All About the Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane: Start Here
For a seasoned gear specialist with over a decade immersed in diverse environments – from the biting winds of outdoor expeditions to the sterile precision of laboratories and the rugged demands of field work – the pursuit of reliable optical instruments is an ongoing quest. My search for a long-range hunting scope led me to the Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane. This optic promised enhanced accuracy for distance shooting, a claim that immediately piqued my interest, given the often-compromised performance of lesser scopes at extended ranges. It arrived as a replacement for a scope that, while serviceable for medium distances, struggled with clarity and consistent tracking when the stakes – and yardages – got higher. My initial impressions were positive; the scope felt robust and well-constructed, with a pleasing heft that suggested quality materials. While I briefly considered other high-magnification options, Huskemaw’s unique approach to turret customization set it apart. The unboxing was straightforward, revealing a scope that exuded a sense of purpose-built utility, offering a quiet confidence that it could meet the challenges ahead.
Real-World Testing: Putting the Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial field tests took place at my local long-range shooting range, pushing targets out to 600 and 800 yards on a crisp autumn morning. The Huskemaw optic performed admirably, delivering sharp, clear images even at its maximum 20x magnification, which is crucial for spotting impacts and making precise adjustments. The Huntsmart reticle proved intuitive for holdovers, and the ability to order a customized RFBC turret based on my rifle and caliber was a significant draw, promising a level of dialed-in accuracy I hadn’t experienced before. Adjusting the parallax knob on the side offered a smooth, tactile experience, and I was able to quickly dial in a clear sight picture. There were no immediate issues or surprises, just a steady progression towards better accuracy as I familiarized myself with the scope’s mechanics.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of the following hunting season and several more range days, the Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane has become an indispensable part of my long-range setup. Its water-resistant, fogproof, and shockproof construction held up without a hitch through light rain and jarring recoil from magnum cartridges. The adjustable zero stop feature was invaluable for quickly returning to my zero, ensuring repeatable accuracy shot after shot. The heavy-duty one-piece aircraft aluminum body shows no signs of wear or degradation, and the lenses remain crystal clear, resisting smudges and scratches even after being mounted on multiple rifles. Maintenance has been minimal, primarily consisting of occasional lens cleaning and ensuring the mounting rings remain secure, a testament to its robust build. Compared to other scopes in its class, this Huskemaw has consistently outperformed budget options and held its own against more established premium brands, particularly in its tracking consistency and optical clarity at extreme ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of the Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane
Specifications
The Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane is built upon a solid foundation of thoughtful engineering and durable materials. Its 5-20x magnification range offers impressive versatility, allowing for effective target acquisition at closer distances while providing the necessary power for precise shots at 800 yards and beyond. The 50mm objective lens contributes to excellent light gathering, crucial for dawn and dusk hunting scenarios, and provides a linear field of view of 5.2 – 17.9 ft at 100 yds, which is respectable for its magnification class. The 30mm tube diameter offers greater internal adjustment range compared to 1-inch tubes, allowing for more extensive sight-in capabilities.
Its Second Focal Plane (SFP) design means the reticle size remains constant regardless of magnification, which is ideal for hunting where quick target acquisition and holdovers at various ranges are critical. The reticle itself is a Huntsmart Reticle, designed with drop compensation elements that, when paired with the custom turret, offer exceptional accuracy. The exit pupil ranges from 10 mm at 5x to 2.5 mm at 20x, a typical range for this type of optic. The scope boasts a 4-inch eye relief, providing a comfortable margin of safety from bolt-kick, especially when firing heavier recoiling cartridges.
Weighing in at 26.6 oz, it’s a substantial optic but not overly burdensome for a hunting rifle. The adjustment click value of 0.333 MOA (approximately 1/3 MOA) is standard and allows for fine-tuning. The total length is 13.56 inches, fitting well on most rifle platforms. Adjustment is done via MOA turrets with tactile clicks, and the side parallax adjustment allows for sharp focus from 10 yards to infinity. The non-illuminated reticle simplifies operation and conserves battery life, though an illuminated option might be appreciated by some. The matte finish is non-reflective, which is essential for camouflage in the field. The scope is constructed with a heavy-duty one-piece aircraft aluminum body, ensuring exceptional durability and recoil resistance. Internally, grooved and bedded lenses with proprietary adhesive further enhance its ability to withstand heavy recoil.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of any long-range scope is to deliver clear, magnified images and to allow for precise adjustments to hit targets at extended distances. The Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane excels in this regard. The optical clarity is superb across the magnification range, with minimal chromatic aberration and excellent edge-to-edge sharpness. The TrueBC drop compensation feature, when utilized with a custom turret, transforms this optic from a standard scope into a ballistics solution. The custom turret I received was perfectly matched to my rifle’s ballistics, allowing me to simply dial the exact yardage and know I was on target.
The titanium turret springs are a standout feature for their durability and consistent return-to-zero capability; after making adjustments and returning the turrets, they always snapped back to their original zero with unwavering precision. This is a critical aspect for serious long-range shooters. The adjustable zero index ring is also a thoughtful addition, allowing for easy re-establishment of the scope’s origin point. One minor weakness I’ve observed, though not significant for its intended use, is that at the extreme lower end of the magnification (5x), the reticle can feel a bit small for very fast target acquisition on close-range, fast-moving game, but this is inherent to SFP scopes of this magnification. However, for its intended purpose of long-distance hunting, it performs exceptionally well, exceeding expectations for reliability and accuracy.
