Monstrum Blackbird 3X Prism Scope

First off; when I review an item I rate it on VALUE...what do you get for what you pay. I do not try to compare a $89 item to a $400+ item, that just isn't reasonable. I own higher cost reflex scopes than this and they are wonderful. BUT they cost so much I just don't want to put that much money into a basic .22 or other plinking firearm. After reading reviews on this brand and model I decide to give one a try. Glad I did. I bought this item and one of their "Marksman" models to try out. Honestly, they are not quite as nice as my much more expensive "brand name" optics. Compared to my Burris R3T's they are a just a bit heavier, but not by much. The reticle is not as "detailed", but it is crystal clear. The optics are much better than I expected on a item at this price point. They are clear with no bad distortion of any sort.One thing I have seen mentioned about this model is the "power". Its rated at 3x but its not that powerful. I checked it against a normal scope and can verify it checks out as 2-1/2 power. My 3x Marksman model checks as having a true 3x but its not as bright and clear as this model so I am OK with the very slight reduction in power. Based on comparing the Marksman 3x-24 to this Blackbird I would say the Blackbird would have the edge overall. Both are good items at their respective price points but I like the Blackbird a bit more for its brightness and a bit better field of view.In conclusion: I think you would be hard pressed to find a better reflex scope for this low price. It built quite well and seems sturdy. It has a lifetime warranty. If you really think you have to have "the best" then go with one of the big name brands and spend many times more than this unit cost. I give it five stars based on performance, solid build and cost.

I tried to mount this prism scope to a muzzle loader that has a weaver scope base - Monstrum said it would fit - it didn't. I order three different picatinny to weaver adapters - all claiming to fit - none of them would. I gave up and mounted monstrum Blackbird 3x prism scope on my A/R with picatinny rail. It fit, however sight distance was very poor even though I mounted as far back as I could, scope also interfered with reaching my charging handle - it worked, but it was tight. I rummaged around in my rejected (3) rail adapters, and found one - "Monstrum Tactical low profile adapter"- that raised the scope a 1/2" and allowed me to set the eye piece about 1 1/2" closer to my eye giving me a full sight picture, and allowing me to easily work my A/R charging handle. I tightened it down, and headed out to the range. I had checked the red/green/black circle dot. I had laser bore sighted in, and my first 3 shots were 12" high and a little right. following the instructions in the tiny manual ( its okay I don't need instructions in 3 languages) I walked 5 - 3 shot groups down to a tight knot on the bullseye at 50 yards. The center dot covered the 1" diamond bull, but I had a clear sight ring. Read the "Adjusting The Sight" instuctions carefully - left puts bullet hole right / up puts bullet hole down. The adjustment clicks are faint (especially on a public range) and barely felt. I tried my green then red circle dot - got only black- I adjusted brightness thru all levels of Grn/Red- still only black. I figured maybe I had left the illumination on and the battery went dead (this would be a Con) more expensive scopes have shake awake feature. But these batteries are readily available at convenience stores, and Monstrum included an extra battery. Also the red/grn adjustment dial is a little hard to read as it is on side rather than top of dial. When I got the scope home I discovered the battery was not dead so it was just that neither red or green show up in sunshine (I live and hunt in AZ desert) I think this feature will work better on dreary days or closer to sun rise and set. Scope did not come with lens caps - I have a couple ordered - I miked eyepiece and objective lens and I came up 37mm. diameter. Scope appears to have good field of view, eye relief is adaptable with accessory , lens are clear, focus is a little bit of a hassle but it is a fixed magnification scope - so deal with it. Overall, this scope is good value for money.

Who among us hasn't made fun of "Amazon Tactical" and directly mentioned Monstrum as the punchline? Now, I will still make fun of someone sticking a Monstrum on a duty rifle, but, for the right application, these guys seem to make some good stuff. Take the Blackbird, for instance, and consider the situation... it is cold and you've been on station for hours, long before the sun started to throw golden rays over the horizon. You try to hide the breath vapor from your exhalation because the elusive target has just entered the combat zone. You know this target, he is a master of fading into the environment, he is cunning and has avoided numerous traps you set for him, he is fast and seems to slip away almost any time you think you've got him in your crosshairs. Your enemy steals food from the orphans you try to feed and it is not enough to steal the food, he scatters the remains to taunt those little starving birds looking for their next meal. Fortunately, you have upgraded from your simple Aimpoint (or Sig, Holosun, Eotech, or Vortex) red dot and can more clearly see your quarry through the pretty good glass of the 3x prism sight of the Monstrum Blackbird. You unleash the fury of your super high power .22LR, and with the good illumination for the bullseye retical and 3x magnification, that evil squirrel is finally brought to justice.Oh... come on... this is a great optic for clearing varmints... you aren't taking this to fight the Taliban.I like the optic, it has good eye relieft (2-3 inches_ and a good diopter adjustment that works well with my astigmatism. It zeroed quickly with audible clicks and has held for the last 500 rounds. This is sitting on a Mossberg 704 because it seems to be a good match of expectations and capability. The wide sighting rings aren't bad for adjusting range after doing a 50 yard zero. The rings aren't exact, but they give you some good Kentucky windage.All in all... I've spent way more time on this review than I expected but this is a good optic if you use it for the right mission. Want to go to war with some rabbits, squirrels, or other small insurgents? The Blackbird will do you well.