Air gun scope - Which one?
- Thread starter Crawfish1
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jcwit
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Peter M. Eick
Member
I put a Leupold VXIII 6.5x20 AO EFR scope on my R1 earlier this year. Much nicer than the Bushnell that came with it.
Bushnell XLT's are supposed to be rated for springers.
For springers, there are a number of scopes rated for springer, but it seems like you can end up with bad luck on even more expensive ones. So you pay your money and take your chances. My Centerpoint 3-9 x32 is holding up great so far. The light transmission is not the best, and it only adjusts down to maybe 12-15 yards min, but it has held up for over 1000 shots.
I would consider AO as mandatory, if you ever want to shoot with pinpoint accuracy under 25 yards.
For a PCP, you can use a scope made for 22LR, even.
For springers, there are a number of scopes rated for springer, but it seems like you can end up with bad luck on even more expensive ones. So you pay your money and take your chances. My Centerpoint 3-9 x32 is holding up great so far. The light transmission is not the best, and it only adjusts down to maybe 12-15 yards min, but it has held up for over 1000 shots.
I would consider AO as mandatory, if you ever want to shoot with pinpoint accuracy under 25 yards.
For a PCP, you can use a scope made for 22LR, even.
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cslinger
Member
Nikon 3-9 efr target for rimfires and Airguns are really nice scopes. Hawke makes a good product too.
I bought a Bushnell 4x32 Rimfire for $30.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bushnell-4-x-32-Multi-X-Rimfire-Scope-Black-Matte/16686443
It works for my purpose (punching paper at about 10m) but it won't adjust down to 7 yards. It cut my group size in half compared to the Williams peep sight (from the custom shop) I was using before.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bushnell-4-x-32-Multi-X-Rimfire-Scope-Black-Matte/16686443
It works for my purpose (punching paper at about 10m) but it won't adjust down to 7 yards. It cut my group size in half compared to the Williams peep sight (from the custom shop) I was using before.
Random Discharge
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UTG/Leapers scopes perform decently, hold up well to springer recoil and are a good value. They do run a bit on the heavy side though. The 44mm SWAT models are a good choice, or if you do not want the side wheel adjustable AO, the 40 mm hunter models with the AO ring on the front objective.
A few thoughts: The springers are hard on scopes, but properly tuned the gun will not be nearly as abusive to them. Good if you have a cheap scope so it'll last. Good if have an expensive scope because it was expensive, and no matter what the mfg says there's still a big risk because no scope is truly airgun proof, more like resistant. I'd rather have a non-airgun rated scope on a gun I tuned than any scope on an unmodified gun.
Another is parallax, which many people don't even know about because it usually isn't an issue with firearms. Airguns shoot at a much closer range, and the closer the target the more parallax will screw you up. If you didn't know; the "AO" people mentioned is the parallax adjustment. If you buy n AO then great, but if not and you get a firearm scope then parallax is likely set to 100 yards, and many rimfire scopes are set to 50 or more yards. Airgun scopes are usually set to 100 feet. So if you don't get an AO then you need to know that because a 100yrd scope on a 30 foot target will be a serious problem. Also know that the non-adjustable scopes are still adjustable, just not as easily. So you can take a whatever scope and set it to match your range. I set mine ~70 feet which works pretty good for most things I shoot at. How to adj and more is covered in the guide I mentioned in your trigger post.
I also saw your best springer value post. I'm eyeing the HW95 myself from Airguns of Arizona. I would NOT buy it for a truck tho, which I refer to as my "trunk gun", since I have a car and it gets scratched up in the trunk. Mine is a Crosman so who cares, but that's why it was chosen to be the trunk gun. The Weihrauch guns are way too nice for that! I'd either get a case for it or buy a Crosman instead. If it were me I'd buy both and put the Crosman in the truck and HW in the house. My HW90 was probably the nicest gun I've ever had, and I said gun, not just airguns. Nice enough that I would never let it touch anything but my hands, carpet, or a padded hard case. Maybe I'm anal but it was just too nice to risk scratching. Crosman are not only very inexpensive, but they sell parts and parts are very cheap. If you trash the stock and want a replacement you're looking at ~$25 delivered. Most gun mfg's you can't get parts at all, or if you can they're typically way overpriced. Get a Crosman, preferably a referb from Airgun Depot for ~$80 w/ scope, that way you can experience it and see if you really want a springer at all. If you do like it then get the HW95 which you will then really appreciate.
Another is parallax, which many people don't even know about because it usually isn't an issue with firearms. Airguns shoot at a much closer range, and the closer the target the more parallax will screw you up. If you didn't know; the "AO" people mentioned is the parallax adjustment. If you buy n AO then great, but if not and you get a firearm scope then parallax is likely set to 100 yards, and many rimfire scopes are set to 50 or more yards. Airgun scopes are usually set to 100 feet. So if you don't get an AO then you need to know that because a 100yrd scope on a 30 foot target will be a serious problem. Also know that the non-adjustable scopes are still adjustable, just not as easily. So you can take a whatever scope and set it to match your range. I set mine ~70 feet which works pretty good for most things I shoot at. How to adj and more is covered in the guide I mentioned in your trigger post.
