Scope choice

[chet]

 Been looking for a new scope for my next springer, either an R9 or the LGV Challenger, the scope i had in mind was the UTG Accushot 4-16x56 AO Rifle Scope, SWAT, EZ-TAP, Illuminated Etched-Glass Mil-Dot Reticle, 1/8 MOA. i do want an etched reticle in my next scope, this one seems to have a good review, any other scopes that will be as good or better in this $200 price range, did i miss any. i currently have a hawk hk 3019 it's ok not as sharp as i would like.

  thanks
     Chet

[JimL911]

Hawke Panorama.

[bowzette]

I just bought a Vortex Crossfire  II 6-18.  Glass is clear up to 16 and not bad at 18.  Eye relief is long. It cost $210 shipped from OP.  It is the low end Chinese scope in Vortex line but covered by the same Vortex warranty.  No hassle fast repair or replacement and Vortex pays the shipping both ways.     One problem I've had with the Leapers/CP scopes is having to pay shipping cost to the repair shop.  Not unfair but with a cheap scope a couple of trips for repair and you are a long way towards buying a new one.  I just tossed a CP because this would be the second trip for repairs and I could by a new one at Walmart for $$80.  The Vortex may turn out to be a dog but it will be Vortex's dog. I think they also offer an up grade to the Diamond back for a reasonable price if the Crossfire isn't performing to your satisfaction, or what some have reported.   I admit the prices of the Leapers and CPs are enticing.  But my Leapers Bugbust turrets just died again!  Don't think I will pay shipping for repairs.

[Lightninrod]

Lordy but that's a lot of features for the money!  Is it rated for rifles like your R9?

[bowzette]

Lordy but that's a lot of features for the money!  Is it rated for rifles like your R9?

If you are referring to the Vortex Crossfire, Vortex told me by phone and email it would hold up to my R1/HW80.  I have my doubts but I will find out-nothing to loose. Worse case exchange it for a Diamaondback with some cash upgrade.  So if ending up with a Diamondback is acceptable no real risk.

[Booger]

 Been looking for a new scope for my next springer, either an R9 or the LGV Challenger, the scope i had in mind was the UTG Accushot 4-16x56 AO Rifle Scope, SWAT, EZ-TAP, Illuminated Etched-Glass Mil-Dot Reticle, 1/8 MOA. i do want an etched reticle in my next scope, this one seems to have a good review, any other scopes that will be as good or better in this $200 price range, did i miss any. i currently have a hawk hk 3019 it's ok not as sharp as i would like.

  thanks
     Chet

I have that scope and I like it. I also have a Leapers 3-12X40 that I like just as much. I would put these scopes at 2nd and 3rd favorites that I own with no clear winner. My favorite scope is my Hawke 8-32X56 but that is out of your price range.

[Airgun.Sniper]

I just bought a Vortex Crossfire  II 6-18.  Glass is clear up to 16 and not bad at 18.  Eye relief is long. It cost $210 shipped from OP.  It is the low end Chinese scope in Vortex line but covered by the same Vortex warranty.  No hassle fast repair or replacement and Vortex pays the shipping both ways.     One problem I've had with the Leapers/CP scopes is having to pay shipping cost to the repair shop.  Not unfair but with a cheap scope a couple of trips for repair and you are a long way towards buying a new one.  I just tossed a CP because this would be the second trip for repairs and I could by a new one at Walmart for $$80.  The Vortex may turn out to be a dog but it will be Vortex's dog. I think they also offer an up grade to the Diamond back for a reasonable price if the Crossfire isn't performing to your satisfaction, or what some have reported.   I admit the prices of the Leapers and CPs are enticing.  But my Leapers Bugbust turrets just died again!  Don't think I will pay shipping for repairs.

 I have that Crossfire mounted on my AR 10. One clear scope and Im glad I bought it.

[K_sqrd]

Interesting response by the Vortex folks re: the Crossfire II OK to use on an R1/HW80...

The Vortex Service Rep told me that the Vortex Technicians Do Not Recommend the
Crossfire II scopes for use on Spring Powered Air Guns. SS has them listed under
Medium Recoil. I was also told by the folks at AoA that they had a Crossfire II
that lasted three years on an RWS 48 before it died - the scope not the 48. So go figure.
My application for the scope was on a 15+ FPE springer and I had no problem with
Crossfire II's regarding recoil.

I had two Crossfire II 4-12X40 AO BDC scopes and both had similar problems.
The windage turret jammed on one several times. The windage knob on the second
scope was extremely difficult to turn and required a coin in the turret screw slot
to aid in turning the turret knob. Both scopes also had problems with a change
in POI when adjusting the AO. I was offered an upgrade to a Diamondback for a
nominal fee and took advantage of the offer.

Vortex Service was first rate. They picked up all shipping charges, were very prompt
handling the returns and were a pleasure to deal with.

Quite a few people people seem to have had good luck with the Crossfire II's and are
happy with them.

[bowzette]

Interesting response by the Vortex folks re: the Crossfire II OK to use on an R1/HW80...

The Vortex Service Rep told me that the Vortex Technicians Do Not Recommend the
Crossfire II scopes for use on Spring Powered Air Guns. SS has them listed under
Medium Recoil. I was also told by the folks at AoA that they had a Crossfire II
that lasted three years on an RWS 48 before it died - the scope not the 48. So go figure.
My application for the scope was on a 15+ FPE springer and I had no problem with
Crossfire II's regarding recoil.

I had two Crossfire II 4-12X40 AO BDC scopes and both had similar problems.
The windage turret jammed on one several times. The windage knob on the second
scope was extremely difficult to turn and required a coin in the turret screw slot
to aid in turning the turret knob. Both scopes also had problems with a change
in POI when adjusting the AO. I was offered an upgrade to a Diamondback for a
nominal fee and took advantage of the offer.

