GTA

Support Equipment For PCP/HPA/CO2 and springers ,rams => Optics, Range estimation & related subjects => Topic started by: Scratch on June 26, 2019, 11:43:10 AM

Title: AO Neccesity
Post by: Scratch on June 26, 2019, 11:43:10 AM
Noob question number three. (on my list :))
Reading up on scopes as this will be my first.
Read that the AO adjustment is generally useful at 150 to 200 yards.
Seems to me that the adjustment is not really necessary if most shooting will be under 100 yards.
Target at 30 to 50 yards. (my range set up)
Pesting from 10 to 70 yards on my property.
Asking this question as my budget for a scope is modest, in the area of $100.00.
Somewhat north/hopefully south of that number.
Many thanks for your advice.
Tony
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: mobilehomer on June 26, 2019, 12:18:29 PM
You have it backwards. It is necessary from 10-150 yards. From there to infinity, not so much. Focus and parallax can change over inches at close range, where it can change yards further out.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: UlteriorModem on June 26, 2019, 12:22:40 PM
Just went to Pyramid Air and their 'scopes' page. Clicked the $100.00 or less filter and at least a half dozen scopes with AO on them were presented.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: c_m_shooter on June 26, 2019, 12:56:20 PM
You will find scopes without AO to be useless between 10 and 25 yards.  If you use a .22 scope with 50 yard parralax setting it will do ok for plinking from about 25 out.  Best to get one with AO.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Roadworthy on June 26, 2019, 01:20:04 PM
Most scopes are set at the factory for 100 yards.  Rimfire scopes may be set at fifty.  If all you are doing is plinking this generally works.  AO scopes vary in minimum distance - read the specs.  Try for a minimum adjustment of ten yards.  If shooting a spring piston air rifle the scope will need to be rated for their unique recoil.  If you want precision shot after shot AO is a really good feature to have.  If you can maintain PRECISELY the same hold and head position through every shot AO isn't really necessary.  It's for the rest of us who are less than perfect that it exists. 
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Scratch on June 26, 2019, 02:02:28 PM
Quote
You have it backwards
Story of my life.  :-[
Quote
Try for a minimum adjustment of ten yards
Good info, Thomas.
Thank you.
Quote
Pyramid Air and their 'scopes' page. Clicked the $100.00 or less filter and at least a half dozen scopes with AO on them were presented
Yep. Been driving those guys nuts with my questions.
Been looking at:
Winchester_4x32_AO_Rifle_Scope
And for more $
UTG_3_9x40AO_True_Hunter_Rifle_Scope_EZ_TAP_Illuminated
Concerned about the heavy weight of the UTG.
Oops, apparently I cannot post external links.
The scope will be going on a Sheridan 2260 mb.
Really appreciate all this help.
Tony...


Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Roadworthy on June 26, 2019, 02:17:56 PM
If not going on a spring piston air rifle you can use ANY scope.  Fixed magnification scopes usually weigh less as do scopes with smaller objective lenses.  Happy shopping.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Taso1000 on June 26, 2019, 02:28:12 PM
Parallax error becomes greater as magnification goes up.

Parallax error becomes greater the further away (close or far) you are from the parallax set point.

+ or - 2 inches of parallax may not be a big deal on a deer but on a squirrel brain it would be a miss.

Thanks,

Taso

Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Scratch on June 26, 2019, 04:28:00 PM
Well, I have it down to two prospects for the 2260mb.
Apologies, I'm unable to post Urls. :(
This: UTG 3-9x40_Rifle_Scope_Mil_Dot_Reticle_1_4_MOA_1_Tube_3_8_Dovetail
OR this:
UTG 3-12x32_AO_Bug_Buster_Rifle_Scope_Mil_Dot_Reticle
Both are close to my price range.
Both available through Pyramyd.
The first one already has 3/8th dovetails.
The second, I would most likely use The Leapers high, off set mounts.
May need them also for the 3-9x40.
One of these will go on my new rifle.
As always, your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Decision time is no later than July 4th. :D :D
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: c_m_shooter on June 26, 2019, 05:36:38 PM
Flip a coin.  The Bug Buster is more popular if that means anything.  You will need medium rings on your rifle unless you plan on raising the comb of the stock.  Mediums should clear 40mm, but you may have to remove the rear sight.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: UlteriorModem on June 26, 2019, 06:24:27 PM
There both quite similar scopes. The main difference is the size and weight.

The bug buster is much shorter and might be a problem with they eye relief (how close to your eye the scope needs to be).

The "Rifle Scope" is longer and has slightly more aperture (gathers more light) but only by 8mm.

That being said I have a bug buster and it works quite well, though I did struggle with the eye relief. Upgraded with a bigger scope pretty quickly.

