Blackhound Optics was founded in 2018.  In 2022, Blackhound re-branded with an updated logo and tagline, as well as 4 new product lines which were introduced at the 2022 SHOT Show.  Their new Emerge line of rifle scopes (intended to be the flagship of the Blackhound brand), features premium Japanese HD glass and custom-etched illuminated reticles.  A key feature for all Blackhound rifle scopes is that they are sold as a complete package including mounting rings, leveling bubbles, and torque specs.   I had an opportunity to test out one of the Emerge 3-24X56 optics.

Specifications:

Focal Plane: FFP

Length: 14.25 inches

Weight: 2.2 lbs (~35 oz)

Tube Diameter: 34mm

Eye Relief: 3.5 inches

Parallax Adjustment: 20yds – Infinity

Field of View: 35 ft. @ 3X – 4.5 ft. @ 24X

This scope is fairly compact for its power range. It is a little on the heavy side at 2.2 lbs.  Field of view compares favorably with similarly-priced brands.  For a scope with such a wide magnification range, I was impressed by how little edge-distortion or “fish-eye” effect there was.  The reticle is simply and sensibly designed with half-mil subtensions.

Performance:

I mounted the optic on a Savage .30-06 Ackley rifle that you can read about here.  Testing was performed on a sunny Idaho day with temperatures in the mid-40’s. Rough sight-in was conducted on steel at 200 yds.  It only took about 5 rounds before I was on steel.   5 more rounds on paper and I was point of aim/point of impact holding groups just under 1 MOA.  After confirming zero I experimented with dialing and holding out to 300 yards at different magnification settings.  The scope and rifle were giving me everything I could expect and then some.

SCORE:

CLARITY 4.5/5:  With Japanese HD glass and minimal edge distortion, I rate clarity fairly high on this scope.  At the highest magnification setting, there was a little resolution loss (which all scopes do to some extent).  Sure you can get better glass – but not at this price,  and realistically very few shooters can distinguish the difference enough to have an effect on target.

FEATURES: 4.5/5: This scope comes with quality rings, a sunshade/ARD, flip-up caps and tools.  The magnification knob has a built-in assist lever.  It is a thoughtful design that is ready to go out of the box.

ILLUMINATION 4/5: The illuminated reticle is clear without the “blooming” or glare that is found in some scopes.  The “off” positions between illumination settings is a quality indicator.  The only thing I wish was that the illumination range was a bit wider, especially on the low end.   For actual low-light shooting, a little illumination goes a long way.

RETICLE 4.5/5: The reticle is simple and usable. It is a “Christmas Tree” style, but not as complex or busy as some other popular reticles.   Given the magnification range, they struck a good balance so it isn’t too thick at high magnification or too thin at low magnification.  It offers full and half-mil subtensions which is enough of a guide for the grand majority of reticle ranging and holdover shooting.

VALUE 5/5: As of the time of writing, this optic MSRP’s for $1,199.99.  That price includes a set of quality rings and other accessories.  This scope is ready to go right out of the box.  I think you are getting more than you are paying for with this scope.

TOTAL: 90%  If you have read any of my previous optics reviews,  you’ll know I’m pretty selective,  I don’t give easy reviews on optics.  There’s a reason for this;  when you invest money on a long-term investment like a precision rifle optic,  you want something that works and delivers a certain quality of user experience.   Blackhound Optics has done that with the Emerge series.  They have made this a very capable scope.  It would be at home on a long-range competition rifle,  precision rimfire, or even a heavier long-range hunting or varmint gun.  As a domestic company located in Tuscon, Arizona, returns and warranties are much easier than with European optics.  I don’t care who makes the scope – it’s a mechanical device that can malfunction or break, the easier it is to get it fixed, the better.  All Blackhound Optics come with a lifetime warranty. If the scope breaks or does not perform, they will make it right. You just need to send in the optic, they will assess if it is repairable, and if not, they will replace it with a new one.  I think it will be worth paying attention to Blackhound Optics.  They are a relatively young company with a great product at affordable prices.

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience with the product.

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