Looking for Titan NP scope upgrade recommendations

[mckeand13]

I recently bought a Benjamin Titan NP .22.  I was also looking at the Trail NP but chose the Titan due to the lower price.  I had talked to enough people who suggested that the scope on either wasn’t the best so why spend the money on the Trail when I could put the difference into a better scope.

The Titan came with the Center Point 4x32 and the Trail comes with a Center Point 3-9x40.  What I would like as an improvement over the 4x32 is increased magnification, or adjustable, and better optical quality.  It’s just not the best optical quality as I look through it, although it’s not terrible either.  Most of my targets will be within 60ft. and probably most likely at 40ft.

When I start looking around for a “better” scope I see the Center Point 3-9x40 coming up in all of my searches.  I’m starting to wonder why I didn’t just choose the Trail and get that scope in the first place.  Oh well, what’s done is done.

I’m wondering what my options are at this point for upgrading.  I don’t want to put a $400 scope on a $100 pellet gun but I do appreciate the finer things in life.

I’m looking for your thoughts and suggestions on the following:
-   3-9x40 from a Trail NP (take off from ebay)
-   3-9x40 from CenterPoint (Why does this one look different than the ones that come with the Trail NP?  It’s like it has a sun visor on it.
-   4-16x40 CenterPoint
-   3-9x40 Nikon ProStaff.  Getting a bit pricey for me but I’d like to hear opinions.  Will this use my stock rings?

Thanks.

[Stickstoff]

Someone will probably be along shortly with more real-world experience than I've got but I can tell you the reason the 3-9x40 scopes look different is that the ones in the "package deal" are not the same standard as the ones sold individually. So far I'm having great luck with the 3-9x40 on my trail but I know it's a matter of time before it dies. I also have the 4-16x40 on an NVD and I'm very happy with that.

When on of both of these scoped go I'll probably switch brands. I can't recommend one from personal experience but there seem to be several great choices for Springer air guns in the $50-75 range.

[Hsuny12]

I recently upgraded my Trail NP scope (3-9x40 with AO). It was a decent scope but was having trouble with it holding zero. I just put the Hawke 4-12x40 EV Panorama with AO on my gun and it's very nice. It's. 1/2 Mildot scope with very fine cross hairs, as a bonus it can illuminate in red or blue. It's just over $200 and is rated for heavy recoil. I also looked at the Hawke Varmint but wanted adjustable AO rather than side focus.

[huklbery]

For a moderate priced spring gun scope I find this one to be a great all around upgrade to the crappy OEM supplied scopes



It comes with a one piece mount which helps to anchor the scope in place vs a two piece.  The other advantage is it potentially acts as an additional backbone to reduce stress on the tube increasing scope longevity.  That second issue is debatable but I have yet to have a scope innards go haywire on a spring gun when I used one piece mounts (knocking on wood).   

[Hsuny12]

I went with a one piece mount (medium height) as well. It is much more solid. I have about 5/8" clearance on the Objective so I probably could have went with standard height rings....

[mckeand13]

I just got off the phone with someone at Pyramid Air.  They recommended this Leapers as a vast improvement over the stock scope and still quite a bit better than the CenterPoint 3-9x40.

Pyramid Air #4722

Any thoughts on that?  It's a bit higher than I wanted to spend but if it's a big improvement I may take the leap (no pun intended). 

[Roadworthy]

I suggest a Hawke Sport 3-9 X 40 with AO.  List price is about $80 but it can be had for less.  If you go from a 32 to a 40 you will also probably have to go for a medium height set of rings.  Another upgrade  to improve groups is a trigger from charliedatuna.com.

[Bullit]

I just got off the phone with someone at Pyramid Air.  They recommended this Leapers as a vast improvement over the stock scope and still quite a bit better than the CenterPoint 3-9x40.

Pyramid Air #4722

Any thoughts on that?  It's a bit higher than I wanted to spend but if it's a big improvement I may take the leap (no pun intended). 

The Leapers Accushot is a proven tough scope, and with the NP rifles, is a good choice.  Not too sure about the Bugbuster.   Your shooting distance doesn't require a lot of magnification. I'd probably even opt for a good 6x32mm fixed power with a shorter (ie 50 or 35yd) parallax setting.  Some can even be adjusted yourself.
 A 3-9x 32mm scope is good at 50yds.  But the cost of a shorter parallax setting (ie 50 or 35yds), costs more.  Don't need a larger objective at your distances.  Perhaps take a look at a simple one, with adjustable objective:
https://www.pyramydair.com/product/leapers-utg-3-9x32-ao-rifle-scope-mil-dot-reticle-1-4-moa-1-tube-3-8?a=4627
EDIT:  You may find you'll wanna upgrade your mounting system for your rifle tho. You can cut-down your old rings, using just the bottoms, and make 2 railstops to help hold everything secure.  I did this on my first hard shooter, and mounted them on the insides of the scoperings, and they worked well, for that TF99 rifle.

