Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope
Among the first things that come to our mind when we think about getting a new scope for our rifles include good magnification, glass reticle, suitable eye relief, and illuminated crosshair. It can be somehow difficult to find all these features in a single scope, one that fits your price range.
Let’s face it. Ultimately, not everyone can afford the high-end scopes. As we were examining different scopes on the market today, we stumbled across a firm known as Barska. Most of you may not have heard of them before. Not of all you can talk about the quality of this firm’s products. We decided to give it a chance and checked out their products.
Besides riflescopes, Barska offers laser sights, telescopes, and binoculars. Their main specialty, however, is the riflescopes. They offer numerous, yet different varieties of riflescopes for a plethora of weapons. Their scopes are specially designed to provide clear, crisp images which allow for much more precise shooting.
Almost all of their models are ergonomically designed to allow for comfort throughout lengthy hunting sessions. In addition, they incorporate the latest technology in the optics used in the scopes, thus assuring crisp, clear, and magnified images of one’s targets.
Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope Review
This is a conveniently budget-priced optic, offering an illuminated Mil Dot reticle. According to our test, this model is best suited for close-range work. It’s intended for use along with a modern sporting rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO/ 223 Remington. However, it’d be best used on a rim fire rifle or a pistol caliber carbine instead. It’s quite hard to find better optics at such a price. If you’re seeking a hard core tactical look without digging too deep into your pockets, this would be quite a reliable option.
>>>View Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope here<<<
The 1-4x28 IR SWAT-AR is a variable-powered scope for the budget conscious shooter. In this case, the IR abbreviation infers that it’s an infrared kind of scope. Below, we’ve compiled an honest, unbiased, and detailed review of this scope. This would serve as a handy guide if you’re seeking a reliable scope.
Build Quality
This scope is well-built to suitably withstand the rigors of firing the 5.56 NATO/ 223 Remington round. Overall, the feel seems more like some airsoft accessory as opposed to a scope meant for use on a real steel’ rifle. It doesn’t feel fragile at all.
Reticle- Illuminated Mil Dot
The Mil Dot is quickly becoming the tactical standard for newer rifle scopes. However, it can barely be used as intended when the illumination is turned on as the Mil dots would become fuzzy’. We were very certain not to expect this feature in a model priced as such. To our surprise, Barska has outdone its rivals in this aspect.
It can be illuminated in green and red colors. This will come in handy when shooting in different lighting conditions and environments. You’ll be able to view your target just fine, no matter what the circumstances are.
Glass Quality
The glass incorporated in the Barska’s IR SWAT-AR may not be the clearest in the world. However, it’s conveniently adequate for quick-view, short range optics.
Locking Turrets
This is among the nicest features of this scope. It has external locking turrets that lock in order to securely inhibit movement of the scope’s windage and elevation. You’ll find that most scopes need constant adjustment. The SWAT-AR exclusively offers the luxury of eliminating the need for constant adjustment, thanks to the incorporation of the locking turrets.
Magnification
This scope offers variable magnification in between the 1-4 power range for closer range shots, with quick target acquisition. We rated this magnification to be inarguably excellent. You need not get too close to your target in order to shoot it. You’ll find it way easy to do long distance shooting, as far as 100 yards.
Fog-proof and Waterproof
The SWAT-AR is entirely waterproof and fog-proof. With this scope, you can hunt in almost any condition. It is CO-2 nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, hence creating a completely waterproof scope.
Eye Relief
This scope offers a whopping 4.5-inch eye relief, which is undeniably quite impressive. Thanks to the SWAT-AR, you’ll no longer get banged in your face with your rifles as a result of large recoils.
Size and Dimension
The scope weighs a convenient 16 oz., thus easily portable. Also, it features a length of approximately 10-inches. You’ll find it easy and safe to carry it with you, suitably fitting in your backpack.
Specifications
- Matte finish
- 28 mm objective lens
- Black, red and green IR Mil-Dot reticle
- Exit pupil: 7 mm at 1x, and 28 mm at 4x
- Multi-coated optics
- Both fog-proof and waterproof
- 4.5-inch eye relief
- ¼ inch click value
- Adjustable rheostat settings for the adjustment knob, with easy grip, locking turrets for windage and elevation
- 1-inch tube diameter
Extras Offered
Barska doesn’t skimp on the extras, considering the much that comes packaged with this scope. These include:
- A 1-inch Dual-Cantilever Ring scope Mount
- Flip-up scope caps
- A CR2032, 3V Lithium battery
Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope
Pros
- The scope is relatively inexpensive despite offering several high-end features
- It’s well calibrated for the two most popular 5.56 NATO/ 223 Remington loads- the 55-grain and 62-grain rounds
- The illuminated Mil Dot reticle makes for a reliable scope in low light conditions when used as a traditional crosshair kind of scope only
- The target turrets are amazingly positive and crisp
- The Barska works as intended for close range scopes
Cons
- The mount and external construction may have a cheap feel to them, but the rugged build quality makes up for that.
Our Verdict
At the very first, we doubted this scope. We didn’t believe it was possible to find most features in this model at such a price. We were expecting for much less than what we got. It came with two batteries for use with the reticle. One was intended for use at the moment, and the other one was to be used in case the other one ran out of charge. Even with shoddy shooting, the scope was still zeroed in.
This scope, as is with every Barska’s item, comes automatically with a limited lifetime warranty. They don’t sacrifice anything in order to price this model reasonably. The Barska 1-4x28 SWAT-AR is a greatly adequate scope for budget-minded shooters. The chances of getting a better scope brand and model, with better features, at such a price are extremely low. It’s a great addition to any rifle, without seeming bulky and unsightly.
The manufacturer doesn’t sacrifice any functionality or reliability at the expense of the customer, and has ensured to create a top quality product. You’re certain not to regret your decision after buying this scope, especially due to its consistency in flawless performance.
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