Scope for R7

[bchannell]

I have been testing a few scopes on my HW30S and finding some rather interesting info. After reading some older threads I thought it might be worth posting. If you want to see the targets, I can post them but, for now, I'll just give you the results.
First scope, Hawke 4-12X50AO, optics nice, bright, clear, really impressive. Mechanics very nicely done. In use, that's where the Hawke falls on it's nose. Moving the POI was  inconsistent, somethimes even moving in a direction totally unexpected, so no further testing done.

Second scope Hawke 4-12X40AO, again optics and mechanics are well done, as above. In use, just as above, the Hawke falls far short. At least this one moves the POI in the correct and consistent direction, trouble is the amount of movement. Returning to zero after an adjustment was poor. I shot the box test and must say, it was the worst I've ever seen in any scope, really horrible. POI was all over the place, with final group far off from the original. Also, adjusting the AO significantly changed the POI at different yardages. All in all a complete failure making the scope totally useless. What a shame, with such good glass.

Third, Leapers UTG 4X32AO. Opics are very good indeed, with crisp, clear image all the way to the edges. As with the Hawke, this is simply amazing for a cheap scope. Mechanincs again, like the Hawke are just unbelievable. I'm highly impressed so far. In use, the scope was a real winner. No POI shift when changing AO adjustment, and the box test turned out PERFECT, unbelievably perfect. Returning to zero after an adjustment never failed to put the POI right back in the group. This is really an impressive scope for ~$50. I only have two gripes with this scope, and they are admittedly very minor.  One is the mil-dot crosshair is a bit thick for fine target work. It tends to cover up bullet holes, making precision aiming difficult. The scope performed so well, I hate to let it go, so I'll do some creative aiming off the edge of a dot/crosshair junction. Some playing around might make this a good solution. The only other nit, it the turrets cannot be re-zeroed when you have sighted in your gun, so you have to mark it or find some solution to return to your zero. I found a 3/4"  stick on dot was the perfect size to cover the turret can, and I marked it with yardages to make changes easy. All in all, this is one fine scope, worth much more than it's nominal price.

Fourth, Leapers UTG 5th Gen 3-9X32AO full size scope. Again, like the other Leapers, this is a fine scope. Optically and mechanically, it is flawless. In use, it fared just as good as the most expensive scope I've ever owned. I have a Weaver V16, which I have total confidence in, in every respect, and this scope is easily it's equal in use. It is clear, and bright, and adjustments are perfect. Return to zero worked perfectly. The two gripes I had with the 4X version are also addressed on this scope. The semi target turrets are easily re-zeroed when you sight in your gun, and easy to read, so a great feature. The mil-dot reticle is a bit thinner than the 4X and you can easily see and hit bullet holes, so really this is the cat's meow. A fine scope indeed, no surprises, no unexpected behavior at all. I would HIGHLY recommend this scope if the 3-9X is your choice. I was easily able to clip off golf tees at 30 yards with my HW30S.

Next up are two scopes, which are interesting, but I do not have them in hand yet. One is the Traditions 3-9X32AO which doesn't get much press, but is highly rated from the little I've read on it, so we'll see when it arrives. Next, since I simply hate to give up on Hawke, I bought a 2-7X32AOIR, to give it a try and see if it can redeem the breed.

[triggerfest]

I think you bought the best buy for this type of airgun !

[Oldgringo]

I like my R7 combo from PA which includes a Bushnell Banner 4-12 scope.  Granted, I've yet to shoot a gazillion pellets through her.

[bchannell]

I had an R7 many many years ago, then got out of airgunning for a long time. When I got back into playing with airguns, I knew one of the first guns I would have to have is an R7/HW30S, and so I found this used one. It is like new, and has had a full tune. The shot cycle is just to die for, and I reworked the trigger and she's one sweet baby. It's as accurate as the shooter and isn't at all pellet finicky. These are just some of the sweetest pellet rifles out there, and everyone ought to have at least one. Mine is a .177, and I'd love to get a .20 some day, but that's a back burner type thing right now. Here's a shot while I was testing the Leapers 4X.

[tomykay12]

My R7 was my first real air rifle bought from a gentleman farmer for 100.00. It still has the old bushnell sportview rimfire scope that came on it. You may have inspired me to upgrade. I agree about the Leapers scopes, however think the R7 is best served with a small, light optic. I may go 2-7x32 on mine. Nice post, tk

[deathray]

my R-7 came with a 4-12x Bushnell had a lot of trouble with it changing point of impact if I moved the adjustable  objective or the power ring. If I moved any thing would have to re sight it in. Had a new 4-14x sightron that I was going to put on my Kimber 82 g but decided I liked the target sights on it better so put the Sightron on my R-7. so far its been working well adjust down to 10 yids. and stays spot on after every adjustment.