The speed focus ring is butter-smooth and fast. I could easily fine-tune focus with gloved hands, and the ergonomic angle of the eyepiece meant long sessions weren’t a pain. Zeiss really nailed the balance between speed and control—fast enough for scanning, fine enough for dialing into detail on antlers, feathers, or ear flicks.
The built-in rotating tripod collar is also a win. It locks up solid and lets you shift viewing angles without realigning your whole setup. And for the digiscopers out there—yes, Zeiss has adapters ready to go.​

​Yes. Every. Penny.
The Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 punches well above its price class, delivering flagship-level performance with fewer compromises than almost anything else in its range. 
Bottom line? If you’re in the market for a lifetime-level spotter but don’t want to completely drain your savings, the Gavia 85 deserves a spot in your pack.

Happy Glassing! Reach out to Brink Excursions for any questions!

We recently got our hands on the new Midas Flare 3x Prism Optic from Athlon Optics, and we’ve got to say—we’re impressed. Right out of the box, it feels like Athlon built this optic for shooters who want rock-solid performance without dropping high-end dollars.
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If you’re in the market for a 3x magnified optic that’s crystal clear, rugged, and fast to acquire your target, this one’s worth a look. Here’s our breakdown after putting it through some early testing.

​Athlon really nailed the glass quality. You’ll notice clean, crisp visuals from edge to edge. One big win? There's no noticeable color hue from multicoating, which can be an issue with other prism optics. What you see is natural and vibrant—not a blue or green-tinted mess.

When it comes to excelling in precision .22LR matches like NRL22, PRS22, or benchrest competitions, your choice of ammunition plays a pivotal role. While factors like rifle setup, optics, and environmental conditions matter, the ammo is often the defining factor in accuracy and consistency. Let’s dive into what makes the best .22LR ammo for precision shooting and why high-velocity rounds may not be your best bet.

Precision shooters prioritize accuracy and consistency over velocity. While high-velocity .22LR ammo may offer higher speeds, it is more prone to destabilization when the bullet transitions from supersonic (>1,125 fps) to transonic speeds (below 1,125 fps). This phase causes turbulence and can affect the trajectory, leading to reduced accuracy at long distances.
Subsonic ammunition, which stays under the supersonic threshold, avoids this issue entirely. While slightly slower, subsonic rounds maintain a stable flight path, making them ideal for precision shooting at ranges of 100 yards or more.

​1. SK Ammo - SK ammunition is a favorite among precision shooters for its exceptional quality and affordability. Products like SK Rifle Match and SK Standard Plus are popular choices for NRL22 and PRS22 competitors. SK offers consistent velocity, tight groupings, and reliable ignition.

​2. Lapua - Lapua ammunition is synonymous with precision. Its Center-X and Midas+ lines are among the most sought-after for benchrest competitions due to their incredible uniformity in bullet weight and powder loads. Lapua's attention to detail ensures minimal shot-to-shot variation.

​3. RWS - RWS is another premium brand offering high-quality .22LR ammunition, including the R50 and R100 lines. These rounds are crafted with precision in mind, delivering excellent performance for competitive shooters seeking ultra-tight groupings.

​4. Eley - Eley ammunition has long been a benchmark in the .22LR world. With products like Eley Match and Eley Tenex, this brand has earned the trust of top competitors worldwide. Known for their meticulous manufacturing processes, Eley rounds are perfect for shooters demanding unparalleled accuracy.

​Choosing the right ammunition is essential for achieving peak performance in precision .22LR competitions. Brands like SK, Lapua, RWS, and Eley offer reliable and consistent options that cater to the demanding needs of competitive shooters. By sticking to subsonic rounds and experimenting with different loads, you can unlock your rifle’s full potential and take your precision shooting game to the next level.
Whether you're gearing up for your next NRL22 match or fine-tuning your benchrest setup, Brink Excursions is here to support your journey with high-quality gear and expert advice.

