Hands-On: Redfield Revolution 3-9×40 Review

Scope fans everywhere will recognize the Redfield name as one of the legendary Americal rifle scope makers. Unfortunately, not all legends live forever. John Hill Redfield started the Redfield Gunsite Company in Denver, CO, in 1932. In the late 1990s, a series of business, marketing, and manufacturing setbacks effectively ended the company.

Redfield’s ownership followed a winding road, with Leupold finally ending up with the Redfield line. After a brief attempt at reviving Redfield scopes in Leupold’s Beaverton, OR plant, Leupold felt that there were too many cooks in the kitchen and folded all new Redfield models except for the Revolution. As of this writing, the Revolution line is also out of production.

Some vendors have some final production stock of Redfield rifle scopes, but most are sold out. At this point, it is doubtful that Leupold will resume production. If you want a Redfield Revolution, you will want to search for one now. In this review of the Redfield 3-9x40 Revolution, I’ll tell you why I think that might be a good idea and give you a couple of alternatives if you come up empty.

Review Summary

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 with the TAC MOA reticle will deliver the goods to the target in the field or at the range. I consider the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 to be one of the best scopes made at the $200 price point. This scope is a good testament to the quality of Redfield scopes of old and a fitting final chapter (maybe) to the Redfield story.

In a Hurry? Here Are The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 Quick Specs

Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 is an “Every Shooter’s” Workhorse Scope.

A 3-9 power scope is the most common magnification range found on hunting rifles. It is a popular and versatile option for the majority of shooting ranges and conditions. The 40 mm objective serves a 3-9 scope well and allows for a light-weight, low-profile setup.

The Redfield Scope features low-profile turrets and a TAC MOA dual duplex reticle.

Hunters who snag a Redfield 3-9x40 Revolution will soon realize that they have a scope with clear, crisp glass and a rugged, durable build.

Redfield TAC MOA Dual Duplex Reticle

The Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 TAC MOA gives the shooter one of two options for ranging, elevation, and windage. The crosshairs feature ½ MOA subtensions in all quadrants. The inner posts are at 5 MOA, and the outer posts are at 10 MOA.

Consider for a moment that the Mauser 25-06 with a 200-yard zero elevates 10 MOA at 590 yds. Use the turret to dial in another 6 ½ MOA, and that gets you out to 750 yards using the bottom post! Use the top post and dial in another 2.5 MOA for a 500 yard shot and you’re still above the 1000 ft/lb energy level. 

The combination of dual posts and adjustable turrets makes for a quick and effective long-range solution. This reticle is head and shoulders above the standard 4-Plex while managing to remain uncluttered.

The Redfield Revolution also came with their accu-range reticle which featured a circular, hybrid BDC. It was a popular choice but I like the TAC MOA by far.

TURRETS

The second option for windage and elevation on the Redfield 3-9x40 Revolution are the exposed, low-profile, ¼ MOA turrets. I like these turrets. They have easy-to-read markings and a serrated adjustment ring that is easy to grasp and use with gloves. The click stops are positive and audible.

There is no “zero stop” feature. However, on a standard base, the “zero-wrap” is 2-2 ½ wraps off the bottom. It’s an easy and sure way to find your zero setting. These turrets, along with the dual post reticle, will allow you to shoot with accuracy out to any reasonable range within the capability of a 3-9 magnification scope. Shock-proof stainless steel erectors ensure that the scope will hold zero under demanding conditions.

GLASS

The image through the scope is exceptionally clear. There is no perceptible distortion at any magnification. I could not distinguish between the glass on this scope and similar Leupold scopes. The reticle is a very dark, nearly true black, preventing any lighting conditions from distorting the reticle image. 

This is one of the crispest reticles of any scope I have used. Image brightness is on par with other 1 inch main tube scopes costing much more. The glass has Vapor-Deposition Multi-Coatings for image enhancement. The Redfield is fog-proof and nitrogen purged. I consider the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 scope to be a quality optical instrument.

MECHANICAL / DESIGN

The zoom control has micro serrations that provide a positive grasp. It is firm without being stiff and moves smoothly. The ocular is a fine thread “American” design. Users will need to tighten the lock ring firmly to prevent un-intentional; movement while using the zoom control. The eyebox is generous at 3.7-4.2 inches.

