AllOutdoor Review: The Maven CRS.1 3-12×40 SFP
Nicolas Lenze 04.20.23
Last winter, I engaged in my first rabbit hunt. I was using a Ruger American Rimfire with a non-magnified optic. While I was able to get the job done, the experience highlighted some good and bad things about my gear selection (and general fitness). I’ve decided to try a different setup. While exploring my scope options, I realized that many reticles are far too complicated for what I was trying to accomplish. I found what looked like a good balance of cost, quality, and simple reticle. This is my review of the Maven CRS.1 3-12×40 SFP riflescope.
Maven coverage on AllOutdoor
- Maven RS3.2 5-30x50mm FFP Riflescope – Updated & Lethal at Range
- Maven Introduces the Mid-Range CRF 1 Laser Range Finder
- Maven Optics S.2 12-27x56mm Spotting Scope – 20% OFF til October 8th
The Maven CRS.1 3-12×40 SFP: Specifications
- Magnification range: 3-12x
- Reticle: CSHR
- Adjustment value: .25 MOA/click
- Length: 12.4”
- Weight: 14.18 oz
- MSRP: $450
C-ollecting My Thoughts
The CRS.1 came out of the box and was immediately played with. Mostly, I was staring at my cat in the living room. I then took it outside sans rifle to look around. I spotted some squirrels and various wildlife, taking the opportunity to become accustomed to the reticle. The CRS.1 uses the CSHR, which stands for Simplified Holdover Reticle. The C is in reference to Maven’s C-series of glass. More on the reticle later.
For long-range, precision work, I’ve mostly been shooting MIL reticles. MOA still works, especially for the rabbit application. The turret clicks feel positive and adjust in ¼ MOA increments. The reticle does not illuminate.
R-eady For Testing
This is a second focal plane (SFP) scope. I always prefer first focal plane (FFP) but for a price of under $500, I really can’t complain. There hopefully won’t be much math with the distances I’ll be throwing copper at Mr. Bunbun.
Since this is an SFP optic, the reticle stays the same size regardless of magnification.
I mounted the CRS.1 to my Winchester Xpert 22 LR and did some casual shooting at various distances. Shots were taken everywhere from 15 yards to 50 yards, which is the range of distances at which I expect to be taking rabbits.
The CSHR reticle looks incredibly simple compared to the Rockafeller-size Christmas trees that I normally see, and that’s exactly why I like it. At the ranges I was shooting, I was hitting every shot, even on smaller steel targets. I was doing so, simply by putting the center of the crosshairs on the center of my target. While the scope is obviously capable of going out to further distances, I was looking for a quick mid-range optic, and it looks like I found it.
The Winchester Xpert is a very lightweight rimfire rifle, and I think that the CRS.1 is perfectly matched for the handy, working gun.
S-ummarizing My Experience
The Maven CRS.1 is not a several thousand dollar extreme long-range optic. It’s also not a cheap, disposable scope. The CRS.1 is meant for those who use their scopes often. It’s quick and easy to use, and the 30mm tube allows for plenty of light, as well as plenty of scope ring options. I was using rings from Warne, mounted to a cannibalized Picatinny rail.
Part of a larger conversation is the quality of glass that you get at different price points. At SHOT this past year, I looked through a $5,000 scope. Looking through the Maven C-series glass, along with other affordable options from other companies, It’s hard to see the difference. What is all of that money really buying you? While I understand that there are optics companies making premium products, I’m having a hard time justifying their prices. Companies like Maven are providing customers with very high-quality glass for a fraction of the cost.
Maven is an American Company, based in Wyoming, and they only sell directly to customers. This is a business model that I appreciate. This is also my second scope from Maven, and I also have a review coming soon on a set of their binoculars. I’ve yet to see any issues, breakages, or disappointing performances from the brand. I will definitely be exploring their products further.
I love the simplicity of the scope and reticle. If I were to add any feature, I’d like to see a version with an illuminated reticle. I usually don’t use the illumination, but when it comes to a hunting optic, I like options. As the weather changes, so does our ability to see details.
If you’d like to try one for yourself, head to the Maven website. If you like what you see, but would prefer a lower base magnification, take a look at the CRS.2. Be sure to follow along on Maven’s social media pages. They can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Tumblr. Stay zeroed and bring home a lucky rabbit’s foot.
