Lynx Hunting Scopes

The Lynx 2.5-7x28 scope mounted on Sako 75 .308 accounted for this running boar at 50 metres.

Lynx Optics, who produce some of the best value-for-money quality scopes and binoculars on the market have released several more models in the Professional Series Scope range (their top of the market models).
The two scopes we have available for testing were both serious hunting types. The first has a 30mm tube and magnification in the range from 1.25 to 4.5.
The objective diameter is 26mm. For most testing, we mounted this scope on a Ruger 77 Mkll stainless, in Leupold integral base/rings. These allowed the scope to be mounted as low as possible without interfering with operation of the bolt handle. The beauty of a straight objective scope (no telling) is that the scope can be very short without compromising mounting versatility. This is especially important on a 30mm scope, because the parallel sided body section can be very short. It means there is more room to clamp the rings to the scope body in a variety of positions.

The body of the lynx has plenty of mounting space for a compact scope.

The ocular housing (the end you look through), incorporates the power adjustment ring, and is quite long. While this may be perceived as a negative, its diameter of 40mm is only 10mm larger than the tube (that's 5mm either side). This means it cleared the bolt handle on the Ruger easily in Leupold medium 30mm rings. I wouldn't change the long ocular housing if it compromised other performance attributes of the scope, such as light transmission ability, eye relief, or field of view. The power ring is grooved and stiff enough that it won't move, without you shifting it. Eye relief was around 75mm (3”) on the highest power, which Jeannie scope could be mounted on a heavier recoiling rifle without fear of Weatherby eyebrow.

The power range of this scope is well suited to close quarter hunting, though it was still very suitable for longer shots. I shot several pigs at 250 metres easily. The reticle is of duplex design and the centre section is fine enough for precision aiming at longer ranges while still being bold enough for good reticle contrast in poor light. In fact, in low light conditions, this scope is significantly better than virtually every other scope of similar power range I have looked through, including 1.5-5x models. The 30mm tube undoubtedly helps significantly in this area.
On 1.25 power, the field of view is huge. You can see most of the barrel through the scope! This setting is best for very close shooting - like pigs in lignum or deer in thick scrub.
Most shooting I did with this scope was on running game at inside 90 metres (100 yards). I left it set on 3 power and found it ideal. Better than any scope I've had on this rifle while using it for the same purpose. The field of view, low mounting ability, low light performance and sleek profile of the scope make it as excellent choice.
This scope also comes across as a rugged unit. I gave it no special treatment in the front of my Landcruiser for months and it never shifted zero. Lynx claim shockproof, rustproof, waterproof construction, and I have no reason to doubt them. Click adjustments are 1/4 at 100 yards, and during sighting-in I found they offer reliable movement.
The second scope on test was a 2.5-7x28 CD compact model. Again, a Professional Series scope, meaning this is also one of Lynx's top line models. It too has alloy monotone construction, and first class multi- coated optics, is waterproof and shockproof.

Above: The lynx 2.5-7x28 scope mounted on a sako 75 7mm Rem Mag in Leupold integral bases/rings.

I mounted this scope on a Sako 75 stainless rifle in 7mm Rem Mag using Leupold integral ring/bases, and later on a Sako 75 laminate in. 308. The compact nature of this scope means on the Sako’s it can sit right on top of the action, and the Leupold mounts allow this to happen. The low lift height of the Sako's bolt is a real bonus for those shooters who like their scope low, for fast, correct eye alignment. Select a scope with a relatively small objective like the Lynx to clear the barrel at the chamber area, and very low scope mounting can be achieved.

Click adjustment turrets and power selection ring. Eye piece is adjustable.

The 2.5-7x28 compact has a 1” tube diameter and relatively small objective. Mounting area was adequate, even for the long Sako action. This scope has a more conventional ocular in terms of length, unlike the 30mm 1.25-4.5 model. It does not have a rubber eyecup like the 30mm model. Eye relief was around 60 - 65mm at 7x as best as I could measure. I shot the rifle off a bench and out of a vehicle window with no scope/recoil associated problems in 7mm RM calibre. The power ring is nice and stiff, though not hard, and the focus adjustment on the ocular housing works well. Because the Sako 75 shoots so well (in fact all six or seven we have tested have shot extremely well, straight out of the box), I thought I might try shooting the scope at different power settings. While there appeared a mild variation between 2.5 and 7 power (less than 25mm (1|), I cannot be sure that my aiming point was held identical on 2.5 as it was at 7 because of the low magnification, so the test was inconclusive.
As with all decent variables, sight the rifle in at maximum power for long shots and you won't miss anything in close on low power that you would blame on the scope.

The large boar was taken with Ruger 77 7.62x39 and lynx 30mm 1.2-4.5x26mm scope. The author found the low light performance impressive and the large field of view oferedd by this scope was excellent for the running game.

Field of view on this model was not as big as the 1.25-4.5x26 at identical powers, but that is to be expected with its 30mm tube. It is adequate in the 2.5-7 in any case, especially considering the size of the scope.

This model is also available in black finish for use on blued rifles. Click adjustments are 1/4" at 100 yards/click.
Regular readers of GUNS&GAME would be aware that we have reviewed a few Lynx scopes over the last couple of years and haven't had a dud yet. They have simply offered outstanding performance for the money, and these latest two are also in that category. When you combine this with a 15 year warranty on all rifle scopes, Lynx offer an attractive package.
I bought the 1.25-4.5x26. Its best attributes are its performance, and it still looks sleek. The 2.5-7 also looks great and is so light that it would add minimal weight to a rifle. Both can be mounted low on suitable rifles.

Above: The 1.25-4.5x26 mounted on the Ruger in Leupold integral rings/bases.