SCOPES WE LOVE: TRACT TORIC 4-25X50MM REVIEW

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 explore the Toric’s potential for pushing the boundaries of precision rimfire.

Maximum Vertical Adjustment

One crucial aspect for long-range shooting is the scope’s vertical adjustment range. Rimfire cartridges generally have a steeper bullet drop compared to centerfire rifle rounds. 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.

The Toric also includes a multi-rotation zero stop. This feature helps make sure you do not get lost in the rotations when dialing those extreme long range shots. 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 small targets at faraway distances. This enhanced visibility enables precise shot placement for rimfire competition 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 match rimfire ammo, the Toric’s capabilities can be matched with the ballistic performance of rimfire cartridges at extended ranges. With proper knowledge of external ballistics, skilled marksmen can extend 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, a few potential drawbacks need to be considered:

• 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. However, it fits well on full-size rimfire trainer rifles.
• Premium Price Tag: The Toric is a top-of-the-line scope with a price tag reflecting its advanced features, although it is less expensive than several of it’s competitors. This might be a significant investment for a budget rimfire setup, and is more fitting for a competition rifle.
• Overkill for Some 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 a more practical choice.

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. For extreme long-range (ELR) applications, the Toric’s optical quality and magnification can be a game-changer for the serious long-range rimfire or centerfire 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)

This article originally appeared at RimfireAddiction.com.