OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Scopes > Rimfire / Airgun
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Airgun scope advice
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

Airgun scope advice

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
Felixd View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/14/2012
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 8
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Felixd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Airgun scope advice
    Posted: October/31/2014 at 17:09
After 50 years of shooting I just acquired my first adult airgun. I bought a RWS 350 in .177 and I want to add a quality scope. I understand that the scope be airgun rated, but I'm unfamiliar which scopes qualify. My budget is $200 maximum. I'd appreciate your ideas on this. Also, what mounts/rings do you think would be correct? Thanks in advance. 
Back to Top
hatsan125sniperuser View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: October/14/2014
Status: Offline
Points: 22
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hatsan125sniperuser Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/12/2014 at 16:23
Hi . It all depends on what kind of shooting are you going to do . I'm in the process of getting a scope for my hatsan 125 sniper 22 cal spring air rifle. watch the 2 links I post . I have just about narrowed my scope search after about a year of watching youtube videos reading sniper central reviews ect  and I'm not picking this scope because I have any affiliation with swfa but because of all the thing the swfa scopes have inside and how the insides work. listen really close to what  Rex has to say in the youtube videos . This guy knows what he's talking about . He breaks it down to what your needs are . For me I want a scope that tracks . He goes into that . For me thats the most important thing to have .  the second think I wanted is lots of mrad adjustments.  Like you I have a money limit and I want the very best insides I can get for the money .I like a side parallax but you can get this scope for 100 dollars less in a rear focus and if your not going to attach a 100mm wheel  and mark every yard from 10 to 55 yards then don't spend the extra money. When your looking at scopes be sure to look at the closest focus distance ,with a air rifle its important. the best distance is 10 yards or 10 meters. If your planing to use your springer for squirrels or rabbits  at a distance of no more than 60 yards a 6 power is all you need, check out this scope its the 6x42 . the only down side is that its not illuminated reticle and for in the woods squirrel shooting  and in the brush rabbit  hunting the illuminated cross hairs are nice . I think with in the next year SWFA will add it to a few more Illuminated reticle's to there scopes . I think they are seeing a lot of spring airgunners are putting on there 3-15x42 for 699.00  and if that scope was illuminated  they would not be able to keep up with the demand , but for 299.00 if you can get a extra 99 dollars go for this scope http://swfa.com/SWFA-SS-6x42-Tactical-Riflescope-P53711.aspx . watch the 2 links about turrets and it will help you decide what scope to get as far as what your going to use it for .  watch part 15 and 16  but after you watch  the two you will start at the beginning I'm sure  it's that good. http://youtu.be/ytOLj8hYqAg.     The only thing thats keeping me from getting the swfa is the illuminated reticle . If you have ever hunted in the woods you know how dark it can get a hour or 2 before its dark out of the woods .  My 2nd choice is this one http://swfa.com/Konus-45-16x40-Konuspro-M-30-30mm-Riflescope-P47379.aspx.  believe it or not after a lot of digging into tactical turrets type scopes made to withstand springers and have a rotational indicator that lets you know what rotation your on ( very important in air rifles ) is the Konus . Its  made in china and can be had  if you do a search for  around 277.00  which puts this scope in the right price range . Its not your average china scope it does what its supposed to do as far as tracking and it comes in different  powers .  I kind of like the 10-40x 56.  and it has  2 colors in the illuminated reticle.  It has a life time warranty . I looked at it and looked through the scope and its really clear  zoomed in to 40 power , but clarity is in today's scopes are all about the same. I really like it . and all the reviews I have read about it talk pretty good about it . It also has locking turrets and side parallax that goes down to 10 yards. But It's whats on the inside thats different than most China scope . For the money and the life time warranty and its ability to keep zero and tracking so far I have not been able to find a scope to beat it except for the SWFA .
Back to Top
koshkin View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Dark Lord of Optics

Joined: June/15/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13181
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/12/2014 at 16:58
I have a spring airgun and mine wears a SWFA SS 6x42.  It is a touch beyond your budget, but it works exceptionally well.

