The new Mueller APV (which stands for "All Purpose Variable", but should stand for "all purpose varmint") is a less expensive scope that lacks the illuminated dot reticle typical of most Mueller scopes. It is the entry level Mueller, designed to bring new customers into the fold.

The Mueller APV comes packaged in an attractive green Mueller Extreme Sport Optics box. Included are instructions, a Limited Lifetime Warrantee (transferable!), lens caps, a 3" sun shade, and a dust cloth.

Our APV scope was supplied with the APV reticle, which is a tight Duplex style. The scope's scratch resistant finish is matte black, with a green accent ring around the objective and a green Mueller oval on the adjustment turret.

The scope is built on a 25mm main tube. It uses fully multi-coated optics for superior brightness and contrast. Overall length is 13.8", outside objective bell diameter is 2.08", and outside ocular bell diameter is 1.64".

Other features include fingertip 1/4 MOA windage and elevation adjustments, a heavy-duty spring clip assembly for enhanced adjustment accuracy and reliability, and a high-torque power change ring. Focus is "American style," achieved by multiple turns of the ocular bell, which is secured in place by a lock ring. The scope is guaranteed to be shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof.

Subjectively, the view through the Mueller APV was rated good by the entire Guns and Shooting Online staff. Optically, the Mueller is the best that we have encountered at its price point. The Mueller APV is not perfect, no scope that sells for under $130 could be. It is fairly critical in regards to eye position. If you get your very far off axis the scope "winks" at you.

The windage and elevation adjustments are not nearly as precise and repeatable as the target adjustments provided in the Mueller Eraticator that we tested a couple of years ago. They tended to interact with each other and were not particularly consistent. They were, however, no worse than the adjustments of other scopes we have used in the same general price range.

There is no doubt about the value represented by this Mueller APV scope, which carries a list price of only $129.95, including a free sunshade. You will seldom see so much scope offered for such a low price. Anyone who looking for an "all-purpose" varmint scope at an economical price should consider one of these Mueller APVs.

Note: A complete Mueller 4.5-14x40mm APV scope review can be found on the Product Review Page.