The world of long-range shooting has a new contender: the Tract Toric 4-25x50mm scope. This high-powered optic boasts features designed for extreme long-range (ELR) rifle applications. But can its capabilities translate to the realm of long-range rimfire shooting? Let’s dive into the details of the new Toric and explore its potential for pushing the boundaries of rimfire precision.
Increased Vertical Adjustment: A Key for Long-Range Success
One crucial aspect for long-range shooting, particularly with rimfire, is the scope’s vertical adjustment range. The Tract Toric boasts an impressive 47 MILs and 160 MOA (Minute Of Angle) of total elevation adjustment. This translates to significant bullet drop compensation, allowing shooters to dial in their sights for targets at extreme distances. Here’s how the vertical adjustment range benefits long-range rimfire shooters.
- Accommodating Rimfire Ballistics: Rimfire cartridges generally have a steeper bullet drop compared to centerfire rifle rounds. The Toric’s generous vertical adjustment allows shooters to compensate for this drop and hit targets at distances beyond the typical point-blank range of rimfire.
- Multiple Zero Stops: The Toric features a multi-rotation zero-stop system. This allows shooters to set a primary zero for their most frequently used distance and then “dial-up” for longer ranges without losing track of their initial zero setting. This is particularly beneficial for rimfire shooters who might switch between close-range and long-range applications throughout a shooting session.
Optical Clarity: Unveiling the Details
At the heart of the Toric lies Tract’s proprietary Ultra High Definition (UHD) optical system. This translates to exceptional clarity and light transmission, making it easier to acquire targets in low-light conditions. This is particularly beneficial for rimfire shooters, as many varmint hunting opportunities occur during early mornings and late evenings when light is scarce. The UHD system utilizes Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass to minimize color fringing, a common issue that can distort the target image. ED glass ensures a sharp and accurate sight picture, free of distracting color aberrations.
Magnification Prowess
The Toric has an impressive 4-25x magnification range. This allows shooters to see targets in exceptional detail at distances that would be a blur to the naked eye. Imagine a prairie dog at 200 yards appearing as large and clear as if it were just 50 yards away. This magnified view is crucial for precise shot placement on small targets, a hallmark of long-range rimfire shooting.
Reticle Choices: Matching Precision with Preference
The Toric doesn’t skimp on reticle options. It comes in two flavors: MOA ELR and MRAD ELR. Both are glass-etched “Christmas tree” styles, a design favored by long-range shooters for its ability to provide precise holdovers and windage corrections. The “Christmas tree” features a central aiming point surrounded by hashmarks that correspond to specific MOA or MRAD values depending on the chosen reticle. These hashmarks allow shooters to estimate bullet drop and wind drift at various distances, a vital skill for making long-range hits.
Long-Range Rimfire: Pushing Boundaries
While the Toric is undeniably designed for ELR shooting, exceeding the effective range of most rimfire cartridges, it can be a valuable tool for skilled marksmen seeking to push the rimfire platform to its limits. Here’s how the Toric’s features can benefit long-range rimfire applications:
- Small Target Visibility at Extended Distances: The high magnification allows shooters to see minute details on prairie dogs, ground squirrels, or other varmints at faraway distances. This enhanced visibility enables precise shot placement for ethical hunting and target shooting.
- Long-Range Plinking Potential: Rimfire cartridges are known for their affordability. The Toric’s magnification makes long-range plinking on steel targets a fun and challenging option. Shooters can test their marksmanship skills and ballistic knowledge at distances beyond what’s typically achievable with lower-powered scopes.
- Matching Rimfire Ballistics: For highly skilled shooters using high-velocity rimfire loads, the Toric’s capabilities can be matched with the ballistic performance of certain rimfire cartridges at extended ranges. With proper load development, zeroing, and knowledge of external ballistics, skilled marksmen can explore the potential of rimfire cartridges beyond their traditionally perceived limitations.
Potential Drawbacks for Rimfire Use
While the Toric offers unique advantages for specific rimfire applications, some drawbacks need to be considered:
- Scope Size and Weight: The Toric is a substantial scope, designed for extreme long-range and competition shooting. Its size and weight (exceeding 39 ounces) might feel unbalanced on a lightweight rimfire rifle, affecting handling and maneuverability.
- Premium Price Tag: The Toric is a top-of-the-line scope with a price tag reflecting its advanced features. This might be a significant investment for a dedicated rimfire setup, especially considering the affordability of many rimfire rifles themselves.
- Overkill for Some Rimfire Scenarios: For small game hunting or plinking within the typical effective range (typically under 100 yards) of most rimfire cartridges, a lower magnification scope (around 4-12x) would be more practical and offer a wider field of view for faster target acquisition.
Final Thoughts
The Tract Toric 4-25x50mm scope caters to a specific niche in the long-range shooting world. While not necessarily ideal for the average rimfire user, it presents a unique option for those seeking to explore the potential of rimfire cartridges at extended ranges. If budget and rifle weight are secondary concerns, the Toric’s optical quality and magnification can be a game-changer for the serious long-range rimfire enthusiast.
Specifications
- Magnification: 4-25x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50mm
- Eye Relief: 3.6 – 3.8 inches
- Exit Pupil: 12.5-2.0mm
- Field of View (Low Power/High Power): 29.2 / 4.7 feet @ 100 yards
- Reticle Options: MOA ELR or MRAD ELR (glass-etched “Christmas tree” style)
- Optical System: Tract UHD with ED Glass for Low Color Fringing
- Internal Gas Purged: Argon for Fogproof Performance
- Elevation Adjustment: 160 MOA/47 MRAD
- Turret Features: Locking mechanism, Multi-Rotation Zero Stop
- Other Features: Quick Focus Eyepiece, Illuminated Reticle (adjustable intensity), One-Piece Main Body Construction (may vary)