​When it comes to choosing the right scope for your rifle, the word “Rimfire” often stirs up confusion among hunters and shooters alike. Are these scopes lower in quality? Are they only for .22 caliber rifles? Today, we’re diving into the real truth about Rimfire rifle scopes—what they are, how they differ from standard scopes, and why they might be the perfect fit for your Midwest hunting adventures.

​Let’s bust this myth right away: Rimfire rifle scopes from reputable manufacturers are made with the same high-quality materials and craftsmanship as their “standard” counterparts. Brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Athlon design their Rimfire scopes with durability and precision in mind. The distinction lies not in quality, but in purpose-built features that cater specifically to Rimfire shooting applications.

​The term “Rimfire” in a scope’s name signals some key differences tailored to the unique needs of Rimfire rifles:

1. Parallax Setting
   • Most standard rifle scopes have a fixed parallax set at 100 yards, which suits centerfire rifles commonly used for longer-range shooting. Rimfire scopes, on the other hand, often feature a fixed parallax set at 50 yards. This makes them ideal for closer-range precision, which is exactly what you need for .22 caliber shooting or small game hunting.
2. BDC Reticle Design
   • A Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle in a Rimfire scope is calibrated specifically for .22 caliber projectiles. This allows for more accurate shot placement at varying distances without requiring constant adjustments. For shooters who prefer “point and shoot” simplicity, this feature is a game-changer.
3. Magnification Ranges
   • Rimfire scopes tend to offer magnification ranges that complement the short to mid-range distances typical of Rimfire shooting. You’ll often find options like 2-7x or 3-9x, which strike a perfect balance between versatility and practicality.

​If you’re a Midwest hunter, you might be surprised to learn that Rimfire optics can also shine in shotgun and straight-wall cartridge setups. Why? The average distance at which deer are harvested in the Midwest is just 47 yards. This aligns perfectly with the fixed 50-yard parallax setting found in Rimfire scopes. Here are some scenarios where Rimfire optics excel:

• Hunting in Dense Woodlands
  
  • Thick brush and tree cover limit visibility and shooting distance. A Rimfire scope with a 50-yard parallax setting ensures crisp focus at these closer ranges, giving you an edge when seconds count.
    
• Youth or Beginner Setups
  
  • Rimfire scopes are often more compact and lighter than their centerfire counterparts, making them an excellent choice for younger or less experienced hunters.
    

​The word “Rimfire” on a rifle scope doesn’t mean “less than.” It means purpose-built precision for closer-range shooting, whether that’s a day at the range with a .22 or a Midwest deer hunt with a shotgun. These scopes bring all the quality you expect from top-tier optics, with features specifically designed to help you succeed in your chosen application.
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So, next time you’re shopping for a scope, don’t overlook the Rimfire options. They might just be the perfect tool for your hunting or shooting needs.

​When you're stepping into the world of rifles, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is choosing the right caliber for your needs. Whether you're a new shooter looking for the "easy button" or an experienced hunter wanting to optimize your arsenal, there's a perfect round for everyone. Let’s break down some of the most popular and versatile options in today’s market.

​If you’re new to shooting or want a round that covers a lot of ground, look no further than the 6.5 Creedmoor. This caliber is the Swiss Army knife of the shooting world.

• Hunting Capability: Ideal for deer and smaller game, it’s effective, accurate, and delivers clean takedowns.
• Big Game: While it’s not a heavy hitter like some larger calibers, with a well-placed shot, it can handle medium-sized game at shorter distances.
• Why It’s Great: Easy recoil, excellent precision, and adaptability make the 6.5CM a go-to choice for many hunters and shooters.

​If accuracy and flat shooting are at the top of your list, the 6mm Creedmoor is a hot contender.

• A Better .243: This round is essentially a high-performance upgrade of the classic .243. It shoots flatter and performs better in the wind, making it perfect for longer shots.
• Best Use: A favorite for varmint hunters and precision shooters targeting deer, it delivers outstanding accuracy with minimal drift, even in challenging conditions.

