Scope opinions for an HW97K

[heli03]

Hello Members

Does anyone think that a Hawke 6-24 X 42 SF varmint is “overkill” in terms of magnification for a Beeman HW97k .20? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Roadworthy]

I don't think there is such a thing as scope "overkill".  I've got a Sun 6-24 X 50 side focus on my Diana 48.  I usually set it at about 16 but I got a deal on the scope so I jumped.

[Grover]

Hello Members

Does anyone think that a Hawke 6-24 X 42 SF varmint is “overkill” in terms of magnification for a Beeman HW97k .20? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I used to think bigger was better for scopes.  I've found that for my shooting, 15-35 yards, 9 or 12x is plenty.  I do appreciate a larger objective however, 40-50mm.  Depends upon your commonly shot ranges.

You may get tired of swinging that monster around, and at least for me, it's difficult to keep the reticle on target without getting the shakes over 12x, even from a good benchrest.  A Nikon EFR 3-9x40 would be an excellent choice for under $200.  That said, to each his own.

[Charles Outdoors]

  I use 4-16's at 30 yards and can see the small dot on the GTA 30 yard brenchrest target. I can see small ants.  So 16 works but I'm always on 16. With a 6-24 you can always go back down, as long as the size and weight is not an issue.

 

[Oldgringo]

I agree with Ron above. 

I have a Nikon 3-9 EFR on my 97K and it is just right, for me, in every regard.  Right choices of magnification, good eye relief, bright picture and not so long as to interfere with loading.  In fact, I have another one waiting on me to grow the goobernatorials to order a blue 97K.

[Old Swede]

I have a Nikon 3-9 EFR on my Beeman R1 .22 planning on adding one to my Beeman R9 .177
Don't think you can go wrong with the Nikon 3-9 EFR.

[Gear_Junkie]

What will you be using the gun for - plinking, hunting, FT?

[c_m_shooter]

I use an 8-32 for field target because it helps with ranging.  My hunting rifles all wear fixed 4x or 6x of some type.

[BenjiHunter]

I don't think there is such a thing as scope "overkill".  I've got a Sun 6-24 X 50 side focus on my Diana 48.  I usually set it at about 16 but I got a deal on the scope so I jumped.

Couldn't agree more.
I have Nikko- Sterling 6-24x50 on mine.

[uglymike]

What's your budget? What will you do with the 97K? If you want to put it in the same hole @ 50 yards, you'll need more magnification. If you just plink inside 30 yards, less. Then there's the etched glass vs. wire reticle. You gonna' shoot rabbits @ 50 feet, or aspirins @ 35 yards? My 97K is a bench shooter, and it has an MTC Genesis LR on it. 

[north country gal]

Very much agree that it is both a matter of personal preference and how you will be using your 97K. Have to also factor in your experience shooting with scopes.

If it's going to be all benchwork, I don't see any penalty for going with a big heavy scope on the 97K. It's big and beefy enough to handle a large scope. My standard 97K does double duty as an offhand shooter, though, so I stay on the smaller side with a Nikon 3-9 EFR.

As for magnification, once I get much past 12x or, maybe 16x, the hassles of using higher magnification outweigh any small improvement I get in group size. That's me, though. Everyone has their own comfort level with magnification. 

[dwalk]

you didn't specify the use(es) of the scope/rifle...hunting? target? plinking? or all the above?

i, personally, would select a low to medium power, variable, quality, scope with a factory warranty that includes being rated for magnum air rifle use, such as a Leupold 2-7 or 3-9 RF. air guns are normally, operated within close ranges, so, IMO, very high magnification (20x and up, as an example) is not necessary...shooting at a very small target at 10 yds/meters doesn't require very high magnification...shooting at a small targets at long yards/meters DOES require higher magnification.