Vortex Service was first rate. They picked up all shipping charges, were very prompt
handling the returns and were a pleasure to deal with.

Quite a few people people seem to have had good luck with the Crossfire II's and are
happy with them.

I took the chance based on your experience.  I figured worse case I'll end up with a Diamondback.  I only shot the R1 with the Crossfire mounted a handful of times.  I will use the Crossfire on a R7 that I will hopefully get from Paul Watts one day.  A Sightron II 4-16 is going on the R1.  The scope should be able to handle a well tuned R7.

[Bob in WV]

The Aeon scopes have been holding up well on springers.  A few of my buddies have them on the Walther LGV rifles and they have held up well.  I shot my buddies gun a good bit and the scope was very clear and I reall liked the side focus and tree reticle.

Bob in WV

[Airgun.Sniper]

Interesting response by the Vortex folks re: the Crossfire II OK to use on an R1/HW80...

The Vortex Service Rep told me that the Vortex Technicians Do Not Recommend the
Crossfire II scopes for use on Spring Powered Air Guns. SS has them listed under
Medium Recoil. I was also told by the folks at AoA that they had a Crossfire II
that lasted three years on an RWS 48 before it died - the scope not the 48. So go figure.
My application for the scope was on a 15+ FPE springer and I had no problem with
Crossfire II's regarding recoil.

I had two Crossfire II 4-12X40 AO BDC scopes and both had similar problems.
The windage turret jammed on one several times. The windage knob on the second
scope was extremely difficult to turn and required a coin in the turret screw slot
to aid in turning the turret knob. Both scopes also had problems with a change
in POI when adjusting the AO. I was offered an upgrade to a Diamondback for a
nominal fee and took advantage of the offer.

Vortex Service was first rate. They picked up all shipping charges, were very prompt
handling the returns and were a pleasure to deal with.

Quite a few people people seem to have had good luck with the Crossfire II's and are
happy with them.

 I am very happy with mine, but decided to use my discount and pick up a diamondback also

[Plinkster56]

I see threads like this come up a lot. I have a Bushnell 4200 elite on one of my inline muzzleloaders that I really like. I compare this to most scopes I buy for my air guns. I have two of the UTG 4x16x42's on a HW97K and a RWS 48 both are holding up and are ok outdoors.( shooting in the basement is another story) I bought a UTG 4x16x44 SWAT for my TX200, once again its ok but nothing to jump up and down about. While UTG/Leapers profess the merits of "True Strength" construction, brightness and clarity seem to be somewhat compromised. I have not tried any of the Hawk products only because of the pro/con issues from shooter to shooter. Has anyone found a scope in their opinion that is a stellar performer? I know there is some real clear glass on the market but will it hold up to the ravages of the spring guns? Like some have already said, the price to ship this stuff back and forth for repair gets pricey and the waiting time can be miserable as well.

[chet]

 HI plinkster

  You got that right about the Elite 4200, they are bright and sharp as they come, my hawk hk 3019 is a nice scope etched reticle ect, not quite as bright as the elite 4200, as i mentioned above i hope i am making a good decision by going with the Leapers UTG SCP3-U312AOIEW which is the full size scope in 3-12 x 44 i am hoping the crosshairs will be ok for target work, will not be using the rifle for hunting

    Chet

[Scotchmo]

Chet,
I like that 3-12x44 full size SWAT scope. But you originally said that you wanted an etched glass reticle. That one has the wire reticle. Look for SCP3-UG.... The G indicates a glass reticle. The new catalog shows the full size as being available in both wire and etched glass. Though the dealers only seem to stock the compact version with etched glass. Maybe the full size etched glass version will be available soon.

[palonej]

Etched for target work Chet!!
I have an old Leaper's 4-16 wire reticle. It has taken a monstrous beating and is still ticking, but the wire reticle looks HUGE compared to etched. Tough with target shooting

[Pappy]

Joe is right, etched for target work.  If you are serious, the Hawke 8x32-56 Sidewinder 30 is the ticket.  I prefer the SR Pro Reticle.
Just my 2 cents.

[chet]

Chet,
I like that 3-12x44 full size SWAT scope. But you originally said that you wanted an etched glass reticle. That one has the wire reticle. Look for SCP3-UG.... The G indicates a glass reticle. The new catalog shows the full size as being available in both wire and etched glass. Though the dealers only seem to stock the compact version with etched glass. Maybe the full size etched glass version will be available soon.

Scotchmo, yes you are right i did mention the etched glass model, but so many users here have mentioned the model with the wire and are very happy with them, still may go with the etched model, still debating

    Chet

[Scotchmo]

Chet,
I like that 3-12x44 full size SWAT scope. But you originally said that you wanted an etched glass reticle. That one has the wire reticle. Look for SCP3-UG.... The G indicates a glass reticle. The new catalog shows the full size as being available in both wire and etched glass. Though the dealers only seem to stock the compact version with etched glass. Maybe the full size etched glass version will be available soon.

Scotchmo, yes you are right i did mention the etched glass model, but so many users here have mentioned the model with the wire and are very happy with them, still may go with the etched model, still debating

    Chet

I might like the etched glass reticle for it's supposed durability and because it works better when lit up, but I still prefer the current UTG wire reticle to the current UTG etched glass reticle for my type of use.

I shoot competitively in field target and silhouette. The UTG/Leapers wire reticle is fine for that purpose.

The UTG SCP3-U312AOIEW scope that you are contemplating is a good choice. I used that very model on my Marauder to win the AAFTA Hunter/PCP Grand Prix and National Hunter match.

I also like the Hawke Sidewinder, but the UTG is a better choice for those on a budget.