Valiant Zephyr 10×44 SF SIR MilDot Rifle Scope

This is a rifle scope from the "Zephyr" series, which is no longer in production but can still be found on the market in limited quantities.

I found one of the last remaining units at LB com (Joost).
The reticle etched into the glass is called "Mil Dot," but it does not have the described 4-by-6 dots; instead, it has a 4-by-4 pattern of fine dots with a solid central cross, so it is not the floating cross with open spaces in between. The reticle is available in green or red, each with 5 brightness settings illuminated in the center, including the four dots. Between red and green is the off position for turning off the illumination.
This is a sturdy piece of optics weighing 750 grams and, at 37 cm in length, not exactly short.
The range visit also involved the first test with a Cometa Fenix USC GP model in 4.5 mm caliber with gas-operated action.
That is why I had chosen a scope with a non-adjustable magnification factor, which by design will be better able to withstand the heavy, sharp recoil of the gas-operated action, which delivers an estimated energy of 21 joules.

I think the glass is more than just good or fine; I’d even go so far as to call it very good to excellent.
Especially now, with the beautiful light of the spring sun, the budding trees with their emerging colors—alongside the lush greenery and amidst the shadows in the foliage—are easy to appreciate. The image is razor-sharp, with true-to-life colors and strong contrast. New and old masonry, roofs with patches of moss, antennas with rust spots, dandelions hesitantly emerging, blossoms quietly unfolding—everything contributed to offering a multifaceted view of the immediate surroundings.

One of the reasons for discontinuing production of this model/series was that the exposure control, the side focus wheel, and the zeroable and lockable turrets could have been improved.
The focus adjustment is (still) extremely stiff, the reticle illumination adjustment is also quite stubborn, and the turrets provide little feedback when adjusted. The down lock/up unlock function does not produce a clicking sound and also feels unclear. On one turret, there is still a very slight amount of free movement in the lock position.
The 1/4 MOA markings are decent, and the adjustment range—with a total of 70 MOA in both UP/Down and R/L directions—is more than adequate.
When focusing, care must be taken to ensure the battery compartment cover does not rotate along with it.
The eye relief is good; the centering requirement is strict, which also prevents parallax issues by forcing careful “alignment” of the scope. Due to the limited 44 mm diameter of the objective lens, the scope can be mounted quite low, keeping the center of gravity and tilt tendencies in check.
The flip-up protective covers work well.
In short, aside from the improvements made in newer Valiant models, this is a scope I will certainly be able to make good use of.
I would strongly recommend that anyone who comes across this scope give it serious consideration.