MTC Cobra F1 4-16 x 50

Introduction to the MTC Cobra F1

The MTC Cobra F1 is built on a 30mm chassis and features high quality coated lenses that perform well even in low-light conditions. As a first focal plane (FFP) scope, the relationship between the reticle and target remains the same regardless of magnification. The 4-16x magnification range is smooth to operate, as is the 15 yards to infinity side wheel parallax adjustment, making the Cobra F1 is suitable for air rifles, rimfire and centrefire – especially for hunters.

About MTC Optics

Formed in 2005, MTC Optics was acquired by the Diana Group in 2014 where it operates alongside air rifle sister companies Daystate and Brocock. Today its products cover a broad range of scopes designed for the air rifle market as well as rimfire and centrefire sectors, addressing the needs of hunters and competition shooters alike.

MTC Cobra F1 review

The Cobra F1 is a sister to MTC’s other first focal plane scope, the King Cobra. At 344mm and 834g, it is compact and relatively light. Field of view at 1000 metres is 82m (4x) to 22m (16x) with an eye relief of between 105 and 115mm. The 30mm tube and 50mm objective lens deliver good light to eye transmission, enabling you to keep shooting in low light conditions. And when things get really murky, the illuminated reticle operates with a separate on/off button, enabling you to instantly operate at the brightness level you want. The reticle itself is MTC’s Small Calibre Ballistic 2 (SCB2) design and offers plenty of aim points in half mildot increments without being cluttered. As a first focal plane (FFP) scope, the floating reticle will increase and decrease in size as you move through the 4-16 magnification range. As with all FFP scopes, this has the benefit of ensuring the relationship between the reticle and target remains constant regardless of the magnification used (so the amount of hold over at a given distance is the same at 4x or 16x). However, on lower magnifications, markings on the reticle can be difficult to see. The windage and elevation turrets lift up to adjust and push down to lock. Adjustment is achieved without tools in MIL increments with one click equating to a cm of adjustment at 100 metres. Both turrets have an adjustment range of 140cm at 100m with 60 clicks or 6 MIL per full revolution. The parallax adjustment wheel moves smoothly through a 15 yards to infinity range, making it ideal for airgun use.

Who is it suited to?

The MTC Cobra F1 is ideal for airgun use and can also be used on centrefire and rimfire rifles thanks to its shock proof design. In terms of disciplines, the Cobra F1 makes an excellent hunting scope. It is also a great option for plinking, as well as extreme bench rest and Hunter Field Target competition shooting. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• First focal plane precision
• SCB2 illuminated reticle
• Parallax adjustment
• Low light performance

Cons

• Reticle is small at low magnification levels

Comparison with the MTC Optics range

The Cobra F1 is one of only two first focal plane scopes in the MTC Optics line up, the other being the King Cobra which has a larger magnification range.

Other scope brands to consider

Other large magnification first focal plane scopes to consider include products from Hawke Optics’ Frontier, Sidewinder, Vantage and Airmax ranges. In addition, the Element Optics Nexus, Helix and Titan products are also worth considering.

MTC Cobra F1 Specifications

MTC Cobra F1 FAQs

How to zero the MTC Cobra F1 scope?

For airguns, take a large piece of card and mark an aim point. Set the card up 15 metres away with a safe backstop. From a stable platform, fire a group of 5 pellets aiming at the aimpoint. Use the windage and elevation turrets to adjust the impact point. If your pellets are hitting left, adjust the windage column in the ‘right’ direction. Similarly, if the pellets hit high then use the elevation turret and adjust ‘down’. Once the pellets impact on your point of aim, move the target out to your desired zero distance and repeat the process.

How to focus the MTC Cobra F1 scope?

Use the dioptre focus on the rear of the scope (the ocular lens) to ensure the reticle is focused. To bring your target into focus use the parallax adjustment side wheel.

Is the MTC Cobra F1 waterproof?

Yes, the Cobra F1 is fully water, fog and shockproof.