Introduction of Zero Compromise Optic
Zero Compromise Optic had a booth at Shot Show for the second time already, and they introduced 2 very impressive rifle scopes last year (2018). Until now, these rifle scopes have not been available, but this year they announced that the production has already started so they should be available soon. I visited their booth to get some first impressions and to see in what terms they are different from other manufacturers.
Like I said, they introduced 2 rifle scopes, both designed for professionals and competitive shooters. The magnification ranges are 4-20×50 and 5-27×56.
Zero Compromise 4-20×50
The smaller model is designed for all-round use, and it offers a very big field of view. The field of view on 4x magnification is even bigger than in some high-end rifle scopes from other manufacturers with a lower magnification.
Zero Compromise 5-27×56
The bigger model, on the other hand, is designed for shooting on big distances, or using the scope in low light thanks to the big objective lens diameter. What I also noticed is the short length of these scopes – the 4-20×50 model is only 325 millimeters long and the big model, 5-27×56 only 387 millimeters.
Both rifle scopes feature locking turrets with a push and pull design which can be locked at any position. The turret also features a turn indicator on the top, which pops out when you get in the second revolution, and comes even more out when you get in the third revolution. When zeroed, the elevation turret can still be adjusted 5 clicks below zero, to ensure that you can make corrections even when you change your environment. The entire elevation is very big since the 5-27×56 model features 35 MIL of internal adjustment, and the smaller model incredible 38 MIL of adjustment. This big elevation range is only possible thanks to the bigger main tube diameter of 36 millimeters, which is quite a rarity among rifle scopes.
Zero Compromise Optic engineers decided to go with a 36-millimeter main tube not only because of the bigger elevation range, but also because they didn’t want to lose optical quality when the user cranks the elevation to the end. For best optical performance ZCO features best Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass from one of the most known glass produces on the world – Schott AG. These lenses are then additionally checked for the Refractive index (RI), which is in optics a crucial specification. Thanks to the additional coatings, ZCO rifle scopes get a light transmission rate of 92 %.
Reticle
The reticle is set in the first focal plane, as is should be in a true tactical rifle scope. Currently, there are 2 reticles available, both in MIL configurations. The MPCT 1 is a normal MRAD reticle, whereas the MPCT 2 is an MRAD reticle with a Christmas tree design.
All the moving parts inside of these rifle scopes are made of hardened steel, aluminum alloys, or silicon bronze to ensure a lifetime of operation even in the harshest conditions. The lenses in the main body are secured with an innovative Center lock system and then additionally bounded with a special epoxy to ensure that they are perfectly in the center with no stress on other components.
What I also noticed was the locking eye-piece, which is, in my opinion, a great feature for field use, when you have to be sure that no adjustment moves during use. Both rifle scopes feature a side parallax adjustment, which is numbered for different distances, and the parallax is adjustable from 25 meters to infinity. On the same turret is also the reticle illumination, which has settings for daytime and nighttime use, but also for use with a night vision device. The illumination is also selectable in red or green color and has a motion sensor, which turns the illumination off after 3 minutes if it doesn’t detect any movement. If the illumination goes off, and then you take your optic in the hand, it immediately turns the illumination back on. The illumination turns off also if the scope detects a non-shooting position – 45 degrees on both sides or 75 degrees upwards or downwards.
Conclusion
The 2 new Zero Compromise Optic rifle scopes seem to promise a lot. The build quality looks great, and all the small details are well thought out. Because of the big elevation range, I am sure these rifle scopes will be very popular among ELR shooters, and all the users that want an optic that was made with great care and attention to detail. Whatsoever the price for a new optic is very high, starting at 3720€ for the ZCO 4-20×56 and 3950€ for the 5-27×56.
I was very surprised by the engraving, where it says that these rifle scopes are made in Austria. We all know that 2 well-known optics manufacturers come from this country, both with a great reputation and build quality. But ZCO took a different route, since they order all the mechanical parts from Austria and then assemble the rifle scopes in Idaho USA.
Where are Zero Compromise scopes made?
The company named itself Zero Compromise Optic because they deliver uncompromised performance into all their products, and I am very curious how these scopes will stand on the market against other high-end manufacturers.
