Discovery HD 3-12X44 compact scope

[Cannonball]

Has anyone tried one of the Discovery HD 3-12X44 scopes? They also do the VT-3 which is similar but this one has HD glass and an illuminated reticle. It’s only 9.5” long so it’s very compact for the magnification range. I was thinking about trying one but wanted some real use opinions first. 

 

[Ezana4CE]

A couple of members commented on their experiences with the brand in this thread. https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/any-of-you-familiar-with-airgun-optics-plus/?referrer=1

 

[dizzums]

its like a clone of the UTG one ... i like the reticle on it .. pretty steep price lol .. but yeah its a good size and that layout works good with alot of airgun setups im sure youll like it ... throw one of those 'dial in the squirrel' rings on the side focus knob and its gettin real then lol ..

 

[Poopshoot55]

I have the VT-3 on my Wildcat. Fits very nice and I like the etched reticle. Good clarity on squirrels. Rick 

 

[madeintheuk]

I have the vt-3 also. Would be interested in how much cleared the hd glass is, cause for the price I paid, the vt-3 has very clear glass. 

 

[Metalmaniac]

I have a VT3 on my .22 Veteran shorty and it is perfect for short bull-pups. I love the reticle in the Disco HD

 

[CoyoteGod]

I have the VT-3 on a rimfire. Great little scope and the turrets are better than the Hawke Sidewinder. One of the first scopes I bought when I got back in to the hobby. One draw back, it will not fit in a one piece mount. FYI.

 

[qball]

Great little scope with pretty good glass. Only down side the field of view is a little narrower than normal/longer scopes. 

 

[Vetmx]

I have the SFP model. When it comes to a 12x scope, you will be on maximum magnification when there is a need for hold over. So why deal with microscopic crosshairs when you’re on low magnification. You will like it for the money. 

 

[Scouty]

I have the VT-3 on a rimfire. Great little scope and the turrets are better than the Hawke Sidewinder. One of the first scopes I bought when I got back in to the hobby. One draw back, it will not fit in a one piece mount. FYI.

Here is a picture of the Tac Vector equivalent on a one piece mount. Bought it as a package deal in the past year. I don't know the brand of mount off hand but can try to figure it out.

 

[JungleShooter]

I have the VT-3 3-12x44 FFP —

and would really like to know of any differences in turrets and in glass to the HD model!

The HD has a gridded reticle and IR, that can be good or not so good, depending on who you ask...!

Matthias

 

[Arzrover]

The Compact 3-12 that I bought a couple of years ago had a very loose ocular. I did the oring mod on it and gave it away. Mushy turrets and bleary glass for an "HD" model. Heavy little sucker, too.

Not impressed and have stayed away after that.

Bob

 

[JungleShooter]

Wow, Bob! That sounds like your experience was a lot worse than most.... I'm sorry. Maybe it was a lemon?



The Discovery HD weighs 20.3oz.... You call it "heavy".... Sure, if a 20 or 50y parallax is OK and simple crosshairs or a BDC reticle calibrated for a powder burner is OK — yeah, then a lot lighter scopes CAN be purchased (with less elevation adjustment in the turrets, too). 

➔ However, looking at similar scopes as the HD that have a 10y side parallax and a holdoff reticle, I find 20.3oz pretty much middle of the road for scope weight:



TABLE: How many 3-12x scopes have what weight? (one dot • represents 1 scope | ☆ = the Discovery HD | * = the Discovery VT-3) 



#: • • •••••* • • •☆•••• ••• •• ••• 

oz:13|14|15|16|17|18|19|20|21|22|23|24|25|26|27|28

(you might have to turn your phone sideways to see the table properly)



● Still would like to hear more opinions about glass and turrets of the Discovery HD.

● AND if the USOptics 3-12x44 FFP is really worth the extra money. We already had a report of an AG that called USO and was told thinly veiled that the glass is the same. How about the USO turrets? I found two sources that sell it for around $375 (instead of the common but steep $550).

Thanks!

Matthias

 

[Cannonball]

Apparently no one has this scope in stock and the only way I can get one currently is to order from AliExpress or EBay. I think I’m going to just give up on it for now and try one of the new Athlon Talos BTR Gen 2 scopes in 2-12x42. It’s a little longer than I wanted but checks all of the other boxes for me.

 

[Scouty]

I know it is an old thread and the OP bought another scope. But, my opinion is that it is a nice scope with good glass for the price. Turrets work good, focusing is accurate and good light transfer. BUT, I don't like the reticle. In full zoom where I use it the most, the turret lines are to thick. Understandable if you want to see it when zoomed out and all the chrismas tree dots hinder the clear view in full zoom. I would prefer if it was SFP with a very fine edged clean reticle like the Hawke Airmax. This is my first and maybe? last FFP scope.

Take a look at the MTC Copperhead reticle. As I recall it is sort of similar to the Hawke AMC reticle. Comes in 3-12x44 & 4-16x44.

Otherwise the same scope as the Vector, Discovery, West Hunter & USO scopes. There are others as well. But I believe the MTC has the reticle option closest to the AMX. Just not sure how thin it is.