This is a review of Tauron 4-16x44 HD MIL FFP Rifle Scope (SCFF-79) from Matthew Vaccaro.
Vector Optics is well known for their top-of-the-line Continental scopes and they have recently refreshed the Tauron (previously Taurus) line of ‘premium’ scopes with new features that make the Tauron class of scopes an excellent value in the scope market.
The new Tauron Gen II HD FFP (SCFF-79 is this 4-16 model) line introduces LaREE HD glass and new scope features such as zero-stop turrets, increased windage and elevation values, new reticles, and parallax down to 10 yards. In addition, the 34mm tube size of the Tauron sets this class of scopes up to introduce plenty of light and clarity paired with the new HD glass.
New Features
The FFP Tauron Gen II is IMO not at all a typical sub-$500 scope. Other competitors such as Primary Arms, Arken, and SwampFox have been releasing much talked about scopes in this price range - as well as the better-known Vortex Venom line of scopes. My interest is to compare this Tauron scope to the Vortex Venom I have on hand because the Venom has been the best budget scope I’ve had under $500 in a long time. The Tauron’s new features over the previous model matched and even surpassed the specs of the Vortex Venom on paper, the most of which was included illumination which is missing in the Venom line.
The 6-level illumination was great to have even at a well-lit indoor range when shooting against black-colored targets. It is not daylight-bright, but the levels are plenty for dusk and dawn shooting if you are using this scope for outdoor use. I did experience a bit of blur/bloom at the highest 6th illum setting above about 12-13x in zoom. The zone of illumination is also small and only the inner cross-shape of the reticle.
On the initial range trip, the scope allowed me to produce a sub-MOA 7-shot group with the very thin VTA-3 MIL reticle. I’ll speak about the glass quality below with some comparison photos vs the Vortex Venom – but the reticle is much thinner on this Tauron scope compared to the Vortex Venom. If you are not used to thin reticles it may be difficult to pick it up on some backgrounds, and at low magnification levels the reticle becomes very small but is still useable.
Glass Quality
I compared the glass vs the Vortex Venom 3-15x44 scope I had on hand. Both scopes are very clear in day light and the Venom line has been applauded for its great glass for the price. The new Gen II Tauron with LaREE HD glass is definitely - in my opinion - equal to or better than the Vortex Venom line as you can see in the images below. The light transmission of the Vector Optics glass is great for this price range. Here you can also see the thickness differences in the included reticles of both scopes on various background colors outdoors.
There is some minor blurring and eye box shadow from the Tauron because of a very tight eye box. If you don’t have your cheek weld perfect for the eye relief, you will find yourself searching for the perfect view through the Tauron’s glass. This isn’t an issue if you are a benchrest or target shooter but may be an issue if you shoot and move or are choosing this scope for shooting matches or PRS with lots of movement. You really do need a perfect cheek weld to make the shadows disappear.
Comparison Photos vs Vortex Venom
The Tauron and Venom scopes are both very similar in size but differ in weight and some cosmetics. The Tauron has an included shark-fin-style throw lever which is very easy to turn. The Vortex Venom does not and needs an external model to be screwed on which can lend itself to coming off or coming loose when bumped.
The turrets on the Tauron are very crisp and provide great feedback in this price range with no mushiness to their feel. Here is a quick video comparing the sound and feel I’ve done for the first time.
The Tauron’s top turret is quite large and tall in comparison vs the Venom and other recently released scopes – even in Vector’s own Continental line. In my personal preference I would like a shallower top turret on a AR that is built for movement competition. IMO they are very much ‘target-style’ due to their height as the Vector website states.
Both scopes have a parallax down to 10yds which is great - but the Tauron includes the additional 6-level illumination knob on the parallax which the Venom line does not.
The Tauron was heavier at 33oz vs the average 29oz of the Venom scope for this magnification range probably due to the 34mm tube and included illumination feature. This is quite heavy for the industry average of about 28oz of most IPVO or MPVO models.
Final Thoughts
With remarkable glass quality and features for the price (currently $250 on sale on the website) the upgraded Tauron scope is a very good value for benchrest and target shooting styles given what I experienced during my range time. As other reviews have mentioned, the Vector Continental line of scopes is their premier product offering if you want lighter weight, even better glass, more PRS and tactical features such as lower profile turrets, and a more forgiving eye box – but the Tauron is still an excellent competitor at its price point.
The Tauron line has very much shaken off the stigma of ‘cheap Chinese scopes’ in this price range and provides an alternative directly from Vector to compete with US-based rebrand models. I am STILL hoping to get my hands on a Continental model as I’ve posted about several times previously - either the 2-12 or the 3-18 - to really try and unseat the Vortex Venom from this AR setup I have now.
Pros:
+Build quality for the price
+Integrated throw lever
+Excellent glass quality
+Illumination
+Adjustable parallax
Cons:
-Illumination bloom
-Weight
-Very tight eye box
-Target turrets
If you are interested in original review, please click here to view all.
