Optics For Hunter Field Target

[sxty8goats]

Hello all,

I started reading through threads but soon noticed that the majority of the posts were from 2018.

I'm in the process of building a rifle for HFT. I have an Air Venture Avenger in .22 but it is difficult to get it down to 20 foot-pounds. I did shoot one match with it, did poorly but learned a lot and had a great time.  I'm looking at a .177 FX Dreamline.

Rifle aside, Scope seems to be the real magic. I'm hoping to find something with a parallax that can be focused at 10 yards out. Before I really comprehended the sport, I ordered an Arkin Optics SH4 4-16, but it only focuses 25yards to infin.

So now I'm looking at a Hawk Sidewinder FFP MkII. It is a fairly not cheep scope and I'd like opinions before I buy another scope that isn't quite right for my use. (Arkin will go on the Avenger and be used for 50-100yard stuff for now)

First, does anyone here use the Hawk Sidewinder scopes and do they like them?

Second, the options for the Sidewinder are 6-24x and 4-16x. I realize that the max we are allowed in Hunter class is 16x so in some ways, it makes sense to stay with the 16x scope. I've read that scopes can loose image quality at max zoom. Would a 6-24x be a better choice as I wouldn't have to use the full zoom and as a result get a better image?

Third, In relation to usable parallax focusing at 16x (or maybe 12x if I use the 6-24x) both mags state 10yards to infin, Would there be a wider DOF on one of the two mag levels between 40 and 55yards? IE, more useable focus to range with?

Thanks for any help.

[Gear_Junkie]

Hello all,

I started reading through threads but soon noticed that the majority of the posts were from 2018.

I'm in the process of building a rifle for HFT. I have an Air Venture Avenger in .22 but it is difficult to get it down to 20 foot-pounds. I did shoot one match with it, did poorly but learned a lot and had a great time.  I'm looking at a .177 FX Dreamline.

Rifle aside, Scope seems to be the real magic. I'm hoping to find something with a parallax that can be focused at 10 yards out. Before I really comprehended the sport, I ordered an Arkin Optics SH4 4-16, but it only focuses 25yards to infin.

So now I'm looking at a Hawk Sidewinder FFP MkII. It is a fairly not cheep scope and I'd like opinions before I buy another scope that isn't quite right for my use. (Arkin will go on the Avenger and be used for 50-100yard stuff for now)

First, does anyone here use the Hawk Sidewinder scopes and do they like them?

Second, the options for the Sidewinder are 6-24x and 4-16x. I realize that the max we are allowed in Hunter class is 16x so in some ways, it makes sense to stay with the 16x scope. I've read that scopes can loose image quality at max zoom. Would a 6-24x be a better choice as I wouldn't have to use the full zoom and as a result get a better image?

Third, In relation to usable parallax focusing at 16x (or maybe 12x if I use the 6-24x) both mags state 10yards to infin, Would there be a wider DOF on one of the two mag levels between 40 and 55yards? IE, more useable focus to range with?

Thanks for any help.

Hi Pete,

I've used the Hawke Airmax 30 SF 3-12x50, 4-16x50 and 6-24x50, the Sidewinder 4-16x50 and 6-24x50, and Sidewinder FFP 4-16x50 and 6-24x50 scopes for hunter class field target.  At 16X magnification, I found the Airmax 30 SF 6-24x50 to have the best ranging ability - FOR ME AND MY EYES.  They are all very nice scopes though.  The greater the magnification, the less DOF.

[sxty8goats]

Thank you. I really appreciate that and I'll look at the other scopes as well.

[sxty8goats]

  The greater the magnification, the less DOF.

When I shot my first comp, the guy I was paired up with was pretty experienced. I was shooting a Hawk 3-9x and have a difficult time ranging that scope past 80 feet. I mentioned that to him and he said that there was not enough mag to range much past that. This is why I was considering the 6-24 over the 4-16.

[Gear_Junkie]

  The greater the magnification, the less DOF.

When I shot my first comp, the guy I was paired up with was pretty experienced. I was shooting a Hawk 3-9x and have a difficult time ranging that scope past 80 feet. I mentioned that to him and he said that there was not enough mag to range much past that. This is why I was considering the 6-24 over the 4-16.

I think that's a smart move.  It's always nice to have a little more range than you think you will need.

[d-cuttler]

I will throw something else into the mix.

I too have been trying to set up a rifle for hunter field target, and while there are many good choices of rifles at a reasonable cost, scopes are another matter.

One of my requirements is to be able to shoot in my basement where I am limited to 9 yards. Many of the scopes that say they will focus down to 10 yards actually won't do it. I think the manufacturers are actually designing for 10 meters, then saying that they will focus to 10 yards. It's a difference of almost 1 yard.

If you have a scope that has a limited depth of field, which is required for good ranging and it won't focus below 10 meters, you will be in trouble.

I think I found the perfect scope for me. I just picked up an unused Nikko Stirling diamond 30mm 4-16x50 with side focus, and an illuminated half mil dot reticle.

I knew I was taking a chance, because the purchase was from an ebay seller who stated no returns.

Much to my surprise it will actually focus down to 8 yards. I just measured it. Also the reticle is razor sharp when illuminated, making it easy to use when viewing black bullseye paper targets indoors.

The glass is clear, and the focus and locking turrets work flawlessly.

It has a 2nd focal plane, which works well for me. I just made a holdover card so I can reduce the magnification down for off hand shooting.

Unfortunately these scopes have been discontinued, but there may be a few left out there.

[Dockey 454]

Depending on how serious you are about FT. My Sightron SIII 10-50x60 is an excellent scope. It focuses from 9 to 58 yds. Crystal clear, and the focus snaps in. Problem is it isn't cheap.
  Tom