[mckeand13]

I'm going to order the 3-9x40 Leapers UTG.  That one comes with weaver/picatinny rings though so I'll need new ones.

First questions, should I be looking for 3/8" or 11mm dovetail rings?  How is that even measured, just across the two points of the dovetail?

Second, if I choose a medium height 1 piece mount (Pyramyd Air #805) it looks like it should be tall enough for a 40mm objective lens scope.  The specs on the Optics Planet site show that it's ok up to 45mm.  Is that cutting it too close, like a lens cap might not go on? 

If the scope is low enough and just clears the barrel enough to mount, is there a chance that you can see the muzzle brake through the scope (bad) since it's larger in diameter than the barrel?  In that case, maybe high profile rings would be the right choice.

I'm totally new to pellet guns, and guns in general, but it seems to me that I would want the scope as close to the barrel as possible, especially as the ranges get shorter like I'm at.  Am I correct?

[RatRacer]

Dovetails are typically sold as fitting 3/8 & 11mm rails, but you have 11mm. Picatinny & Weaver are 20mm rails.

Medium height is fine for 40mm, and cap clearance. At 44mm, the cap clearance can be an issue from my experience.

The scope's view will not be impeded by the brake. It's FOV is narrower than the actual objective size + mount height, being it's so close to the scope.

You need to worry more about the minimum focus distance for your shooting ranges. 6yds is a choice limiter.

[mckeand13]

Optics Planet had a 10% off code for one day so I ordered a scope and 1 piece mount.

- Leapers UTG 1 in. 3-9X40 AO True Hunter IE Scope with Zero Locking-Reset WE, Rings and Lens Cover, SCP-U394AOIEW
- Leapers Accushot Premium Airgun/.22 Full Length Integral Medium Profile Mount RGPM2PA-25M4

I talked with Pyramyd Air the other day (they were supposed to get the scope in stock but never did) and the guy told me it would fit with the medium profile mount.  He said whether or not the cap will fit is a toss up.  I guess we'll see!

I'll post some pics and my thoughts once mounted.

[Bullit]

You shouldn't have any problems with the scope.  The base to centerline is a little more than 26mm.  Don't know if the lens cap will fit over the front AO ring...  You can get bikini style caps with elastic bands that are thin, they work.
I do wonder though...how do you re-mark, use and read a front AO adjustment, with a pop-up lens cap?

[Bullit]

I know this may be late for you, but for others that may be interested.   Leapers makes the same 3x9x40mm scope with a 35yd parallax setting, that is preset.  This wasn't available a few years ago, when we had to do it ourselves.  Anyway, it's a good tough hunting/general scope for magnum rifles, that's been around awhile, so I'll post it for anyone interested:
http://www.leapers.com/prod_detail.php?mitem=Optics&itemno=SCP-U394FDT2

[plinker331]

Here is my $.02 and I will try to be to the point and brief.

I bought a used Titan GP .22 from Armslist and removed the original scope that was on it but I think it was a 3-9x32.  I had tried a sweet little 4x32AO from Rex Optics that I had purchased for my wife's Crosman Raven.  This scope is designated a rim fire/air gun scope but in under 50 shots the Titan made the Rex shift its reticle.  This is a nice little scope though, the replacement will end up on one of my Henry rifles or my 10/22 Takedown.

I bought a 3-12x40AO Barska for the NPXL.  I actually bought 2 of them.  I have over 100 shots through that rifle with that scope on it.  The only thing I can say that was negative was the numeric ring that is glued on the the AO adjust ring rattled loose.  Now I admit this happened right after I cocked and forgot to load the NPXL and the subsequent shot went supersonic.  I have since Super Glued the ring back in place and fired 50 more shots and it seems to be holding well.  These scopes sell for $69.99 shipped.  Now these are the only 2 air rifle specific scopes I own from Barska but I have owned many many Barska scopes and I have yet to have even one fail me.

I like the CenterPoint 3-9x40AO but they are not easily obtained.  They (well mine) is not as clear as the Barska but it is clear enough for air rifle ranges and I wouldn't hesitate to use one for my Henry squirrel snipers.  There is a seller on eBay that sells refurb Centerpoint scopes and he has these scopes in the $60 dollar range.  Otherwise you need to buy a rifle to get these scopes.  I am picking up a NPXL1500 today and I will compare the 2 scopes to see if the other one is nicer or worse and let you know.

I did put that Centerpoint on the Titan and it holds up well.  i know of a few guys who have put the Centerpoint 4-16x40AO on their Gamo 220 & 440 Hunter models with no issues.  I had 2 of the older versions of the scope and I liked them.  One was on my Savage Mark II .17 Mach II and was a nice squirrel getter.  Later I put that scope on my Savage B.Mag and it went with the rifle when I sold it.  The 2nd one I bought used and put it on my daughter's Savage M93 22 mag but sold it last Summer because it just wasn't clear enough for ME to get decent groups at 100 yards.  At 50 yards that rifle was a 1 hole wonder at 100 yards it ranged from .75" - 1.5" groups.  I don't like the looks of the 2nd gen scope you see at WalMart but I wouldn't be afraid of using it.

