AllOutdoor Review – Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm FFP SHR-W (MOA)

What’s the Upsell? What’s the 30 Second Elevator Pitch?

The Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm FFP SHR-W (MOA) is a mid-range model of riflescope as far as price goes with its MSRP benchmarked at $700. We already mentioned how this is an improved value over competing brands because of the Direct-to-Consumer, No Retail Markup business model that Maven employs, but why else should you consider getting this scope and topping off one of your rifles? Here are some additional points that Maven would like you to know about:

• Gas purged Nitrogen
• Exceptionally Clear, Bright, High Contrast Image
• Excellent Color Fidelity
• Phase Correction Coating
• Waterproof and Fog Proof

Reticle Subtensions – Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm FFP SHR-W (MOA)

Once my chosen rifle (Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint in 6.5 Creedmoor) and optic were properly married together, the first thing that is typically tested out at the range are the reticle subtensions. When we look at optics and their reticles in a retail store we make the assumption that if a manufacturer states their subtensions – or the little hashes on a reticle – equal a specific increment like 1 MOA (Minute of Angle), that they do. It would be wonderful if that were true, but unfortunately, it is not true for all scope manufacturers. So, to test that, if you know the “size” that subtension and stadia lines should be in your reticle when looking at them, you can simply look at them at a known size target (one inch squares on paper, etc). If everything matches up like its supposed, you’re good to go! That was exactly the case with the Maven CRS.3.

Tracking – Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm FFP SHR-W (MOA)

The next test to ensure this optic is up to par is to verify it “tracks” correctly. What is meant by this is if you make an adjustment – either windage or elevation – by clicking a fixed amount on your turrets, that should actually pan out on paper. You never want to adjust your elevation say 3 MOA and then an optic does not respond accordingly.

So, to test the tracking I shot a confirmation 5-shot group at 100 yards. Then, I adjusted 5 MOA of elevation up and 5 MOA of windage to the right. Next, I shot a second 5-shot group. Finally, I adjusted back to my original spot by moving 5 MOA of elevation down and 5 MOA of windage to the left. A 3rd and final 5-shot group were sent down range. After wandering down to my target to verify, the scope gave me all of the correct adjustment because I ended up exactly where I had started. It passed the test. I can also state that over the last month whenever I shot with the Maven CRS.3, the scope always responded accordingly. Also, my groups for this tracking test weren’t the tightest or cleanest because I was fighting a gusty day on the range.

Parallax – Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm FFP SHR-W (MOA)

The next test I put the Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm through was to verify its parallax. The parallax of any scope is a very misunderstood property. Most people tend to believe your parallax knob (if any scope offers one) is there to make your image clear. This is an extremely rudimentary way of expressing what your parallax actually accomplishes.

The parallax of any scope is meant to get your reticle and the object you are looking at on the same focal plane. When this is achieved, yes, your image will look more clear, but once again that is an overly simplistic explanation for what is going on. Most parallax knobs will have yardage markers to indicate at what revolution point on the knob you should hopefully hit that “sweet spot” of your reticle and target being on the same focal plane. While the numbers are not always perfect, its a good baseline.

To test your parallax, you can simply look at objects at varying distances, spin your parallax knob to the appropriate distance you are looking at, and if your image becomes crystal clear like one would hope – TA DA! – your parallax is working perfectly. This was once again the case for this optic we are testing here today.

Range Experience – Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm FFP SHR-W (MOA)

Throughout all of these aforementioned tests, the Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm passed and performed with flying colors. Having reviewed and tested Maven products in the past, this did not surprise me one bit; in fact, I expected it. So, how about the intangibles? The perceived glass clarity, the speed at which I could engage targets, and the eye test – how its aesthetic and appearance may look to consumers.

In these less empirical areas, this scope wins as well. It had a very generous eye relief even at 20x magnification. The clarity – even as my barrel started to heat up with a silencer and throw a mirage – continued to be crisp and allow me to shoot tight groups down range.

Speaking of shooting tight groups, a tremendous thank you is in order to Nosler for supporting this review with some of their quality ammunition. In testing, I was firing new Nosler Whitetail Country ammo and I was able to achieve groups anywhere from 1/4″ to 3/4″ when I was only shooting for group size. Even when I did the tracking testing, I got groups of loosely 1″ in size.

• Nosler 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr Solid Base® Whitetail Country Ammunition | MSRP $34.95

Something that isn’t discussed much on Maven’s website is that this riflescope allows you to reset the turrets to zero after the rifle its mounted on has been sighted-in. It is a fairly simple and intuitive process of removing the outer cap to the windage and elevation turrets.

Then, lifting the windage or elevation turret off entirely and resetting it to zero.

Then, if you need to adjust and shoot on the fly – whether it is for a competition, varmint hunting, or otherwise – you have the easy ability to return to zero.

Final Thoughts – Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm FFP SHR-W (MOA)

So, what are my final thoughts on the Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm FFP SHR-W (MOA) riflescope?… Overall, this riflescope – like many of those offered by Maven – punches outside its price-point. There is a lot of value in this optic for it only being retailed at $700. Every test and metric I measured it by, it passed without fail. If you are looking to upgrade your riflescope, this is a great option.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Maven for allowing AllOutdoor and myself the opportunity to try out their Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm FFP SHR-W (MOA) riflescope. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think? Do you believe that the Maven CRS.3 4-20x50mm FFP SHR-W (MOA) riflescope is something worth spending your money on? As always, let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Maven Social Media Channels

• Maven – Website
• Maven – Facebook
• Maven – YouTube