Non AO zoom discoveries today

[GD Giles]

Just for fun I shot 3 groups at 20 yards using the infamous Optima 3-9x32 scope. I shot at zoom power level 5, 7 then 9. At 20 yards 9 was so fuzzy the red bullseye was more of a blur of two red dots. I just aimed for the middle. 

I'm trying to figure out if the zero is wandering based on zoom level. I'm not sure I proved that but I am sure that even at 20 yards a 4x32 scope would not be enough magnification for me. I also discovered that, for me, a zoom scope is kinda worthlesss w/o an AO. So I've made my mind up on the scope, a Leapers UTG 3-9 x 40 AO. Hoping Santa gets the message.  These groups do move around on the target page but I'm not sure it's because of the varying zoom levels. Today's groups weren't as good as last nights, but I did video and it was cool seeing pellets go into the same hole a few times. 

The pics, in order are 5, 7 and 9.

I also included one of my 'indoor range' at the store. If I pushed the target all the way back into that teaching studio I could lengthen it to about 23 yards maybe. I could back up a bit too to get 25 but the sales counter sure does make a nice bench rest where it is. I also showed my redneck video tripod. Hey, 3 pieces of tape is 'tri'. 

[OnlyHalfRight]

I hate bashing things but yes man, that scope is terrible for anything other than maybe 5x.

I know in my other thread i wanted a scope for 75 or less but i think im just going to pay the hundred for a leapers or hawk.

[GD Giles]

Me too. I mean I looked at the Hammers scope too but for $30 more you get the UTG, illuminated reticle, etc.

[SteveP-52]

Don't know which UTG you're looking at or how much but try this one at Airgun Depot, $86.99, although it might be bigger than you want:

http://www.airgundepot.com/utg-4-16x40-ao-rifle-scope.html

[GD Giles]

I was looking at this one

http://www.airgundepot.com/leapers-utg-3-9x40ao-true-hunter-scope.html

the differences don't jump out to me but they don't list too much on the one you found, as far as specs and features go. Ok, upon further examination the one you found is discontinued. It was a new model a few years ago and I saw one guy on youtube that bought it new for $70.

[SteveP-52]

Same True Strength scope platform, you get a little extra magnification with the 4-12 and it's $9 cheaper which helps towards the shipping if need be. Neither AGD or the Leapers Website show it being discontinued and their website is where I got the specs.

• Best Features Designed for Varmint/Predator Hunting
• Built on True Strength Platform, Completely Sealed and Nitrogen Filled, Shockproof, Fogproof and Rainproof
• Innovative EZ-TAP® Illumination Enhancing (IE) System with Red/Green Dual-Color Mode and 36 Color Multi-Color Mode to Accommodate All Weather/Light Conditions 
• 1-Click High-tech Illumination Memory Feature Gets You Right Back to the Color/Brightness Setting Last Used
• Premium Zero Locking and Zero Resetting Target Turrets with Most Consistent and Precise 1/4 MOA per Click Windage/Elevation Adjustment
• Emerald Coated Lenses to Achieve Maximum Light Transmission for Best Clarity
• Mil-dot Range Estimating Reticle for Most Optimal Aiming and Shooting Performance
• Parallax Adjustable from 5 Yds Close Range to Infinity
• Complete with RGWM-25H4 Picatinny/Weaver Rings and High Quality Flip-open Lens Caps

[GD Giles]

I think when I clicked a link to that scope on Walmart they said it was discontinued. Looks good!

[SteveP-52]

Only place I found it no longer carried was Cheaper Than Dirt, every place else wanted at least $20 more, even ebay and amazon

[GD Giles]

Just ordered one Steve and by adding a tin of pellets I got free shipping.

[SteveP-52]

Nice...I'll be looking for the post you make after you look through the UTG mounted compared to the Optima...you're gonna love it.

[GD Giles]

I know I will. Hey, the mount you spotted me should work, right?

[SteveP-52]

The one I sent you is a Hawke 1 piece Match mount, it will fit any 1 inch tube scope and both of those UTG's have 1 inch tubes.

