This article was taken from Airsoft Action.
We're always looking to see what new brands are proving to be popular in our favourite airsoft stores, and we've noticed that WULF Optics are appearing more and more! Offering high levels of build-quality, these magnified optics are tough, cool-looking, and affordable, but do they deliver? Bill quite literally takes a closer look!
I’m going to start things off here by asking the same fundamental question that I always do when I talk about WULF Optics, and that is “do magnified optics add to your performance when you’re playing airsoft, or are they just gear-head accessories to make your RIF look cool and you feel even cooler?” The real answer to this question again, as always in my mind, is it’s a bit of both… personally I do like a GOOD optic as they come with an assured level of performance, and they genuinely do add a certain “something” to your beloved replica rifle!
As a lad, I learned my initial (prone) shooting skills largely on iron sights, and to be honest in most situations and with airsoft engagement distances being what they really are I still tend to use just the sights that are built into the rifle/carbine or flip-ups mounted on the rail, although I do have a bit of a love for holos on my CQB carbines. As my “airsoft tastes” have changed, so too has my opinion of optics on AEGs and GBBRs though; I have never been, or wished to be, an airsoft “sniper” as I honestly don’t have the patience for this role, but I know many who have embraced this style of play to huge effect. It strikes me that even at the engagement distances we play at, the ability to place a precision shot on cue is massively helpful, and for this at even our ranges then you definitely need a good optic.
Most airsoft manufacturers now though seem to have a solid range of different optics, but the concentration for most of us is usually the more “tactical” style given those engagement distances we normally skirmish and play over. As I said, I do like holo and red dot sights (especially the micro RDS that have appeared on the slides of my pistols!), and you might argue that given the realistic shooting range of an airsoft replica, this is really all that’s needed. That said, I have been running various “real deal” magnified optics since I started putting together DMRs and PAMG competition rifles, and I have tried using them on my gas ARs too. I’ve been pretty happy with the results even with some thumping open-bolt reciprocations in play. However, my choice for optics for these builds has largely been “real steel” models, and these have not been cheap buys.
So, there is always a big price/benefit equation to be balanced when you’re deciding whether to go for a dedicated optic from one of the “real steel” companies out there. After speaking to numerous friends in the game and the AA crew, it does appear that choosing real over replica is the choice for many airsoft shooters these days, as we’ve all seen the shortcomings of the “clones and wannabes.” When you’re spending good money on a piece of glass, you want to know it’s going to perform well initially and for a considerable time. The fact that good manufacturers will offer a “No-Quibbles Warranty,” which effectively says they will repair or replace your optic in the event it becomes damaged or defective at no charge to you, means that your outlay is well protected.
Which brings me neatly onto the brand under the spotlight here, and that’s WULF Optics. Designed and developed in the UK by shooters, for shooters, the WULF range has been created by shooting industry insiders and draws upon extensive experience and industry influence to deliver specialist products at every price-point. WULF’s primary aim is outstanding performance in the field, and with scopes, electronics and accessories, all part of their ever-growing range, I’ve seen them finding their way slowly-but-ever-so-surely into airsoft stores. The depth of the design and engineering are clear to see, and the standards of materials and construction are without a doubt first-rate. WULF products are built for serious, professional use in outdoor environments, and the company does not shy away from its commitment to quality.
Coming back to my comment about warranties earlier, the commitment given by WULF speaks for itself; the optics, for example, are covered by a no-quibble Lifetime Warranty. So, this is a brand that could be purpose-built for airsoft!
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING
Before I get into the individual WULF models I’ve been testing, though, I need to take a moment to get some “tech stuff” out of the way. When it comes to discussing the technical workings of scopes, we start to get into terminology like “MOA” and “MRAD,” and I found a neat little article on www.scopesfield.com that pretty much nails things simply and straightforwardly:
“M.O.A. stands for Minutes of Angle; a system based on degrees and minutes. This type of angle measurement is used to calculate the distance to a target and MOA turrets correction for the bullet trajectory. Basically, the math breaks down to this: there are 360 degrees in a circle, and 60 minutes in a degree for a total of 21,600 degrees. You can find your MOA measurement by multiplying the distance in yards by 1.047, then dividing by 100.”
The article goes on to tell us that:
“MRAD stands for milliradians (or MIL for short) and was originally developed for artillery in the late 1800s. It’s still the preferred method for military and police force operations to this day, where you’ll commonly hear it referred to as a MIL-dot reticle. Based on a radial line, a unit of angular measurement that is equal to roughly 57.3 degrees, a milliradian is one thousandth of a radian. When calculating MRAD in a MIL-based scope, you will be calling it MIL, which is 3.6 inches at 100 yards (91.4m using the metric system) equal to 1 MIL.”
