Scopes for air rifles

[1coolcat]

I recently purchased a Benjamin trail NP XL and the center point scope that comes with the gun leaves alot to be desired..
 I was thinking of buying a Hawke Sport Optics Vantage SF 4-16x44 SF ..I like the SF much better the an AO.. anyway I have been reading the the Hawks line of scopes hold up to the air rifle recoil very well ..I would hate to trash one of my Leopolds on an air rifle..
Is the scope I listed above good for my rifle.
Should I be looking for a different brand thoughts, suggestions welcome
Thanks guys

[Wildcatter]

IMO that's too much scope for that rifle; have you tried Leapers/UTG?  I have one on a hard shooting RWS 350 and it works out pretty well; it's small with a UTG compensator base. 

[Roadworthy]

I believe if you check with Hawke their scopes are not airgun rated, strictly speaking.  I talked to one of their folks and he said they would hold up to airguns with no problems but don't expect them to hold up to magnum airguns - whatever that is.  In any case they have a lifetime warranty and supposedly stand behind it very well.  I say supposedly because I've never had reason to find out.  I had a Hawke Sport on my Nitro Venom for three years before moving it to a Diana.  It's still fine.

The Sport series has been discontinued.  I believe it has been replaced by the Vantage series.

My most recent scope acquisition was a Sun TAC IV which although not airgun rated they told me it would hold up fine to the recoil of my Diana 48.  If it doesn't (and it has so far) I am supposed to send it back for replacement.

[1coolcat]

Good stuff here guys keep the info rolling....I realize it's a big scope to put on this rifle , I've never had much with leapers but will check them out..

[1coolcat]

Good stuff here guys keep the info rolling....I realize it's a big scope to put on this rifle , I've never had much with leapers but will check them out..
 I'm new to the forum and was digging around and found an accessories / optic thread so if this question is posted in the wrong place please forgive me..

[SteveP-52]

I believe if you check with Hawke their scopes are not airgun rated, strictly speaking.  I talked to one of their folks and he said they would hold up to airguns with no problems but don't expect them to hold up to magnum airguns - whatever that is.  In any case they have a lifetime warranty and supposedly stand behind it very well.  I say supposedly because I've never had reason to find out.  I had a Hawke Sport on my Nitro Venom for three years before moving it to a Diana.  It's still fine.

The Sport series has been discontinued.  I believe it has been replaced by the Vantage series.

My most recent scope acquisition was a Sun TAC IV which although not airgun rated they told me it would hold up fine to the recoil of my Diana 48.  If it doesn't (and it has so far) I am supposed to send it back for replacement.

Yes, the Vantage line replaces the Sport HD series...the Airmax line of scopes are, at least according to Hawke, designed for air guns by air gunners and made for use on air rifles. I have 3 Airmaxes and 11 Vantages and so far, all are holding up very well on my rifles, some of those being very much magnum class spring and gas ram rifles.
If that scope is the one you're after, they're currently on sale at www.dvor.com. It's free to sign up and that scope is in the list at $125.00 saving you $95.