​Looking for a hunting round that adds a bit more punch? Enter the 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge).

• What It Offers: Think of this as the big brother of the 6.5 Creedmoor. It offers greater velocity and energy, making it better suited for hunters who want a little extra stopping power.
• Best Use: Ideal for hunting larger game like elk while still being a great option for occasional target shooting.

​For those who want a caliber capable of handling nearly all North American game, the .300 PRC is your go-to choice.

• Versatility: Whether you're hunting elk, moose, or bears, this round provides the power needed for ethical takedowns at a variety of distances.
• Range Rifle Performance: If you’re also looking for a range beast that performs at extreme distances, the .300 PRC doesn’t disappoint.
• Not for Small Game: While it’s a powerhouse for larger animals, it’s overkill for anything smaller than a deer.

​The answer depends on what you’re looking to achieve:

• For ease of use and versatility, start with the 6.5 Creedmoor.
• For precision shooting and varmint hunting, go with the 6mm Creedmoor.
• If you want extra stopping power, try the 6.5 PRC.
• For large game hunting and long-range dominance, the .300 PRC is your round.

​Each of these rounds has its strengths and specific use cases, so choose one that aligns with your hunting or shooting goals. With the right rifle and round, you’ll be ready to hit the field or range with confidence.

​At BRINK EXCURSIONS, we’re here to help you make the best choices for your next adventure. Happy shooting!

When it comes to choosing a rifle scope, parallax adjustment is a key feature that often gets overlooked. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just getting started, understanding the difference between fixed parallax scopes and side adjustable parallax scopes can help you make a smarter decision and improve your shooting accuracy.

Let’s break it down:

Parallax occurs when the target and the reticle (the crosshairs) are not on the same optical plane. If parallax isn’t properly adjusted, moving your head slightly can make the reticle appear to "float" on the target, which can throw off your shot. A parallax-free scope ensures the reticle stays perfectly aligned with your target, even if your eye position shifts. Almost all scope are NOT parallax-free. So being able to fine tune the parallax is a game changer.

Fixed parallax scopes are set to focus on a specific distance—often 50 yards for rimfire scopes or 100 yards for general-purpose scopes. This simplicity makes them lighter, less expensive, and easier to use, especially for beginners or those shooting at consistent distances.
​
The downside?
If you're shooting at distances significantly shorter or longer than the fixed parallax setting, your shot accuracy can suffer. For instance:

• At longer ranges, parallax error can cause you to miss shots because the reticle won't align precisely with your target.
• At shorter distances, the target may appear blurry, making it harder to take a clean shot.

Fixed parallax scopes are great for controlled environments or consistent shooting distances, but they limit flexibility.

NOTE: 
Rimfire Scopes: Same Quality, Different Parallax - Rimfire scopes are often misunderstood. While they have a 50-yard fixed parallax, they are every bit as high quality as their centerfire counterparts. Why 50 yards? Rimfire cartridges like the .22 LR are commonly used at closer ranges, making the shorter parallax setting ideal.
That said, rimfire scopes with fixed parallax share the same limitations as any other fixed parallax scope: accuracy can suffer when shooting at distances beyond the fixed focus point. If you're using a rimfire rifle for varied ranges, a scope with side adjustable parallax is worth considering to avoid these challenges.

Side adjustable parallax scopes offer much more versatility by allowing you to fine-tune the focus for your target's specific distance. With a simple twist of the side knob, you can eliminate parallax and ensure your reticle stays crisp and accurate, no matter the range.
Why is this better?

1. Improved Accuracy: Whether you're shooting at 25 yards or 500 yards, side adjustable parallax ensures your reticle stays aligned with your target.
2. Sharper Images: Targets stay clear at all ranges, giving you better visibility for precise shots.
3. Flexibility: Side focus allows you to quickly adapt to changing shooting distances, making it ideal for hunting, competitive shooting, or varmint control.