The illuminated reticle is just a perk really. It's kinda nice but I shoot with it turned of at least 50% of the time.

Oh forgot to mention if you haven't already watch Tom Gaylord's video on selecting a scope. It's air gun academy episode 40. You can find it on their scope menu.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: BigBird on June 27, 2019, 12:50:11 AM
I have a UTG 3-9x40 and it is nice.  The other 3-12x32 will give more magnification if you are doing longer range small pest/bird hunting.
Related: I had a cheap Bushnell sharpshooter scope with 100 yd parallax on my 1322 that I adjusted the objective (front element) to reduce parallax to around 30 yds.  It involved moving the element retainer set rings out a little. Careful if scope is nitrogen or argon filled and sealed.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Scratch on June 27, 2019, 10:04:26 AM
Wow! Very helpful. Thank you gentlemen. :)
Quote
You will need medium rings on your rifle unless you plan on raising the comb of the stock.
Cliff- Thanks very much. You probably saved me a bunch of trouble.
Quote
The "Rifle Scope" is longer and has slightly more aperture (gathers more light
Thanks Tom.
That's a plus.
I might have to wait out a wabbit in a low lit yard. Street light type illumination.
Well, I'm off to watch Tom Gaylord's vid while I finish my morning coffee.
Thanks again Tom.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: BackStop on June 27, 2019, 10:14:05 AM
Noob question number three. (on my list :) )
Reading up on scopes as this will be my first.
Read that the AO adjustment is generally useful at 150 to 200 yards.
Seems to me that the adjustment is not really necessary if most shooting will be under 100 yards.
Target at 30 to 50 yards. (my range set up)
Pesting from 10 to 70 yards on my property.
Asking this question as my budget for a scope is modest, in the area of $100.00.
Somewhat north/hopefully south of that number.
Many thanks for your advice.
Tony

Since I am no good with fixed/iron sights anymore, I tend to spend more on glass than the gun.

Aim small, miss small. 
Bad glass can ruin a good day of shooting, among other things.   It is one thing that you DO have control over as a variable for accurate shooting.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Scratch on June 27, 2019, 04:16:40 PM
Hold the presses!  :o
The one thing that I did not look at was the reticle.  :-[
Most of my above selections have a mil-dot reticle, with the exception of the Winchester model.
I do believe that I would be much happier with a duplex style of reticle. Even plain old cross hairs.
Is my old fot persona showing?  :-[
Sorry...
So Here are the new contestants:
Hawke_Sport_Optics_3_9x40_AO_Sport_HD_Rifle_Scope_30_30_Duplex_Reticle_1_4_MOA_
And:
CenterPoint_4_16x40_AO_Rifle_Scope_Illuminated_TAG_Style_Reticle_1_Tube_Picatinny_Rings
Pretty much think that I'll go with the Hawke.
Good reviews on Pyramyd and close to my price point.
Thanks Kerry.
Like your kitty.
Cheers!
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Yogi on June 28, 2019, 01:23:06 AM
Kerry,

Air guns are sighted it at a certain distance.  If you shoot at another distance, you need those MOA or MILrad hash marks.
A duplex is only sighted it at one distance and you have to uneducatedly guess the hold over and hold under when shooting at a different distance.

Look-up Optisan /MTC scb reticle.

-Y
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: BackStop on June 28, 2019, 07:20:37 AM
Kerry,

Air guns are sighted it at a certain distance.  If you shoot at another distance, you need those MOA or MILrad hash marks.
A duplex is only sighted it at one distance and you have to uneducatedly guess the hold over and hold under when shooting at a different distance.

Look-up Optisan /MTC scb reticle.

-Y

I understand that and my scope does only have a duplex reticle.   However, with practice and considering the known ranges (~10 to 60 yards) that I shoot, holdover is an educated guess.   Also, Chairgun is very helpful in knowing the holdover for known parameters.

My next scope will have some form of range marks, but I do fine at the ranges that I shoot.   YMMV
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: HunterWhite on June 28, 2019, 08:01:12 AM
I just saw a scope with AO at Wal-Mart for $98.
CenterPoint 3-12x44 mm Rifle Scope (30mm tube) with Precision Lock Turrets, LR312SFT2

Average rating:5 out of 5stars, based on 3 reviews at Wally world.

https://www.crosman.com/optics/scopes/3-12x44-mm-plt-riflescope (https://www.crosman.com/optics/scopes/3-12x44-mm-plt-riflescope)

Average rating:5 out of 5 stars, based on 6 reviews at Crosman.


Have any of you tried this one?

