For 25-years Barska has been designing and manufacturing sporting optics for rifle owners around the world. Their long experience and a diverse catalog of scopes have made them a leading brand in the optics industry.
Barska is committed to offering well priced, high-quality optics for their customers. They use innovative technology to manufacture optics that incorporate high-end features for a fraction of the budget.
We have 6 Barska scope reviews in this article as a guide to their wide range of scopes to fit every type of rifle.
The Top 6 Barska Rifle Scopes Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Barska 3-9x42mm IR CONTOUR Riflescope |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Barska 1-4x28mm IR SWAT-AR Rifle Scope |  |
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| 3. Barska 3-9x32mm Plinker-22 Riflescope |  |
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| 4. Barska 6-24x42mm AO Varmint Riflescope |  |
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| 5. Barska 3-12x40mm AO Airgun Riflescope |  |
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| 6. Barska 6.5-20x40mm IR Tactical Scope |  |
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1. Barska 3-9x42mm IR CONTOUR Riflescope — Best Barska Riflescope for Hunting
The Barska 3-9x42mm IR CONTOUR Riflescope is designed for hunters with high performance and innovation in mind. This scope features a 42mm objective lens that offers a good resolution in long-range targeting.
The scope offers 3-9x magnification which can deliver mid-range and long-range shots comfortably although some users have noted some blurriness beyond 5x magnification. It also features 3.9″ long eye relief for comfort in short-range encounters. This scope can be used on crossbows, pistols and AR-style rifles.
It also features an illuminated 30/30 reticle which is a popular reticle for seasoned hunters. The reticle features red/ green illumination with 5 brightness levels for each color for maximum visibility, especially in low light.
Specs
- 3-9x Magnification
- 42mm Objective Lens
- Red/Green Illuminated 30/30 Reticle
- 1″ Tube Diameter
- Weight: 16oz
Pros
- Has a quick installation and sighting
- Red/ green illumination with 5 different brightness levels
- Shockproof to handle high caliber weapons.
- Holds zero very well after multiple rounds
- Mounting rings, scope caps, and lens cloth included
Cons
- Screws on the rings come off loose easily
- Lenses can be blurry especially in high magnification
Though there are no objections as to the accuracy of the scope, clarity of the lens in high power can be a big issue. It also makes a great all-around scope.
Rating: 3.8/5
2. Barska 1-4x28mm IR SWAT-AR Rifle Scope — Best Barska Riflescope for AR-15
The Barska 1-4x28mm IR SWAT-AR Rifle Scope is a tactical riflescope that uses an effective Mil-Dot reticle. The SWAT IR is ideal for law enforcement snipers and extreme long-range target shooters and it is ideal for AR-15 style rifles.
The scope is a one piece 30mm tube construction that allows for wider elevation and windage adjustments. The reticle is illuminated with red/ green and black illumination with adjustable brightness settings. Also features multi coated lenses for brighter and cleaner images and comes with a built-in sunshade to reduce glare.
Specs
- 1-4x Magnification
- 28mm Objective Lens
- Red/Green Illuminated SFP Reticle
- 30mm Tube Diameter
- Weight: 16oz
Pros
- Can withstand sustained heavy recoil without damage
- Illuminated reticle allows for hunting in low light environments
- Good eye relief that is excellent for high caliber AR-15 rifles
- Picatinny cantilever mount and scope caps included
Cons
- Not accurate enough for long-range precision shooting
The SWAT-AR is an advanced optic designed to make for easy targeting. It comes with many excellent features for a budget AR-scope.
Rating: 3.9/5
3. Barska 3-9x32mm Plinker-22 Riflescope — Best Barska Riflescope for Plinking
The Barska 3-9x32mm Plinker-22 Riflescope is designed for plinking and general hunting with a .22 rimfire rifle. Plinking is an informal and fun way to practice target shooting. It also helps inexperienced shooters learn how to use riflescopes and improve their hand/ eye coordination.
The Plinker-22 is a lightweight, 1″ scope that is easy for a beginner to handle. The scope comes built for the rough outdoors with sturdy construction, shockproof and fog proof that makes it durable for long term use.
It features fully multicoated optics for clarity and 0.25-inch fingertip adjustments for every click. It also features a 30/30 reticle to help the shooter easily aim the target. The new shooter also learns range estimation techniques with this reticle.
Specs
- 3-9x Magnification
- 32mm Objective Lens
- 30/30 (Duplex) Reticle
- 1″ Tube Diameter
- Weight: 11.05oz
Pros
- Variable magnification for mid to long-range target practice
- Parallax free at 50 yards
- Finger adjustment turrets that allow for changes with ease
- Has clear optics and durability
- Good for target practice and mid-range hunts
Cons
- POI may change at different magnifications
- Has poor focus at higher magnification settings
- Parallax is not adjustable
The Plinker-22 has some of the best Barska scope reviews in the market. It’s budget-friendly, durable and is clear enough for mid-range shooting. For the basic needs of plinking and the price, this scope does the work it’s supposed to do.
Rating: 4.3/5
4. Barska 6-24x42mm AO Varmint Riflescope — Best Barska Riflescope for Varmint
The Barska 6-24x42mm AO Varmint Riflescope is built for long-range and accurate target hunting. When it comes to varmint hunting, the shooting range changes a lot because they are fast-moving creatures and can be quite unpredictable. The range environment is also not constant so you’ll need a scope that adapts to changes quickly.
The best feature of this scope is its Adjustable Objective for parallax correction. This allows you to set the distance at which the parallax will be error-free. It is necessary to be able to make adjustments, especially at short-range to achieve an accurate shot.
The scope’s generous 42mm objective lens coupled with fully multicoated lenses increase light transmission and offer superior visual clarity. The lens offers better resolution at high magnification for long-distance targeting.
