Alison Hall of Tradition Firearms asked us to review one of their inexpensive scopes along with their Vortek StrikerFire muzzleloader. We told her that we had lots of scopes that we could put on the rifle, but we'd be happy to take a look at theirs.

When we say that we have lots of scopes, that is an understatement. They range from an assortment of BSAs, Leupolds and Nikons to our 12-42x Nightforce competition scopes. There is no shortage of scopes in our house!

That said, Jim was pleasantly surprised to receive the Traditions 3-9x40 muzzleloader scope. It was exactly the kind of scope to which he is partial.

By that I mean Jim doesn't really like all the bells and whistles that so many scopes are fitted with today. He grew up when a scopes only job was to magnify the target and provide a simple aiming point, making it easier to deliver a clean shot. To this day, he still refers to the reticles (Duplex or otherwise) as crosshairs.

Because I am quite a bit younger than Jim, I like the new technology of range finding and illuminated reticles, but Jim? I am still trying to teach him how to use his Android 4G phone. On more than one occasion he has threatened to go back to his flip-top push-button phone.

Now, don't get me wrong, he has embraced a lot of new technology. When it comes to computers, he is a whiz with his 64-bit machine. However, for hunting, he likes to keep it simple. (A wise and experienced man. -Editor)

In his words, "This scope does what a riflescope is supposed to do. It magnifies the target and makes it possible for me to make a good clean shot. I don't need anything else!"

To state that he likes this scope is an understatement. It appears to be a solid, well-made piece of equipment with good mounting latitude. The 1/4 MOA elevation and windage adjustments are positive and easy to use, although the maximum adjustment range is more limited than most. The ocular features Euro style fast focus. The optics are clear throughout the magnification range, even at the edges of the field. That is where a lot of economy scopes fail, but not this one.

The rubber eyepiece is a nice feature that many folks take for granted. However, after seeing my poor spouse with half-moon scope cuts over his eye (he tends to crowd the scope), I expect that the rubber eyepiece will save me a lot of steri-strips, particularly considering the scope's rather critical eye position and limited three inch eye relief.

Features and Specifications

• Magnification: 3x-9x
• All-weather high-torque power ring
• Objective lens diameter: 40mm
• Fully multi-coated optics
• Nitrogen filled to prevent internal fogging
• Duplex Reticle
• Field of View at 100 yards: 39 feet
• Eye Relief: 3 inches
• Fast Focus adjustment on Ocular bell
• Fixed 100 yard Parallax Setting
• Click Adjustment Value: 1/4 MOA
• Raised Finger Controls for ease of adjustment
• Internal Adjustment Range: 35 MOA elevation and windage
• Weight: 13.5 ounces
• Tube Diameter: 1 inch
• Length: 12.59 inches
• Waterproof, Shockproof and Fogproof
• 2015 MSRP: $69.95

I doubt that there is another scope on the market that will stand up to the recoil of a .50 caliber muzzleloader and still costs less than $100. If you can find a better scope for the same price, buy it. However, we doubt that you can. For the record, Jim won't give me this scope, he is keeping it for his Vortek StrikerFire rifle.