30Sep
All I can say is WOW! Another great offering from Vector Optics. This month I was able to evaluate the Vector Minotaur 12-60x60 34mm Precision Rifle Scope. This scope is designed to offer clarity, accuracy, and reliability. Here are some of the benefits of using the Vector Minotaur rifle scope:
- The Vector Minotaur I tested SCOL-40 Gen II features a 12-60x magnification range, which allows you to adjust the zoom level according to your target distance and preference. Whether you are shooting at close range or long range, you can find the optimal magnification for any situation. Furthermore, I personally consider this a PURPOSE-BUILT rifle scope. What do I mean by this? Well 12-60x power is extreme magnification, most shooter do not need that sort of magnification level for typical hunting and target shooting scenarios. This is better suited in my opinion for the following shooting scenarios, Extreme Long-Range Shooting, Precision Bench Rest Shooting, and hunting scenarios where you may be shooting 500 Yards or greater and may benefit from higher magnification.
- The Vector Minotaur has a 60mm objective lens, which provides a large and bright field of view. The lens is coated with multiple layers of anti-reflective coating, which reduces glare and enhances light transmission. The result is a crisp and clear image quality that helps you see your target better.
- The Vector Minotaur I tested uses a second focal plane (SFP) reticle, which means that the reticle size remains the same throughout the magnification range. This is very beneficial especially for Benchrest Shooting Scenarios where a First Focal Plane reticle may be too large when trying to see details on target at full magnification for precision shooting.
- The Vector Minotaur is built with a 34mm tube, which is made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. The tube is nitrogen-filled, which makes it waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof and tested to 1000g. The scope can withstand harsh weather and recoil without losing its zero or performance. Matter of fact it can handle a .338 Lapua. The increased tube diameter allows extra adjustment in your turret range. This scope has a generous 40 MOA range making it ideal for extreme long-range shooting. In addition this is offered in 1/8 MOA Adjustments for fine precision adjustments. Imperative for competition shooting.
- The Vector Minotaur has a side focus parallax adjustment knob, which allows you to eliminate parallax error and achieve a sharper focus on your target. The knob is easy to reach and operate, and it has markings from 10 yards to infinity. The scope also has a fast-focus eyepiece, which lets you adjust the focus of the reticle to match your eye.
- The Vector Minotaur has exposed tactical turrets, which enable you to make precise adjustments for windage and elevation. The turrets have audible and tactile clicks, which help you keep track of your settings. The turrets also have zero-reset and the windage has zero-lock features, which allow you to return to your original zero point or lock your settings in place.
This scope also features an illuminated reticle and comes in 2 reticle variants. It came with a set of high-quality rings, sunshade and scope lens covers.
So enough with the specifications, let’s talk real world performance. I mounted this to a CZ457 MTR Match Benchrest Rifle. I wanted to test the clarity on full magnification at 50 yards. Tats what I typically shoot .22lr Benchrest matches at. I was very surprised at full magnification at 50 years the glass clarity was clear edge to edge with no noticeable aberration. That’s important on a precision bench rest gun. During a match you want 2 things, one you want to be able to magnify your target bullseye as much as possible, without loss of clarity. This Minotaur proved to have zero clarity issues at full magnification. This is important so you can repeat precision shots consistently. We are talking most matched trying to shoot a single bullseye with the goal of shooting out the bullseye entirely each target. Many scope just are not suited for this application. You typically need a scope at very minimum 36x or greater. This leads to enhanced precision in your shooting and allows you to repeat this shot after shot.
At 25 yards the magnification was insane, matter of fact I shot a 5 shot group measuring `0.117” that’s not a typo that’s 0.117” for center to center 5 shots. That’s about as close to a one-hole group as you can get. Groups like this are made so much easier with the increased magnification and a combination of precision match ammo, a steady rest and quality firearm.
I did not mount this to my long-range rifle as I wanted to test this for precision bench rest shooting. It performed flawlessly and passed all my tests including a box test for return to zero. However before leaving the range, I did manage to stop by the 1000-yard range, although it was getting late in the day. I was able to clearly see the 1000-yard targets without issue. I will be doing further testing on the 300 PRC long-range rifle later.
So let me go over the pros and cons. Seeing there are few cons to this scope offering let’s start there:
Cons:
I would love to see the elevation turret to be able to lock like the windage turret. That’s not a deal breaker but would love to see it implemented in a future variation of this scope.
It has a tight eye box, that’s not a con but if you’re looking for a generous eye box for fast target acquisition this model has a tight eye box so be aware of that fact. (You will See this same thing in the Pros)
Pros:
Let’s rehash the tight eye box topic, well for precision benchrest and extreme long-range shooting, I prefer a tight eye box. For me it helps me assure I am properly aligned with my scope, and I think it will make you a better shooter. Benchrest shooting and Extreme Long-Range shooting typically allows the shooter more time for target acquisition. This allows you to properly set up behind your scope and allows you to take more precise shots. So, there you go, a tight eye box does have its benefits.
PRICE – PRICE – PRICE, did I mention the price of this scope. You simply will not find another scope with these features and certainly with a 60x magnification for the price you can get this scope for.
As I mentioned I consider this a PURPOSE-BUILT scope and it is not practical for most shooting scenarios, but if you are shooting benchrest, extreme long-range, have a need for higher magnification on a hunting rifle, then the Minotaur certainly may fit your needs. And if not just look at the entire Vector line of optics, they have something that will fit your needs.
The Vector Minotaur rifle scope is a versatile and reliable optic that can improve your shooting accuracy and confidence. I highly recommend this especially for the shooting scenarios I mentioned. You’re welcome to see my Unboxing and Range review for this optic.
Comments