Despite its light weight, the scope feels solid and has a reputation for durability and ruggedness. The one-piece main tube is constructed from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum finished in non-glare matte black.

Redfield Revolution 3-9x40mm TAC MOA Pros/Cons

PROS:

• Price
• TAC MOA reticle
• Excellent lens coatings
• Great Optics
• Made and backed in the USA by Leupold

CONS:

• Fine thread ocular adjustment instead of fast focus
• Discontinued, hard to find

SOME ALTERNATIVES TO CONSIDER

OK, you’ve looked for one of the few remaining Redfield Revolution scopes and came up dry. What now? Don’t despair; here are a couple of alternatives that will get you in the same ballpark without breaking the bank.

1. Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope

The Whiskey3 3-9x40 is a scope created by Sig Sauer for those in the shooting community who want a decent optic for a fair price. Like the Redfield, this scope is best suited for the hunter on a budget who wants the most bang for the buck

Sig designed the Whiskey3 as an affordable and durable scope designed to withstand the elements under all conditions. Sig’s “Lensarmor” is an abrasion-resistant lens coating to ensure lenses stay sharp and clear. Their “Spectracoat” is an ultra-wide broadband, anti-reflection lens coating that reduces surface reflections and provides superior light transmission.

At an extra charge, SIG now offers a custom SIG Ballistic Turret (SBT) laser-etched and calibrated in yards or meters for your specific ammo.

This scope comes in at $200 with the illuminated Quadplex reticle. For about $150, you can score one with the non-illuminated BDC-1 Quadplex bullet drop compensator reticle.

The Whiskey3 comes with SIG SAUER’s Infinite Guarantee, which is an unlimited lifetime guarantee that is fully transferable and does not require a warranty card or receipt. The only exception, electronic components which are covered by a five-year warranty.

The optics on this scope might be a shade under those of the Leupold-made Redfield Revolution, but build quality and functionality are there for hunters who want a no-frills 3-9x40 for their everyday hunting rifle.

Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Specs

Sig Sauer Whisky3 3-9x40mm Quadplex Pros/Cons

PROS:

• Easy to use reticle
• Good quality at a great price
• Glass is clear, and distortion-free
• Durable

CONS:

• Heavier than the others
• Eye relief could be longer

2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Hunters Plex

If you are willing to save up another $99 bucks, you can cash in on one of the new Leupold VX-Freedom Hunters Plex 3-9x40 rifle scopes. The Leupold VX-Freedom line is one of Leupold’s lower price-point offerings. In 2018 Leupold combined and improved the VX-1 and VX-2 to form the Freedom line of scopes.

The VX-Freedom 3-9x40 delivers the durability and optical performance that hunters and shooters have come to expect from Leupold. For those who shoot at moderate ranges of about 300 yards or less, this scope has all you need and nothing you don’t. Want to reach out further? You can eliminate holdovers on longer shots with the optional Custom Dial System (CDS) from Leupold.

Leupold makes the VX-Freedom in the same plant where they made the Redfield Revolution. You can rest assured that both scopes have the same superior ruggedness, durability, and optical quality. For less than $300, you can’t go wrong.

The Leupold Hunters Plex reticle makes for quick target acquisition without obstructing the field of view.

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Hunters Plex Specs:

Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Hunters Plex Pros/Cons

PROS:

• Superior optics
• Fast focus eyepiece
• Excellent low-light performance and light transmission
• Leupold lifetime Warranty
• Generous eye box

Cons:

• Higher price than the others
• Custom Reticle System dial costs extra

BOTTOM LINE:

All three of these scopes are a good choice at their respective price points. I own all three and, truth-be-told, I rate the Redfield Revolution 3-9x40 the best scope for the value of the lot. The Redfield has always held zero and has never failed me in the field. The TAC MOA gives me the confidence to quickly dial in and make those long-range coyote shots.

I Like the Sig Whisky3 line and our 3-9x40 is a tried and true hunting companion. The Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm scope is simply superior in its optics and bulletproof in its performance.

You don’t have to settle for less than a clear, durable, well-made optic just because you don’t want to spend a bucket of cash. Look for that last Redfield Revolution in stock, but if you don’t find it, don’t hesitate to trip the trigger on one of these fine alternatives.