Here are some great ideas for the gun owner on your holiday gift-giving list.
If you or someone is looking for an affordable quality optic, Sightmark’s Citadel CR1 1-6X24 Riflescope is hard to beat. The CR1 is a second focal plane optic; the reticle does not change size as you zoom with a BDC for 55 grain .223Rem. The center circle dot has variable intensity; I found the circle dot can be seen on all but the brightest of days, this is true for most scopes with this feature. You can adjust the focus of the reticle by turning the ocular lens.
Windage and elevation adjustments are very positive; you can feel each click when making adjustments. This scope gives you 120 MOA of adjustment. I had no issues with the CR1/Sightmark 30mm Cantilver combination holding zero and I removed it several times while testing. As always when you remove your optic it is still best to verify zero. While doing my testing on the CR1 I found it to be rated for the recoil of a 50BMG which would explain why my buds have had zero issues with the scope.
I was surprised to see flip-up lens caps and throw lever included with the CR1. It can be a hassle trying to find flip-up caps for these mid-range scopes. Throw levers make it easy to zoom the lens and it’s almost mandatory for competition shooters. You want as much field of vision as possible on close targets and highest magnification three hundred yard steel when shooting three gun. A hunter also can appreciate a throw lever for the same reason you may need to make a snap or precision shot on game; the lever allows you to quickly change the magnification.
While finishing this piece, I realized I didn’t have the MSRP of the mount so I did a quick search online and found the MSRP is $73.99. A bit further research showed it could be had for under $64 and the CR1 has a MSRP of $359.99 and can be had for under $300. In this day and age a well made optic and mount for under $400 is a good deal for anyone on your Christmas list.
