Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope

Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope

“The Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope is an economically priced rifle scope that is intended for use with a modern sporting rifle chambered in 223 Remington/ 5.56 NATO, however it is probably best suited for use on a rim fire rifle or pistol caliber carbine instead. Better optics can be had for this price, but if you want the hard core tactical look without spending the money, this is a good option.”

The Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope is a variable powered rifle scope for the budget conscious shooter. The IR abbreviation may infer that it is an infrared type of scope, but it is only a marketing ploy to make the scope appeal to the tacticool crowd.

The scope incorporates an integral “sniper type” sun-shade in an effort to reduce glare from the scope to the target.

Barska does not skimp on the extras as this scope includes a 1” Dual Cantilever Ring Scope Mount, flip-up scope caps and (1) CR2032 3V Lithium Battery. It is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Build Quality:

The Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope is a well-built scope that is built to withstand the rigors of firing the 223 Remington/ 5.56 NATO round. The overall feel seems more like an airsoft accessory as opposed to one meant for use on a “real steel” gun. It does not feel fragile, just like it is made from a lower grade of material than what I am used to on a scope.

Side View

Reticle – Illuminated Mil Dot

The Mil Dot reticle is becoming the tactical standard, although it cannot be used as intended with the illumination turned on as the Mil dots become “fuzzy”.

Reticle Options

Glass Quality

The glass used in the Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope is not the clearest in the world, but is adequate for a quick view short range optic.

Great Build

Magnification

The Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope offers variable magnification in the 1 to 4 power range for close range shots with quick target acquisition.

Pros

• This scope is inexpensive and is calibrated for the two most popular 223 Remington/5.56 NATO loads, the 55 grain and 62 grain rounds.
• An illuminated Mil Dot reticle makes for a good scope in lowlight conditions when it is used as a traditional crosshair type of scope, only.
• The target turrets are surprisingly crisp and positive.
• For a close range scope, the Barska works as intended.

Other side

Cons

• The illuminated reticle makes the Mil Dots useless for range estimation due to the distortion from the illumination.
• The build quality seems rugged, but external construction and the mount have a cheap feel to them.

Last Thoughts

The Barska 1-4×28 IR SWAT-AR Riflescope is an adequate scope for the budget minded shooter, but for the same price a superior scope can be had from other manufacturers.

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Specifications

• Finish: Matte
• Magnification: 1-4x
• Objective Lens: 28mm
• Reticle: IR Black, Red and Green Mil-Dot
• Exit Pupil: 7mm@1x, 28mm@4x
• Optical Coating: Multi-Coated
• Waterproof/Fog proof: Yes
• Field of View (ft@100yds/m@100m): 90/30@1x, 22.5/7.5@4x
• Eye Relief: 4.5 Inches
• Click Value: 1/4 Inch
• Adjustment Knob: Adj. rheostat settings, Easy grip target-style windage and elevation (locking turrets)
• Tube Diameter: 1 Inch
• Weight: 16 oz.
• Length: 10”