Several years ago, TRACT Optics quietly entered the market with a unique business approach. Using a direct to consumer model, TRACT cut out the middleman and sold directly to customers. Not only did this model put TRACT leadership in touch with the needs of its end users, but it also drastically reduced the price of its optics. No middleman means no markup, which allowed TRACT to offer top-tier optics at a lower price point.
Earlier this year TRACT launched the TORIC 4-20X50 UHD 30mm riflescope. The TORIC 4-20X50 UHD has a 30mm main tube and features TRACT’s Ultra High Definition optical system, which utilizes German-made Schott HT glass. Regarding reticles, the TORIC has an illuminated first focal plane reticle that is available in Milliradians (MRAD) or Minute of Angle (MOA).
Several months ago, TRACT sent me a TORIC 4-20X50 UHD 30mm riflescope for testing and evaluation. For testing, I mated the TORIC riflescope to a Spuhr SP-3002 scope mount and tested the TORIC on a variety of rifle platforms.
Specifications and Features
Field Testing
Initial field testing was done at my family’s cattle ranch in Central New Mexico. When it comes to testing riflescopes, I live by the mantra, “All scopes su*k until proven otherwise…” Regardless of how much a scope costs or the brand etched on the side of the optic, I don’t get attached until I test tracking, parallax and spend at least 16 hours on the range with a riflescope.
Testing the Reticle Subtensions
The first test I will do with any optic, whether it be a riflescope, or a tactical style spotting scope is to make sure that the reticle is properly subtended. For example, if I was proned out 100 meters from a target, and looking through a reticle that had hash marks in 1 mil increments, is the distance between the hash marks precisely 1 mil/10 centimeters at 100 meters? The only way to tell is to overlay the reticle on a target and check. For this test, I used a Hitman Target from RE Factor Tactical. The Hitman Target is a versatile target that allows an end user to zero, shoot groups, practice drills, test tracking and check subtensions. After attaching the TORIC to the Scope Tool fixture from Targets USA, I maxed the magnification of the optic and overlayed the reticle on the Hitman Target. The TORIC I was testing featured an MRAD/MIL reticle that had a hash mark every .5 MILs. I was delighted to see the hash marks in my scope covered every 5th centimeter on the target. Scopes that fail this test should be immediately sent back to the factory. This test is crucial, especially with second focal plane scopes where MILs or Minutes are calibrated for a certain magnification.
Does it track?
After determining that the reticle subtensions were perfect, it was time to test tracking. Tracking is when you dial the elevation turret a specific value and the reticle should move up or down in accordance with the value that was dialed. For example, if I were to dial 1 MIL up, I should observe the reticle move 1 MIL down in the reticle. I have tested a lot of high-end scopes and found that most will reliably dial to 8 MILs before I start to see a disparity between what was dialed in the turret and how much the reticle moved in the scope.
To test tracking, I drew a vertical line with a level and painted dots every 10 centimeters/1 Mil on the side of a CONEX box near our ranch headquarters. Using a measuring tape, I moved back 100 meters, proned out behind the TORIC which was attached to the Scope Tool and started dialing. I dialed the vertical turret up 10 Mils, and down 10 mils a dozen times, and found the TORIC 4-20X50 UHD 30mm riflescope, tracked perfectly. Besides tracking, I found the clicks between each adjustment to be firm and tactile. Setting zero required a simple Allen key and was very user friendly.
Getting on the same plane. Checking parallax
In order to mitigate error in your shot, you must check parallax. Contrary to what is widely circulated on the Internet, the parallax knob on your scope is not there to make your image clear, but to put your reticle and your target on the same focal plane. Parallax knobs are typically marked with a range value. I typically ignore what is written on the knob, and simply adjust parallax until all movement is removed from the reticle. With that said, when I test a scope, I still want to see how well the rifle was calibrated at the factory. Grabbing my Sig Kilo, I ranged targets from 100 to 1000 yards. I left the TORIC attached to the Scope Tool so I could easily move my head to check for movement in the reticle. Once again, TORIC’s parallax adjustments were perfectly calibrated and very forgiving. For example, there was almost no parallax adjustment needed between 500-800 yards. Meaning, I could set the parallax at 500 and not have to adjust for shots between 500 and 800 yards. This could be advantageous if you are running around a PRS match and engaging target at those ranges. Once again the TORIC passed with flying colors.
After testing reticle subtensions, tracking and parallax, I got to work testing a .224 Valkyrie Ar15 and a Howa 1500 that was mated to an MDT LSS XL Gen 2 chassis. I tested the Howa 1500/MDT LSS XL Gen 2 from 100 yards to 1000 yards, then swapped the scope to the Ar-15. From 100 to 1000 yards, I fired two rounds. For the first round, I dialed my elevation, and for the second I re-zeroed my turret and held in the reticle. I had a 100% hit ratio for both rifles out to 1000 yards. After wrapping up after a full day of shooting, I was exhausted, but very impressed with the TORIC 4-20X50 UHD 30mm riflescope.
Putting it all on the line.
The final test for the TORIC was a two day, 16-hour precision course taught by Oscar Sanchez of QPro Defense. Oscar Sanchez is a former Recon Marine, who has multiple combat tours in the Middle East. Oscar is a very talented marksman, and his precision rifle course has been on my “training bucket list” for several years. I was formally trained at Accuracy 1st, and have completed both the Intermediate and Advanced coursework, but I like to seek out world class coaching from time to time to make sure I am not slacking in my fundamentals. For the class, I used a Ritter and Stark SLX chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. In regard to ammunition, I used cheap Hornady American Gunner and over the two days, dominated the course of fire from 100 yards to 1000 yards. The TORIC 4-20X50 UHD 30mm performed superbly. The last several hours of the course were challenging due to 30 mph, half value wind and a hazy atmosphere from heat and dust. The TORIC UHD glass shined, and I was able to spot my impacts all the way out to 1000 yards and was not hindered by the heavy mirage down range. My last shot of the day, was on a plate at 1000 yards. Point of aim, point of impact in 30 mile per hour, 1/2 value wind.
Final thoughts
The TRACT TORIC 4-20X50 UHD 30mm riflescope can be purchased from TRACT for $1,154, which is a steal. The TORIC 4-20X50 UHD 30mm riflescope may cost A little over $1,000, but in reality, you are getting features and quality that would typically cost much more. During an intensive course of testing, I found parallax, reticle subtensions and tracking to be absolutely perfect. The TORIC is a large scope, but not obnoxious to the point where I wouldn’t carry it on a long distance backpack hunt. This scope would be perfect for hunting, PRS/NRL matches, law enforcement and military application. TRACT is a relatively new company. Besides riflescopes, they make binoculars and a suite of accessories. I think TRACT is going to be around for a long time and I don’t think you can go wrong with any of their products.
To learn more about TRACT Optics, click here.
To learn more about MDT Chassis Systems, click here.
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