PS - AO Adjustable Parallax scopes are for the birds! (In hunting, Tactical or competition. Just fine for benchtop warriors.) 

While fixed parallax scopes can work well for specific applications, their limitations at varied distances can lead to missed shots and frustration. If you're looking for adaptability, precision, and improved accuracy, a side adjustable parallax scope is the clear winner. And don’t overlook rimfire scopes—they’re purpose-built for close-range precision but may still benefit from adjustable parallax features depending on your shooting needs.
At Brink Excursions, we’re here to help you find the perfect scope to match your shooting style. Check out our selection of quality optics, and let’s make sure you never miss your mark!
​
Happy shooting,
Brink Excursions Team

​When setting up a rifle scope, precision is key, and knowing how to properly zero and adjust it is essential for any shooter. A recent conversation with one of our customers, brought up some great points that many shooters, especially those newer to scopes, might find useful. Here’s a breakdown of our exchange and an educational dive into the world of scope adjustments.

​One question the customer asked was about his scope’s elevation dial. He noticed that when his rifle was zeroed, the number 3 appeared under the knob, raising the question: should the dial be cranked all the way down at zero? This is a common query, and understanding how scope adjustments work can clear things up.

​When setting your scope to "zero" at your chosen distance (often 100 yards), the elevation and windage dials can land at any point within their range. Contrary to what some believe, they don’t need to be turned all the way down. Scopes are designed to offer the best optical performance when adjustments are near the midpoint. Ideally, your scope will be centered on its column of adjustment, not maxed out in one direction.

​

1. Find Your Zero: Zeroing at 100 yards is standard, but this can vary based on your preferences and shooting conditions.
2. Balance for Performance: Keep your adjustments as centered as possible for the best optical clarity.
3. Lock Your Zero Stop: Zero stops are easy to install and can make a huge difference in maintaining your zero.

​By understanding these principles, you can maximize your scope's effectiveness and have the confidence to make precise adjustments in the field or at the range. Keep exploring, adjusting, and honing your setup, and remember—BRINK EXCURSIONS is here to support your shooting journey every step of the way!

Recently I got to put the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 30-60x85mm and the Athlon Cronus G2 UHD 20-60x85mm spotting scopes through a side-by-side test.  I was very pleased with the quality of both optics.  At 850 yards I was almost able to read 1 inch text with the Zeiss Gavia; while the Athlon Cronus was only able to make out the color of the text.  Both have amazing clarity and magnification capabilities.  

When it came to cutting through mirage, the Zeiss Conquest Gavia 85 had a slight advantage over the Athlon Cronus G2, which provided a more clear and precise picture.  However, the difference was just too miniscule to not be incredibly impressed with the Athlon Cronus G2 which is priced at just $999.99, while the Zeiss Conquest Gavia retails at $1999.99.

Since the performance was so close together, if you are a budget minded buyer looking for the best bang for your buck, the Athlon Cronus G2 checks all the boxes.  If you are looking for that top-tier spotting scope, that gives you that extra edge that most glass can't beat the Zeiss Conquest Gavia is the one for you.

Ultimately, what it comes down to is the individual's preference and budget.  However, based on the price point and clarity test that I was able to perform on a blue bird sky day, with 60% humidity, and at 85 degrees Fahrenheit, in open terrain conditions.  I would highly recommend the Athlon Cronus G2 UHD as a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing quality.

Stay tuned for the color test results, as I continue to explore features and capabilities of these amazing spotting scopes

-Eric Briggs

Everyone wants the easy button and the industry has listened. Scope manufacturers have designed series of scopes known as BDC or Bullet Drop Compensation Reticles to accommodate the easy button request of shooters.  

