For most hunters, a 2-10×38 scope offers a great all-around size for everything from deer hunting to small game. Sure, you might not need the magnification power that the Maven RS.2 2-10×38 offers, but I’m a big believer in “better to have than not” when it comes to hunting.
Do you need a close-up of a squirrel’s eye as he squats on a white oak’s upper limb and cuts an acorn? No. Could you get by with a cheaper, dedicated rimfire scope? Sure, but you could also just use iron sights if we’re going with that logic.
There are plenty of places to save a few bucks on hunting gear, but I’ve never regretted splurging on a good scope. Most folks won’t spend $625 on a small game hunting scope or even half that. To be honest, you don’t need to. Then again, luxury isn’t about need. The Maven RS.2’s good glass and light weight make it a highly versatile rifle scope for big game and a delight for small game hunting.
In short: If you’re looking to splurge on a small game scope that can pull double duty for other hunting applications, the Maven RS.2 2-10×38 is a prime candidate.
- Magnification: 2-10x
- Objective lens: 38mm
- Weight: 12 oz.
- Reticle: Duplex or SHR
- Second focal plane: Yes
- MOA per click: 0.25
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Price: $625
Pros
- Great glass
- Good all-around hunting scope
- Lightweight
Cons
- Turrets lack precision
- Controls feel tacky at times
Maven RS.2 Scope Review
Testing the Maven RS.2 2-10×38
At just 12 ounces, the RS.2 is an ideal lightweight hunting scope, even for small game setups. Before hitting the woods, I mounted the RS.2 on my Ruger 10/22 for some range plinking. While sighting in the RS.2, I noticed that both the windage and elevation turrets turned a bit too easily and sometimes lacked definitive clicks.
While the focus and magnification wheels have the right amount of stiffness, they did have a few tacky spots. Otherwise, they turned fairly smooth.
The RS.2 has great glass for this price point. I didn’t notice any flares, and it has edge-to-edge clarity during shooting hours. However, I did notice minimal blurring around the edges at last light, but most scopes in this price range exhibit that trait. For a small game scope, the RS.2 offers more than enough glass.
I made it out for a few squirrel hunts with the RS.2, and it felt like the Cadillac of small game scopes. The 38mm objective provides the ideal sight picture, while the 2-10x magnification range makes it easy to locate bushy tails hiding in treetops.
Even on my Ruger 10/22, the RS.2 didn’t feel too heavy, paired with a lightweight synthetic stock, and offered a nice balance. The 38mm objective offers a great middle ground between the typical 32mm and 40mm offerings from most scope manufacturers, which also makes it feel apt for a big woods deer rifle, if you’re in the habit of swapping scopes around.
What the Maven RS.2 2-10×38 Does Best
The RS.2’s profile and weight make it a highly versatile scope. That kind of utility helps justify the price tag. You’re more likely to drop $625 on a scope that you can use on everything from a .22 to a lightweight mountain rifle. Of course, Maven’s lifetime warranty helps dull the price sting, too.
There’s nothing flashy about this scope, especially with the duplex reticle. Yet, that’s what I admire most about it. It’s a simple hunting scope. While it has 2-10x magnification capabilities, it reminds me of the fixed power scopes most hunters donned on their classic hunting rifles. The Maven RS.2 possesses that same utility but with a bit more style.
Where the Maven RS.2 2-10×38 Can Improve
I was a bit surprised by the lack of precision in the turrets. Instead of effortless, definitive clicks, the RS.2 forces you to slowly turn the turrets so you don’t make any unwanted adjustments. Otherwise, the RS.2 offers good glass and versatility for a scope in this price range.
I recognize that most folks aren’t paying over $600 for a glorified squirrel scope, nor am I suggesting that you should. There are several scopes in the $150 range that can put plenty of bushy tails in your vest.
Final Thoughts
No, you don’t need the Maven RS.2 2-10×38 to bag a limit of squirrels or rabbits. But, if you want to splurge on a small game hunting scope, this one should top your list.
