I do not understand the bad reviews on this product. - Mueller Optics 8-32x44mm Side Focus Tactical Rifle Scope

This is an exceptional long range scope.

I bought this scope for use in load development for two new rifles. Different Powders, Powder Charges, Primers, Bullet Weights, Seating Depths. Basically so I could shoot 300 yards, see the holes in the target, move to the next load, see the .... I prefer 300 yards after a weed out at 100 yards and I used this scope for the entire process on two rifles and calibers. The powder charges were stout since I want the projectiles to carry energy at longer ranges.

The Mueller was just going to be a gimmick scope so I did not have to get up from the shooting bench and take the time to tape over holes several times, and was going to be a load development scope.... if it lasted that long. 150 rounds each of .270Win and then .308Win load development and long range accuracy and it's staying on the .308 permanently! Do I need 32X? No, not usually. I can hunt with 8 or 10x. However, if I want to look out for and avoid spike bucks, now I can!

I have more expensive Brands of scopes on my rifles, but I honestly can not say that I have scopes that are any clearer at 300 yards than this Mueller. That's just because 300 yards is the usual max distance I target shoot. I do have a 600 yard range and will update this when I get a chance to test this with some rounds at double the range.

Are there features that I wish it incorporated?
1.) Locking turret: however, if you re-zero the turret this should not be an issue
2.) IR: yes, for those legal dusk shots that you need reticle contrast against the quarry. At this price point I am not going to complain.

Weaver 30mm Rail Mount Low rings give good clearance with Bull barrel rifles.

If you know how to correctly mount a scope, have the proper diopter correction, and have the proper eye alignment with the focal axis of the scope (use proper height rings for your cheek weld to the rifle), then this Mueller Scope will give an excellent view of the target throughout the 8x to 32x focus range. It will "Mirage" in high heat/humidity but all the high end riflescopes will also do this mirage effect in such conditions. It's not the scope, it's Physics.

This is really an exceptional rifle scope.