Q&A Crimson Trace Hardline Pro 4-16x Field Eval

[Formidilosus]

See-

Thread 'Crimson Trace Hardline Pro 4-16x50mm SFP Field Evaluation'

Apr 14, 2025

This is a field evaluation of the Crimson Trace Hardline Pro 4-16x50mm scope. This scope was sent to Ryan Avery for an evaluation.


The scope:








Turrets:

Revolution indicated, .1 mil per click, 5 mils per rev. No zero stop or revolution stop.





Reticle:

Is .2 mils per tick on the windage, and .5 mils per rev on the elevation.



Illuminated-

• Formidilosus
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Rifle Scope Field Evaluations

 

[CoHunter1991]

No bad for such a economically priced scope. never heard of them before. How has everyone's experience been with them?

 

[steelheadmike]

I'm pretty happy to see the scope do reasonably well. I've been using the FFP version for about 6 weeks and have ~300 rds through it. Using UM tikka rings, I haven't seen any noticeable zero shift.

The glass isn't perfect and the parallax adjustment at under 100yds seems a little off (might be my eyes) but I've shot it out to 850 with no issue. I really like the reticle. For me, it useable down to 4x. I haven't even turned on the illumination yet but I think I'd have no problem at low zoom and low light with it. The FFP version does have a zero stop.

For the ~$350 I paid, it's been a solid scope that wasn't Made in China. If there has been a knock, it is that the windage isn't capped but that wasn't a big deal to me as there will be times when I want to be able to dial wind.

 

[5811]

https://www.eurooptic.com/crimson-t...50-mr1-mil-30mm-tube-ffp-illuminated-riflesco

if these are reasonably durable, this is an intriguing option for the price.

 

[Halligan]

For the sake of clarity, was this a case like one of the trijicons in which it shot itself back to zero? Saw the one adjustment was made, but seemed as though the 5 immediate rounds after the drops were in the cone of fire.

 

[Formidilosus]

For the sake of clarity, was this a case like one of the trijicons in which it shot itself back to zero? Saw the one adjustment was made, but seemed as though the 5 immediate rounds after the drops were in the cone of fire.

Not sure which Trijicon you are speaking about, but I adjusted down .1 mil after the drops on the Crimson Trace here. And- these are relatively unknown- I wouldn’t generally make any prediction based on din one scope holding zero, but especially when the line as a whole isn’t well vetted.

Overall I wouldn’t use this scope for anything serious from what is seen so far, but it isn’t terrible. Pretty sad that it is significantly better at holding zero right off than basically anything most major brands make- regardless of cost.
It being a SFP means that it won’t get shot for the 3,000 round full eval, but it would be interesting to see if the FFP version is similar.

 

[SirChooCH]

Would it be correct that the non-illuminated / simpler parts scopes would be more robust? I see their simple V plex reticle scopes are $200 and under on amazon

 

[atmat]

No bad for such an economically priced scope. never heard of them before. How has everyone's experience been with them?

I’ve never used their scopes, but they’ve in the laser grip pistol industry for a long time (>10 years).

 

[steelheadmike]

I’ve never used their scopes, but they’ve in the laser grip pistol industry for a long time (>10 years).

I've seen some old info that indicates that they may have taken over production of the Nikon scope line. The 4-16x50 looks eerily similar to the Nikon Black FX1000 scopes and has similar specs.

There are also some parallels with their current line and some of the older nikon models (prostaff, buckmaster, etc).

 

[Halligan]

Not sure which Trijicon you are speaking about, but I adjusted down .1 mil after the drops on the Crimson Trace here. And- these are relatively unknown- I wouldn’t generally make any prediction based on din one scope holding zero, but especially when the line as a whole isn’t well vetted.

Overall I wouldn’t use this scope for anything serious from what is seen so far, but it isn’t terrible. Pretty sad that it is significantly better at holding zero right off than basically anything most major brands make- regardless of cost.
It being a SFP means that it won’t get shot for the 3,000 round full eval, but it would be interesting to see if the FFP version is similar.