My brother-in-law has an airgun also that I recently scoped for him.  That one has the Konus M30 4.5-16x40 which is also surprisingly respectable and focuses close enough for airgun use.

If I used the airgun more though, it would wear the SS 3-15x42.  

ILya


Back to Top
hatsan125sniperuser View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: October/14/2014
Status: Offline
Points: 22
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hatsan125sniperuser Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/12/2014 at 17:02
Sorry not 277.00 but 320.00 range  for the konus . Also about the rings I like to set my zero at the half way point of my shooting range  10 to 60 yards so about 30 is a good zero. I also like keep the tube straight so I adjust the scope rings to get as close as possible to dead on with out adjusting the turrets and I have found that the rws rings that adjust  up and down and tilt work great but the new and hot in the airgun world is the no limit rings .  Its made just about the same as the rws rings , but even better. they are made by fx  here is a link http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/FXNoLimitMounts.html.  They are the best for air guns and can handle up to 60 mm  diameter  scopes. If your into having your tube straight at zero its the best rings to get . And it also gives you extra range for long shots .
Back to Top
hatsan125sniperuser View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: October/14/2014
Status: Offline
Points: 22
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hatsan125sniperuser Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/12/2014 at 17:07
I'm with you Koshkin I really want the ss 3-15x42  best scope for high power springers. Just wish it was Illuminated. 
Back to Top
koshkin View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Dark Lord of Optics

Joined: June/15/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13181
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/12/2014 at 17:30
Originally posted by hatsan125sniperuser hatsan125sniperuser wrote:

I'm with you Koshkin I really want the ss 3-15x42  best scope for high power springers. Just wish it was Illuminated. 

I have a 3-15x42, but I use it on a centerfire gun.  I am not sure if I care that much about illumination, but it would be a nice feature.

ILya
Back to Top
hatsan125sniperuser View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: October/14/2014
Status: Offline
Points: 22
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hatsan125sniperuser Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/13/2014 at 01:27
Koshkin, If your out in a open field in daylight I think your right ,but if you take 2 steps inside a heavy wooded area and scope a squirrel on the ground the cross hairs are hard to see. And thats why it so hard to advise a scope for someone with out knowing what the use is for and the conditions are . You don't know what power , like for field target shooting you might want to get a 10-40x56 with a side wheel to mark every yard. with tactical turrets and 1/8 adjustments . Or for back yard close  range pest control the Konus 1.5-6x44 Konuspro M-30 30mm  for 216.00 on Amazon Is a great scope and it has a illuminated dot  which is great for walking around the woods and quick scoping of small game thats not very far away.
Back to Top
koshkin View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Dark Lord of Optics

Joined: June/15/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13181
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/13/2014 at 11:55
Originally posted by hatsan125sniperuser hatsan125sniperuser wrote:

Koshkin, If your out in a open field in daylight I think your right ,but if you take 2 steps inside a heavy wooded area and scope a squirrel on the ground the cross hairs are hard to see. And thats why it so hard to advise a scope for someone with out knowing what the use is for and the conditions are . You don't know what power , like for field target shooting you might want to get a 10-40x56 with a side wheel to mark every yard. with tactical turrets and 1/8 adjustments . Or for back yard close  range pest control the Konus 1.5-6x44 Konuspro M-30 30mm  for 216.00 on Amazon Is a great scope and it has a illuminated dot  which is great for walking around the woods and quick scoping of small game thats not very far away.

In the dark, on dark targets, illumination is indeed very useful.  Perhaps, the next iteration of this scope will have an illuminated dot. Or they might have something else planned with similar functionality.  Who knows....

ILya
Back to Top
tahqua View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Have You Driven A Ford Lately?

