GTA
Support Equipment For PCP/HPA/CO2 and springers ,rams => Optics, Range estimation & related subjects => Topic started by: Broadus on October 20, 2017, 06:44:28 PM
-
Over the past year I have tried a couple of inexpensive scopes (less than $50) on my Weihrauch HW30s, attempting clean head shots on backyard squirrels. Both scopes (a Gamo from a kind GTA forumite and a Daisy Powerline from a neighbor) were friendly gestures from airgun owners who either had an extra or had moved on to something better.
I really need better glass, particularly because light is at a premium in the shaded condition where I'm trying to sight the squirrels. I don't want to overspend, but my frustration at this stage can push my budget into the $200 range, though I'd be happy to keep the cost to $150 or less. Still, I'll pay a bit more for significantly better vision. My 60plus-year-old eyes need some help. :) Magnification is less important than optical clarity to me.
Many thanks.
-
I have a couple of these, they work great and the illuminated reticle helps a lot too and this one is less than what I paid for either of mine:
http://doddsports.com/hawkevantageir2-7x32aoredgreenmildotill.aspx (http://doddsports.com/hawkevantageir2-7x32aoredgreenmildotill.aspx)
-
I have a couple of these, they work great and the illuminated reticle helps a lot too and this one is less than what I paid for either of mine:
http://doddsports.com/hawkevantageir2-7x32aoredgreenmildotill.aspx (http://doddsports.com/hawkevantageir2-7x32aoredgreenmildotill.aspx)
+1
I would definitely consider Hawke- they are great optics. DMiller
-
I have a Hawke Airmax 2-7x32 with Mil-dot reticle on my HW30S. I can still see targets in the scope at 7x when it is too dark to see them with my naked eye. I think the Hawke scopes that size in their Airmax and Vantage lines would be well within your price range. I have several of their Airmax scopes and I continue to buy them when I need a new airgun or rimfire scope.
I have the illuminated reticle feature in most of my scopes and I very rarely use it. It is nice for those rare times you really do need it, though. I'm convinced I could do without it.
Tight groups,
Bob
-
I suggested the Vantage 2-7x32 because it has the IR feature which in low light and shaded areas really can be a handy feature.
If you want to step up to the same size in an Airmax, they have them for $132.99:
http://doddsports.com/hawkeairmaxev2-7x320aoamx.aspx (http://doddsports.com/hawkeairmaxev2-7x320aoamx.aspx)
Or for $6 more, you can go a size higher and get the 3-9x40:
http://doddsports.com/hawkeairmaxev3-9x40aoamx.aspx (http://doddsports.com/hawkeairmaxev3-9x40aoamx.aspx)
I have 2 of the Airmax 3-9x40's....very nice scopes with great glass and $139.99 is a steal as they normally run about $190 everywhere else.
-
If you divide the Objective diameter by the Magnification to calculate the Exit Pupil, and the answer is 7 mm or larger, you will have the maximum possible amount of light the pupil of your eye can admit in dark conditions.... For example, a 4 x 32 is an 8 mm exit pupil, which is why it is the "standard" scope for deer at dawn and dusk.... I use one for all my Grouse hunting for that exact reason, it is bright and has a pretty decent field of view which is important for those close shots when the prey runs a few feet and stops.... Lower magnifications have a wider field of view, of course....
A 2-7 x 32 is a good choice as well, you can run it at 2-4 x for low light conditions, and crank it up to 7 x for more distant shots when you have sufficient light.... I find that during the last 15 min. of light in the evening 4 X or less works better for me.... Just before sunset, or in deep shadows, 5-6 X may be OK....
Bob
-
I also use a Hawke 2-7x32 on my R7. Ideal size and powered scope for this gun IMHO.
R
-
Thanks for the very helpful posts and links. I did not realize the Hawke Airmax could be bought at such a good price, plus about $15 to ship, still hard to beat.
I guess the question is whether getting down to 2x or up to 9x is more important (2-7x32 vs. 3-9x40). I'm tempted to go with 3-9x40, but I can't see shooting an HW30s at a longer distance than 40 yards for target practice, let alone under 30 yards at most for squirrel head shot.
Any thoughts?
Oh, and I've seen the Nikon Prostaff Target EFR 3-9x40 (https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Prostaff-Target-Precision-Reticle/dp/B007PXVR5C (https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Prostaff-Target-Precision-Reticle/dp/B007PXVR5C), $172 shipped) recommended. How does the Hawke Airmax compare with the Nikon Prostaff Target?
-
Thanks for the very helpful posts and links. I did not realize the Hawke Airmax could be bought at such a good price, plus about $15 to ship, still hard to beat.
I guess the question is whether getting down to 2x or up to 9x is more important (2-7x32 vs. 3-9x40). I'm tempted to go with 3-9x40, but I can't see shooting an HW30s at a longer distance than 40 yards for target practice, let alone under 30 yards at most for squirrel head shot.
Any thoughts?
Oh, and I've seen the Nikon Prostaff Target EFR 3-9x40 (https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Prostaff-Target-Precision-Reticle/dp/B007PXVR5C (https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Prostaff-Target-Precision-Reticle/dp/B007PXVR5C), $172 shipped) recommended. How does the Hawke Airmax compare with the Nikon Prostaff Target?
