Riton, a US-based optics brand, is well on its way to becoming a household name. Time in the industry has something to do with that; Riton (pronounced RITE-on) has graduated from start-up status. The brand remains strong after weathering changes in ownership and product lines. Lately I’ve had the chance to test Riton’s 5 Tactix scope, one of their premier riflescopes, in varied geographic conditions and in competition. The experience left me pleasantly surprised.
Basics of the 5 Tactix Scope
What is the 5 Tactix? A lot can be assumed based on the name. Riton currently offers riflescopes at four levels of cost and quality, as indicated by an odd-numbered system beginning with one. So “5” indicates better-than-average quality and a price point that’s on the low end of hefty, specifically $959.99 for this scope. The Tactix name is indicative of a scope that can be applied to law enforcement or defensive uses as well as hunting. The 5Tactix has a 30mm aluminum tube and no bell shade on the objective end, lending a tactical appearance. Magnifcation is generously variable, from 1-10x. Riton claims the 1x is a “true” non-magnified look at the world with no loss of visible range.
I mounted the scope with Riton’s Italian-made Contessa quick-detach cantilever mount. The locking mechanism on the bar to attach the mount to a Pic rail is solid. I experienced no problems with this great-looking mount.
5 Tactix Reticle
Looking though the lens, the 5Tactix has a first focal plane 30T reticle with MRAD demarcations which change dramatically in appearance as magnification increases. Especially when using the red illumination feature, the center functions as a literal red dot centered in a capital T-looking reticle. At low magnification, It’s simple and non-distracting for close quarters work or varmint hunting. Since it’s a scope and thus has a tube, a good cheek weld and proper eye relief are necessary as compared to a snappier red dot.
At medium magnification, about 4-6x, elevation and windage hash marks become visible, making it possible to establish holds based on wind and choice of zero. At this level, I find it inviting and easy to “cup” 8-10-inch targets in the U-shaped, clear center of the reticle at medium ranges of 100-300 yards.
Higher magnification levels, say 7-10x, reveal a well-detailed yet not busy elevation tree with the horizontal crosshair marking windage, both utilizing even-numbered milliradian increments with hashmarks marking the measurements between. At maximum magnification, it’s easy to call shots with fine precision when zeroing or target shooting up to 300 yards, The maximum distance I’ve taken on with this scope is 575 yards. It definitely brings targets not visible to the human eye into clear view. I find the first focal plane reticle very clear and easy to use at high magnification as well.
Testing Riton’s 5 Tactix Scope in the Field
Run & Gun
To test this scope and myself too, I entered a four-mile “run and gun” competition in west Texas. These fun events represent an excellent test of gear, fitness, and marksmanship. They are mostly found in west and southern Texas, where expanses of private property and a thriving gun market provide venues and interest. Rules and formats vary according to the organizers’ viewpoint, i.e., some prohibit bipod use, but the general format is a four- to seven-mile track with about one shooting station per mile, each with a 90- to 180-second time limit. Final scores are based on a combination of overall time and accuracy and/or completion of each stage. Competitors must carry all ammunition and gear, including water, receiving no material assistance on the way. Most competitions do allow for teams or pairs to travel together, though.
What’s a Run & Gun?
Run and gun events are what got me hooked on shooting an AR-15. Since my first one in 2009 I’ve accumulated a few injuries and a few pounds. My apparently fragile ego took a several-year break after it became clear that my running days were over. With intent to just enjoy the day, I finally enrolled as a walking (AKA non-competitive) participant in a four-mile run and gun hosted by Mesquite Tactical Maneuvers.
4N Ridgeview Ranch hosted the Knickerbocker Run & Gun near the town of Knickerbocker, Texas. It’s a 3,000+-acre exotic game ranch. Like most of the region’s terrain, it has gentle hills strewn with fist- to shoebox-sized angular rocks. The organizers created a great series of shooting exercises, joined by a path marked by flagging on bushes, occasionally using ranch roads which provided respite from ankle-twisting rocks. My initial load-out of chest rig with 70 rounds of 9mm and 140 rounds of 5.56 ammo, plus water, a phone that doubled as stopwatch when waiting my turn was necessary, and a Camelback for water, plus pistol and slinged rifle, weighed just under 20 pounds.
My Choice of Zero
A 300-yard zero was chosen for the 5 Tactix for this event, representing a chance to utilize minimal holdover at the 400- 625-yd targets, which were single in number but presented in the first shooting station. Knowing better to not use excessive magnification but also wanting to see targets clearly and slightly concerned with how 900 feet lower elevation might affect bullet performance, I approached the station on 9x power. The initial targets, set from 200 to 400 yards, proved to be easy hits using DOPE reminders scribbled on my hand. But the excessive magnification hurt my time, forcing me to search for targets harder than lower magnification would. In retrospect, I should have dialed down a bit upon hearing instructions for the stage. Nevertheless, the 5 Tactix helped me make good first-round hits which were rewarding to see, thanks to a flashing green light hit indicator system by Caldwell.
I found myself using approximately 4.5x magnification on the rest of the course. With many of the targets being around the size of eight inches, most of them black, the illuminated reticle made for precise use of elevation holds when a non-illuminated view would’ve been a bit like wearing a partial blindfold. It’s enjoyable to use illumination when it dials on/off right at the intensity at which it was last used. Riton built an “off” position between every level on this scope; a convenient feature that allows the shooter to focus on shooting and not messing with the knob.
Adjustment Knob Struggle
There’s only one thing I dislike about this scope, minor as it is. The magnification adjustment handle is in the shape of a slab rather than a knob. As such, it’s bulky, and on my AR prevents me from enjoying the full range of magnification as it hits the receiver at the eight o’clock position. So I took it off. Problem solved. The angular design of the magnification dial allows for easy handling anyway.
Though I didn’t come near placing in the event, I left extremely pleased with the 5 Tactix and the satisfaction with having completed a run and gun as a member of the over-50 set. The event organizers and ranch did a great job of running a challenging and enjoyable event, complete with a free lunch, swag items, and a hair-raising unintentional encounter with two bison. (Thankfully, they decided to trot away after a few moments of mutual staring). The 5 Tactix really earned my trust by rewarding the hours spent in preparation for making good hits. At the same time, it is light enough to go across country. It’s a consistent performer that I feel confident using at most any distance, and would be suitable for calibers larger than 5.56 too. Market prices are around $800.
Specifications: Riton 5 Tactix 1-10×24 Riflescope
Magnification: 1-10
Parallax Adjustment: Fixed at 100 yards
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
Focal Plane: First Focal Plane
Lens Coating: Fully Multii-Coated, Full Wide Band, Waterproof Coated, Low Light Enhancement
Reticle: 30T, Illuminated
Field of View at 100 Yards: 105.8 to 10.5 feet
Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
Eye Relief: 3.5 inches
Exit Pupil: Low 7.2mm – High 2.4mm
Click Value at 100 yards: 1/10th MRAD
Adjustment Range: 40 MRAD
Mounting Length: 4.8 inches
Length: 11.81 inches
Weight: 1.8 pounds
Battery: CR2032
Included Accessories: Flip-Up Lens Covers, Lens Cloth, Allen Wrench