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Are Barska Scopes Any Good? [Honest Opinion]

Dakota Potts | Updated February 22, 2024 | Why You Should Trust Us | How We Earn Money
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Barska is a famous brand in the optics world, known to have it all. From basic to high-end optics and from affordable to pricier options, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re thinking of getting a Barska scope, you may be wondering if it’s a good choice. In the article below, we look at these scopes to help you make an informed purchase.

And after reading this, see our write up on the good LPVO scope brands in 2025.

Are Barska Scopes Any Good?

Well, Barska scopes are mostly considered good quality with an affordable price tag.

The company focuses mainly on entry-level products, and as we know, most entry-level optics also tend to be budget-friendly. The brand has scopes for different types of outdoor enthusiasts, and they’re worth buying every now and then, especially if you’re new to the game.

Barska Company Background

Barska is a global sports optic company headquartered in Pomona, California. The company was founded in 1994, and today, it’s a global brand with vendors in more than 40 different countries. Barska deals with different products, including:

  • Telescopes
  • Microscopes
  • Binoculars
  • Riflescopes
  • Spotting scopes
  • Night vision products

One of the ways that Barska differs from other optic manufacturing companies is that they sell more than optical products. Besides sporting optics products, they also sell tactical gear, metal detectors, lasers and lights, gun safes, and other security products too. Most of their competitors don’t sell such items. (Reference 1: Barska Scopes)

Where Are Barska Scopes Made?

Although Barska has its headquarters and warehouse in the US, the scopes are made in China. While this may surprise some, understand that China is one of the leading countries in the world regarding tech manufacturing. In fact, they’re responsible for the manufacturing of scopes for other leading brand names as well.

Despite where the scopes are made, Barska ensures that the manufacturers adhere to quality standards to meet the needs and functions required of every scope.

Should I Buy a Barska Scope?

Man aiming a rifle with Barska scope

The decision to buy Barska scopes will depend on your preference. There are many people who have bought these scopes and found them satisfactory, while others have to keep looking.

But generally, these scopes are for someone looking for entry-level scopes who doesn’t want to spend too much money. After all, you can get a scope for as low as $50, which is a good start for a beginner.

Even if you’re looking for a scope for long-range hunting, there’s still something for you for as low as $100. And as long as you have realistic expectations regarding performance, you will be just fine.

If you’re unsure whether this scope is right for you, the best way to know is by testing it. You can always use it until you’ve saved up enough cash to purchase from other brands you’ve been looking at.

And who knows, maybe after a couple of months with the Barska scope, they’ll have impressed you enough to earn your loyalty. I mean, with such prices, what do you have to lose?

Barska Rifle Scope Reviews

Barska is dedicated to providing reliable and affordable scopes to target shooters, hunters, and tactical fanatics. They have a huge inventory, and figuring out where to start can be overwhelming.

Some of their products are hit-and-miss, and others are a favorite among consumers because of their high clarity, even in low light conditions or long-range hunting. And what’s good is that you won’t be spending a lot of money on these scopes. Take a look at these reviews on a few of their rifle scopes.

BARSKA 3-9×42 Contour Riflescope

This riflescope is equipped with advanced optical technology to help with close to mid-range shooting. It features a dual-color illuminated reticle, allowing you to switch from red to green. You can also regulate the reticle’s brightness based on what you’re comfortable with.

Aside from the rugged construction that makes this scope easy to use, it also has waterproof and fog proof capabilities and comes with useful accessories like a battery, lens caps, mounting rings, and a cleaning cloth.

BARSKA 3-9×32 Plinker-22 Riflescope

This riflescope is the definition of versatile. Although it’s specifically made for .22 rifles, its versatile design makes it compatible with different types of firearms.

It offers sharp optical clarity, making it easier to acquire your target, and the .38 dovetail rings make it easy to mount on your weapon.

Barska 3-9×40 Huntmaster Riflescope

This Barska riflescope also employs the latest optical technology, ensuring it can be used in different situations. It’s easy to use and highly reliable, as some users have described it.

It can withstand shock, fog, and water, and its performance is on point.

Spotting Scope Reviews

Barska has a wide range of spotting scopes. Check out these reviews covering a few of them and which to avoid.

Barska spotting scope

Barska WP Tactical with Mil-Cross reticle

This Barska spotting scope is a budget buy. It might not be the best, but it’s pretty affordable. It’s also compact, lightweight, and has a versatile design. 

For the price, you get decent eye relief, and it’s also waterproof and weatherproof. On the downside, the reticles are defective, and buyers get a limited lifetime warranty. These two cons can discourage some users.

Barska 20-60x65mm WP

This scope features multi-coated optics and a BAK4 high-density prism glass. It has a textured rubber body, is fully weatherproof, and comes with a tripod.  

Although it’s pricier, it’s one of Barska’s spotting scopes with a great customer satisfaction rating, and it’s good for most outdoor activities.

My Personal Notes and Findings

Barska Scopes are good but not the best. The quality is okay, and the scopes have several valuable features. If you’re looking for something affordable and entry-level, consider Barska products.

With that said, if you want high-end scopes or are searching for specific requirements, I’d suggest looking into other brands.

For more reading see our posts on where Swampfox Optics are made and where Barska scopes are made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Barska scopes junk?

Barska scopes aren’t junk. They are simply a brand that focuses on budget-friendly products that can be used at an entry level.

Who makes Barska scopes?

Barska scopes are made by their manufacturing partners in China. Although the company has an in-house team of engineers who design the products, various partners and factories are involved in the manufacturing process.

Where are Barska scopes made?

Barska scopes are made in China.

Do Barska Scopes hold zero? 

Barska scopes have the ability to hold zero, but a few consumers have admitted that they can only do that for a few rounds.

References

  1. Barska, About Us. Retrieved from https://www.barska.com/about-us

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