Joined: March/27/2006
Location: Michigan, USA
Status: Offline
Points: 9042
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/14/2014 at 12:00
I have a couple of magnum springers, Webley Scott Patriot and RWS Diana 350, and they are hard on mounts and scopes. Mine have Leupolds but the SS is no doubt capable of handling them. That said, I like the idea of the 6X SS. My Patriot has an AO, target knob Leo 6x42 and it is a great set up. I am thinking of getting the heavy duplex installed for low light, though.
The good thing about your 350 is the recoil is a bit less than my .22. But the SS is a heavy scope so it may tend to move more on the ring base more. The Leupold is 1" and 15 oz., the SS is 30 mm and 20.3 oz.
 
 
Also, check out these awesome mounts
 
Doug
Back to Top
koshkin View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Dark Lord of Optics

Joined: June/15/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 13181
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/14/2014 at 18:17
The SS 6x42 has a pretty thin reticle, so it is not ideal for low light.  It works well engouh for my purposes, but I mostly use it for practice.
Back to Top
Felixd View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper


Joined: August/14/2012
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 8
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Felixd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/15/2014 at 08:03
Thanks to all who contributed. I appreciate your help.
Back to Top
hatsan125sniperuser View Drop Down
Optics GrassHopper
Optics GrassHopper
Avatar

Joined: October/14/2014
Status: Offline
Points: 22
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hatsan125sniperuser Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/15/2014 at 08:17
I have been doing some research on this scope . Remember he looking for a 200 dollar scope. Here is a vector scope and a review from sniper central . The one I'm linking is not the same scope but same company . It comes with rings and 3 inch shade  so nothing else to buy . Its also a life time warranty. I have talked to the people that are selling the scope and I told them It was going on a magnum springer and he said if there was any problems you can return for money back or replacement .    http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vector-Optics-Tactical-4-14x50-Rifle-Scope-MP-Reticle-Long-Eye-Relief-Riflescope-/111452604813?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19f317c98d  
http://www.snipercentral.com/vector-optics-capricorn-4-5-14x44mm-ffp/

Back to Top
MikieG View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice


Joined: December/10/2014
Location: Oklahoma
Status: Offline
Points: 187
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MikieG Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/12/2014 at 09:05
The thing to know about scoping a magnum spring gun is if the scope is braced for recoil in both directions. I knew a fella who bought his dream scope. He asked if it was "airgun" rated. They said yes. After a few minutes of shooting he found out otherwise.
When you ask, use the words "magnum springer". The pcp is now considered "airgun".
I have been using retired SS10X42M scopes on my R1s. For general field target type of shooting, they are awesome. For woods shootin prolly not so much.
Back to Top
REP View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: July/01/2010
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 238
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote REP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: December/18/2014 at 19:52
Look into the Hawke line the sidewinder in particular, these guys have been manufacturing scopes aimed at the airgun market for many years. Also put on your prerequisites list that the scope must have parallax adjustment that goes down to at least 50 yards preferably 25.

Most of my friends that are avid enthusiast use variable scopes that have higher magnification. Starting in the four to five power range and going all the way up to 25x or more.

This is simply due to the fact that there is no real notable recoil from most of these rifles and the higher power offerings allow you a front row seat to the impact of your pellet on your quarry or target.

Also you might consider an illuminated offering, If your like most that I know, you will sooner or later end up getting into nighttime ratting etc. with IR sites etc. Being so having that feature is very desirable.

Check out the search for "night time ratting" on YouTube unless I miss my guess it won't take you long to become mega intrigued to the thought of this awesome adventure.

Also check out Ted's holdover, (YouTube) this guy does a great job at reviewing different pieces of equipment all catering to the air rifle industry etc. etc.......

Good luck and let us know what you end up with, REP
Enough is to much.
Back to Top
kesi View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: July/23/2009
Location: Czech Republic
Status: Offline
Points: 83
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kesi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/18/2015 at 10:17
...

Edited by kesi - January/21/2015 at 05:03
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.563 seconds.