Quality optics for Beeman RX-2

[PaulFWI]

I intend to order an RX2 (or possibly the HW90 - tho Pyramid is out of stock) and don't really want to go with the Bushnell that Pyr. bundles with it.

I last shot spring airguns around 20 years ago and don't really recall what were the quality scopes for them back then.  +, that's 20 years ago anyway.

I read that this gun is one heck of a scope-eater so am hesitant to put an expensive but non-springer rated scope like a Hawke on it.

I would like to go 30 mm body if possible, 50mm lens or even bigger.

Would really appreciate recommendations on scope & rings.  Thanks!

[SteveS]

Hey Paul, I have a Diana 54 and is a genuine scope eater, 4 in one month. Well I'm not going to stick another scope on it with out a Theoben Dampa mount 103.00 at AOA. Then I bought a Vortex Diamond back 4-12-40 = 299.00. If this don't get it nothing will. I have adjusted the rail system.

Good luck!
Steve

[PaulFWI]

Pyramid tells me the Hawke Sidewinders will work fine on an RX-2 so that's what I'll be getting.

[JGP]

 My RX 1 has broken a Tasco, 2 Leapers, 2 Bushnell Trophy's, and a Centerpoint. The Centerpoint's have held up the longest of any of these, surprising to me because they were the cheapest.
 I talked to a rep. at Hawke, he was familiar with the guns and suggested a Sidewinder or an Eclipse. He went on to say whatever I used make sure it has a good warranty because its not "if" it will fail but when. I also spoke to David Slade at Airgunwerks, he suggested a Leupold and a Dampa mount also saying eventually these rifles will break the even the best.
 I'm cheap so I have 2 Centerpoints when one breaks I send it back and put the other on. The first lasted about 800 shots. I have about 500 on the second one.
 I'd be interested in knowing how the Hawke holds up.
 

[glassman98]

Pyramid tells me the Hawke Sidewinders will work fine on an RX-2 so that's what I'll be getting.

Paul that is what I have on my RX2 in .22. Works good on it. Craig

[PaulFWI]

My RX 1 has broken a Tasco, 2 Leapers, 2 Bushnell Trophy's, and a Centerpoint. The Centerpoint's have held up the longest of any of these, surprising to me because they were the cheapest.
 I talked to a rep. at Hawke, he was familiar with the guns and suggested a Sidewinder or an Eclipse. He went on to say whatever I used make sure it has a good warranty because its not "if" it will fail but when. I also spoke to David Slade at Airgunwerks, he suggested a Leupold and a Dampa mount also saying eventually these rifles will break the even the best.
 I'm cheap so I have 2 Centerpoints when one breaks I send it back and put the other on. The first lasted about 800 shots. I have about 500 on the second one.
 I'd be interested in knowing how the Hawke holds up.

If this is true it makes me think twice about getting a springer (gasser) at all.

I had an R1 in the 80/90s I shot the heck out of with 1 scope: It was a Beeman Blue Ribbon.  It never broke.

Is the problem just that guns like the RX2 are substantially more powerful?

[palonej]

Go with the Hawke Paul. Excellent warranty for life!

[victorleewilkinson]

I got into springers after a 25 year hiatus. I put a spring kit in my RWS 38 with it's 28 year old BSA scope. I would have had it still today but the finish on the BSA turned to a sticky jell. They sent me new one as that failure was under warranty.

Later I ordered a Diana 56TH from AoA. I also ordered the Hawke Airmax EV 3-9x50 AO ($180) http://www.hawkeoptics.com/hawke-airmax-ev-3-9x50-ao.html

The cost shocked my body so much I was constipated for three days. Eventually things worked themselves out and the sticker shock subsided. I have 5 - 6 tins through the 56TH and the Hawke is still working fine. I also placed one on my gentle TX200MK3. In my book, Hawkes are a stand-up glass and the cheap BSA is like a Timex.

[JGP]

 Don't let my experience discourage you. I was not using quality optics, the most expensive scope I've had on it was $149. Like I said I'm cheap.

[Nikoman]

Just for the record, my RX-1 has the same Leupold EFR on it for 16+yrs.
It's been on the Dampa Mount the whole time.

[JohnWI]

Anyone tried to lower their gas ram pressure a bit to keep it near factory specs but a little nicer to the glass?  I read they cock easier if not fully charged up.  No experience, though.

[PaulFWI]

RX-2 in 5mm with Hawke Sidewinder 4-16x50 on the way.

Lifetime warranty, so little risk.

[Nikoman]

Anyone tried to lower their gas ram pressure a bit to keep it near factory specs but a little nicer to the glass?  I read they cock easier if not fully charged up.  No experience, though.

Yes, one of our fellow GTA members used to have an RX-1 on which he did this frequently. His name is Thomas (tjk). If I remember correctly, he would drop it down to 14fpe (or lower) to enjoy the super soft shot cycle.

Mine is charged to 18-19fpe per Beeman's super tune back in the day. It cocks very easily and shoots .20 cal pretty flat.

[.20cal fan]

I have a CP on mine then it beoke it. A friend gave me a leapers but i dont like it. Not enough mildots and its nit etched glass or no side focus.

[RFC]

Maybe I'm just lucky.  I have put thousands of rounds through magnum springers, including two RX's, a Patriot and now a Diana 56, and have never had a scope fail.  And the scopes I've used have ranged from inexpensive to cheap, including Simmons, BSA and cheap Russians.