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The BEST Budget Shotgun Scope? (Tested) CVLIFE JackalHowl F02 2-7x32

Buckeye Ballistics
Published on May 12, 2024
Category: Reviews
Duration: 38:21

This video tests the durability of the CVLIFE JackalHowl F02 2-7x32 scope on a 12 gauge shotgun, specifically its ability to withstand the recoil of slugs. The instructor fires a significant number of slugs to assess zero retention and overall robustness, comparing it to more expensive options and noting the challenges of slug accuracy from a smoothbore shotgun. The review aims to determine if this budget scope is a viable option for shotgun slug use.

Tags

CVLIFE JackalHowl F02
2-7x32 Scope
Budget Shotgun Scope
12 Gauge Slugs
Recoil Durability Test
Scope Zero Retention
Shotgun Optics
Buckeye Ballistics
Affordable Optics

Quick Summary

The CVLIFE JackalHowl F02 2-7x32 scope was tested on a 12 gauge shotgun with over 80 rounds of slugs to assess its durability. Despite the heavy recoil, the scope successfully maintained its zero, proving to be a surprisingly robust budget option for slug-fired shotguns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: CVLIFE JackalHowl F02 Scope
  2. 00:34The Problem with Shotgun Scope Recoil
  3. 01:03Expensive Dedicated Shotgun Scopes
  4. 02:03Testing Plan: 100 Slugs for Zero Retention
  5. 02:37Unboxing: Scope and Included Rings
  6. 03:42Included Rings vs. Alternate Rings
  7. 04:17Scope Features: Lens Caps and Adjustments
  8. 05:34Magnification and Diopter Adjustment
  9. 06:34Reticle Overview
  10. 07:02Testing Reticle Holdovers with 5.56
  11. 07:335.56 at 100 Yards (2x and 7x)
  12. 08:185.56 at 200 Yards and Holdover Marks
  13. 09:025.56 at 400 Yards and Holdover Marks
  14. 10:03Mounting on 12 Gauge Shotgun
  15. 10:14Shotgun Range Test Begins: 12 Gauge Slugs
  16. 10:45Ammunition: Winchester 1 Ounce Slugs
  17. 11:09Zeroing at 50 Yards with Slugs
  18. 11:14Initial Slug Group Size and Stringing
  19. 11:32The Goal: 100 Slugs for Zero Retention
  20. 12:03Anticipating Group Enlargement Due to Heat
  21. 13:24Firing Slugs: Camera Stability Issues
  22. 14:24Best Group So Far with Bulk Slugs
  23. 14:39Adjusting for Leftward Shift
  24. 15:03Typical 6-Inch Group with Bulk Slugs
  25. 15:53Making Scope Adjustments
  26. 17:15Centralizing Shots and Cooling Down
  27. 19:04Resuming Firing: Camera Angle Strategy
  28. 20:18Slug Inaccuracy vs. Scope Performance
  29. 20:43Barrel Heat Affecting Accuracy
  30. 21:13Break Time: Hot Barrel and Cooling
  31. 21:53Checking Scope Mount Tightness
  32. 22:30Importance of Thread Locker on High Recoil
  33. 22:39Checking Removable Choke
  34. 23:27Barrel Cooling Speed
  35. 23:53Continuing Firing: Fast-Forwarded Shots
  36. 24:24Hitting Existing Holes Due to Group Size
  37. 25:18Another Batch of Slugs Fired
  38. 25:39Surprising Durability of Scope Caps
  39. 25:53Scope Screws Holding Without Thread Locker
  40. 26:02Comparison to 450 Bushmaster Recoil
  41. 26:47Approaching 100 Rounds (Initial Miscount)
  42. 27:21Actual Round Count: Around 80 Slugs
  43. 28:09Shoulder Impact and Bruising
  44. 28:28Bench Shooting vs. Standing Recoil
  45. 28:49Switching to Steel Targets for Fun
  46. 29:01Targeting 6-8 Inch Steel Plate at 50 Yards
  47. 30:17Hitting Steel Targets
  48. 30:19Targeting Half-Scale Silhouette at 75 Yards
  49. 31:00Slug Speed and Aerodynamics
  50. 31:25Slight Breeze Impact
  51. 31:52Target Durability
  52. 32:06Final Round Count Calculation
  53. 32:36Shooting at a 'Tank' Target
  54. 33:06Scope Survived: Zero Held
  55. 33:14Slug Inaccuracy vs. Scope Performance (Revisited)
  56. 33:40Final Group Analysis: Flyers and Scope Zero
  57. 34:32Testing Winchester Slugs for Accuracy
  58. 34:51Winchester Slug Point of Impact Shift
  59. 35:13Wads from Slugs
  60. 35:34Winchester Slug Group at 50 Yards
  61. 36:19Winchester Slug Group Comparison
  62. 36:56Smoothbore Shotgun Accuracy Limitations
  63. 37:23Conclusion: Budget Shotgun Scope Found
  64. 37:31Lessons Learned from Previous Scope Failures
  65. 37:53CVLIFE JackalHowl F02 is a Viable Option
  66. 38:01Links to Products in Description

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the CVLIFE JackalHowl F02 2-7x32 scope handle the recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun firing slugs?

Yes, the CVLIFE JackalHowl F02 2-7x32 scope was tested extensively with over 80 rounds of 12 gauge slugs. Despite the significant recoil, the scope maintained its zero throughout the testing, indicating it can withstand the abuse typically associated with slug-fired shotguns.

What is the main challenge when mounting scopes on shotguns for slug use?

The primary challenge is the sharp and heavy recoil impulse from 12 gauge slugs, which can easily break standard rifle scopes or cause them to lose zero. Dedicated shotgun scopes are designed to mitigate this, but they are often expensive.

How accurate are budget 12 gauge slugs for testing scope durability?

Budget 12 gauge slugs, like the ones used in this test, are generally not very accurate, often producing groups of 6 inches or more at 50 yards and stringing shots. This inaccuracy can mask the scope's performance, but the test focused on zero retention rather than MOA groups.

Does the CVLIFE JackalHowl F02 scope require thread locker for high-recoil applications?

While the instructor highly recommends using thread locker on scope ring screws for high-recoil firearms, the CVLIFE JackalHowl F02 scope maintained its zero throughout the test without it. However, it's still a good practice to use thread locker to ensure long-term reliability.

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