Specs
- 6-24x Magnification
- 42mm Objective Lens
- Mil-Dot Reticle
- 30mm Tube Diameter
- Weight: 20.6oz
Pros
- Adjustable Objective feature which allows for parallax corrections
- Mil-Dot reticle that helps the shooter estimate the range distance
- The adjustable magnification that allows for quick and easy zoom
Cons
- Has a bigger lens which equals more weight
Based on this Barska scope reviews, the Varmint is a low budget long-range scope and is a favorite with long-range shooters. It works well but it’s not as durable as compared to a higher-priced scope.
Rating: 3.7/5
5. Barska 3-12x40mm AO Airgun Riflescope — Best Barska Riflescope for Airguns
The Barska 3-12x40mm AO Airgun Riflescope is designed specially to use on airguns. Airguns have a double reverse recoil which makes it difficult to shoot and can damage your scope.
Barska specially engineered this scope to withstand the reverse recoil of the airgun. It features an adjustable objective to improve accuracy which enables the shooter to adjust for parallax error at a range of between 20 — 200 yards.
For early morning or evening hunts, this scope features a 40mm objective lens and fully multicoated lens that allow for optimal light transmission and reduced glare. The scope also features a variable magnification that is adjustable for mid-range to long-range hunting.
Features a 30/30 reticle that features four thick posts and a thin crosshair will draw the shooter’s eyes to the target. It is an all-purpose reticle for hunting in thick bushes or where the shooter needs precision to make the shot.
Specs
- 3-12x Magnification
- 40mm Objective Lens
- 30/30 Reticle
- 1″ Tube Diameter
- Weight: 18.1oz
Pros
- Variable magnification settings
- Long 4.2″ eye relief
- Capped elevation and windage turrets with 1/4MOA clicks
- SFP reticle ideal for long-range hunting
Cons
- Reticle shifts within the tube after some use
For the price, this scope is just what you’d expect. The glass is clear with minimal distortion and glare and the adjustments are smooth and positive. It is also the least priced scope on our list.
Rating: 3.8/5
6. Barska 6.5-20x40mm IR Tactical Scope — Best Barska Tactical Scope
The Barska 6.5-20x40mm IR Tactical Scope is one of the best precision scopes from Barska. It is designed for use by tactical and distance shooters.
This scope features a fast-focus eyepiece that allows for fast diopter settings to suit your eyes for accuracy. A side focus setting allows for the shooter to adjust parallax while behind the scope because it is easily within reach.
It features an illuminated Mil-Dot reticle in the first focal plane. The FFP feature allows the ballistic and range information on the reticle to be accurate. Because of this, it is a favorite for snipers, extreme long-distance shooters, and in recent times, long-range hunters.
The scope’s 1″ tube construction is sealed to prevent humidity that would cause fogging in between the lenses. It also has an inner tube that is locked securely with a coil spring positioned within the casing. This allows the scope to maintain position and settings without adjustments when in action.
Specs
- 5-20x Magnification
- 40mm Objective Lens
- Illuminated Mil-Dot FFP Reticle
- 1″ Tube Diameter
- Weight: 21.87oz
Pros
- FFP reticle for accurate range estimation and POA
- Illuminated reticle for use in low light environments
- Marked turrets allow for easy repeat settings
- Fully multicoated optics deliver clarity, contrast and reduced glare
- Includes 5/8″ mounting rings and scope caps
Cons
- It’s a heavyweight scope
Tactical scopes are designed for long-range use when the target has to be kept in perfect aim. With easy dial adjustments and an FFP reticle, this scope will deliver precision and accuracy in any long-distance engagements.
Rating: 3.5/5
About the Barska Brand
Barska is a worldwide sports optics company that offers an extensive line of precision sports optics and much more. They have an extensive 25 years experience in the design and manufacture of superior quality optics at an affordable price for customers all around the world.
Strong Foundation
The company was formed in 1994 and has its corporate offices, warehouse, and distribution center at Pomona, Southern California. The company has built a strong brand reputation in the outdoor sporting industry.
Versatility
Barska scopes have been the favorite scopes for rifle owners who want the best value for their money. They’ve developed innovations in optical technology to develop a variety of scopes for different types of rifles. The riflescopes are designed to offer clear images and allow for accurate shooting in different environments.
They have an extensive selection of scopes and you can get a suitable model for every type of shooting. They have scopes for serious tactical and long-range shooting and scopes for small animal hunting and big game hunting. If you are a recreational shooting or just beginning, there is a range of scopes suited for every individual.
High Quality
Even though their manufacturers meet the strict quality standards to make superior scopes at an affordable price, some people still have doubts about their quality because they’re manufactured in China.
Warranty
Barska has a strong online presence and customer service is always available through email and phone. Their products have a 21-day limited return for refund policy. Also, they have a manufacturer’s warranty for repair and replacement after the 12-day standard return policy for items bought through their website.
Barska values customer feedback and requests to ensure that its products are among the best in the market. They have a dedicated team that works directly with customers to answer their questions and match scopes to their rifles.
Design
Barska is committed to producing accurate and durable scopes to enhance your shooting activities. Their design experts continuously refine the designs of their scopes to ensure that they are accurate and the most comfortable to use compared to other brands in the market.
Conclusion
As we conclude this Barska scopes review, we can admit that these budget scopes cannot rival much higher priced scopes from other brands. This is especially true in regards to durability. On the other hand, Barska scopes offer a superior optic clarity that is unrivaled even by more expensive scopes.
So, unless you require military-grade precision optics, Barska scopes are the smart and reliable choice for almost any shooting activity that the average person does.
A favorite scope to start with would be the Barska 3-9x42mm IR CONTOUR Riflescope. It comes with features that make it useful for short to long-range hunting activities.
