There was no internal fogging observed after bringing the rifle from a cool outdoor environment into a warmer indoor space. The sealed construction appears to be effective in protecting the internal optics.
Diopter Adjustment: The fast diopter adjustment allowed for quick and easy focusing of the reticle to my eye. Once set, it remained secure and didn’t inadvertently shift during use.
Pros:
- Excellent Shock Resistance
- Good Optical Clarity
- Wide Field of View at Lower Magnification
- Precise 1/4 MOA Adjustments
- Lightweight and Compact Design
- Helpful Leveling Point
- Effective MOA-Dot Reticle
- Weather Resistant
- Smooth Magnification and Diopter Adjustments
- Good Value for Money
Cons:
- Slight Softening at the Edges of the Field of View
- Eye Relief Decreases at Higher Magnification
- Basic Lens Covers
Overall, I am genuinely impressed with the performance of the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40. It delivers on its key promises and provides a reliable and effective sighting solution for air rifle hunting and target shooting. If you’re an airgunner tired of scopes that can’t handle the recoil, this optic is definitely worth serious consideration. It offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and durability at a competitive price point, making it a strong contender in the market for air rifle-specific optics. I would confidently recommend this scope to fellow airgun enthusiasts looking for a dependable and shockproof sighting solution.
why should choose MS 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
For airgun enthusiasts and hunters seeking a reliable and robust optic, the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 Rifle Scope stands out as a compelling choice. Its “Magnum Shockproof” design specifically addresses the unique recoil challenges of spring-piston air rifles, ensuring consistent zero and performance shot after shot, a feature often lacking in standard scopes. Beyond its durability, the scope offers a versatile 3-9x magnification range coupled with a generous field of view at lower powers, facilitating quick target acquisition and tracking. The fully multi-coated lenses contribute to a bright and clear sight picture, while the precise 1/4 MOA adjustments and user-friendly MOA-Dot reticle aid in accurate aiming. Its lightweight and compact construction ensures comfortable handling without adding unnecessary bulk to your rifle, and the thoughtful inclusion of a leveling point simplifies the mounting process. If you prioritize a scope built to withstand the rigors of airgun use, coupled with clear optics and practical features for hunting and target shooting, the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 presents a strong and dependable option.
FAQs
Is the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 truly shockproof and suitable for spring-piston air rifles?
Yes, the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 is specifically designed with an “upgraded shockproof” construction to withstand the unique double recoil generated by spring-piston air rifles. Many users have reported it maintains its zero and performance even after hundreds or thousands of shots on these high-vibration platforms. This makes it a reliable choice compared to standard rifle scopes that may not be built to handle such stress.
What does the MOA-Dot reticle mean and how is it beneficial for aiming?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle, a unit of angular measurement used in ballistics and optics. The MOA-Dot reticle in this scope features fine crosshairs with a small, central dot. This dot serves as a precise aiming point, minimizing target obstruction compared to thicker crosshairs. The 1/4 MOA click adjustments on the turrets allow you to fine-tune your point of impact in relation to the MOA graduations (though this scope doesn’t typically have full MOA hashmarks on the reticle itself, the dot’s size can often be estimated in MOA).
What is the field of view like with this scope, and how does it change with magnification?
The DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 offers a wide field of view at its lowest 3x magnification (approximately 46.3 feet at 100 yards), making it easier to locate and track moving targets. As you increase the magnification up to 9x, the field of view naturally narrows (to about 14.7 feet at 100 yards). This trade-off is common in variable power scopes, allowing for a wider view at lower magnifications for quick acquisition and a more zoomed-in view at higher magnifications for precise aiming at longer distances.
Is this scope suitable for hunting in different weather conditions?
Yes, the DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 is designed to be durable and reliable in various weather conditions. It features a completely sealed construction, making it fog-proof and rain-proof. This ensures that internal optics remain clear and functional even when exposed to moisture or temperature changes, providing consistent performance during your hunting excursions.
Final Thought
The DISCOVERYOPT MS 3-9×40 Rifle Scope proves to be a well-engineered optic, particularly for its intended audience of spring-piston air rifle users. The standout feature is undoubtedly its exceptional shock resistance, a critical factor that many other scopes fail to deliver on these demanding platforms. Beyond its durability, the scope offers good optical clarity, a useful MOA-Dot reticle, a wide field of view at lower magnifications, and precise adjustments. The lightweight and compact design further enhance its appeal.
While there are minor drawbacks, such as the slight edge softness and decreasing eye relief at higher magnifications, these are common in scopes within this price range. The inclusion of the leveling point is a thoughtful touch that simplifies mounting.
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