For hunters and shooting enthusiasts seeking top-tier optics, the Trijicon Credo 3-9x40mm Riflescope stands out as a premium choice in today’s market. This comprehensive review delves into the features, performance, and real-world applications of this exceptional piece of equipment, drawing from extensive field testing and technical analysis.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Upon unboxing the Trijicon Credo, the scope’s quality is immediately apparent. Crafted from 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, the housing exudes durability while maintaining a surprisingly light weight of just 17 ounces. The matte black anodized finish not only looks professional but also provides additional protection against wear and tear.
The scope’s construction speaks volumes about its intended use in rugged outdoor environments. Trijicon has designed the Credo to withstand the abuse that comes with hard hunting. It’s nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it both waterproof and fogproof. This level of weatherproofing instills confidence, knowing the scope can perform reliably in diverse and challenging conditions.
Optical Excellence
The heart of any riflescope lies in its optical performance, and the Credo doesn’t disappoint. The fully multi-coated lenses deliver outstanding light transmission, producing bright, high-contrast images even in low-light conditions. The edge-to-edge clarity is particularly impressive, allowing hunters to discern fine details on targets at extended ranges.
With a 40mm objective lens, the Credo strikes an excellent balance between light-gathering capability and overall bulk. This size proves ideal for most hunting scenarios, providing ample brightness without adding unnecessary weight or size to your rifle setup.
Versatile Magnification Range
The 3-9x zoom range of the Credo makes it a versatile choice for various hunting situations. At the lower 3x setting, users enjoy a wide 35.5 ft field of view at 100 yards, perfect for tracking moving game or shooting in dense brush. When extended to 9x magnification, the scope allows for precise shot placement at longer distances.
The zoom adjustment mechanism is noteworthy for its smooth operation. The included magnification throw lever is a thoughtful addition, enabling quick magnification changes without breaking your cheek weld or losing sight of the target.
Reticle Options and Illumination
The Credo offers multiple reticle options, with the MOA Precision Hunter reticle being a popular choice among hunters. This second focal plane (SFP) reticle maintains its size throughout the zoom range, providing useful holdover and windage points without cluttering the sight picture.
One of the Credo’s standout features is its battery-powered LED illumination system. With 11 brightness settings, users can fine-tune the illumination to match ambient light conditions perfectly. The illumination is subtle rather than daylight-bright, making it ideal for dawn and dusk hunting scenarios when precise aiming is critical but natural light is scarce.
Precise Adjustments and Turrets
The capped turrets on the Credo offer 1/4 MOA click adjustments, providing a satisfying tactile and audible feedback with each click. With 50 MOA of total travel, there’s ample adjustment range for most hunting and shooting applications. The turrets track true, allowing for confident zeroing and adjustments in the field.
The low-profile design of the turrets is particularly appealing for hunters, as it reduces the likelihood of snagging on gear or brush while moving through dense cover. This thoughtful design element demonstrates Trijicon’s understanding of the practical needs of hunters in real-world scenarios.
Eye Relief and Comfort
The Credo offers an eye relief range of 3.5 to 3.7 inches, which is generally adequate for most shooting positions and rifle configurations. While some users might prefer slightly more eye relief, especially for hard-recoiling calibers, the provided range allows for a comfortable and full sight picture for the majority of hunters.
This eye relief, combined with the scope’s overall ergonomics, contributes to a well-balanced feel when mounted on a rifle. It allows for quick target acquisition and extended periods of use without causing undue eye strain.
Real-World Performance
Field testing of the Credo over a full hunting season reveals its true capabilities. Mounted on various rifles, including popular calibers like the .30-06, the scope has proven its worth in diverse hunting scenarios. From whitetail deer to feral hogs, the Credo’s optical clarity and low-light performance have consistently enabled ethical shot placement, even in challenging conditions.
The scope’s durability has been put to the test through accidental impacts and exposure to harsh weather, emerging unscathed and maintaining zero. This ruggedness, combined with its optical performance, makes the Credo a reliable companion for hunters who demand equipment that can withstand the rigors of the field.
Advanced Features
The Credo incorporates several advanced features that set it apart from many competitors. The Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC) technology, a Trijicon hallmark, allows for two-eyes-open shooting. This technique, which combines the illuminated reticle with the shooter’s natural vision, can be particularly advantageous in fast-moving hunting scenarios or when situational awareness is crucial.
Additionally, the scope’s fog and water resistance capabilities are noteworthy. It can reportedly function after being submerged up to 10 feet underwater, a feature that provides peace of mind when hunting in wet conditions or when crossing water bodies.
Potential Drawbacks
While the Trijicon Credo 3-9x40mm is an exceptional scope, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks. The most significant consideration for many will be the price point. At around $700, it represents a substantial investment. However, for serious hunters and shooters who demand top-tier performance, the cost can be justified by the scope’s quality and durability.
Some users might find the eye relief slightly limiting, especially those using magnum calibers or those accustomed to scopes with more forgiving eye boxes. However, this is a minor consideration for most applications and shooting styles.
Conclusion
The Trijicon Credo 3-9x40mm Riflescope stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to quality and innovation in the hunting optics market. Its combination of crystal-clear optics, rugged construction, and thoughtful features make it an excellent choice for serious hunters and shooting enthusiasts.
From its versatile magnification range and precise adjustments to its weather-resistant construction and advanced illumination system, the Credo offers a comprehensive package that can handle virtually any hunting scenario. While the investment is significant, the scope’s performance and durability suggest it will serve as a reliable hunting companion for many years to come.
For those who demand the best from their equipment and are willing to invest in quality, the Trijicon Credo 3-9x40mm Riflescope is a choice that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re stalking whitetails in dense woodland, tracking elk across open country, or engaging in long-range target shooting, this scope has the capabilities to elevate your performance and enhance your shooting experience.
In the world of hunting optics, the Trijicon Credo 3-9x40mm has certainly earned its place among the elite, offering a perfect blend of tradition and innovation that serious hunters will appreciate for years to come.