Hawke 2-7x32 or 3-9x40 AO?

[Deechord]

Need a scope for my XS 25 springer. Currently using a "loaner" Hawke 3-9x40 AO. Been researching scopes...no real experience with them. Usage will be plinking...targets...light pest removal. Short range stuff. At this point...being new to AG's, getting to know artillery hold etc. was on Hawke scopes website and found the 2-7x32 AO.
Any thoughts?

[JonnyReb]

 Have used both exclusively Chris, as they are priced right and tough as nails. I have to say i was disappointed in the 2x7 initially as i think i had unrealistic expectations. The 3x9x40 is a fantastic scope in my opinion, have had 4 of them and all worked fine, whether on a pcp or a magnum springer. Nice and bright, fairly clear, decent FOV and when you click it moves in the right direction.(unlike some china scopes that move their windage as you adjust the evevation or vice versa).

  When i first got a 2x7 i think i was expecting a smaller scope that had the exact features of its bigger brother. I quickly found it not quite as bright, not quite as wide a field of view. 7x seems more like 5 or 6X, when compared to the 3x9... I had to see it for what it was meant to be, a smaller, lighter version without the same capabilities but also made for a different size of rifle.

  I now see the 2x7 as best suited for closer range shooting and best suited to low\ medium velocity guns. Not because it's weaker in any way but because its quite small and eye relief and positioning is difficult on some big guns. It isn't powerful enough to magnify at 50+ yards..least not to my eye and i think its the PERFECT scope for an HW30 or similar size and powered rifle. Any bigger springer and i personally would step up to the 3x9.

  Now thats just my opinion, of course either scope can work fine with whatever your shooting , the XS25 may truely work fantastic with the 2x7, but only if you were gonna keep it at 30 yards and under i'd think. Let us know which way you decide to go and personally i don't think you can get a better scope for the same money, no matter the brand.   Jeff

[Lightninrod]

I too love my 3-9x40 AO Airmax from Hawke. It's mounted on a Gamo BC and has helped me and my 74+ year old eyes to "collect" several tree rats over the last 4 months as far out as about 45 yards.

No experience with the smaller scope and I would take JonnyReb's advice to heart.

Dan