We've shared our thoughts on which Scope to go for out of the IOR Terminator and the Delta Stryker when shooting 25-100yds Benchrest.

[WORDS: Shaun Ellis, OPW Director]

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RETICLES

The IOR's MOA SHX-1 reticle, in comparison to both the DLS-2 and DLS-3 reticles of the Delta Stryker, is heavier (not fine) and is designed for use on weighty backgrounds, rather than paper.

There is however no reason why it would not work but with the SHX-1 reticle, there is more going on when compared to the two reticles on the Delta.

One great benefit of the IOR's reticle, albeit not necessarily required for Benchrest, is the fact that it subtends correctly at 1/2 MRAD, MOA and 1/2 MOA when at different magnifications throughout its range; 14.4x, 26x & 52x.

 

[IMAGE: SHX-1, DLS-2, DLS-3 Reticles, respectively.]

 

WEIGHT

The Terminator will certainly work for you but it is quite a lump at around 1300g, whereas the Delta Stryker is 1042g, so you will notice the difference between them.

 

GLASS

The Terminators glass is superb and is made in Schott Glasswerks in Germany, which helps provide superb edge-to-edge clarity.

One of the main differences you tend to see between the Stryker and the Terminator in glass quality is the fact that the Terminator's glass has a higher contrast and generates a slightly darker image.

This does not mean the light gathering is worse but it is the way the glass and multi-coatings generate the image by the time it reaches the Shooter's eye.

The darker image mixed with the superb contrast allows the Shooter to easily pick out the difference between colours when in the field. 

[IMAGE: IOR Terminator 12-52x56 ED SFP Illuminated MOA 1/8 MOA Xtreme Rifle Scope]

 

SUMMARY

Initially looking, the Delta Stryker (or Japanese Scopes in general), tend to look better when free holding due to their easy eye boxes, and bright, white images they produce.

So for Target Shooting they do tend to work very well.

With that being said you have to spend a lot of time with the IOR Terminator (and any other IOR in general) to really get the best performance out of it as you have set it up properly - this is why we brought in the OPW 60 Day SOG.

I recommend the user to shoot a fair bit with the IOR so they can really get to grips with it as there are definitely a few tricks that really make them pop; one is playing with the eyepiece focus or as we say rear focus for the IOR range of optics. This slight change on the diopter on certain days can really transform your IOR's performance. 

As mentioned, what you tend to find with Japanese-built Scopes (Stryker) is the image is a lot brighter and whiter than an IOR, which is more contrast-based and is slightly darker. This does not mean the IOR is worse. It is just the fact that the image is different which may suit different Shooters and Shooting disciplines. 

The IOR's resolution is excellent and this is helped by its rich contrast level.

Personally, I would say for Benchrest Shooting, I would lean towards the Delta Stryker.

[IMAGE: Delta STRYKER Target Ultra ED 5-50x56 HD SFP IR Zero Stop Locking Turret Rifle Scope]