Weaver Grand Slam scopes - Rifleman

Guns Magazine, Oct, 2002 by Dave Anderson

Weaver Grand Slam scopes are designed to be competitive in quality with the better American and European brands but at a lower cost. Introduced in 2000, this line has rapidly earned an excellent reputation. I've done considerable shooting with two samples, a 6-20x40 and a 3-10x40.

Both scopes are finished in an attractive, non-reflective matte black. Everything about them--their handsome appearance, their smooth, precise power and focusing adjustments and their solid heft--gives the impression of a quality product. They easily passed the usual dunk/freeze tests.

Actually sticking a scope in a deep freeze isn't a very severe test as most freezers aren't very cold. Try a North Dakota winter at 20 below zero.

Optics are excellent, with low-light performance particularly impressive. Lenses are fully multi-coated for improved clarity. My primitive (but effective) device for testing resolution is a sheet of newspaper with print of varying sizes stapled to a target frame.

With the scoped rifle sitting solidly on a rest, it's easy to check resolution at various distances and under different light conditions. Both center and edge resolution of the Grand Slam optics is exceptionally good.

I own several scopes from top European makers. The European optics appear to have a slight advantage in resolution in low-light conditions, but the margin is extremely small. Of course we don't buy scopes to read newsprint. In terms of ability to identify and aim at a game animal or target there is no practical difference. These Weaver optics are truly impressive.

Micro-Trac Four Point System

When it comes to reliability and durability of sight adjustment, the Weavers take a back seat to none. It's no secret that other top scope makers would dearly love to purchase the rights to Weaver's patented, super-reliable Micro-Trac system. First developed in the '70s for metallic silhouette shooters, the Micro-Trac system has been continually refined.

Adjustment knobs allow the rifle to be sighted in at, say, 100 yards and then reset to zero. The knobs can be easily turned with the fingers (no need for tall, vulnerable target knobs) for those shooters who prefer to dial in elevation and windage for each shot, rather than holding over or using "Kentucky windage."

Adjustments proved to be accurate and repeatable. Dial in four minutes of vertical and two minutes of horizontal adjustment and that is what you get. It's fun to run the groups around the target at will, then set the dials back to zero and be right back at original point of aim.

The 6-20x40 Grand Slam has an adjustable objective lens to allow focusing (from 15 yards to infinity) and eliminate parallax at different ranges. The 6-20x Weaver was fitted first to a Remington 700 VS .22-250, later to a Les Baer .223 rifle. The 3-10x model was fitted to a second upper receiver system in .223 Ackley Improved built by Insight Shooting Systems, Inc., which interchanges on the Les Baer lower receiver. These are three very accurate rifles, with five-shot groups usually running around 1/2 MOA.

Other Features

Adjustment turrets are centered in the straight portion of the scope tube, allowing maximum latitude in mounting. That means they can be fitted to most rifle actions and positioned for comfortable eye relief without having to use special extension rings.

Focus for individual eyesight is easily set by rotating the eyepiece. Power rings (and the objective lens on the 6-20x) are of ribbed, soft rubber construction for a positive grip. Magnification and distance markings are on the rear surfaces of the rings, easily seen by the shooter with the rifle in shooting position. These adjustments turned smoothly even in very cold weather.

Eye relief of the 3-10x scope is 3.5 inches at the lower end of the power range, 3.0 inches at the top. For the 6-20x scope, eye relief is from 3.0 to 2.75 inches. On a rifle with heavy recoil, such as my light .340 Weatherby, I'm happier with a full 4 inches of eye relief, just in case a shot has to be taken at an awkward angle and the eye gets a little too close. However on rifles for which these power ranges are appropriate, eye relief is more than adequate.

Since I wanted the 6-20x scope primarily for target shooting, it was ordered with a fine crosshair/dot reticle that permits very precise aiming on paper in normal light conditions. In dim light or against a cluttered background, this reticle is a bit too fine, at least for my eyes.

If your primary use is hunting, the Truplex Dot reticle would be a better choice. The 3-10x (and all other Grand Slam scopes) has a Truplex reticle (i.e. thick outer/fine center crosshairs).

The Weaver Grand Slam series are first-rate scopes and at current prices they are terrific values. I appreciate quality and don't object to paying a fair price to get it. But getting quality at a price significantly less than the competition is especially satisfying.

SPECIFICATIONS: WEAVER GRAND SLAM SCOPES

                   6-20 x 40           3-10 x 40

Length               14.25 *             11.875 *
Weight             17.75 oz.            13.0 oz.
Eye relief        3.0 to 2.75 *        3.5 to 3.0 *
Field of view     16.5 to 5.25        11.3 to 3.5
               (feet at 100yards)  (feet at 100yards)