Glass Shopping...

[Rubicon_Joey]

So, I've recently picked up a Daystate Regal XL in .22 (my first high end PCP and only my second PCP) and am quickly finding out that my Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 I robbed from another rifle is just not cutting it. The turrets just don't track like I want them to and the 100yd parallax isn't ideal either. So, I'm shopping for new glass but, there appears to be a endless amount of options ranging from junk to scopes that make my wallet quiver. I'm hoping to get a few suggestion to help me thin out the possibilities. I mostly use the rifle to shoot birds and other pests but, I also like punching paper. So, here are my wants,needs and restrictions...
$300 Budget (can push up to $350 for the right scope but, I've been known to completely blow the budget).

Side focus preffered but AO is ok to

10-20yard to infinite parralax

I'm thinking in the 4-16 magnification range

I would consider 6-24 and 8-32 but, I'm not sure about the loss in FOV and worried that higher magnification means cheaper glass. I don't wan't to sacrifice good glass for a little bit more magnification that I probably won't use (or is it one of those things that I just don't know I want it untill I try it?). Max distance I would shoot it 100yds with most of my shooting done at 30 yards and 60 yards.

40mm or larger, 50mm for FOV and light gathering.

Mil-dot reticle

Really unsure about illumination. Seems like an unescessary option that shifts design funds away from other more important factors.

Good turret tracking. I would like to be able to zero my scope at 60 yards and then dial my elevation in for other ranges reliably. My Nikon is failing at this horribly.

Good glass quality/clarity. I really don't mind to hit the top end of my budget or spend a few extra bucks on one scope vs another if it gets me a better glass.

So,what do you suggest? Comments? I think these are the things I want/need but, honnestly my scope use is limited and most of what I've listed comes from reading others experiences and trying to judge what features are applicable to my usage.

[grauhanen]

If you are prepared to go a little over budget, consider the Hawke Sidewinder 30 Tactical scopes.  http://www.hawkeoptics.com/hawke-sidewinder-30-tactical-side-focus-riflescopes.html
Or you might look at the Hawke Endurance 30 SF  http://www.hawkeoptics.com/hawke-endurance-30-side-focus-riflescopes.html
Well within your budget is the Hawke Varmint SF  http://www.hawkeoptics.com/hawke-varmint-side-focus-riflescopes.html
Hawke makes good scopes for a good price.

[bgmcgee]

I just recently bought an optisan mamba light for my Diana 34 and am really liking it. I got the 3x12. Check out the whole line of scopes here http://www.trenieroutdoors.com/optics.html
They are a vendor here too.

[farmerjoe99]

In that price range sounds like the Hawk sidewinder series would
be perfect for you, for some awesome prices on them get a hold of
David at Wyvern Creations, LLC, He has some really good deals
and by all counts is great to deal with, PM sent with more info.
Joseph

[nced]

My latest scope purchased for my hunter class field target shooting was a 3-12x44 Optisan Viper and so far it's been the best scope ever for my purposes!

Even at 12x the focus "snaps in and out" consistently enough that my holdover marks on the side wheel consistently line up to the pointer if focusing from the same distance. The Viper handles "flare" really well (not quite as well as my 3-12 x 50 Aeon), however the Aeon focus doesn't "snap in and out" as crisply as the Viper. When focusing on the same object 3 times in a row with the Aeon the side wheel marks won't line up real precisely with the pointer every time (could be my 68 year old eyes)!

Another plus for the Viper is the fact that the illuminated reticle is bright enough to use in daylight for aiming at a dark target in the shadows. I've read that the 4-16x44 Viper is even better, however I'm perfectly content with my 3-12x44!
 

[Rubicon_Joey]

So, farmerjoe99 has shown me some pretty awesome prices on the Hawke sidewinder 30s...At the prices he sent me (from Wyvern creations) I'm almost positive I'm not going to find a better scope for the money. It's at the extreme end of my budget but, I think I can manage it. Now the question is which magnification range do I want? Is the only difference between the standard sidewinder series and the tactical series just the objective size?
So what would you choose?
4-16x50 1/2Mildot 10x
6-24x56 1/2Mildot 20x
8-32x56 1/2Mildot 20x

[uglymike]

I have the Hawke Endurance 6X24X50 on my LGV .177 and like it. Only complaint is I had to buy the big side wheel from them separate, should be included for that $$. I will say in defense of Hawke, when I called and ordered the big side wheel and voiced my complaint, the side wheel came in a big box that included a very nice Hawke ball cap, no charge. 

[Rubicon_Joey]

Pulled the trigger (pun intended) on a Hawke Sidewinder 30 SF 6-24x56. At $350 shipped it's a bit outside of the original budget but, it's also a deal I couldn't pass on.

