GTA
Target Shooting Matches, Discussion & Events => Field Target Gates => Hunter Class Field Target => Topic started by: Chuck D on January 16, 2018, 11:48:13 AM
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Ok....not looking to spend a ton of money on beginner gear so I'm asking for advice.
I own a .177 caliber gas piston rifle that I'll be using for field target until I figure out what dedicated gear will work best for me. I know I'm behind the equipment curve but that's o.k. for now. There's much learning to do before I write big checks on better gear.
Here's what I'd like some advice on. Optics and mounts. Optics: I'd like something 3x12 or 4x16 that I can attach a side wheel to for focus, Has to be Mil-Dot and HAS to be springer rated. Somewhere in the 100-150 dollar range would be preferred.
Mount: I prefer a 1 piece mount, hopefully with built in barrel droop compensation. 11mm dovetail.
Fire away....what should I purchase ?
Thanks for the advice !
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Given that gas piston rifles have a brutal recoil, I would stick with UTG scopes. They are springer-rated and have been known to have excellent customer service. Below are my recommendations:
Leapers UTG 3-12x44 AO Rifle Scope $150 -10%
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/leapers-utg-3-12x44-ao-rifle-scope-ez-tap-ill-mil-dot-reticle-1-4-moa?a=4319 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/leapers-utg-3-12x44-ao-rifle-scope-ez-tap-ill-mil-dot-reticle-1-4-moa?a=4319)
UTG 30mm Rings, Low, Weaver Mount, See-Thru $11 - 10%
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/utg-30mm-rings-low-weaver-mount-see-thru?a=2449 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/utg-30mm-rings-low-weaver-mount-see-thru?a=2449)
UTG Drooper Scope Rail, 11mm-to-Weaver Adapter, Compensates for Droop & Stops Scope Shift $19 - 10%
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/utg-drooper-scope-rail-11mm-to-weaver-adapter-compensates-for-droop?a=4191 (https://www.pyramydair.com/product/utg-drooper-scope-rail-11mm-to-weaver-adapter-compensates-for-droop?a=4191)
I'm recommending the UTG 3-12 compact scope because it's in your price range, and I own it and know that it ranges fairly well. I don't recommend either of the UTG 4-16x44 compact scopes, as I think they have an inherent defect of a loose ocular where the reticle can move around whenever the ocular is unscrewed to adjust for diopter correction.
Good Luck!
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Great suggestion & agree with it as a starter set up on a budget
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12x is a thing of the past. I would not get anything less than 16x for FT use.
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Thanks Gear Junkie. I ordered up the exact set-up you suggested. Whole package including a UTG Side Wheel came in just under 150 dollars.
I appreciated the info.
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Thanks Gear Junkie. I ordered up the exact set-up you suggested. Whole package including a UTG Side Wheel came in just under 150 dollars.
I appreciated the info.
You're very welcome, I hope it serves you well and that you enjoy FT. And Terry is right about 16X mag being legal for HFT (this change took effect after the Nationals). However, I don't know of any 16X scopes with the clarity, ranging ability, and shock-proof build quality within your price range. And I'm glad you ordered a sidewheel - I forgot that!
Good Luck!
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My 2018 gear is designed specifically for just getting my feet wet and once I get a better idea of whether I want to stick with a piston rifle or move up to PCP then the better scope will be coupled with the better for the task rifle. The gear I'll use this year will then be relegated to hunting efforts.
Crawl, walk...run.
Thanks again.