Need a dang good scope

[oldpink]

I think the "best" is probably Leupold EFR series. They cost more than most of our rifles, but "best" was the original question.

I had poor results with my only Nikon but they did replace it. Haven't tried one on an AG.

My favorite is the Hawke Eclipse SF in 30mm. I think all the Hawkes are excellent value for the dollar, and they speak airgun. They have had great customer service too. I have several AirMaxes.

I have a couple of Walmart Centerpoints (which do come from Leapers) and they are fine. The glass won't compare to higher end scopes but they get the job done and hold up very well on magnum springers.

I have don't have any Bushnells but always hear good things about their better AG rated line.

Have to agree about the Leupolds, but those are not the kind of thing mere mortals can usually afford.
I have one myself, mounted on my sub-MOA Ruger M77 .30-06.
It's a Varix-III 2.5-8x38mm, and it is a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship.
And, yes, I am quite proud that Leupold is one of the few manufacturers that still makes their scopes right here.
All but the glass, of course, which comes from Japan.
'sokay, though, since even the vaunted Zeiss gets their glass from the same plants in Japan.

[daveshoot]

Yup, my only Leupold is on my Ruger M77 .270.  Can't remember the last time it saw sunlight, though.

Starting out with AGs I bought a couple of BSAs. They also held up to recoil, but I don't consider the glass that great.

My "Beeman" SS1000 came with a little 3-9x32 combo scope. Most of the Chicom combo scopes are throwaways but that's been OK.

I still think Hawke is hard to beat in value on a springer. There are definitely better scopes but the key is value for the dollar.

[AirScopes]

Pete,

What is your price range? My experience with Leapers has not been good. I had two, one broke, I sold the other, and it broke on the new owner. I got a replacement for him brand new... They DO replace their scopes, and there are a lot of them around, but I also hear about a LOT of them failing.

CenterPoint I had two completely different experiences with. I got two at about the same time... 4x32. One was a piece of junk that appeared to have plastic lenses. The other was solid, clear and sturdy. I sold the latter, and melted the other so it would not torment anyone else.

Of the Hawke scopes, only the AirMax is recommended for airgun use. I wouldn't buy any other model for a springer if you get a Hawke. I have one, sell them, and have had exactly no problems with them.

Of other scopes, many manufacturers SAY their scopes will be fine on a springer, but they don't necessarily rate or test them. Sightron is one that I think does testing. I have a few of their scopes and they would currently be my favorite on the higher end. Of Leupold scopes, the 3-9x33 Ultralight is the only one I know of specifically springer rated, though Leupold will tell you other scopes will be fine. I think the Leupy would be my number 2. Swift's 686 6-18x42 is springer rated. Nikon says all of theirs are. Bushnell has told me several different things... As far as I can tell they officially only rate two scopes as springer-ready. the 6-18 trophy is one of those and there is a banner -- the Bushy Banner is the least expensive model I would suggest for a springer. Leatherwood says all their scopes work on springers and with heavy recoil.

I am currently testing a Minot scope, and one by AOEN Optical. So far both have held up.

One other type of scope I have been using is a chinese-made leupold clone, and Vector Optics scopes. These manufacturers take high-end scopes and tear them down to copy designs. One might be reminded of all the rifle clones coming out of china. I import several different kinds of these and have sold over 100. I've heard of 2 issues, only one of which was the buyer willing to confirm by returning -- and that scope turned out not even to be one that I sold.

I've lots more information on airgun rated scopes... but the ratings have been hit or miss -- especially with lower priced scopes. On the other hand I do not adhere to the idea that the more you pay, the more you get.

I hope that helps a bit.

Richard
AKA: thebookdoc

[Jay]

Pete I can speak of Richard's Chinese"clone" of the Leupold he sell's, I got the 3.5x10 Mark4 one an mounted mine up with 3 accushot 30mm weaver style ring's on my XL(My first ring's were a set of tasco that failed badly under it's heavy recoil). I have ran about 400 shot's with it since an have no complaint's(other than finding the 30mm mount's LOL).Good clear glass with a nice mil. dot set up in it an positive click adjustment's.Super nice scope for the price an seem's to be holding up well under the recoil of a mag. class NP airgun. I give it a vote for your new .25 cal. monster.