Design & Ergonomics
Huskemaw has clearly prioritized ruggedness and functionality in the design of this scope. The heavy-duty one-piece aircraft aluminum body feels incredibly solid and inspires confidence even when handling it roughly. The matte finish is not only practical for reducing glare but also has a pleasant, non-slip texture. The fast-focus eyepiece allows for quick sight picture acquisition, and the diopter adjustment is smooth and holds its setting well.
The turrets are well-machined with deep, audible clicks that are easy to feel through gloves. The knurling on the magnification ring and parallax adjustment knob provides excellent grip, even with sweaty hands or in damp conditions. The adjustable parallax knob is strategically placed on the side, making it accessible without breaking shooting position. The glass-etched second focal plane reticle is protected between layers of glass, providing superior durability compared to wire reticles. While the design is primarily functional, there’s an undeniable aesthetic appeal to its robust build, suggesting it’s built to endure.
Durability & Maintenance
This scope is built for the long haul. The shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof construction means it can handle the abuses of hunting and rigorous use. After multiple seasons of being mounted on rifles, subjected to jarring recoils, and exposed to various weather conditions, there are no signs of internal fogging, lens damage, or structural compromise. The materials used, from the aircraft-grade aluminum to the high-quality glass, speak to a commitment to longevity.
Maintenance is refreshingly simple. Regular lens cleaning with a microfiber cloth and appropriate lens cleaner is sufficient. Ensuring the mounting system is secure is also important, but the scope itself requires little in the way of specialized care. The titanium turret springs are particularly noteworthy for their resistance to wear and fatigue, suggesting that turret tracking will remain consistent for years to come. I haven’t encountered any specific failure points, which is a strong indicator of its robust design and manufacturing quality.
Accessories and Customization Options
The standout accessory for the Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane is its customized RFBC turret. This isn’t a generic accessory; it’s a bespoke solution tailored to your specific rifle, caliber, ammunition, and intended shooting distances. Ordering this involves submitting detailed ballistics information, and Huskemaw crafts a turret with engraved yardage markers that directly correspond to your load’s trajectory. This level of customization is what truly elevates this optic beyond the ordinary.
Beyond the custom turret, the scope comes ready to mount, typically requiring standard 30mm scope rings. While no other specific accessories are included in the core package, Huskemaw offers options like scope covers to protect the lenses when not in use. The scope is designed to integrate seamlessly with standard mounting hardware, ensuring compatibility with most rifle platforms. The patented RFBC system and the Huntsmart reticle are core features that, when combined with the custom turret, unlock the scope’s full potential.
Pros and Cons of the Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane
Pros
- Exceptional optical clarity across the entire magnification range, with bright and sharp images.
- Rugged and durable construction, featuring a heavy-duty one-piece aircraft aluminum body that is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- Customized RFBC turret system offers unparalleled accuracy for long-range shooting by providing precise ballistic compensation.
- Adjustable zero stop and titanium turret springs ensure reliable return-to-zero and consistent tracking.
- Huntsmart reticle is well-designed for holdovers and ranging, especially when paired with the custom turret.
- Side parallax adjustment provides clear focus from close range to extreme distances.
Cons
- The price point is substantial, placing it in the premium category and requiring a significant investment.
- The Huntsmart reticle is non-illuminated, which might be a drawback for some users in very low light conditions.
- Second Focal Plane (SFP) design means the reticle subtensions change with magnification, which is typical but can be a minor inconvenience for some ranging applications.
Who Should Buy the Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane?
This scope is an ideal choice for serious long-range hunters and precision shooters who demand the utmost accuracy and reliability at extended distances. If you frequently shoot beyond 500 yards and want a dialed-in solution for your specific rifle and ammunition, this optic is an excellent investment. It’s particularly well-suited for hunters who encounter challenging shooting scenarios where a single, precise shot is paramount, such as elk hunting in open country or pronghorn stalking in wide-open plains.
Conversely, this scope might be overkill for those primarily engaged in close-quarters shooting or hunting where rapid target acquisition at 100 yards or less is the norm. Individuals on a tighter budget who need a competent magnification range but don’t require the extreme distance precision offered by custom turrets might find less expensive alternatives sufficient. For optimal performance, I would highly recommend pairing this scope with a solid mounting system and ensuring you have accurate ballistic data for your chosen ammunition to fully leverage the custom turret’s capabilities.
Conclusion on the Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane
The Huskemaw Blue Diamond 5-20x50mm Rifle Scope, 30mm Tube, Second Focal Plane is a precision instrument engineered for those who push the boundaries of shooting distance. Its combination of superb optical quality, rugged construction, and, most importantly, its groundbreaking customized RFBC turret system, sets it apart in the competitive optics market. The clarity at 20x magnification is exceptional, and the ability to dial precisely to your specific load’s trajectory at extended ranges is a game-changer for hunting accuracy. While the investment is significant, the value derived from repeatable, dialed-in accuracy at distances previously considered prohibitive makes it a worthwhile endeavor for dedicated shooters. I would wholeheartedly recommend this scope to any serious long-range hunter or precision rifleman who values accuracy and reliability above all else, provided they are prepared to invest in a system that truly unlocks their rifle’s potential.