The idea is that the reticle inside the scope already has Bullet Drop built in it, so just pick up the rifle and shoot your target at given distance. Rimfire BDC scopes are some of the most common scopes in the world. Everyone has an old 22LR sitting in the closet or in the gun safe and it would be so handy if a scope did all the work for you. Allowing for you to pick up some cheap ammo from the store and hit the range or timber.

Pictured is a Rimfire BDC Reticle here is how you are educated on how to use it. 

• 50 yard target - hold center X and zero your scope.
• 75 yard target - Hold 1st dot down (also known as substitution C1) on target.
• 100 yard target - Hold 2nd dot on target (C2)
• 125 yard target - Hold 3rd dot on target (C3)
• 150 yard target - Hold the location where the Reticle goes from thin to thick (C4)

Wow that is handy and so easy!  But is it a lie.... 

The short answer is No - They are not a lie, but they are very misleading. 
Manufacturers have to make products that fit the masses. They can't make one-off scopes for each person with their pick of ammo and gun combo that is out there in the world. So they have compiled data on what is the most common ballistic performance of 22's on the market and developed their reticles to get you in the ball park. 

There is a high likelihood that your BDC Reticle is lying to you. Here why - 

1. Second Focal Plane Scope- BDC scopes usually come exclusively in "SFP" scope designs. This means that the Reticle stays the same size inside your scope no matter what magnification you are at. That translates to your Subtensions  will have different values. In your user manual of the scope you will see where they will tell you the operating magnification of the scope. Example - If you have a 4-12x power scope the manufacturer may say the working reticle magnification is 12x. Meaning the BDC Drop Values only pertain when the scope is on that set power. 
2. Velocity & Bullet Weight - If you don't use the same ammunition,  barrel length  and environment they tested with the subtensions will not hold true.  In the image above it states that for this reticle to work you need a Muzzle Velocity of 1,250 FPS. Bullet weight - this is an assumption  of the shooter. Most 22LR Ammo is 40gr. We can only assume this is a requirement of this  scope. If you don't meet these exact specs this reticle is a lie and it will not work as advertised. 

Do I need to throw away my Rimfire BDC? 
 NO! It still can be used and used effectively. 

Here is how the above BDC Rimfire Reticle performed on one of our CZ457 Varmint Rifles, 20.5 inch barrel.  Using SK Standard Plus 40gr 22LR Ammo at the factory prescribed scope magnification.  

• 50 Yard Zero 
• Subtension 1 (C1) - 68 Yard Target Vs 75 yards from Chart
• Subtension 2 (C2) - 89 Yard Target  Vs 100 yards from Chart 
• Subtension 3 (C3) - 110 Yard Target  Vs 125 yards from Chart
• Subtension 4 (C4) - 132 Yard Target  Vs 150 yards from Chart

As you can see if we would have just take the values given to us from the manual we would would never be able to properly engage the target with our Gun and Ammo combo if we wouldn't have tested out real life performance. 

In the world of shooting nothing is more difficult when you get started than figuring out what scope is best for you.  When it comes to Base Class shooting we have selected some of the top Titan's in the shooting world that you will see out there at matches to put side by side and see how they stack. 

To start lets lay down the criteria of why we picked these scopes. 

1. Under $750 MSRP
2. First Focal Plane Reticle 
3. Tactical Reticle 
4. USA Based Company 
5. Lifetime Warranty 
6. Readily Available In the Market Space 

Now that's out of the way lets jump into the weeds. 

Best Reticle Design -The Helos really steps up with the Best Reticle Design of the three with it's  Floating Crosshairs design. Below 10x The Helos and Argos are a superior reticle, as they are easy to read from minimum to maximum magnification. Once the Diamondback Tactical (DB TAC) gets to about 12x it's fine reticle starts to hold it's own. As we reach the 20x plus mark the DB TAC really starts to shine and be the best.  The Helos and Argos get too bold/thick to use efficiently. The Argos's sweet spot is at 18x and the Helos is 20x. When competing in PRS or Hunting I find myself moving my magnification from 8-20x range. I rarely use full magnification unless spotting something for a visual. 

