Barska Scope?

Question

I have found a 6-24x44 Black Matte III. Mill Dot Barska scope for $185.00 (usually $450.00)
Is this a good scope or does it just sound like a good deal?(how well will it take abuse)

Also it has an illuminated glass-etched reticle if the battery runs out will i still be able to see the reticle???

Thanks, I almost made a bad buy

Answer 1

I'd stay away from Barska scopes, they are not good quality scopes. Save your $185 for a name brand scope, like a Nikon Prostaff, Leupold VX1 or Bushnell Banner. All can be bought around $185, give or take a few.

As for illuminated reticle. Ask yourself, Is it really needed? I have a Center Point Green Red Illuminated 4-16x40mm scope on my Savage Model 12FLV .22-250. I have yet been convinced that the Illuminated Reticle is needed. I've hunted at all times of the day with it and have not had a reason for that featured part of the scope. A big waste of money, if thats why you what the scope. You can still see the cross hairs with out them.

I regret buying my Center Point Scope and I'm saving up to buy a real good quality scope like Leupold,Nikon or Bushnell.

Answer 2

Barska Scope Quality

Answer 3

Sounds like a good deal but unless you plan on putting it on a 22LR or 17HMR or other low recoil rifle, I would pass.As a Dealer the few I've sold were special order and not regular stock and three of the four came back with major problems. They are Chinese manufacture, and they are just not worth the money. Barska and N.C. Star are in a contest to see who can come in DEAD LAST..IMO. They just won't hold up under any recoil on a rifle above a rimfire caliber...

I had a customer bring in a Barska Target-6-24 Power purchased elsewhere and he asked me if it was normal for a scope to make a clicking noise...I asked him to be a little more specific and he pulled this Barska out of a bag and shook it..The lenses inside were actually loose and clicked when he shook it. The scope was clear but the lenses were in fact loose. I did him a favor and sent it back to the warranty center and 3 months later I received a N.I.B replacement scope for him. This replacement fogged up completely the first time he shot it mounted on a 243...I wish I could give you a recommendation, but after my experiences, I just can't. Save your money and the aggravation......

Answer 4

Barska is a very poor quality brand. We carry there entire line where I work and the running gag is that Barksa philosophy is if we cant make them good well make them big. The price you mentioned ($185) does seem a high for what you would get, and the "usually $450" is down right laughable. I would recommend to anybody don't skimp on optics it is defiantly a you get what you pay for situation.

Answer 5

Go for reliable brands such as Leupold, Burris, the high-end Bushnells, and Nikon. Take a look at warranties, some are lifetime.

I buy used scopes on eBay and find them to be generally accurately described. Used USA-made Redfields are a great buy and built like tanks, with steel tubes. It's amazing what you can get for $200 or less.

Go online and watch for sales by dealers such as Midway and Natchez.

Answer 6

A Barska will never be usually $450. I'd buy a $100 BSA first. At least they don't pretend to be something they are not.

Answer 7

I would never think of spending that kind of money on a Braska scope. That's a $50 to $ $75 scope quality wise, IMO and not worth your trouble.

Answer 8

Yes you can see the reticle without a battery. Just not as well, or as brightly. Barska in my experience makes a good scope for what they are, not top end, but not junk either. A decent mid price scope,any scope will not abide abuse and the Barska is no different.