I also saw your best springer value post. I'm eyeing the HW95 myself from Airguns of Arizona. I would NOT buy it for a truck tho, which I refer to as my "trunk gun", since I have a car and it gets scratched up in the trunk. Mine is a Crosman so who cares, but that's why it was chosen to be the trunk gun. The Weihrauch guns are way too nice for that! I'd either get a case for it or buy a Crosman instead. If it were me I'd buy both and put the Crosman in the truck and HW in the house. My HW90 was probably the nicest gun I've ever had, and I said gun, not just airguns. Nice enough that I would never let it touch anything but my hands, carpet, or a padded hard case. Maybe I'm anal but it was just too nice to risk scratching. Crosman are not only very inexpensive, but they sell parts and parts are very cheap. If you trash the stock and want a replacement you're looking at ~$25 delivered. Most gun mfg's you can't get parts at all, or if you can they're typically way overpriced. Get a Crosman, preferably a referb from Airgun Depot for ~$80 w/ scope, that way you can experience it and see if you really want a springer at all. If you do like it then get the HW95 which you will then really appreciate.
Bigdog57
Member
I only scope an air rifle that will be used from fifteen yards on out. Under that, I find a good peep sight is just as accurate, especially after my cataract surgery - I can SEE again! I always did prefer a good aperture sight over a scope, unless shooting a hundred yards.
Chevota,
I think your right about the HW 95 not being a good fit for the adventure use I intend.
I did however try two scopes, one was a Vortex. http://www.opticsplanet.com/reviews/reviews-vortex-diamondback-4-12x40-ao-rifle-scopes.html . The second was a http://www.walmart.com/ip/CenterPoint-4-16x40mm-Scope/10248654
The Centerpoint offered greater clarity than the Vortex up to about 12 power. Past 12 power they were both similar in clarity. I kept the CenterPoint and returned the Vortex.
I think your right about the HW 95 not being a good fit for the adventure use I intend.
I did however try two scopes, one was a Vortex. http://www.opticsplanet.com/reviews/reviews-vortex-diamondback-4-12x40-ao-rifle-scopes.html . The second was a http://www.walmart.com/ip/CenterPoint-4-16x40mm-Scope/10248654
The Centerpoint offered greater clarity than the Vortex up to about 12 power. Past 12 power they were both similar in clarity. I kept the CenterPoint and returned the Vortex.
Not yet,
For break barrel action I have been messing around with the Shadow lately. Put a 1/2 a tin through it day before yesterday.. I am on the the fence of which caliber to order for the HW. .177 or .22 ?
I like shooting .22 guns more than .177 but I like the .177 prices better.
For break barrel action I have been messing around with the Shadow lately. Put a 1/2 a tin through it day before yesterday.. I am on the the fence of which caliber to order for the HW. .177 or .22 ?
I like shooting .22 guns more than .177 but I like the .177 prices better.
For the HW95 I'd only consider 177 because 22 would be too slow imo, but your opinion may differ. For ~$100 you can buy a barrel in the other caliber, but you also need the linkage and the pin which is peened in. Or you could make a press fit pin from the shaft of a drill bit I spoze, which people have done with others guns.
Crosman barrels are much cheaper at ~$16, and another $10 or so for all the little parts and linkage. This is one reason I like Crosman so much, parts are available and they're cheap. Plus you can upgrade to a suppressor barrel like the Trail has, so you can buy a cheap referb for $60-80 then get that barrel. Most parts they sell are interchangeable with some other brands, like Stoeger and Gamo. Like Gamo has (imo) ugly stocks, but you can get a nice Crosman stock like the Benjamin Regal for ~$23, and/or that suppressor barrel. Depends on the model as mentioned, but if it fits you could get the other caliber Crosman barrel for your Gamo to see how you like it before buying the HW. Other mfg's are impossible to get parts or they're way too expensive for what you get. The HW barrel is expensive but it's top quality and well worth it so it's actually an excellent deal.
Also know that a Centerpoint you get bundled with a gun will not be as nice as one bought separately. For example the typical 3-9x40AO that's on the Trail is not comparable to the 4-16x40AO commonly available. Mainly clarity, many consider the 3-9 unusable above 6 or 7x. The 4-16 holds up to springers better too. Not just the ones on Crosman/Benj guns are cheezy either, but any low end gun like Ruger or Stoeger etc will likely be the same quality scope, if not the same exact one with a diff name. I still use the cheapie scopes because they do work, but having a Crosman w/ bundled scope and HW w/ nice scope is like having a '90 mustang and a '14 Mercedes, they both do what they're supposed to, but one is clearly better at it and much nicer to use. So many people who buy cheap guns will toss the scope and get a Hawk or Leapers, both of which are very popular for springers.