Did a double check and it was the credo 3-9 the reset itself with recoil.
If the ffp version performed similarly to this scope and the credo, would it then warrant the full round count? Or does it still fall into gathering more data points to ensure it’s worth it? (I understand the reasoning either way)

 

[Formidilosus]

Did a double check and it was the credo 3-9 the reset itself with recoil.

ah.

If the ffp version performed similarly to this scope and the credo, would it then warrant the full round count? Or does it still fall into gathering more data points to ensure it’s worth it? (I understand the reasoning either way)

Yes. I mean this scope would be good to do the full eval, the problem is it is very time consuming and expensive to do them and doubly so for a scope no one wants to use because it is SFP.

 

[Johnwell]

Would it be correct that the non-illuminated / simpler parts scopes would be more robust? I see their simple V plex reticle scopes are $200 and under on amazon

I don’t think they are the same country of origin. Certain ones are made in Japan (and are presumably better quality), this one looks to be made in the Philippines, and the cheaper ones are made in China.

 

[Scottyboy]

https://www.eurooptic.com/crimson-t...50-mr1-mil-30mm-tube-ffp-illuminated-riflesco

if these are reasonably durable, this is an intriguing option for the price.

I’m extremely tempted to buy one and send it to Ryan if form would test it. On the other hand Rokscope is sorta-kinda around the corner. But if you want to go “halfsies” for the slide I’d put in half for a drop test sample (you keep it when returned)

 

[steelheadmike]

I’m extremely tempted to buy one and send it to Ryan if form would test it. On the other hand Rokscope is sorta-kinda around the corner. But if you want to go “halfsies” for the slide I’d put in half for a drop test sample (you keep it when returned)

I have the FFP version. I have had zero issue with it after 3-400 rds. After seeing the first test, I might be talked into dropping mine (after bear season, of course) or sending it in over the summer.

 

[5811]

I’m extremely tempted to buy one and send it to Ryan if form would test it. On the other hand Rokscope is sorta-kinda around the corner. But if you want to go “halfsies” for the slide I’d put in half for a drop test sample (you keep it when returned)

If @Ryan Avery is willing to test it, I'm game for this. That's a heck of an offer.

 

[letrbuck]

@Ryan Avery and @Formidilosus

First of all, thanks for continuing to do these tests. I know they are expensive and time consuming. This seems like an intriguing option. If FFP version is wanted for an eval, I will buy one and send it in but understand that it might be lower priority in these tests

I suppose it's apples to oranges.But is it correct for me to assume that the more feature-rich model with FFP and zero stop would likely perform worse in a drop test environment?

 

[Formidilosus]

@Ryan Avery and @Formidilosus

First of all, thanks for continuing to do these tests. I know they are expensive and time consuming. This seems like an intriguing option. If FFP version is wanted for an eval, I will buy one and send it in but understand that it might be lower priority in these tests

I suppose it's apples to oranges.But is it correct for me to assume that the more feature-rich model with FFP and zero stop would likely perform worse in a drop test environment?

I’m open to trying a FFP. And I couldn’t say on the difference between the two models other than in general it is supposedly easier to make a more durable scope in SFP versus FFP- at least somewhat.

 

[letrbuck]

If @Ryan Avery is willing to test it, I'm game for this. That's a heck of an offer.

@5811 and @Scottyboy
If you two don't partner on one to send in, I'll purchase one and send it in. Don't want to steal your thunder though

 

[steelheadmike]

Just another data point on the 4-16 FFP after this weekend:

30 miles of paved
35 miles of dirt/gravel road
4 miles of hiking
On/off the pack a number of times.

1st round hit @ 590yds.

 

[RWT]

Guys. Have at it. I purchased the scope Form is testing from a GB dealer due to price and ordered FFP. Have the bar codes and item descriptions #’s printed up as evidence I wanted FFP. The ad , description and item code all stated and matched a FFP scope. They sent me the SFP. I spent 2 months fighting the vendor, GB and my CC company on the invoice. For me this scope has bad connotations.

I’ll never purchase from GB again.

@Form treat this one like a rented mule. As soon as I have it back it will go in for warranty.