Millett Buck Gold 3 x 9 x 44 Scope
Ive had the opportunity to shoot through a number of Millett Buck Gold (and Buck Silver) scopes, including the Millett Buck Lightning 3 x 9x 44essentially, a Buck Gold with an etched, illuminated reticle. The results are worth reporting, so I believe I am attempting to do just that.
Millett is recognized as primarily and a base, ring, and sight manufacturer. Ive had very good results with their steel Angle-Loc windage adjustable rings on a number of rifles, and have found their rifle rest to be a very handy, economical set of rests to throw in the trunk for a quick trip to the range, and easy to use for quick set-up cleaning and scope mounting. Milletts foray in to scopeland began several years back, with respected Hakko of Japan (who makes the Springfield Armory scopes) as their OEM. That relationship didnt last particularly long, as reportedly Millett wanted their scopes made one way, but it was the Hakko way or the highway. It seems Millett, wisely in this case, decided to drive on.
When I first starting testing Millett scopes, I really didnt expect muchbut I was quite wrong. Beautifully packaged, with velvet bags, the stamp of Made in China was one thing I needed to get past. It didnt take me long. The 3 x 9 x 44 scopes are bright and clear, bettering Leupold Vari-X II models to my eyes just as promised by Millett, at fully half the price of Vari-X II entry. The very crisp finger adjustments are confidence inspiring, and the 80 inch at 100 yards adjustment range is generous. The average eye relief of 3.5 inches is more than adequate for all but the most severe shoulder busting rifles; the quick focus is appreciated as well. The military type coil spring system suggests a tough scope, and over the last 18 months or so of shooting with them there is nothing to suggest they are not just that. The one-piece tube is obviously heavy duty, in stark contrast to the tin can super-thin tubes found on some scopes. More than a few friends have since decided to try their own Millett Buck Golds, and all have been pleasednoting that the Millett has a more true to the name power range than Leupolds exaggerated nomenclature, and commenting that the Millett Buck Gold is distinctly brighter in direct comparison to such models as the Burris Fullfield II.
Millett scopes come with a lifetime warranty. Ive had no issues, but one friend had a minor one, that being his power ring was getting increasingly harder to turn. Millett replaced the scope with a brand new one with no hassle whatsoever. More than a few people have caught on to what a very good value the Millett Buck Gold 3 x 9 x 44 really is, and the price has gone up a little bit over the last year. At present, they can be found discount priced at under $150 including rings, and that remains a tremendous value as far as Im concerned. The etched, illuminated reticle Buck Lightning model is even a greater bargain at sub-$190. To better the Millett as a rugged all-around hunting scope, youll need to go to at least a Bushnell Elite 3200 series. For a noticeable notch better in optic quality, youll likely need to look at the Sightron SII series.
If there is any negative concerning the Millett Buck Gold, it is an exceedingly minor one. It weighs an extra 2 ounces or so more than some competitive scopes, but with its sturdy construction and 44mm objective, it isnt hard to see where it comes from. In the highly competitive sub-$150 scope price bracket, the Millett Buck Gold remains perhaps the best glass for the money available today, and it is a scope that has no shortcomings that I have found to date considering use during legal big game hunting hours. If the checking account says no more than $150 for a reliable scope, or your bride says the sameI believe Milletts Buck Gold 3 x 9 x 44 will fill the bill quite beautifully for you, and is quite worthy of your consideration. For the money, it is the best available 3 x 9 scope Ive found to date. It is a solid value, from a solid company.