Putting this in a nutshell, MOA vs MRAD essentially comes down to whether you use yards or metres. MOA is easier for metres, while for yards, MRAD is the thing. Again, scopesfield.com tells us that:
“Both types are equally successful for long-range shooting depending on how well you know the system you’ll be shooting with. MRAD can be somewhat easier to communicate to others, and 90% of the professionals are using MRAD because there are more options in the MRAD system. MRAD is the standardized system for military and police snipers.”
Why have I gone into this research, and why do I include it here? Simple, really; when you get down to the specifications of the WULF models, you’ll find both MOA and MRAD mentioned. So, I believe that it’s important that you understand the principles and then apply this knowledge to the high standard that the WULF scopes offer. To me, the detail given in this respect in the feature-sets of the scopes shows the real “shooter heritage” that WULF has behind them; these are “real deal” optics that just happen to be perfect for airsoft use!
THE MODELS
With this in mind, I’ll now look in more detail at the models I was sent to test, and I’ll start with the FIREBALL models that are really well-priced but offer superb levels of performance! Split into three magnification ranges starting at a 2-7x32 and headed by a 4-12x50, these quality entry-level optics come with a 1-inch tube, an adjustable objective down to at least 10 metres, a second focal plane half mil-dot reticle, and fully multi-coated crystal lenses that provide the shooter with some super optics choice. Both the models were tested using my CYMA 098A DMR at 60m with .30g VORSK BBs on 300 x 3300mm steels.
WULF Fireball 3-9x40 Half Mil-Dot Reticle Rifle Scope
This optic comes supplied with the WULF Titanium Lifetime Warranty and is absolutely packed with top-tier features at an extremely reasonable price point. Rated for use with all calibers of real steel firearms, even this relatively simple optic will deliver results even on the most savage GBBR! The 3-9x40 offers durable, rugged, and reliable performance through some crystal-clear glass. It’s simple to adjust within the magnification range, so I’m certain that this will prove an absolute godsend for many airsofters on a more limited budget as it enabled me to ring the steels time and again!
Features:
- Covered by Wulf Titanium Lifetime Warranty
- 40mm Objective Lens
- 3-9x Magnification
- 25.4mm Tube Diameter
- Field of View @ 100yds: 38’-11.9’
- 3.42” Eye Relief
- Half Mil-Dot Reticle
- Second Focal Plane
- MRAD Per Click
- 29 MRAD / 98.6 MOA of Adjustment
- 12.4” Long
- 435 Grams
- Parallax: 10 Yards to Infinity
- Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated Crystal Lenses
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Nitrogen Purged
- Waterproof Shockproof Fogproof
- Capped Low Profile Turrets
- All Calibre Rated
WULF Fireball 2-7x32 SFP Half Mil-Dot Reticle Rifle Scope
Again supplied with that awesome Titanium Lifetime Warranty, this scope offers a Second Focal Plane benefit. Simply put, with a first focal plane scope, the size of the reticle will appear to grow or shrink as the scope’s magnification is increased or decreased, whereas with a second focal plane scope, the reticle stays the same size at any magnification range. With the second focal plane, your units of measurement per MOA or MRAD marking (yup, here they are again!) represent the same value regardless of your magnification setting.
A second focal plane scope is more suited for closer-range shooting (yup, airsoft!) because you have a strong and easy-to-see reticle even at the lowest magnification. If you won’t be taking many shots where you need to hold for windage or elevation, a second focal plane scope is more than enough, and the 2-7x32 SFP will not break the bank either! It’s a lovely little optic, again scrupulously put together with a super-clear sight picture… again, it’s easy to adjust, and the reticle is indeed very precise at all magnification levels.
Features:
- Covered by Wulf Titanium Lifetime Warranty
- 32mm Objective Lens
- 2-7x Magnification
- 25.4mm Tube Diameter
- Field of View @ 100yds: 43.2’-13.5’
- 3.7” Eye Relief
- Half Mil-Dot Reticle
- Second Focal Plane
- MRAD Per Click
- 37.5 MRAD / 130 MOA of Adjustment
- 11.3” Long
- Parallax: 5 yards - Infinity
- Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated Crystal Lenses
- Fast Focus Eyepiece
- Nitrogen Purged
- Waterproof Shockproof Fogproof
- Capped Low Profile Turrets
- All Calibre Rated
WULF Hurricane 4.5-18x50 SFP Illuminated Half Mil-Dot Rifle Scope
Just to illustrate that WULF is not all about “budget models though, the final model I was sent for testing would absolutely be the one that I would choose for myself, both for real and replica! The Hurricane models have two-second focal plane magnification ranges (4.5-18x and 6.5-25x) that are equipped with robust 30mm tubes, tactical locking turrets, illuminated half mil-dot reticles with matching 0.1MRAD click values, and side focus down to 10 metres.
