In this blog post, we are going to review the Invictus 10-60×56 riflescope. The Invictus model is intended to be used by F-class shooters and serves as a substitute for the Terminator riflescope. It is IOR’s biggest magnification rifle scope currently in production.
IOR has a unique system where they do not have a set series for their scopes. Instead, each individual scope is given a distinct name such as Invictus, Ghost, Crusader, Terminator, Trident, and more.
The top-of-the-line IOR Invictus is renowned for its precise optical performance, providing hunters and shooters with a reliable, high-end riflescope that will help them take their shooting to the next level.
About the Manufacturer IOR
IOR is a Romanian company with headquarters in Bucharest. It was founded in 1936, and when the Second World War started, they were producing optical products for the army. Later, they diversified the production to eyeglass lenses, microscopes, and many other optical products.
IOR modernized its production in the 1990s, now led by engineer and optics specialist Traian Lacatusu. This company is one of the leading optics manufacturers in Europe, and it has grown to become a world-renowned brand.
Today they still produce measuring devices and many military products and optical products like microscopes, night vision devices, and red dot sights.
IOR rifle scopes are well known all around the globe especially in the sports shooting community because they have a unique design.
Physical Properties
Boasting a magnification range of 10x to 60x, the Invictus is designed with an impressive 56 millimeters objective lens and 66-millimeter outer objective diameter. Its robust 40-millimeter tube provides maximum strength and durability.
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IOR’s longest and heaviest riflescope measures 420 centimeters in length and is 1450 grams heavy. It easily stands out from other F-Class riflescopes.
Constructed from solid metal, this single-piece tube is waterproof and fog proof. Additionally, nitrogen filling ensures that the scope will never be prone to internal fogging in even the coldest of climates – with its temperature resistance ranging from -40°C all the way up to +50°C.
The remarkable selection from IOR makes perfect sense when you contemplate the fact that they also construct scopes for military use. All of their products are engineered to survive in demanding conditions and are suitable for all calibers. With an Invictus 10-60×56 SFP scope, even a 50 BMG won’t be too much to handle.
Parallax Adjustment
On the same turret as the illumination adjustment is the parallax adjustment. The parallax goes from 8 meters to infinity. Our testing showed that this parallax adjustment is precise at smaller distances. When working on longer distances, the parallax correction remains forgiving. So you don’t need to adjust for every single meter.
The parallax wheel goes smooth but in the middle of the adjustment range, there is a small portion where the wheel goes a little bit stiffer. So the parallax glide is not equally smooth throughout.
European Eyepiece
IOR Invictus 10-60×56 SFP features a European-style eyepiece that can be adjusted to ensure comfortable viewing. The entire construction is made of metal, with no rubberized components across the scope. This ensures a smooth experience and maximizes durability, making it an excellent choice for long-term use. The eyepiece fits comfortably against the eyes.
Magnification Ring
The knurled magnification ring clicks from 10x to 60x. Here’s something innovative. You have additional markings of 1/2 MOA at 60x, 1 MOA at 30x, and 0.5 MRAD at 17.5x magnification. The markings denote reticle subtensions at the given magnification.
Let’s look at the Xtreme reticle for reference. At 17.5 times magnification, one mark is exactly 0.5 MRAD. At 30x magnification, one marking is exactly 1 MOAand at 60x it’s 1/2 MOA.
With the right magnification, you can also use your reticle to take precise measurements. This is beneficial if you’re shooting with a friend who has their own riflescope – while they make adjustments using theirs, you’ll still be able to measure and advise them accordingly with your reticle.
Elevation Turret
Now, for the windage and elevation turrets. They are tactical turrets, and the clicks are configured in 1/8 of MOA.
A single click on the elevation turret moves the reticle for 3.5 millimeters at 100 meters. For precise shooting, the multi-turn elevation turret has 15 MOA of travel in one revolution. You have 80 MOA of maximum vertical travel. The turret is of a counterclockwise type.
Resetting the elevation turret to zero is simple. By unscrewing the top screws, you’ll be able to make quick and easy adjustments until it reaches its desired position. But you also have a zero-stop ring below the turret that is screwed into position independently.
Zero Stop Ring
With the zero stop ring below the elevation adjustment, you can freely choose how to zero the scope and this is a huge plus. After you’ve set the zero on the elevation turret, you have two options:
- First, you can screw this zero ring down so that the zero is aligned with the witness line on the main tube. In this case, you’ll probably have a small gap underneath the elevation turret. When you tighten the screws, you can still go a few clicks under the zero. So with this option, you don’t get a hard zero stop.