Helos - Had the best Turret Design with locking beefy over sized turrets. I was just at a match last month where the rifle had to be grounded to start. When the buzzer started I reached down to grab my rifle and hit my windage turret unknowingly. Causing for a very bad start to that stage. If I would have had locking turrets on that rifle it would have saved me some points. The Helos also had the most tactile feel for it's clicks and also the loudest audible click sound. Making it hands down the winner in this category.

DB TAC - The machining of these turrets as my favorite. Short and Fact tactical turrets. awesome feel. The Audible click was great, right off a scope that I would expect to be well over $750.00. The Tactile feel of the turrets was lack luster. It has a mushy front and rear to it's position change. But! When you get the wall for it to click over to the next position it did have a very positive "click" feel when you made the position change. Very good for it's price point bracket.

Argos BTR - Seems to be a great fit for it's price point. The Turrets are easy to use. The thin Base with the over-sized tops makes these turrets the easiest to use while wearing gloves. Something to think about if this will also be used for hunting. The Turrets tactile file was better than the DB TAC. Very Crisp in comparison. Something similar to what you would expect from a $750.00 Scope. While the audible click, it was the worst. Hollow and shallow in sound. What I would expect from a $300.00 Scope.

When staring this section of testing I thought for sure we had a clear winner. The DB TAC had the best clarity when testing from 6x to 12x out to about 100 yards. The Parallax adjustment was smoother and easier to get things into focus. When testing the Helos and Argos they did fine but just not as good as the Vortex did. At this point in time we had our mind settled. The DB TAC was going to walk away with the show. 

Next we changed to testing out to 100 yards with 12x plus magnification. The Higher the magnification the more drastically unforgiving the eyebox became  on the DB TAC. Making it very difficult to hit the sweet spot on the scope. Also as we adjusted the magnification higher the harder it was to adjust the parallax to get a crisp image.  As in all scopes the higher the magnification the less forgiving the eyebox is, but both the Athlon Scopes were more forgiving than the DB TAC. 

Past the 12x Point the Argos and Helos stayed about the same as with ease of use of the parallax adjustment to crisp up the image. No drastic change positive or negative. At the max magnification the Athlon scopes did perform better with parallax adjustment. 

Moving out to 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 Yards everything stayed about the same when comparing the scopes. 600 to 875 yards The Athlon scopes held slightly sharper images. Looking out to 1000 and 1400 yards they looked about the same between all three scopes. You could see the target but very difficult to try to call any impacts. We have shot out with all three scopes to 1000 yards plus and can make it happen no problem. Just make sure you have a good spotting partner. 

On a side note on the magnification rings. Both the Athlon scopes came with built in Throw levers. The DB TAC had a very nice standard style ring. 

In conclusion these are all three great scopes!  Each one earns it's right to be a Titan in the base shooting world. Here are our final thoughts. 

• When comparing the Argos and the Helos if you can afford or fit the upgrade cost into the build we would highly recommend it. Everything that Athlon has done to the Helos is worth the money. Better Turrets, better Reticle, side illumination controls so your hat doesn't hit it. It's all great. 
• When looking at application if you are going over 600 Yards go with either of the Athlon Products. 
• If your application has you under 600 yards and you are going to be running around the 12x area on the scope the Diamond back is the solid choice. 
• If you are looking for a beefy badass tactical  looking scope the Helos is the right pick. 
• If you are looking for a sleek, sexy looking scope the DB TAC gets our vote. Very well designed from front to back. 
• For a do it all scope you can take out hunting and to the range we have a unanimous decision across the team that the Helos BTR with it's over sized locking turrets, easy to read reticle at low magnifications and built in throw lever is the best pick. 
• Best Bang for the Buck has to go to the Argos BTR. Lowest price point and hangs right in there with these three scopes.