TESTED: Telson Target Master 5-25x56mm

You might have noticed a new scope on our 25 Creedmoor build! The Telson Target Master features Japanese ED-quality glass with an illuminated reticle, locking turrets, and more, all for under $1300! Watch the full video and read on to learn more and see how it performed!

Disclaimer

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About the Build

With the SAAMI-Certification of the 25 Creedmoor, I built a custom 25 Creedmoor centered around a 1934 Armory BE1 action and Custom Rifle Barrels (CRB) super heavy contour 1:7.5 .257 barrel blank I chambered on my Precision Matthews PM-1440HVT-2. I decided to use the same trigger I did in my 7mm SWC build, the Bix’n Andy TacSport Pro-X Trigger from Bullet Central, along with tried-and-true Foundation Genesis 2 micarta stock and Hawkins Precision M5 DBM.

I mounted the Telson Optics Target Master 5-25×56 using the Arrow Products Precision Scope Leveling Mount.

We also performed some load development with great results using Peterson Brass.

About the Telson Target Master 5-25×56 Scope

Upon opening the box, I was incredibly impressed with the fit and finish. The oversized turrets were easy to grab and it came with a throw lever, sunshade, and caps!

Also in the box was a lens cloth, printed materials, and battery for the illuminated reticle.

From Telson Optics:

Designed for precision rifle shooting, the Target Master 5-25×56 includes a first focal plane FAR2 reticle for accuracy at any range and competition-grade turrets for reliable adjustments. Engineered for serious competitors, it combines clarity and durability for lasting performance.

Key features:

- One Piece 34mm main tube, 6061-T6 Type 3 Anodized Matte finish.
- 56mm Objective lens for exceptional light gathering and image quality.
- First Focal Plane FAR2 fast acquisition reticle for precise long-range shooting.
- Premier Japanese ED glass. New Proprietary UHD Fully multi coated lens coatings.
- Competition MRAD turrets and reticle design.
- Enhanced competition locking turrets w/zero stop, audible clicks & 3 turn indicator.
- Locking Windage Turret.
- Razorback knurling.
- Excellent eye relief and Eye box w/ side Parallax focus adjustable to 20 yards.
- +100% sealed dry argon purged for all conditions.
- IP67 Certified waterproof, dust proof and shock tested to 1200g’s of force.
- Precision construction, assembled and calibrated in a static free clean room for superior durability.
- Sunshade.
- Aluminum flip-up covers are available separately.

There are 11 levels of illumination with a parallax setting from 20 yards to infinity.

This FFP scope has MIL adjustments with locking turrets with a 3-turn indicator and zero stop.

The entire scope weighs 31 ounces with 32 MIL of elevation and windage adjustments. Highlighted are the specifications that are most important to me.

Telson Optics Family

While we have the Target Master 5-25×56 IR FFP, there are others in the Telson Optics Family including the Victory 5-32×56, Toxin 3-18×50, and ARC 2.5-15×44.

Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig

The Ultimate Reloader Optics Test Rig, designed and built in house, measures actual optics performance using precision 100 yard targets (MIL, MOA) and camera positioning to sub -0.0005”. It tests tracking, zoom, parallax, and distortion, but does not currently have a way to capture optics image quality in a meaningful way.

DISCLAIMER: I had really poor lighting conditions during this test and was not using the best camera lens for the conditions. I was still able to perform the relevant tests, but keep in mind that the photos and views of the target are NOT as they appear through the actual optic. The view through the Target Master was very clear.

Shooting the 3-Shot Group with the Berger 135 Gr. Hybrid Bullets and 44.1 Gr. of N555

To test tracking, we took the scope up, down, left and right 3 MIL, noting where we landed on the target. The reticle was in perfect alignment, confirmed after leveling the target, camera, and scope with a precision level, and the scope tracked perfectly! This result was one of the very best results we have ever had with our Optics Test Rig.

For parallax, we started with the center of the scope scope and camera collinear. With the parallax set to the testing range (100 yards), we moved the scope left and right 0.050” to simulate varying head position. We saw practically zero shift.

To test image distortion, we took one frame from the video and aligned it with a rectangle to see if there is any pincushion effect. All lines were parallel, indicating VERY little distortion.