Getting to Know the Protarget
Finding the perfect scope can be a pivotal moment in the shooting experience. It’s the bridge that connects your eye, your firearm, and the distant target. The right optic enhances accuracy, boosts confidence, and elevates the overall enjoyment of target practice or hunting. But, with a sea of options available, sifting through the choices can feel overwhelming, especially when budgets come into play. Enter the Simmons Protarget 3-9×40, a scope that has garnered a reputation as a solid, cost-effective choice for those looking to maximize their time at the range without breaking the bank. This Simmons Protarget 3 9×40 Review aims to provide a comprehensive look at this popular scope, analyzing its features, performance, and overall value proposition. We’ll explore whether it truly delivers on its promises and if it’s the right optic for your needs.
The Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 is designed to offer a versatile magnification range, making it suitable for various shooting distances. The “3-9x” designation means the scope can magnify targets from three to nine times their actual size. This flexibility is a major advantage. At the lower end (3x), you get a wider field of view, which is excellent for quick target acquisition at closer ranges. Cranking it up to 9x allows you to clearly see and engage targets at further distances, providing enhanced precision.
The “40” in the name refers to the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. The objective lens is the front lens, the one that gathers light. A 40mm objective lens provides a decent balance between light gathering capabilities and overall size. It’s large enough to allow for sufficient light transmission, which is crucial for clear image quality, especially in lower light conditions, but it’s not so large as to make the scope overly bulky or heavy.
The Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 generally features a simple, yet effective reticle, typically a Truplex or a variation of it. The Truplex reticle, with its thicker outer posts and a fine center crosshair, is designed to draw your eye to the center quickly. This design facilitates rapid target acquisition, making it useful for a range of shooting activities. The simplicity of the reticle design also makes it easier to learn and use, which is beneficial for both novice and experienced shooters.
The construction of the scope is usually robust, generally featuring a one-piece tube. This design contributes to its durability and can help to maintain a consistent point of impact, even under the stress of recoil. The materials used are chosen to provide a balance of strength and affordability. While it may not have the premium components of high-end optics, the Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 aims to provide a reliable and functional platform for shooting. The scope often comes with adjustments for windage and elevation, typically in MOA (Minute of Angle) increments. MOA adjustments are a common standard in the shooting world, and a scope with such adjustments allows shooters to make precise corrections for bullet drop and wind drift.
Other features may include lens coatings designed to reduce glare and improve light transmission. These coatings play a significant role in enhancing image quality and clarity, ensuring a brighter and more defined view of the target. The scope will usually come with a set of lens caps to protect the lenses from damage and dust, along with rings to mount it on the rifle, offering users everything they need to get started right away.
On the Firing Range: Performance Under Pressure
The true test of any scope is how it performs in the field. The Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 is known for its ease of use. The magnification ring turns smoothly, allowing for quick and easy adjustments. Similarly, the windage and elevation adjustments should have audible clicks that provide tactile feedback, making it easier to dial in your settings.
In terms of image quality, the scope provides a reasonably clear and bright picture, especially at the lower to mid-range magnifications. The fully coated lenses, as mentioned earlier, work to reduce glare and enhance light transmission, which is particularly noticeable in less than ideal lighting conditions. While the glass may not compete with the highest-end optics, it’s certainly adequate for most target shooting purposes, delivering a crisp enough view of the target.
Accuracy is critical, and the Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 typically holds its zero reliably. That means once you’ve sighted it in, the point of impact should remain consistent, shot after shot, even with repeated recoil. The quality of the adjustments, the tube construction, and the overall fit and finish contribute to this capability. The ability to consistently hit the target is crucial for effective shooting.
The eye relief on this scope is generally sufficient, which helps to prevent the “scope eye” that occurs when the shooter’s eye is too close to the eyepiece during recoil. The eye box, the range of eye positions in which you get a full field of view, is also relatively forgiving, meaning you don’t have to be perfectly positioned behind the scope to see the entire image. These factors contribute to a comfortable shooting experience.