I will start a new topic to ask.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: UlteriorModem on June 28, 2019, 11:16:21 AM
Are center point scopes springer rated?
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: HunterWhite on June 28, 2019, 12:06:14 PM
Crosman website does not specifically state that it is springer rated. It just gives this:

"Durable 30 mm tube body Fully, multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coating for brighter views Precision lock turrets with zero resetting capabilities100% waterproof, shockproof and fogproof Nitrogen filled Fast focus eyepiece Includes lens covers and Picatinny rings Limited Lifetime Warranty"

The original poster, Said this:
Quote
The scope will be going on a Sheridan 2260 mb.

I just started a new topic and asked if anyone has tried one. I have not seen a response yet.

It appears to be side focus.

I may have enabled myself on this one.  LOL.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Taso1000 on June 28, 2019, 01:15:01 PM
For $110 you can get a superior, in every way than Leapers and Centerpoint, Athlon scope with side focus.

https://www.amazon.com/Athlon-Optics-Riflescope-Second-Reticle/dp/B01APT0JSI/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=athlon&qid=1561738313&refinements=p_36%3A-15000&rnid=386589011&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-3 (https://www.amazon.com/Athlon-Optics-Riflescope-Second-Reticle/dp/B01APT0JSI/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=athlon&qid=1561738313&refinements=p_36%3A-15000&rnid=386589011&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-3)

Thanks,

Taso
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Scratch on June 30, 2019, 11:56:52 AM
Thanks for this Taso.
Looks like a very nice scope.
Has mil-dots.
They may not be very intrusive as its an etched reticle.
Nice feature for a scope in this price range.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: UlteriorModem on June 30, 2019, 12:33:43 PM
Hrm, I didn't see any mil dots in the image of the reticle?
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Taso1000 on June 30, 2019, 12:40:18 PM
Thanks for this Taso.
Looks like a very nice scope.
Has mil-dots.
They may not be very intrusive as its an etched reticle.
Nice feature for a scope in this price range.

Tony,

Here is the manufactures product page:

https://athlonoptics.com/product/rifle-scopes-neos-4-12x40-center-x-sfp/ (https://athlonoptics.com/product/rifle-scopes-neos-4-12x40-center-x-sfp/)

If you scroll down a little on the Amazon listing you will see the model number is 216008.  The picture Amazon has that shows the illumination dial is incorrect.

Quote
This Neos 4-12×40 Model has Athlon Center X reticle in it. Please click the link (https://www.athlonoptics.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Center-X-Reticle-Subtension.pdf (https://www.athlonoptics.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Center-X-Reticle-Subtension.pdf)) for detailed reticle subtension…

Thanks,

Taso
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Scratch on June 30, 2019, 01:40:33 PM
Quote
Hrm, I didn't see any mil dots in the image of the reticle?
Sorry Tom. "Its my age!" (as mom used to say)  :-[
Thanks Taso.
Just need a  set of rings and I'm good to go.
Amzn also has a set of UTG in 1" medium height that should work for the Benji. :)
Cheers!
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Taso1000 on July 02, 2019, 12:38:42 PM
That Athlon scope is now $90.04.  I also posted it in the Bargain gate.  I don't know how long the low price will last as Amazon changes prices erratically.

Good luck!

Taso
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: Kels73 on July 04, 2019, 07:41:53 PM
I recently purchased a Weihrauch HW98. I mounted an old Tasco 3-9x32 to it temporarily while waiting for my new scope to arrive.

The Tasco has a fixed parallax setting. I'm not sure if it's set to 50 or 100 yards, but I know this...it's no fun to shoot indoors at 10 yards. I can shoot it accurately at that distance, but I have to work extra hard to ensure that I'm looking straight down the scope.

So yes, AO is a very desirable feature for airgunners.   
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: robtmc on October 26, 2019, 01:53:19 AM
If you can maintain PRECISELY the same hold and head position through every shot AO isn't really necessary.  It's for the rest of us who are less than perfect that it exists.
+1
Been there, spent too much money learning it.  New to scopes and shocked how much trouble I had until reading on consistent hold and all from military field manuals.   Non-parralax scopes of course.

Never knew about it, was just enamored of the idea of laying the crosshairs down and assuming that was where the shot went.  Big surprise.

Parallax a real learning experience, never mattered to an old iron sights geezer.  Iron sights impose rigid hold on you to see the correct sight picture.
Title: Re: AO Neccesity
Post by: birdmove on December 02, 2019, 11:04:38 PM
    One thing to consider about short/compact scopes. Should you want to mount a flashlight onto that gun, a compact scope may not have enough scope body available to use a mount for the flashlight. I have an NCStar 4x30 Compact scope, and It was a problem. Of course, I've mounted lights to the bottom of the barrel with velcro strips.