May 6, 2022Delta Optical Stryker 5-50x56mm High Definition Scope Field TestProduct review by James Mock
When it comes to buying rifle scopes, there is an old saying that one should “buy only the best and cry once”. It is generally true that you get what you pay for. We all want to get the best value for our hard-earned money and there are many top-flight riflescopes available to shooters today. These top-tier scopes can cost up to $3000. Do champagne tastes and beer budgets dictate that a second-tier scope is the best choice? The new Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm scope retails for less than $1600.00 A well-known gunsmith said that if someone made a scope with the quality glass found in the Nightforce Competition, the reliable tracking and the ability to hold the point of aim of Kahles, it would be a winner. Both of the above-mentioned scopes have been great to shoot. It would be amazing if one could combine the best features of both scopes and get it at a reasonable price (relatively term). I found one with the Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm long-range scope, currently $1590.00 from SW Optics. I requested the 5X-50X Stryker model with second focal plan (SFP), MOA reticle, and 1/8-MOA adjustments. I shoot 600 yard matches. Here are the specifications and key features:Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm Scope Specifications Magnification 5X-50X
Objective Lens Diameter: 56mm
Tube Diameter: 34mm
Reticle: DLS 3 MOA. Second Focal Plane
Maximum Elevation: 100 m
Maximum Windage: 50 MOA
Eye Relief: 89mm to 100mm
Diopter Range: -2D/+3D
Field of View: 16m @ 5X, 9.5m @50X Parallax Adjustment : 10m to Infinity
Eye Relief: 89mm (3.5) Eye Relief: 89mm (3.5?) to 100mm (3.9)
Length: 333mm (13.1?)
Weight: 1042g (2.3 lbs)
All Reticle Options: DLS-1 & DLS-2 & DLS-3
Warranty: 10 years
Other features: Locking Turrets, Zero Stop and Illumination Dot, Rotation Indicator to both windage & elevation Gen 3 Delta Stryker Long Range Optic
Delta Stryker’s latest Generation 3 scope is shown above. This includes features that were requested by buyers of older generation scopes. This scope has seen many improvements by Delta. The key Gen 3 upgrades include: 1) An indicator to show how many revolutions the turrets were turned; 2) Locking of turrets windage and elevation knobs; and 3) A unique Zero Stop made from brass rather than plastic. 4) MILRAD models now have.05 mills per adjustment clicks; 5) Japanese ED glass with an illuminated 1/10 MOA spot with 11 brightness settings, zero lock Turrets, 1/8 MOA Click values, and a 10-year warranty. This 5X-50X model offers three reticles. The DLS-1, DLS-2 reticles, are MILRAD types. The third DLS-3, which I tested, is a MOA type with each hash mark subtending 1MOA at 40 power.
The markings on the Turrets are large with 10 MOA per Revolution. The subtendance of the center dot is 1/10th MOA. This model’s illumination illuminates only the dot. The Gen 3 includes a sunshade, a hex wrench to adjust zero stop, scope caps and a tab for power ring adjustments. There is also an optional large parallax wheel and a glass lens cover. It comes with a 10-year warranty. It is easy to see how high-quality this knob is when one turns the windage or elevation, parallax or power change knobs. Ball bearings would make all of these adjustments much easier. 56mm is the objective lens. This scope produces a stunning image, comparable or better than scopes that cost twice as much. The image is free from the “black ring”, which many people fear. The adjustments are very, extremely smooth. The clicks are positive and don’t have the backlash that is common in other scopes. This scope is extremely well-thought out and represents one the greatest values available today. DEVA Institute Tests Confirm High light Transmission
Delta engaged the services of Germany’s prestigious DEVA Institute for an independent evaluation. The scope was given a thorough “going-over” by the Deva Institute. It was determined that each lens allowed 98% light transmission, while the whole system allowed 92%. The scope is very durable and withstands 6500 Joules (5054 feet-lbs) of recoil energies. Field Test Results for Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm. Testing began on January 29, 2022. I created a tall target by drawing a vertical line with a level. The line was marked up 25 MOA using 5 MOA hash marks. I set up my rifle (StillerCobra) on the bench, and leveled the scope’s crosshairs. The model I am using has 1 MOA hash marks and a 1/10th MOA floating dots. This reticle can be used for 600- and 1000-yard competitions. The rifle is currently chambered with 6mm PPC. I tested it with N133 and Bart’s Avenger BT bullets. The setup is shown below with a tall target at 100 yards. To ensure that I didn’t skew my results by shooting at a shorter distance, I measured 100 yards using a steel tape. To make sure that I didn’t skew my results by shooting at a greater or lesser distance, I measured 100 yards with a steel tape.
I set up a target with two sighting points, each measuring 25 MOA apart. To get a rough zero, I fired a few rounds with old ammunition and then fired the first sighter. After making adjustments, I fired my first test shot. It hit in the correct spot (inside the lower circle). I then adjusted the elevation by 25 MOA. I fired again, and the bullet impact was very close to my +25 MOA hash mark. I then cranked 25 MOA down and fired. The third test shot was taken in the original circle at the exact same elevation. This confirmed the accuracy and precision of the click values. Below is a picture of the impact when the scope was set to 25 minutes. It is not perfect but it is very good. This scope tracks very well. The image below shows the amazing tracking at 25 minutes.
Today’s final test was one where I tested for shift of aim with power switch. The first two rounds were fired at 40X. I then moved to the next round at 30X, 25X, and 15X. I also had an aiming box that was vertical for each level of magnification. I started with 40X and then moved my point of aim down to the next box as I decreased the magnification level. This was followed by 25X, 30X, and 15X. Excellent Quality Image
Viewed through the Lenses
Delta Optical is based in Poland. It is evident that the company is committed to excellence. The scope’s internal lenses are large and bright, as can be seen in the sight photo. This scope is free from the tunnel effect that creates a black ring around the image. It also has large internal lenses. After all my shooting, I can confirm that this scope passed the tests with flying colors. I have previously stated that other scopes are the best long-range scopes for their value, but I may need to reconsider that statement. The price for a scope with as many features as the Delta Stryker 5-50x56mm is very affordable ($1590.00 at SW Optics). You can find scopes for $1000 less without the same features. My testing will continue, and there will be updates. I would like to thank Mr. Grzegorz Mateosek from Delta Optical. He made it possible to have the scope for testing. Kent Bennett, my shooting partner, commented recently while we were testing various guns at his range that the scope was as clear as any [high magnification optic] he had ever seen. The Delta 5-50x56mm scope is expected to sell well in the USA. Long range shooters will be interested in this scope once they hear about its features and quality. Two USA importers are familiar to me: SW Optics & Equipment in Arizona and EDgun West in California. I predict that this scope will be a great choice for anyone who wants to try it. — GOOD SHOOTING! James Mock
Similar Posts:Tags: Delta 5-50x56mm, Delta Stryker Review, Kahles, Nightforce Competition, Scope Test
