25Mar
30mm Scope Tube Are Not Always Superior to 1” Tube Variants
Let’s Discuss why, and how Vector Paragon Scopes Set a Higher Bar in their Paragon 1” Series.
By Rodney Davis Sr. Ph.D.
Are you in the market for a new rifle scope but overwhelmed by all the options out there? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll be discussing the Vector Paragon 1” Tube series rifle scopes, we hope to help you make an informed decision on which one is right for you. Here we take look at why 1” scopes are perceived as not as good as 30mm tube variants, and why this is not always the case. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, choosing the right scope can make all the difference in your accuracy and overall experience. So, sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and let's dive into this topic together!
Introduction to The Vector PARAGON 1” Tube Rifle Scope Series
When it comes to choosing a rifle scope, the two most popular scope options are 1” and 30mm tube variants. Although there are options for 32mm, and 34mm Tube Variants, though they are not as common, and usually beyond most shooters’ budget and needs.
There is a common misconception that 30mm tube scopes are superior to 1” tube scopes. This in some cases may be true, however it is not the case among some brands and series. And this is where Vector Paragon 1” Series Scopes shine above most 30mm variants from their competitors.
In short, the tube diameter plays a very minimal role in light gathering. Though this is a thoroughly held misconception among many shooters, new and seasoned. So, if the 30mm tubes do not gather more light, then what’s the point of a 30mm tube? Quite simply, it allows a greater range of adjustment of your reticle. So for long range distance shooting, a larger tube may be beneficial to the shooter where your elevation would max out in a 1” tube variant and not provide enough adjustment. Although this can be compensated in distance shooting by mounting a 1” variant in offset scope mounts. Many times, a 20-degree offset will provide adequate compensation for many mid to long range shooting applications using scopes with 1" tubes with limted travel. Did you know most 30mm tubes internals still have the same size lenses and hardware as in the 1” tube variants. Most shooters are not even aware of that fact.
Now let’s take a closer look why the Vector Paragon 1” Series scopes outperforms many scopes, even those sporting a 30mm tube. You are now aware that the major advantage of 30mm tubes is simply adjustability. So, what about light gathering? Well, that comes down to the quality of the scope’s lenses and the size of the objective and the eyepiece size. Vector Paragon 1” Series come in both 44mm and 50mm Objective Lenses, with the 50mm providing a slight advantage in light gathering capabilities. Both variants in the Vector paragon 1” Tube Series boast a large eye piece with edge to edge clarity. This is due to the quality of the lenses. Vector Paragon Series LaREE Lens and VEPro FMC allow a massive 92% light transmission. And this is where Vector Paragon Series 1” Scopes separates itself from its competitors. When it comes right down to it a scope with quality lenses that allow massive light gathering will out perform many scopes that boast 30mm tubes but use inferior glass lenses.
Light gathering is not the only advantage of 1” tube variant scopes. In situations where you would be carrying a firearm for hunting, weight plays a major part in handleability when taking a shot, especially offhand shooting. Scopes featuring a 1” tubes are generally lighter than their 30mm counter parts. This may not matter if you are shooting off a rest or primarily shoot from a bench, off bipods, or bags.
As you can see, Vector Paragon 1” Tube Series Rifle scope have some amazing capabilities due to the quality lens Vector uses in this series scopes, and a lighter tube comparable 30mm counterparts of the same series. This results in a great scope that allows a massive amount of light gathering that is ideal for low light situations at dusk and dawn. This is typically when wildlife moves the most and Vector has answered the call by adding quality lens to this optic to allow the 92% light transmission. This is done with the hunter in mind.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using a 1” Tube Scope. As mentioned above, your adjustments are limited compared to 30mm tube variants of the same. So, keep that in mind if you are long range shooter. I am talking about 500 – 1000 Yards and greatershooting, you may benefit from a Vector Optics Paragon Series in 30mm. Also, many 30mm Variants as with the Vector Paragon 30mm Series you can get the scope with a 56mm objective allowing even more light transmission. With that said most hunters and shooters, whether hunting or recreational, rarely need the capabilities and the greater adjustments found in the 30mm tube scopes. A 1” Tube scope boasting quality lens configurations generally gives the shooter everything they need in a lighter weight configuration.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose 1” tube scope or a 30 mm tube scope comes down to personal preference and the type of shooting that you plan on doing. If you are primarily going to be shooting average distances up to 500 yards a 1” tube scope will likely serve you well as long as you pick a scope with quality lens configurations like in the Vector Paragon 1” Tube Series. If you plan on doing any long-range shooting or shooting in very low light conditions, then you may want to opt for a scope with a 30mm tube instead. Vector has a scope that fits those needs as well.
Vector Paragon 1" Tube Series Features:
- Quality LaREE Lens
- VePro FMC
- 92% Light Transmission
- Large Eyepiece
- Locking Turrets on the Tactical Model
- Lighted Dot Reticle with Brightness Intensity Adjustment
- True 5X Zoon Factor
- 1/10 Mil Adjustments
- Zero Stop
- Paralax Adjustment 10 yds to Infinity
- IP6X Waterproof
- Shock Proof
- Nitrogen Filled
- Etched Tactical Reticle
- Value Priced
- LIFETIME WARRANTY
ON-SITE TESTING ON THE VECTOR PARAGON 4-20x50 Tactical
Bench Testing:
- Windage: Scope Windage Turrets
- Left from ZERO to Stop back to Zero (Passed)
- Right from ZERO to Stop back to Zero (Passed)
- Up from ZERO to Stop back to Zero (Passed)
- Down from ZERO to Stop back to Zero (Passed)
Box Test at 100 Yards:
- Left 10 MILS, Up 5 MILS, Right 10 MILS, Down 10 MILS, Left 10 MILS, Up 5 MILS, Right 5 MILS to ZERO (Passed)
Recoil Testing:
- Mounted on AKELA PCP Sighted in at 50 Yards, Removed and placed on Remington 700 30-06 3 Shots Fired, Returned to Akela PCP to check ZERO Hold (Passed)
Check out our Video Review of the Vector Paragon 4-20x50 Tactical on our YouTube Channel www.YouTube.com/@5StarGunsAndGear
UNBOXING THE Vector Paragon 4-20x50 Tactical
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