A portable electro-optical scanner for reading a target bar code having a plurality of bar code elements. The portable scanner includes: a housing supporting a scanning module and an optic system. The scanning module electro-optically scans the target bar code with a scanning beam and collects reflected light returning from the bar code. The scanning module includes a beam source emitting a scanning beam, beam directing apparatus causing the scanning beam to be repetitively scanned along a scanning plane intersecting the target bar code and photodetector circuitry receiving light from the target bar code. The optic system includes an exit window, a light collection lens and a reflective surface. The scanning beam passes through the exit window upon exiting the housing. The light collection lens receives reflected light from the target bar code and directing the reflected light toward a focal point. The focal point lying on the scanning plane of the scanning beam. The reflective surface is disposed between the light collection lens and the focal point to redirect the reflected light passing through the light collection lens toward the photodetector circuitry.