- The second option is you adjust the elevation turret so that it sits lower – this will give you a hard zero stop. Adjust your zero so that it’s facing forward and aligned with the top screw. By doing this, you won’t get any additional clicks when adjusting to zero or even below, as the turret will stop dead at zero.
Elevation Turret Lever
The elevation turret also features a distinct, thin lever that produces an audible click when engaged. Initially designed for military use, this lever has the same capability as those found on exclusive IOR tactical scopes that are only available to armed forces. But what does it do?
This lever is used as a tactical marker of your chosen distance. You can adjust it anywhere on the turret. If you are often shooting at 500 meters, for example, adjust this lever so that you’re always on target at 500m. Screw the lever in the position so it doesn’t turn anymore. This lever can be your lifeline. Return to this lever when you’re on the range.
The second use of this IOR elevation lever has to do with an alternative ballistic curve. If you use different kinds of ammunition, you can use the lever to denote where your second zero is using your second-choice ammunition. While this is a grand idea, it’s a difficult concept to follow through in practice because you’ll need to count every single click upwards.
Elevation Clicks
What are the clicks like? They are audible and you can feel every single click. But in my opinion, the turret moves way too fast, there is little resistance. You need almost no force at all to adjust the turret. This gives way to unintentional click changes when transporting the scope.
Visual Turn Indicator
There is a visual turn indicator under the elevation turret. Every full turn of the elevation turret adds 15 MOA to the horizontal lines. The MOA click numbers go from 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 to 75.
All in all, you have 80 MOA of total travel possible but the visual marks cut off at 75. There is no mechanical turn indicator. Since this riflescope is designed for sports and benchrest shooting, horizontal lines under the turret are an adequate solution.
Windage Turret
The windage turret sports a similar multi-turn design to the elevation correction. You can go multiple revolutions in each direction.
Windage clicks are audible and feel pretty nice. But unfortunately, in my opinion, these clicks are too soft for serious sports shooting. The lax movement is better suited for hunting or tactical use, not F-Class or benches. In fact, the clicks on IOR Invictus 10-60×56 SFP are exactly the same on other IOR models.
You have 5 MOA of travel in each direction, but you can go even further. You have to pay attention that you always come back to your zero perfectly and don’t make an error for a whole revolution.
Setting the zero on the windage turret is easy to work. It’s the same as on the elevation turret. You’ll just have to unscrew the top screws and then the turret rotates freely. Tighten the screws after your zero is set.
Optical Properties
Now for the optical quality, IOR is well known for its high quality of optics. This model is no different and the image stays sharp from edge to edge. The edge sharpness is good on all magnifications.
The resolution remains decent even at 60x magnification power. The zoom factor of IOR Invictus is 6x. Per the manufacturer’s claims, the light transmission is above 90%.
Field of View
At its most powerful magnification, the scope offers a field of view of 0.64 meters at 100 meters; in contrast, the smallest magnification yields an expansive 3.84-meter field of view at that same distance. Despite the high magnification powers of IOR Invictus 10-60×56 SFP, there is no tunneling effect.
Sensitive Eye Relief
Per the manufacturer’s claims, the eye relief is 90 millimeters. But I have to say that eye relief is quite sensitive in practice. If you move your eyes further away from the ocular, you’ll see the black ring around the image (tinted red when the reticle illumination is on). When the ambient light is minimal, I can see that being quite a bother.
Eyebox
This brings us to a similar concern. How much you can move your head around the scope so that you still have the perfect image? Not to worry. The eye box is acceptable on the lower magnification. Even better – at 60x magnification, IOR 10-60×56 performs better than rivals’ scopes.
MP-Extreme X1 Reticle
The reticle in this riflescope is positioned in the second focal plane because IOR Invictus 10-60×56 SFP is a scope designed for F-Class shooting or benchrest shooting. The reticle dimensions stay the same at all magnifications.
The reticle on this model IOR’s the well-known Xtreme design, configured in MOA. There are no other reticles to choose from. IOR X1 reduce is a Christmas tree-style one. In the middle, there is a small dot, which can be illuminated.
I think it would be great to have the option to select a Fine-Cross reticle.
Illumination System
You have to adjust the brightness of the center dot with the side turret that houses the parallax wheel. There are 11 intensity settings. There is no stop in between the levels, which is a shame at this premium price point. You have to go from zero to your preferred intensity setting every time illumination is needed.
On a similar note, this basic illumination system also does not feature any automatic turn-off timer or a tilt sensor. If you are into long-range or mountain hunting and find yourself using the dot illumination frequently, this may be a problem. For sports shooters, not so much.
The battery compartment is on the parallax adjustment. You just have to unscrew the top. Only one CR2032 battery coin is needed for illumination.
