Millett is recognized as a base, ring, and sight manufacturer. I've had very good results with their steel Angle-Loc windage adjustable rings on a number of rifles, and have found their rifle rest to be a very handy, economical set of rests to throw in the trunk for a quick trip to the range as well as easy to use for quick set-up cleaning and scope mounting.

Millett's foray in to scopeland began several years back. When I first starting testing Millett scopes I really didn't expect much, but I was wrong. Beautifully packaged in velvet bags, the stamp "Made in China" was one thing I needed to get past. It didn't take me long.

The Buck Gold scopes are bright and clear, just as promised by Millett, at a very reasonable price. The very crisp finger adjustments are confidence inspiring, and the adjustment range is generous. The average eye relief of 3.5 inches is more than adequate for all but the most severe shoulder busting rifles; the quick focus is appreciated as well. The military type coil spring adjustment system suggests a tough scope, and over the last 18 months or so of shooting with them there is nothing to suggest they are not.

The one-piece tube is obviously heavy. More than a few friends have since decided to try their own Millett Buck Golds and all have been pleased, noting that the Milletts' have an accurate power range and commenting that their Buck Golds are distinctly bright scopes.

Millett Buck Gold scopes come with a lifetime warranty. I've had no issues, but one friend had a minor one (that being his power ring was getting increasingly harder to turn) and Millett replaced the scope with a brand new one.

The standard finish is satin black, the standard reticle is a medium plex, and all Buck Gold Scopes include multi-coating. The Millett Buck Gold line of 1" tube scopes includes the following models:

• 2-8x40mm variable
• 3-9x44mm variable
• 3-10x50mm variable
• 3-12x44mm AP variable
• 4-16x44mm AO variable
• 6-24x44mm AO variable

More than a few people have caught on to what a very good value the Millett Buck Gold line really is, and the price has gone up a little bit over the last year or so. At present they can be found discount priced at around $150 including rings, and that remains a tremendous value. To better the Millett Buck Gold as a rugged all-around hunting scope, you'll need to go to at least a Bushnell Elite 3200 series scope. For a noticeable notch better in optical quality, you'll likely need to look at the Sightron SII line.

If there are any negatives concerning the Millett Buck Gold scopes, they are minor. Buck Gold scopes are a little heavy. A Buck Gold 3-9x44 weighs 2 ounces or so more than some competitive scopes, for example, but with its thick wall main tube and 44mm objective, it isn't hard to see where it comes from.

In their highly competitive price bracket, the Millett Buck Gold line is perhaps the best glass for the money. They are scopes without serious shortcomings, and they are worthy of your consideration.