Mine is so delightfully accurate I'm frequently pushing the yardage range. I wouldn't mind having a 3-9x vs. the 2-7x I have on it now. I don't think having a low limit of 3x vs. 2x would be much of a hunting detriment. I'll find out soon... I just put a 3-9x on my Benjamin 392.
Tight groups,
Bob
-
Sounds like you need this. https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=133875.0 (https://www.gatewaytoairguns.org/GTA/index.php?topic=133875.0)
I have this scope with a 40mm objective and love it. The IR feature is great for low-light conditions, and the reticle is crisp.
-
If you are going with a 3-9 X scope I would suggest you consider a 40 mm Objective to maintain the brightness at the higher magnifications.... I have a couple of 3-9 x 32 scopes, and find them rather dim at 9X (3.5mm Exit Pupil) on a cloudy day, let alone at dawn or dusk....
Bob
-
If you are going with a 3-9 X scope I would suggest you consider a 40 mm Objective to maintain the brightness at the higher magnifications.... I have a couple of 3-9 x 32 scopes, and find them rather dim at 9X (3.5mm Exit Pupil) on a cloudy day, let alone at dawn or dusk....
Bob
That makes sense.
Any thoughts on the Nikon Prostaff Target EFR 3-9x40? Anyone? Sportman's Outdoor Superstore has them for $155 (https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/113651 (https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/113651)). I've never ordered from them, but they have a BBB A+ rating via the owner Vance Outdoors in Columbus, OH.
-
You might try starting a new thread to ask about the Nikon, I've seen quite a few members that are fans of the brand. Never used one myself so I can't help you there unfortunately. I've had such good luck with my Hawkes that for the most part I've stayed with them except for giving BSA and Nikko-Sterling a shot the last couple months but the jury is still out on them as I haven't had as much time as I'd like to shoot with them.
-
Thanks, Steve. I'll do that.
-
If you are going with a 3-9 X scope I would suggest you consider a 40 mm Objective to maintain the brightness at the higher magnifications.... I have a couple of 3-9 x 32 scopes, and find them rather dim at 9X (3.5mm Exit Pupil) on a cloudy day, let alone at dawn or dusk....
Bob
That makes sense.
Any thoughts on the Nikon Prostaff Target EFR 3-9x40? Anyone? Sportman's Outdoor Superstore has them for $155 (https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/113651 (https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/113651)). I've never ordered from them, but they have a BBB A+ rating via the owner Vance Outdoors in Columbus, OH.
Fantastic scope IMHO. Prefer it to my Hawkes and use it on my pro sport.
-
Thanks, Rob. That's where I'm leaning. I posted a new thread concerning my top two contenders while you were posting here.
-
If that Nikon really only focuses down to 50 yds., I'd pass.... I want something that focuses down to 10 yards....
Bob
-
If that Nikon really only focuses down to 50 yds., I'd pass.... I want something that focuses down to 10 yards....
Bob
I thought it focused down to 10 yards, Bob. 50 yards would take it out of airgun consideration, and it seems to have quite a few admirers on GTA.
-
Possibly, but the Ad at that link says "50 yds. - ?"
Seems confusing....
Bob
-
Possibly, but the Ad at that link says "50 yds. - ?"
Seems confusing....
Bob
I agree.
-
According to the Nikon site - 50 yards minimum.
Look in the Technical specs section -
http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products//riflescopes/prostaff-target-efr.html#tab-ProductDetail-ProductTabs-TechSpecs (http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products//riflescopes/prostaff-target-efr.html#tab-ProductDetail-ProductTabs-TechSpecs)
-
According to the Nikon site - 50 yards minimum.
Look in the Technical specs section -
http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products//riflescopes/prostaff-target-efr.html#tab-ProductDetail-ProductTabs-TechSpecs (http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products//riflescopes/prostaff-target-efr.html#tab-ProductDetail-ProductTabs-TechSpecs)
If that’s the case, Ken, then why wouldn’t that be a huge deal breaker for airgun owners, especially those with low-power rifles? It’s a confusing thing to me.
-
Yep, for me too. For low light, the larger the objective and the lower the power, the brighter the view.
-
I just verified with my Nikon PROSTAFF Target EFR that it does focus clearly at 10 yards with the magnification set at 3x and 9x.
Taso
-
I just verified with my Nikon PROSTAFF Target EFR that it does focus clearly at 10 yards with the magnification set at 3x and 9x.
Taso
Excellent! Thanks.
-
I thought it [Nikon] focused down to 10 yards ...
That scope is available in several different versions. You want the AO version for a HW30S. There are several GTA members for whom this Nikon is the #1 choice for the HW30S/R7. No mil dots but at 30 yards or less it might not matter.
-
I thought it [Nikon] focused down to 10 yards ...
That scope is available in several different versions. You want the AO version for a HW30S. There are several GTA members for whom this Nikon is the #1 choice for the HW30S/R7. No mil dots but at 30 yards or less it might not matter.
I’ve had the Nikon for a few weeks and really like it. The image is clear and well lit, and the accuracy for my usage with the HW30S is excellent.