Alpen Apex Riflescope 3.5 x 10 Model 4035 In-depth ReviewHunting Gear Review- The following review is of the Alpen Apex 3.5 x 10 - 50 model 4035 riflescope. The scope arrived in good condition and was well packaged. The box included a lens cloth and lens caps, which were joined by elastic straps. The eyepiece cap fit nicely, the objective cap was loose and fit poorly. The scopes finish was matte black, with gold numbers and logo. The finish was very scratch resistant, even after repeated attempts I was unable to scratch the scope body. The scope body appears to be a one-piece one-inch tube. The scope is 1.8 inches long and weighs 17oz. This makes it suitable for a compact rifle. The eyepiece is adjustable and offers a good range of adjustment. The adjustment is located at the rear of the scope; it works similar to that of European scopes. The reticle is tapered and dual width; Alpen calls this an AccuPlex reticle. The reticle is in the eyepiece, which results in the crosshairs reaming the same size regardless of the zoom ring setting. The zoom adjustment works smoothly at room temperature. The scope was put in a freezer for a time period of twenty-four hours to simulate cold weather hunting conditions. This had no effect on zoom ring operation. The zoom ring contains an elevated section, at the mid power range, to aid in its operation. It was easy to use even with gloves on. The scope is fog poof and most likely nitrogen purged. To test for fogging the scope was placed in the freezer for one hour. The scope was then checked for fogging. No problems were found. Next the scope was dunked in warm water, and checked for bubbles or water in the scope. Once again, no problems were found. The scope was tested for recoil by mounting on a 30-06 target rifle; 220-grain bullets were fired with a powder charge of 55 gains of H 4831. After twenty rounds there were no problems with the scope, though my shoulder was not so lucky. Repeatability for zero was checked by moving the adjustment knobs twenty clicks up and twenty clicks to the right, then returning them. The second shot touched the first. This confirmed a repeatable adjustment. The twenty-click adjustment measured five and one half inches at one hundred yards. The most impressive figure of the Alpen Apex scope was the crisp image provided by the lenses. I don’t know whom Alpen had contracted with to grind the glass, but whoever it is, quality is excellent. An eye chart was used at one hundred yards to test for a clear image with good contrast. Three other scopes were put in a line-up. They were Redfield Widefield 3x9x40, Tasco 3x9 exp, and a Leupold VX1 3x9. The scopes were covered with a towel so the judges would not be able to identify the brands. Seven out of seven people at the range on that day picked the Apex as the best for clarity. In addition it was the last scope that you could read the eye chart before dark. The Alpen Company has designed a scope with emphasis on the lenses, and the quality is easy to see when compared to other scope brands. The last consideration was warranty and price. The warranty is a limited lifetime warranty. There is a ten-dollar postage fee on returns. Do not under estimate the value of a good warranty. Leupold has built a company on that feature. The price of the Apex model 4035 at retail is $409. This is a steep price but as with most scopes, discount pricing is the rule. After searching the internet, I found prices between $190-290, making quality of this level very affordable. After finishing the testing, I liked it enough to buy it and mount it on a model 700 Mountain Rifle. I am quite certain its lightweight, short size, and high quality optics will lead to a successful hunt.
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