Target acquisition, or how quickly and easily you can find and center the target in the crosshairs, is essential for fast and accurate shooting. The simple reticle design contributes to rapid target acquisition. The thicker outer posts guide the eye to the center, making the scope efficient for target shooting. Whether at the range or in the field, a scope that allows you to quickly and confidently identify and engage your targets is a valuable asset.
The overall durability is also an important factor. The scope is designed to handle the recoil from a variety of rifles and the conditions of the outdoor environments. While it is a budget-friendly option, it has generally been rated for its ability to withstand normal use, and is designed to endure many trips to the range or in the field.
The Good and the Not-So-Good
The Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 brings a lot to the table. The greatest strength is the value it provides. It offers an effective magnification range, acceptable image quality, and a solid set of features at a price that’s accessible to a wide range of shooters. It is a budget-friendly option for a first scope or as a secondary optic. Ease of use is another strength. The simple controls, the straightforward reticle, and the reliable adjustments combine to make the scope easy to learn and operate. The Truplex reticle is quick and easy to see, making target acquisition easy for most shooters.
However, there are also some areas where this scope falls short. The image quality, while decent, is not as exceptional as in premium scopes. The glass may not provide the same level of clarity, brightness, and sharpness as found in higher-end options. Additionally, the durability may not be as robust as some of the more expensive models. While the scope can handle normal usage and recoil, it may be more vulnerable to extreme conditions.
Standing Up to the Competition
In the realm of budget-friendly scopes, the Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 faces stiff competition. Other brands offer similar features and performance at comparable prices. Some popular alternatives include other scopes in the Simmons line, as well as offerings from brands like Bushnell and Nikon (depending on specific models and their availability). These alternatives can offer comparable magnification ranges, reticle styles, and often include similar features like adjustable objectives or lens coatings.
When considering a purchase, it’s essential to compare the specs, features, and user reviews of several models. Consider how you plan to use the scope and your budget constraints. The Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 holds its own in the market, offering an excellent balance of performance and value.
What Other Shooters Are Saying
User reviews are generally positive for the Simmons Protarget 3-9×40. Many users emphasize the great value for the price. They highlight the clarity and brightness of the glass, the ease of use, and the consistent performance at the range. They also appreciate the included rings, which eliminate the need for a separate purchase to get started.
Common positive comments focus on the scope’s ability to hold zero, which is a sign of robust construction and reliable adjustments. The reticle design, which is generally seen as easy to see and use, and is popular with both novice and experienced shooters.
Some user reviews also bring up potential drawbacks, such as the quality of the glass when compared to more expensive scopes, or the durability under harsh conditions. Still, given the price point, many users feel that the overall performance outweighs any minor issues. Many users consider the Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 to be an excellent scope for beginners or for those on a budget who still want a good quality optic to enhance their shooting experience.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 offers compelling value for the money. It is a solid choice for recreational shooters, target shooting, and small game hunting. The magnification range is versatile, the image quality is adequate, and the controls are simple and effective.
The scope’s strengths include its budget-friendly price, its ease of use, and its ability to deliver reasonably good performance for the price. It is best suited for those who are new to shooting, or those who are looking for a good value scope that does not compromise too much on features. It is also a great choice for anyone looking for a spare scope or an optic that can be used in a variety of shooting environments. This Simmons Protarget 3 9×40 Review shows that the scope is an excellent option for those who are looking for a quality optic on a budget.
While it may not match the performance of higher-end scopes, the Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 provides a clear, bright picture and reliable accuracy for the price. If you’re seeking an affordable scope that delivers a satisfying shooting experience, the Simmons Protarget 3-9×40 is definitely worth considering.
For up-to-date pricing and availability, it’s always a good idea to check the retailer’s website. Consider what is right for your specific needs, and remember that the Simmons Protarget 3 9×40 Review is a starting point for your final purchasing decision.
