Home » Rifle Scopes » Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12x50 IR Rifle Scope Review (Model #AC10056)

Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12x50 IR Rifle Scope Review (Model #AC10056)


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barska 3-12x50 ir huntmaster pro 30-30 ir cross riflescope
Image Credit - Barska

Magnification: 3-12X
Power Variability: Variable
Objective Diameter: 50 mm
Length/Weight/Tube Diameter: 13 inches/21.34 ounces/1 inch
Field of View: 35 - 10 feet/100 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 3.3 inches/16.7 - 5.6 mm
Reticle: 30/30
Adjustment Info: 1/4 MOA/Click
Optics Coatings: Multi-coated
Finish: Black Matte
Waterproof/Shockproof: Yes/Yes
Parallax Setting: Factory-set 100 yards
Airgun rated: No
Illuminated Reticle: Yes
Mounting Rings Included: No

Best Uses: Big Game Hunting, Varmint Hunting, Target Shooting

Barska Huntmaster Pro Scope

This Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12X50 IR rifle scope is an excellent scope for under $100. If you're looking for an illuminated reticle, the most versatile power range, and low light hunting performance out of an affordable rifle scope, then this is it.

Online reviewers have all sorts of high praises for the Huntmaster Pro and they gave it a solid rating with dozens and dozens of people voting in. With such a large reviewer base, the customer satisfaction rate is definitely high.

For all-purpose and general hunting, plinking, and target shooting, this rifle scope is the champ of the lot in our line-up of Barska scope reviews. With plenty of people praising it all over scope forums, the Huntmaster Pro is worth every penny of the roughly $90 it will cost you.

For a rifle scope under $100 you might just be curious as to why it attracts hunters across the nation. Good specs, nice techs, and great glass - that's all there is to it.

Here's the Q&A to see what has your neighbouring hunter turning his head in the Barska direction.

Pros:

  • Price
  • Illuminated reticle
  • Large objective lens
  • Weatherproof
  • Shockproof

Cons:

  • Not for tactical use

Huntmaster Pro 3-12X50 IR Rifle Scope Q&A:

Is the Huntmaster Pro 3 a good rifle scope for low light hunting?

This Barska scope has 50mm multi-coated objective lens that makes it an excellent scope for low light hunting. The large diameter size allows for as much light collection as possible while the multi-coated lens keep out most of the glare and reflections. On top of that, this rifle scope has the IR feature to give you pinpoint accuracy at dusk. Nocturnal critters and night-time predators won't be safe from you now.

What does IR mean?

This Huntmaster Pro rifle scope has Barska's IR technology to help you hunt better when night is nigh. IR stands for Illuminated Red and is the Huntmaster's Pro illuminated option. The illumination control sits on top of the tube between the power ring and the eyepiece. It has 10 different brightness settings to appropriately adjust for the conditions.

What is the 30/30 reticle on the 12x50 Barska Scope?

30-30 IR Cross Reticle
Image Credit - Barska

The 30/30 reticle that is featured on the Huntmaster, this Huntmaster Pro, the AO Varmint, and many other Barska rifle scopes is your simple, straightforward, and all-purpose duplex style reticle.

It's simple, clean, and hunters love the uncluttered look. This Huntmaster Pro rifle scope has the 30/30 IR Cross reticle.

It's the 30/30 reticle with only the center cross that illuminates.

Is this 12x50 IR rifle scope heavy for a carry-around rifle?

This Huntmaster Pro is a great scope for carry-around shooting activities. While it is a little on the heavy end, weighing in at 21.34 ounces, it's only a mere ounce heavier than the above Huntmaster 3-9X50. This scope has 3-12X power and even a whole other illumination control turret with an included CR2032 3V Lithium Battery. For the sake of argument, all the extras it has over the former rifle scope makes its weight a non-issue.

Sale
BARSKA 3-12x50 IR Huntmaster Pro 30/30 IR Cross Riflescope, Black
  • Ideal rifle-scope when lighting conditions are less than ideal, combining advanced optic technology
  • Fast-focus eye bell, large objective lens, and multi-coated optics deliver clear, high-contrast downrange views

Can you see the turrets and power ring easily on the Huntmaster Pro 3?

The design of the Huntmaster series sports a clunky look about it. The illuminated control turret is taller than the elevation turret and completely blocks the view. The large and bulky eyepiece tubing completely overwhelms the power ring, forcing you to leave your sight picture to use it. The build may not be as user-friendly as it could be.

What is the eye relief on the 12x50 Huntmaster Pro?

This Barska rifle scope has a very short eye relief of 2.7 inches. That's a heck of a lot shorter than most rifle scopes made for heavy caliber rifles where eye relief is somewhere between 3 to 6 inches. Whether or not it's an issue for you, you'll need to make that call for comfort and safety's sake. If you already know you want a scope with more eye relief, check out some of our other rifle scope reviews here.

Is the Huntmaster Pro 3 12x50 covered by a warranty?

Yes! Barska covers all of their rifle scopes with their Limited Lifetime Warranty. But, there is a catch-22 - let me explain.

Normally when you send in a scope to be repaired or replaced under warranty, it's typical to pay for the shipping costs, that's no surprise. But, if you pay careful attention to your warranty card that comes in the packaging with the rifle scope, you'll notice there is going to be an additional processing fee attached. Barska doesn't really get into what exactly this fee is for.

It almost makes it seem like having the warranty is redundant if you have to pay a fee to get a full refund, credit, or repair. Either way, with the cost of shipping and the processing fee, it might end up being too bothersome to deal with the warranty in the end. So, if you're in the market for a cheap rifle scope, don't buy this one for its warranty.

Noteworthy Features:

  • Large 50 mm objective lens for strength-performance in low light conditions
  • All-purpose 30/30 duplex reticle for all shooters and hunters
  • Center cross illumination for low light hunting accuracy
  • Multi-coated lenses for bright and clear image quality
  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
  • 1/4 MOA clicks
  • Backed by Barska's Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Verdict on Barska's 12x50 Huntmaster Pro 3

According to the bull's-eye, the Barska Huntmaster Pro 3-12X50 IR can help you make some tight groupings. The illuminated reticle is definitely a nice touch. However, the clunky build makes it more than a little difficult to be discreet and stealth during tactical scenarios. Despite this, you could really have some fun out in the field or at the range.

For any odd reason that you feel you wouldn't need an illuminated reticle, the 3-9x50 Huntmaster slashes its price in half to drop the lighted display.

However, if you're still shopping for an IR option, you'll be hard-pressed to find another rifle scope in this price range. Take it from us, this Barska Huntmaster Pro is a deal to steal today.

Further Reading

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Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

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