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Mueller Sport Dot IR Scopes  The riflescope on which this article is based is a Mueller Extreme Sports Optics 3-9x40mm Sport Dot. The Mueller Sport Dot line of riflescopes come standard with an illuminated reticle. This is what I regard as an outstanding version of the German #4 reticle. Some of the older illuminated reticle scopes light up the entire array, but the Mueller Sport Dot lights up only a tiny (sub one inch @100 yards) dot in the center of the reticle. Mueller Sport Dot scopes feature a quick focus ocular, extended finger tip adjustment knobs, 1/8 MOA adjustments, and precise metal on metal "click" adjustments. They appear to be durable scopes, are built on one-piece tubes, and come with a lifetime warranty. The eye relief of my sample 3-9x40 Sport Dot scope, as measured, is right at four inches throughout the zoom range, which is exceedingly generous. The scope is bright and crisp, with excellent edge to edge clarity. I feel is it is very similar in brightness to Leupold VX IIs and Bushnell Elite 3200s. I did notice one annoying feature. Above 7X or so the eye relief of the 3-9x40 becomes critical. If you move your head forward a slight amount, the image tends to quickly "white-out." Not an issue at the moderate magnification ranges used for most hunting, but the upper end is lacking in this area. The greatest thing about the Sport Dot scopes is the reticle. It just draws the eye to the center; it really is hard to miss with this sight picture. The micro-dot is ordinarily black. If you turn on the light it glows red. It is very easy to lock on at low light and at night, as the small illuminated micro-dot does not overwhelm the overall display.  The standard finish is matte black, and all Mueller Sport Dot Scopes are fully multi-coated. At present the Sport Dot line includes three models:
No one will be able to grouse about the prices of Mueller Sport Dot scopes, which range from $169.95 to $239.95 in 2006. They are available directly from Mueller Optics at 1-888-775-8885, or via their web site at www.muelleroptics.com. Note: A complete Mueller 3-9x40mm Sport Dot scope review can be found on the Product Review Page. |
