A Rifleman's Optics

My initial interest in Zero Compromise Optic (ZCO) stemmed from the fact they are a local company near me with U.S. operations based in Orofino, Idaho. I had a project involving a long-range precision cartridge/rifle and was looking for a high magnification, top-quality system to aid in achieving maximum accuracy.

Zero Compromise Optic is a riflescope specialist, when it comes to manufacturing, testing and providing practical features. Jeff Huber is the head of sales in the U.S. and was once a member of the Nightforce Optic’s team. He partnered with Austrian optic and

mechanical experts alongside others to start ZCO. All glass and mechanical parts are manufactured in Austria, and then shipped to Orofino for assembly. ZCO was founded in 2018 with the goal of creating the best riflescopes in the world. Every product is extensively tested under extreme conditions before leaving its production facility. ZCO designs products targeted to the precision and long-range community.

The ZC840 offers the company’s highest magnification, the 8-40x 56mm configuration ideal for extreme long-range shooting or assembling tiny groups with something like the Masterpiece Arms Matrix Pro 6mm Dasher chassis rifle used during testing.

My initial experiences included heavily overcast and snowy/blustery conditions. Yet, even after cranking the scope to its highest 40-power magnification, I could not detect the smallest degree of graininess. The edge-to-edge clarity was outstanding and gathered light well. The 56mm objective lens aids with this,

providing exit pupils from 7 to 1.4mm (8 to 40 power). The scope is also based on a 36mm main tube, which helps maximize optical performance and maintain this performance even at extreme ends of the mechanical adjustment. The ZC840 measured 17.3 inches long, weighed 41.4 ounces/2.6 pounds, and is waterproof to 13 feet.

The ZC840 includes exposed locking turrets, including an MRAD elevation adjustment range of 28 mils (15 mils per rotation) and windage adjustment of 12 mils range, applied .1 mil per click. Parallax adjustment is from 10 meters to infinity, and eye relief is greater than 3.5 inches. The field of view ranges from 13.8 to 3.3 feet at 100 meters. The diopter adjustment includes a range of -3 to +2 and the threaded objective accepts M60x0.75 threaded filters and sun shades.

Available reticles now include MOA, MPCT 1X, MPCT 2X, MPCT 3X, Tremor3 and Tremor5, all in the First Focal Plane (FFP). The MPCT 2X tested is the company’s most popular for those looking for a simple but effective “tree-style” reticle. The open center area eliminates target clutter, while the minimal subtensions provide ample .2 mil hold points. The advanced illuminated reticle is powered by a CR2032 lithium coin battery.

Delving into the details tells the real story.

The ZC840 provides 92 percent light transmission, which explains the bright view despite overcast skies. ZCO’s top-grade Austrian glass ensures exceptional resolution, that translates into fine target detail. This isn’t my opinion, as ZCO engineers measured resolution using precision optical testing equipment and found them to be as good or better than the best brands in the industry. ZCO parallax sensitivity was reduced, resulting in sharp viewing without constantly tweaking focus – ZCO said its optical and mechanical system provides about 20 yards of latitude out to 300 yards, while depth of field increases at longer ranges to naturally reduce parallax sensitivity.

The ZC840 exhibited a flat field of view with edge-to-edge clarity. ZCO managed this by utilizing larger lens elements in critical locations. These elements allow optical and mechanical systems to work in harmony to eliminate the fishbowl effect, blurry edges, or a degradation of optical performance when the elevation turret is maxed out. ZCO also utilizes a larger, more generous “eye box” (ocular lens) to make head positioning behind the scope less critical, ensuring greater latitude while mounting the rifle, especially from the awkward shooting positions regularly encountered during PRS-style matches.

Mechanically, ZCO’s system is engineered to stand up to hard knocks. The elevation/windage turret system is unique to ZCO, using a dual-click mechanism with 180-degree opposing roller pins to provide a superior feel. The click mechanisms are made of hardened steel to resist wear, providing tactile/audible clicks for the lifetime of the optic. Turrets pop up/out about 1⁄8 inch to unlock, resulting in a low profile and minimal turret movement during corrections. The turret interfaces are hardened steel to further resist wear.

The erector system consists of a tube with multiple contained lenses. The reticle is secured at the forward-most position where all projected light is focused for the first time making this a First Focal Plane (FFP) scope. The erector lenses include mechanical locks in addition to advanced UV-activated adhesive bonding, making them immune to shock and ensuring zero is maintained following abuse. Erector return springs are held to exacting tolerances to provide uniform pressure through the entire travel range.

The Magnification Change Lever (MLC) selector and diopter adjustment rings include just-right tension, running smoothly without being overly stiff or sloppy. A diopter lock is provided, which allows the direct mounting of popular Tenebraex lens covers.

ZCO packs a lot of features into a single product, including a 36mm main tube to provide superior optical performance, adjustment range and durability, integrated Return 2 Zero (R2Z) elevation turret allowing adjustment to .5 mil below zero, highly visible engraving and wider click spacing, a rotation indicator pin to track elevation, and simple two-screw turret reset. The windage turret will not move past the 180-degree point and cause confusion.

ZCO’s aforementioned AIM (Automatic Illumination Management) system allows red or green illumination to be selected, which can also be disarmed if desired. AIM automatically extinguishes illumination when the scope is tilted past 75 degrees or outside 45 degrees of side-to-side cant. It automatically falls into sleep mode after 3 minutes of inactivity, reactivating instantly with the slightest movement. After 2 hours of inactivity, the illumination system must be manually reactivated – all in the interest of conserving battery life.

After handling every major brand riflescope in the business, ZCO’s ZC840 is unequivocally the best I’ve ever tested. The optics are on par with the very best, and the operating features are second to none. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price reflects this, but for those who demand the very best, you cannot go wrong here.