first time Hawke buyer

[elh0102]

Yesterday, I received a new Hawke 6-24x56 Sidewinder, 1/2 MD reticle. Frankly, I was expecting less, and my initial impression is very favorable. I find the optical clarity and operating controls very good for a scope in this price range. It was too cold and windy today to do anything more than initial setup in the back yard, which is 25 yard maximum. It was 1.5" right, or about 6 MOA at my distance, and that amount of correction was perfect. It was way low, but I adjusted most of that out with the Sportsmatch adjustable rings (which are neat, by the way). So, the optical center, with ring adjustment, was very close on my AA Ultimate Sporter. As a result of my bad habit of taking new stuff apart, I found that the battery compartment cap was way too tight, someone must have been working out some frustration on that one. I realize it needs to seal, but we aren't talking submarine tightness here, just snug. I greased it up and put it on with appropriate tension. But, if you get one of these, might want to check out that cap to avoid a later problem. My only disappointment, the" side wheel is useless on my rifle due to the magazine consideration. I have ordered a 2" version which should work. Since I do no competitive shooting, I don't really need a wheel anyway. I look forward to more complete testing at the range.  Hopefully my satisfaction will continue.

[elh0102]

Had it out today between rain showers, and I continue to be favorably impressed with it . I can't say the optics are fully equal to some scopes I have that cost twice as much...... but, they cost twice as much. The adjustments seem to be right on, and, given decent ambient light, and air rifle distances, I have no complaints so far. It's a darn big, heavy scope, and thus might be unattractive for hunting, but for casual plinking, seems pretty good to me.

[uglymike]

How close is the yardage on the side wheel with the actual distance you're shooting?

[elh0102]

How close is the yardage on the side wheel with the actual distance you're shooting?

Haven't paid a lot of attention to that yet. I installed a 2" wheel to allow magazine insertion, and it's kind of a pain to set up, as you have to take it apart,  reposition the rubber piece, re-assemble and try it again, literally trial and error. I expect with any scope/rifle combo, it takes a lot of practice to learn to interpret the scope's indicated distance. My guess, out to around 40-45 yards, it's close enough to yield consistent hits. The 45-55 yard range is where you would really need to spend practice time with it.  I don't intend any FT competition, but will use my 177 RAW if I try it, which shoots flatter, and thus more forgiving in range estimation. When I did bench rest competition, the AO was also important, not for ranging, as the distance was known, but to minimize mirage and facilitate a more precise hold. And I remember, the readings would vary based on ambient lighting, which I expect presents a difficulty in FT range estimation also. I'm sure it is very challenging, and I will probably give it a try sometime.