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Scope of Delivery
Now, what do you get in the box with the scope? The bikini-style lens covers are not of high quality. For the price of this scope, I would prefer hard-plastic or aluminum flip-up covers. You also get a cleaning cloth and honeycomb filter. I don’t know why they supplied one but it’s nice that you get a lot for the busk. The sunshade is a very practical addition.
You get a user manual with all the information you need about the scope and the warranty certificate for the scope.
I usually don’t waste too many words on the packaging itself. It’s function over form, always. But with IOR, an exception has to be made. In my opinion, IOR takes the cake for the worst packaging you can get with a premium riflescope. It competes with Hensold in this respect. The low-quality product box is often banged up on arrival.
Inside the box, you’ll find your IOR Invictus 10-60×56 SFP wrapped in many pieces of plastic foam. While the scope is well-protected and the insulation does its job, the product presentation is severely lacking, to put it kindly. With the rising importance of a 360° user experience, this is something the brand might want to work on. I can’t see too many Youtube unboxing videos in IOR’s future.
IOR Invictus 10-60×56 SFP Price
The price of the IOR Invictus 10-60×56 SFP is €2409, which is a great value for such a high-end rifle scope. This price puts it in the mid to upper range of similar products on the market, making it both cost-effective and an excellent choice for those looking for a top product.
IOR Scope Warranty
IOR provides some of the best warranties in the optics industry. Their Invictus 10-60×56 SFP scope is covered under a 30-year warranty that guarantees complete satisfaction and peace of mind. The company stands firmly behind its product, offering reliable service to ensure customers are taken care of in any situation.
Where are IOR Riflescopes Made?
IOR riflescopes are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility located in Romania. The production process of IOR Invictus 10-60×56 SFP is carried out with precision and attention to detail, using the latest technology and the highest quality materials. Each IOR riflescope is individually inspected for quality assurance, ensuring that it meets industry standards.
Pros
First of all, the positives. IOR Invictus 10-60×56 SFP Is built like a tank. It is extremely robust. It can surely withstand a lot of abuse without any damage.
Optically it can be compared even to more expensive riflescopes. It is easy to adjust the zero on both the elevation and windage turret. I was especially impressed with the forgiving parallax.
For a 6x zoom factor scope with 60x maximal magnification and premium features, the price of 2409€ is perfectly acceptable.
Pros Summary:
- robust construction
- forgiving parallax
- dot-illumination
- edge sharpness
- many accessories included
- moderate price
- made in Europe
- 30-year warranty
Cons
Now, where do I see room for improvement?
It’s unfortunate that IOR is so stingy with its reticle options because many users would prefer to have more variety, such as a thin reticle or one featuring an even smaller dot in the center. Having additional choices would be highly beneficial.
I think the clicks are too soft for F-Class and benchrest competition. I would also prefer that the windage turrets weren’t multi-turn. Admittedly, this is less of an issue on a sport scope like Invictus 10-60×56 SFP.
Cons Summary:
- soft clicks
- weight
- multi-turn windage turret
- no mechanical turn indicator
- product packaging
Similar Riflescopes from Other Brands
What models are similar to IOR Invictus 10-60×56? First of all, I have to mention that none of the riflescopes I mentioned sport an illumination system. IOR is the only one with a light-up center dot.
Sightron SIII 10-50×60 and Delta Optical Stryker HD 5-50×56
The first one is the Sightron SIII 10-50×60, and the second one is Delta Optical Stryker HD 5-50×56. Both scopes are cheaper and have more reticle options. But I think optically the IOR is still better than these two.
Vortex Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52
The next one is Vortex Golden Eagle HD 15-60×52. Vortex is also well-made and not as bulky as IOR. Vortex is 150 Euros more expensive, but it is also much more compact and lightweight. I think optically IOR is still better.
Kahles K1050 10-50×56
Kahles K1050 10-50×56 has great ergonomics but is not lightweight either. K1050 is made in Austria and is pricier than Invictus at €2749. In terms of optics, the riflescopes are very alike; however, Kahles has superior construction quality. It is worth noting that Kahles has less elevation travel.
March Target 10-60×52 SFP
The last one, which is much more expensive is March Target 10-60×52 SFP. It has a 52-millimeter objective lens. In lower light conditions, the image with the IOR is definitely brighter. But the March weighs only 700 grams, so half of the weight of the IOR. March has great build quality, on par with Invictus or better.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the IOR Invictus 10-60×56 SFP is a great riflescope. It has a robust construction and exceptional optical clarity, making it a great choice for all shooting needs. The main downside is the weight, which makes this scope less optimal for F-Class. The extra frills like the elevation lever, adjustable zero stop ring, and illuminated center dot well justify the €2409 price.
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