[SteveP-52]

I've checked out the targets scrolling down through the thread before, but I just paid more attention to what's in the background and I think I wanna come to work for your boss...lol.
I'm 52 and have worked for some pretty laid back bosses in my time, but none of them have ever been laid back enough to let me come in their store, set up a shooting range and start plugging away with a high powered air rifle with all that expensive stuff hanging on the walls not to mention the walls themselves and everything else if I missed.
I seriously need a boss like yours considering how winters can get in the Buffalo area...I could shoot all year long and not freeze for 5 months of it....lolol

[Methuselah]

Just for fun I shot 3 groups at 20 yards using the infamous Optima 3-9x32 scope. I shot at zoom power level 5, 7 then 9. At 20 yards 9 was so fuzzy the red bullseye was more of a blur of two red dots. I just aimed for the middle. 

I'm trying to figure out if the zero is wandering based on zoom level. I'm not sure I proved that but I am sure that even at 20 yards a 4x32 scope would not be enough magnification for me. I also discovered that, for me, a zoom scope is kinda worthlesss w/o an AO. So I've made my mind up on the scope, a Leapers UTG 3-9 x 40 AO. Hoping Santa gets the message.  These groups do move around on the target page but I'm not sure it's because of the varying zoom levels. Today's groups weren't as good as last nights, but I did video and it was cool seeing pellets go into the same hole a few times. 

The pics, in order are 5, 7 and 9.

I also included one of my 'indoor range' at the store. If I pushed the target all the way back into that teaching studio I could lengthen it to about 23 yards maybe. I could back up a bit too to get 25 but the sales counter sure does make a nice bench rest where it is. I also showed my redneck video tripod. Hey, 3 pieces of tape is 'tri'. 

Try this ... it will not be easy but should tighten your groups;  back away from the scope until you see a black-circle ring around the perimeter, move forward enough to where it is just barely a shadow on the edges and keep it perfectly round and barely in the field of view while shooting.  This will not eliminate parallax (unless you zero doing it), but it will keep the parallax error from changing shot to shot.

If you try it, don't forget to post some pictures of the improved groups! 

Oh.  Um, yeah an AO scope will help, but if you anchor the scope and sight it on a target and can get the cross hairs to move without touching the rifle, you will STILL have the groups opening up on you (just not as much).

Try it?!

[GD Giles]

I will try the relief method you describe Steve, when I get the new scope. I think I'm done with this Optima.

And other Steve... I am the boss.

[mobilehomer]

Glen, do you sell those sweet phone mounts?

[GD Giles]

I don't want to say 'yes' because that would move me from a GTA member at large to a vendor. But if a brother needs a hand, I can hook you up.

[Methuselah]

I will try the relief method you describe Steve, when I get the new scope. I think I'm done with this Optima.

And other Steve... I am the boss.

Different method with AO, trust me - doing both will make sure you understand what you need to make the most of your new scope. 

No more preaching, ball is in your court 

Happy Holidays!

[GD Giles]

Steve I forgot to try your method of just getting a black halo ring when shooting but I did adjust the parallax to 20 yards, the distance of my indoor range. I'm not sure if I would need to re zero the scope but my groups were getting better towards the end. The biggest problem is my largest supply of pellets are the CPHPs and they have not proven to be the most accurate for me so I'll just have to wait until Santa hands me my new scope and a fresh tin of 500 JSB Exact Jumbos and THEN I'll get to work.

This video really helped me get my Optima looking good at close range with max zoom.

[Methuselah]

Steve I forgot to try your method of just getting a black halo ring when shooting but I did adjust the parallax to 20 yards, the distance of my indoor range. I'm not sure if I would need to re zero the scope but my groups were getting better towards the end. The biggest problem is my largest supply of pellets are the CPHPs and they have not proven to be the most accurate for me so I'll just have to wait until Santa hands me my new scope and a fresh tin of 500 JSB Exact Jumbos and THEN I'll get to work.

I think I had just posted that video link in another thread a day or two ago ... there is a bit of interaction between where you get the ocular in focus and the amount of depth of field in the final adjustment in the objective that isn't mentioned in the video.  Still, method will get good results at the range you set it without concerning yourself with the extra hassle.

You are right, no rezero just to see if groups tighten up - zero is only about WHERE they are centered, not how close together.  By eliminating parallax error I did expect tighter grouping.  The "black halo ring" is for when your range is no longer the 20 yards where you adjusted out the parallax error.

Also agree from the groups you posted to try again with the JSB's, but suggest do it BEFORE changing out scope, at the 20 yards you set up the scope for.  Then you have a basis to evaluate your new scope!  It is best to change one thing at a time...

One last thought, 10 can be more telling than 20 when you are trying to tell gun problems from scope problems (or even pellets).  From your groups I think you're OK at 20, especially indoors.

Post some new groups at 20 when your JSB's show up?