I also believe the HW is well worth the $. For what you get it's really the better deal. The problem is the 95 isn't as powerful as a generic Crosman, close, and good enough for most people tho., Crosman also makes the XL which HW can't compete with power wise. Take my HW90 for example; 45lbs to cock and 22-23ftlbs power. My XL is 38 to cock and make 28ftlbs. I tuned my XL while the 90 was oem, but the oem XL still wins. The Crosman gains (and any cheap gun) are good because the quality is low and most of the gains are simply fixing the flaws. An HW is high quality but somehow power is lower. I never even opened my HW90 because it was a work or art and I didn't want to scratch it. Anal yes, especially considering I take everything apart for mods so it was killin me, but I just couldn't do it. If/when I get a 95 I will take it apart for tuning, just carefully..
Just a few thoughts on the subject fyi...
Crosman barrels are much cheaper at ~$16, and another $10 or so for all the little parts and linkage. This is one reason I like Crosman so much, parts are available and they're cheap. Plus you can upgrade to a suppressor barrel like the Trail has, so you can buy a cheap referb for $60-80 then get that barrel. Most parts they sell are interchangeable with some other brands, like Stoeger and Gamo. Like Gamo has (imo) ugly stocks, but you can get a nice Crosman stock like the Benjamin Regal for ~$23, and/or that suppressor barrel. Depends on the model as mentioned, but if it fits you could get the other caliber Crosman barrel for your Gamo to see how you like it before buying the HW. Other mfg's are impossible to get parts or they're way too expensive for what you get. The HW barrel is expensive but it's top quality and well worth it so it's actually an excellent deal.
Also know that a Centerpoint you get bundled with a gun will not be as nice as one bought separately. For example the typical 3-9x40AO that's on the Trail is not comparable to the 4-16x40AO commonly available. Mainly clarity, many consider the 3-9 unusable above 6 or 7x. The 4-16 holds up to springers better too. Not just the ones on Crosman/Benj guns are cheezy either, but any low end gun like Ruger or Stoeger etc will likely be the same quality scope, if not the same exact one with a diff name. I still use the cheapie scopes because they do work, but having a Crosman w/ bundled scope and HW w/ nice scope is like having a '90 mustang and a '14 Mercedes, they both do what they're supposed to, but one is clearly better at it and much nicer to use. So many people who buy cheap guns will toss the scope and get a Hawk or Leapers, both of which are very popular for springers.
I also believe the HW is well worth the $. For what you get it's really the better deal. The problem is the 95 isn't as powerful as a generic Crosman, close, and good enough for most people tho., Crosman also makes the XL which HW can't compete with power wise. Take my HW90 for example; 45lbs to cock and 22-23ftlbs power. My XL is 38 to cock and make 28ftlbs. I tuned my XL while the 90 was oem, but the oem XL still wins. The Crosman gains (and any cheap gun) are good because the quality is low and most of the gains are simply fixing the flaws. An HW is high quality but somehow power is lower. I never even opened my HW90 because it was a work or art and I didn't want to scratch it. Anal yes, especially considering I take everything apart for mods so it was killin me, but I just couldn't do it. If/when I get a 95 I will take it apart for tuning, just carefully..
Just a few thoughts on the subject fyi...
UTG/Leapers 3-9x 32mm CQG Bug Buster
I took a chance on this scope to put on a 65.00 springer.
The best part is I adjusted the parallax to the minimum (says 3 yards) and pointed it at a wall 6 feet away. It was blurry. Well, obviously 6 feet is less than 9 feet, so duh. My Centerpoint only focuses down to 11 yards, so I can't complain, yet.
Adjusted it back out and... everything came into perfect focus! The distance marking is off a bit, but this scope focuses down to about 5 feet! This was an unexpected and welcome bonus for my peashooter airgun!
Compact 8" OAL, red/green illuminated mildot reticle with adjustable brightness, front AO with yardage marks, greater eye relief than my Centerpoint 3-9 by about 1/2" to 1". It comes with quick detach rings for a pic rail. Locking screws on the turrets and no turret covers, which melike. Flip up covers, front and back. And an optional 2" sunshade which is just an aluminum tube that screws into the front.
One con:
It might be a little tricky to mount on some rifles. If you can barely get a regular scope far enough back, this one will end up almost an inch too far from your eye. Also, it's so short it won't fit in my 1 piece scope mount.
So far, I like a lot.
I took a chance on this scope to put on a 65.00 springer.
The best part is I adjusted the parallax to the minimum (says 3 yards) and pointed it at a wall 6 feet away. It was blurry. Well, obviously 6 feet is less than 9 feet, so duh. My Centerpoint only focuses down to 11 yards, so I can't complain, yet.
Adjusted it back out and... everything came into perfect focus! The distance marking is off a bit, but this scope focuses down to about 5 feet! This was an unexpected and welcome bonus for my peashooter airgun!
Compact 8" OAL, red/green illuminated mildot reticle with adjustable brightness, front AO with yardage marks, greater eye relief than my Centerpoint 3-9 by about 1/2" to 1". It comes with quick detach rings for a pic rail. Locking screws on the turrets and no turret covers, which melike. Flip up covers, front and back. And an optional 2" sunshade which is just an aluminum tube that screws into the front.
One con:
It might be a little tricky to mount on some rifles. If you can barely get a regular scope far enough back, this one will end up almost an inch too far from your eye. Also, it's so short it won't fit in my 1 piece scope mount.
So far, I like a lot.
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