All I am going to say is I have had VERY BAD luck with BSA in all price ranges.  Now if I buy a gun with a BSA the BSA goes to eB(sa)ay.

The Nikon is a good scope but the Titan will eat it eventually.  I say this with all scopes, air gun rated or not.  It is not a question of IF your spring/NP gun will destroy that scope it is a question of when it will.  Try mounting a scope to a jack hammer and see how long it will last.

The Titan has a grooved receiver.  I would suggest one of 2 things.  Use BKL scope mounts or rings or buy the new Leapers Accushot Drooper barrel adapter and a decent set of Weaver rings.  Later I will post pics of my setup.  It works great.

Check out the scopes on Pyramyd Air.  I have heard good things about Hawke and the Air Tech I think it is.  A scope, remember, is only as good as the mounts.  I suggested those because both really engage the dovetail securely.

~PlinkerTriTriOne

[Bullit]

Plinker.  There's some good scopes out there (that don't cost too much); that have proven themselves.   We try to inform members of what specific models they can buy TODAY, and will work with PROVEN LONG LIFE, on the springers, or the NPs, at different power levels.  Brand name is no insurance of performance.  It's more that we have been able to sort out specific models, that prove to be effective...over years of service.  It's a tough nut, and if you have specific models you could suggest that have lasted for a long time,... 

[mckeand13]

I got an email update earlier today from Optics Planet.  Scope is backordered and it said 25-34 days to ship.  That blows.  It said in stock, ships in 1-2 days when I ordered.  Nice.

I called Leapers.  They said something at least a little more hopeful.  All of the resellers are out of them.  They are awaiting an air shipment (from China of course) and they should arrive in 6 days or so.  Optics Planet being one of the larger resellers will get theirs quickly there after.  Hopefully that means I'll get it quicker than they mentioned.

Oh well.

[Bullit]

I deal directly w/Leapers..but I've bought a few.  I'll be honest w/you...I won't deal w Optics Planet again for a scope. Lotsa complaints from other GTA members,,, but others that were ok.  (EDIT: Missing parts/broken and unfixed units resold).  That's why I gave you the direct link.  I'll buy from P.A., before Optics Planet or Amazon gets another dime for optics, from me.

[mckeand13]

I deal directly w/Leapers..but I've bought a few.  I'll be honest w/you...I won't deal w Optics Planet again for a scope. Lotsa complaints from other GTA members,,, but others that were ok.  (EDIT: Missing parts/broken and unfixed units resold).  That's why I gave you the direct link.  I'll buy from P.A., before Optics Planet or Amazon gets another dime for optics, from me.

I would have preferred to order from P.A. but Optics Planet 1) had it in stock, and P.A. didn't and 2) had 10% off and 3) had free shipping.  Well, as soon as they had my money, reason #1 was no longer valid......

[plinker331]

I recently upgraded my Trail NP scope (3-9x40 with AO). It was a decent scope but was having trouble with it holding zero. I just put the Hawke 4-12x40 EV Panorama with AO on my gun and it's very nice. It's. 1/2 Mildot scope with very fine cross hairs, as a bonus it can illuminate in red or blue. It's just over $200 and is rated for heavy recoil. I also looked at the Hawke Varmint but wanted adjustable AO rather than side focus.

I too tend to like AO over side focus.  There are benefits to both but I prefer simplicity.  I tried a Nikon BDC 150 rim fire on one of my Henry squirrel rifles.  Its a 3-9x40, its super clear and the rifle shot well with it pre-season.  I sighted it for 25yd with my ammo and using the BDC I could easily hit another target at 50yd.  I missed more than I killed this past season.  I fell in love with that scope to fast and I had bought a second one.  I am tempted to sell one and buy their AO target dot version.  I had planned on buying a ProStaf 5 6-18 for my 17 Hornet but I bought a 2nd Mueller Tactical 8.5-25x44AO and I see a 3rd one of those in the future and maybe one on a Marauder should that happen to enter my arsenal.

My eyes are getting weird on me.  For hunting I am more and more preferring a nice duplex reticle, the finer the better,

Anyway, for what it is worth the new Centerpoint in the NPXL15 package is a little more clear.  I know it is said that this scope is a cheap scope but seriously for a freebie scope these are really nice.  It wasn't that long ago that the freebie scope was a 4x20 3/4" tube.

[plinker331]

That second issue is debatable but I have yet to have a scope innards go haywire on a spring gun when I used one piece mounts (knocking on wood).

I have a Gamo Bone Collector Bull Whisper that defied that twice.  Then it was shaking that mount loose.  I blame Gamo's shallow groves though for that.  I found a high mount 1pc Gamo and it fixed that issue.