I had the 4.5-18x50 SFP model on the range fitted to the VFC M110 SASS GBBR which has been acknowledged as “having a bit of a kick”, and it was tested on .30g VORSK BBs at 50m with 300 x 3300mm steels… and this scope didn’t miss a beat. My test scope came pre-fitted with WULF mounts which are slightly lower than the one-piece QD I normally have in place on this rifle, which meant I couldn’t fit my usual offset RDS, but this was purely down to the mounts and the size of the rear bell over the rail. If you want to run a backup RDS, then I’d suggest that you look to higher mounts, although, of course, this will raise the optic further over the bore.
In use, I loved this scope! Although the objective bell is sizeable, it sits neatly on top of the rifle, and all the controls are extremely easy to use. Windage and elevation are simple, given the clearly marked graduations on the turrets, and the magnification adjustment ring is both smooth and positive. The illumination adjustment is equally smooth, lighting up the super-clear central cross of the reticle in five levels each of red/green brightness. Overall, this is an optic that I know I will regret sending back as “the steels they were a clangin’” all afternoon with this bad boi in place atop the gasser!
Features:
- Covered by Wulf Titanium Lifetime Warranty
- 50mm Objective Lens
- 4.5-18x Magnification
- 30mm Tube Diameter
- Field of View @ 100yds: 27.7’-7.3’
- 3.5” Eye Relief
- Half Mil-Dot Reticle
- Second Focal Plane
- MRAD Per Click
- Highlighted (Red) 10X for Mildot Calculations
- Side Focus down to 10 yards
- 27 MRAD / 92 MOA
- 13.6” Long
- Parallax: 10 yards to Infinity
- XHT Fully Multi-Coated Lenses – Superb high transmission lens coatings help to increase light transmission, resolution, and colour fidelity.
- Speed Focus Eyepiece Diopter
- Nitrogen Purged
- Extreme Wide FOV Optical System
- Waterproof Shockproof Fogproof
- Tactical 0.1 MRAD BDC Locking Turrets
- All Calibre Rated
FINAL THOUGHTS
So, have I come away after testing with a warm and happy feeling towards the WULF sights? Yes, yes, I have. The Fireball models are more (WAY MORE!) than adequate for airsoft use, and I am certain that they will please many an airsofter that wants a quality optic at a REALLY good price either for a DMR or a bolty… or indeed a carbine if that’s your thing. These models will cover off most general skirmish use, and that super warranty means that a spend even at this level is covered! If you want, or are able, to spend a bit more then oh my, the Hurricane is a super scope without a doubt…
The fact of the matter though is that it’s all well and good dressing up your rifle, carbine, or pistol with a great optic like one of the WULF models, but PLEASE do practice and train with your setup to ensure that it really does have the range and accuracy that you think it does! Also, if you buy an optic for a few bucks online don’t expect that to give you the performance you might think it should, as often they are out of kilter before you even start, especially once you factor in the reciprocation of a thumping gas system!
Do buy a good quality optic with a good set of mounts such as a model from WULF described here and learn to work with it; train with it, learn about how optics work (back to MOA and MRAD!), and work out just what range you can tweak from your chosen package. Do by all means buy that “20 buck replica” but realize it ain’t gonna qualify you as a “SEAL Team Shooter and Looter” in the foreseeable future, although it might look kinda cute on your social media page! Buy something sensible and solid like a WULF, and go shoot BBs… accurately!
My thanks go to the team at www.eliteoptical.co.uk for providing the WULF models for me to evaluate; you’ll find WULF Optics now in a number of good airsoft stores in the UK.
This article was taken from Airsoft Action. You can view the original article on their website or by clicking HERE.
EQUIPMENT
WULF Hurricane 4.5-18x50 SFP Illuminated Half Mildot 0.1MRAD Side Focus Locking Turrets Rifle Scope
WULF Hurricane 6.5-25x50 SFP Illuminated Half Mildot 0.1MRAD Side Focus Locking Turrets Rifle Scope
BRANDS
You can view the WULF Optics website by clicking HERE
You can view a range of WULF Optics products at Optics Warehouse by clicking HERE