[farmerjoe99]

Congrats, sounds like it will fit your needs perfectly!
Joseph

[FamilyMan811]

Great scope, have it on my .25 Marauder Bullpup. SR Pro reticle on mine. Love it. I also recently purchased this Primary Arms 4-14×44mm for my Disco and actually may be selling the Hawke to buy another for the Marauder. I love the simplicity of the front focal plane reticle and the cevron is great for pin point shots.. with the mil mil turrets this reticle is awesome for simplifying hold over or using turret adjustments. ..it also handles ranging well. This scope was chosen for the 1000yd gun under $1000 set up.. Primary Arms has been gaining speed in the optics world the glass is said to be on par with scopes in the triple digit price range. Idk as I have neves owned a scope in that class but I do find the glass to be noticeably clearer brighter and more crisp than my Hawke. way I understand they used to be a manufacturer for higher end scopes.. guess time will tell but I am THRILLED  with mine so far. Here is a link.
https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_4_14X44_FFP_Scope_with_308_p/pa4-14xffp308.htm

[Rubicon_Joey]

Got the Hawke scope this weekend and got it mounted up. I must say that it's a huge improvement over my old Nikon (fairly low bar though).

Literally it's a huge scope, looks like a telescope on my rifle and with the sunshade it's almost as long as the barrel..lol. I did notice the added weight while packing it around the yard but, it wasn't too bad and I think once I get a sling I won't even notice it.

I'm not a fan of the screw in scope covers. I wish they would have left them out or offered something quicker/easier to use. They are fine thread so they take forever to screw in/out and since it's thin aluminum they make an awful racket. It would work well if I planned to store the scope for an extended period of time but, doesn't really work well for those times when I just want to grab my rifle and take a quick shot quietly (which is often when shooting pest birds). I actually liked the plastic covers my Nikon had, they are just caps attached with elastic bands. They are cheap, easy to use and do the job well enough for my relatively clean environment.  I'd love a set of Leupold Alumina flip caps but, at $100 for a set to fit a 56mm scope, I think I'll pass.

I was a bit weary of using such a high power (20x mil dot) but, I've found that with the larger objective and being able to actually dial in  the focus, it's not too hard to find my target. It's still harder than my Nikon at 9x but, I think with some more time with the rifle (it's still new to me), I will be able to pull it up closer/on to the target. Right now I still have to do a bit of searching to find the target. My targets are usually birds in a tree so it makes it a bit more difficult to navigate three limbs that all look the same.

The turrets track the way they are supposed to. I zeroed my scope at 60 yards and often times find myself shooting at 30 yards. With this scope all I have to do is adjust the turret to my 30 yard setting and I'm dead on at 30. When I want to go back, I just reset the turret back to 0 and I'm still dead on. I went back and forth several times while testing the scope and each time it was dead on. This is the reason I'm ditching the Nikon, it simply didn't track true. I did find that the turrets were a bit stubborn to lock into place every now and then. Not sure what the deal is with that. I think it's not aligning with the slots perfectly ( I assume it's slots) and thus causing the stubbornness. They are however, easy to read and the clicks feel and sound nice.

This is my first time using a mil dot reticle and I must say I like it. I practiced a few times just using a hold under instead of dialing in the turret for my 30yard shots and was surprised how accurate I was with it. Not quite familiar with it and my rifle's ballistics enough to do range estimation and calculating holdover/under yet but, I'm getting there. I have been playing with chairgun some but, haven't really tested it to see how it compares to my actual ballistics. One of the neighbors kids had a birthday party and one of the balloons found it's way into the field next to my house. I was able to take a pretty good guess at the range (from visual observation), the holdover from using chair gun and popped the balloon with one shot. It was about 10" diameter so it wasn't that hard of a shot but, it was fun to practice using the scope/app to make the shot.

The illumination is neat but, still not really sure it's beneficial. I wasn't able to try it out right at dusk so, I'll hold off on calling it a waste.

The glass is pretty clear and is plenty enough for my use. I was "glassing" some turkeys out to 200-250 yards and had no trouble getting a good look at them.

The power adjusting ring was easy to turn (which I like) but the side focus takes a bit more effort than I care for. With the side wheel it's easy enough but, I was hoping to not have to use it. I've already switched my mag over to a right to left side load but, the big wheel still gets in the way of unloading the mag. I would like to push the mag out from the left side with my left index finger but, the wheel is in the way. I might see if I can find the smaller wheel that's used on the tactical series.

[grauhanen]

Congratulations.  You picked a nice scope.

[Lost]

I'm kind of disappointed to hear about the Nikon's performance. I had heard some good about that scope.
I'm assuming it was the Prostaff EFR rimfire/air rifle scope.

[Smoketown]

Joey,


Butler Creek makes really nice flip-open scope caps.

Number 48 for the objective lens and a number 10 for the ocular.

Do measure to verify sizes ... Scope makers do change the dimensions on occasion.

If needed, a Beartooth adjustable comb pad helps with eye alignment.
 

Cheers,
Smoketown

[Rubicon_Joey]

I'm kind of disappointed to hear about the Nikon's performance. I had heard some good about that scope.
I'm assuming it was the Prostaff EFR rimfire/air rifle scope.

No it was the standard Prostaff with the Nikoplex reticle. Can't really say I'm too disappointed given the price I paid for it (I think ~125 maybe ~150). However, I did have a bit higher expectation from Nikon. 
http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/Nikon-Products/Riflescopes/6721/PROSTAFF-3-9x40-Matte-Nikoplex.html