To me this is a sleeper scope when it comes to the rimfire world or just optics world in general. I think it has it’s largest following in the rimfire community, although other names like Weaver, Nikon, Bushnell, BSA, Simmons probably come to mind first. I’ll go ahead and say I’m a fan of Clearidge optics.
Clearidge is often compared to Weaver as they are manufactured by Light Optical Works out of Japan. So this scopes closest relative is the Weaver RV9, of which I have no experience with. Reason being that the Clearidge line offers a variety of reticle choices, where you are stuck with the Duplex option on the RV9. That drew me right to Clearidge.
The reticle choices from the Clearidge Ultra RM line consist of, duplex, duplex dot, fine crosshair, and mildot. I only have experience with the duplex and duplex dot. The duplex reticle is great for hunting as it doesn’t get lost in the tree tops or ground clutter like the duplex dot will. The finer duplex dot can also be difficult to pick up at early dawn or dusk. I find hunting with the duplex dot, at my current eyesight age to be just fine. The duplex dot lends itself great for target work, but topping out at 9 power it only goes so far. It’s in the works to add the duplex dot to the Clearidge Ultra XP line.
Duplex @ 3 Power
Duplex @ 9 Power
Duplex Dot @ 5 Power
Duplex Dot @ 9 Power
Both the power ring and adjustable objective ring are smooth to reposition and I don’t find that they “walk” on me during hunting. The AO is accurately marked. The turrets require no tools as they are hand adjustable. The AO will focus down to 10 yards. That’s a plus when sighting in at 15 yards to acquire how much you will need to hold over for those close shots. Trust me, they’ll happen and you’ll be glad you gathered that data.
I find the glass to have good clarity and light gathering capability. This scope has some color options also: Matte, Gloss, and Silver.
Here are the specs:
Features: | |
• | Fully Multicoated Lenses that offer over 95% Light Transmission |
• | Semi Target Windage and Elevation Knobs |
• | Adjustable Objective that focuses down to 10 Yards |
• | 1 piece Aluminum Main Tube |
• | Nitrogen Filled, 100% Waterproof, Shockproof and Fogproof. |
Product Specification:
Power: |
3-9x |
Objective: (mm) |
32 |
Eye Relief: (in) |
3.6-3.2 |
Length: (in) |
11.5 |
Weight: (oz) |
11.9 |
Adjustment: (MOA) |
1/4 |
Total Adjustment: (MOA) |
50 |
Field of View: (ft@ 100 YDS) |
33.2@3x/11@9x |
Main Tube: |
1” |
Adjustable Objective: |
Yes |
AO Adjustment: (YDS) |
10-Infinity |
As you can see this series of scopes have some quality attributes. They are priced adequately ($245.99 depending on reticle choice). There are only two places I know of to obtain these scopes, one is straight from Clearidge www.clearidgeoptics.com and the other is www.theopticzone.com. Be aware though that on www.theopticzone.com the discount code does not apply to Clearidge products.
I think this is a great choice in scope if you are a 3-9 power guy or gal that likes a lightweight option with great clarity, reticle options, and smooth adjustments. The lifetime warranty they provide is also a plus. Take a look at Clearidge, you won’t be disappointed.
will this fit behind the rear sight on a 452 trainer?
Yes, as long as the rearward position doesn’t affect your eye relief. I have one on my Ultra Lux with the same setup.
Nate,
Well after much thought and reading I pulled the trigger on the Nikon EFR. You review and opinion of this scope helped a lot and so did that price difference. Thanks!
Robert
I think you’ll be highly please. Price is often the deciding factor. Let me know what you think when you’ve had time to use it.
Nate,
You compared the Clearidge to Weaver, I was wondering how it compared to the Nikon Prostaff EFR that you mentioned came on your CZ in another video? I was about to squeeze the trigger on the Nikon but the fact your using the Clearidge leaves no doubt in my mind it’s a quality scope. If you don’t mind me asking which one are you currently running and recommend? The intended use of this scope would be for Squirrels as well. I really enjoyed your site and videos, very informative and well done.
Thanks in advance, take care, and I hope you get a bunch of those Tree Rats this year.
Robert,
South Mississippi
I’d say you won’t go wrong either way. I have a rifle with each on it. For clarity, I’d say the Nikon wins out. As far as mounting goes on a CZ, the high bolt throw requires high rings for the Nikon and mediums for the Clearidge. If you are use to standard duplex crosshairs then the Clearidge gets the vote here. Clearidge offers 4 different types of crosshairs, while Nikon only offers the duplex dot. Nikon wins on price at anywhere from $40-$70 cheaper. Hopefully this will help you make a decision. In the end I think you would be happy with either.