Nikon Prostaff EFR 3-9 and HW97k / 30S Quick Review

[cslinger]

Since my Christmas has started to trickle In I figured I would post a couple observations on some new toys.

1st is the NIkon Prostaff 3-9 EFR scope for rimfire and airguns.
I have to say I am extremely happy with these two scopes. Crystal clear, feel very substantial and I prefer the uncluttered reticle. I obviously cannot speak to longevity or durability but after 100 or so shots in two air rifles they seem to be holding zero with nothing breaking or giving up the ghost. If they continue to durable then I think they are a great scope for an airgun.

I also have a Hawke 2-7 scope that has many more features such as mildots, illuminated reticle etc. and is well known for its airgun durability but its nowhere near as clear as the Nikon and much less forgiving to head position.

2nd is the HW97K Air Rifle in .177
I am a Weihrauch fan. I own most of their rifles. Simply put they make a stellar product. Frankly they put most rimfire rifles on the market to shame in many ways.

Out of the box my HW97K with no break in at all was just stacking pellet after pellet on top of each other with aplomb. I am NOT a good spring gunner. This is why I enjoy them because they are such a challenge for me but this HW97 is a tool that I can totally see making a good shooter look like a rock star. All the normal Weihrauch quality, fit and finish etc. and one heck of a shooter out of the box. Two big thumbs up. This was combined with one of the above Nikon scopes.

I used the other scope on my HW30s .177 and I was immediately shooting better then I was with the Hawke 2-7 that was on it before.

So basically two enthusiastic initial thumbs up for both the Nikon EFR scope and the HW97K. Time will tell if initial impressions hold true but these have both make a great first impression.

Just thought I would give a quick take on these in case anybody is shopping.

Chris

Shooting results. Range tonight was only indoor short at 25 feet or so but as I said I am not usually a 1 hole kind of shooter so I am thrilled with my sight in today. Cannot wait to get out to 30 to 40 yards.

The HW97K with H&N Field Target Pellets / NIKON EFR

The HW30s with H&N Field Target Pellets / NIKON EFR

 

[bman940]

Very nice CS! I'm also a big fan og Nikon's PROSTAFF 3-9 EFR scope. Great being able to dial in your parallax and get up close with the 9X. Here's a pic of mine on my Beeman, not getting the accuracy you get but still my son and I have big fun!

 

[cslinger]

Have you found the Nikon EFR to be holding up well. So far I really like these scopes on the two airguns I have mounted them on. I do, however, always worry about durability when I put a scope on an airgun.

I am not so much worried about the little HW30 but the HW97/77 puts out some recoil all things considered.

still my son and I have big fun!

Is there really any other reason to do this or better outcome.

 

[Manny]

Not sure if I should thank you for this post or not... I never felt much of a yen to own an airgun before seeing that HW97k/Nikon combo. Now I can see all sorts of usefulness in such a rig. Very impressive accuracy, I'm going to have to look real hard at maybe adding that, or something similar to my collection.

 

[jhgnag]

Hello...I've been shooting my step-dad's air rifles for years, but finally decided to purchase an HW30S.

I picked up a Leupold 2-7 x 28mm Rimfire, but I think I'm going to return it. Sounds like everyone recommends something with parallax adjustment.

I'm definitely wanting Leupold 3-9 x 40 EFR, it's a lot of money which has me checking out the Nikon EFR.

I have two questions...is the Nikon too big on the smaller HW30S? Secondly, do you have any mount/ring recommendation?

Thank you.

 

[bman940]

scope

The Nikon PROSTAFF 3-9 Target EFR will work fine on the HW30s. You will need a high mount for the dovetail groove for scope mounting. I have had to use similar set ups for some of my airguns. Clearing the break barrel should not be an issue though scope may be mounted back a tad more then you like it.

 

[cslinger]

Third picture in my first post is a HW30s with a Nikon EFR. Works fantastically well IMO.

As for Leupold I don't know if they are specifically airgun rated. They make FANTASTIC scopes but if they are not spring gun rated you can trash one pretty quick.

The Nikon efr target is spring gun rated.

 

[jhgnag]

Thanks for the responses.

I've been convinced that I will want the adjustable parallax and exchanged the Leupold 2-7 x 28mm for the Nikon 3-9 x 40 EFR today. I love Leupold, but I know Nikon makes a quality product for less than half the price of the Leupold EFR, so it feels like the right choice.

I did call Leupold about the 2-7 RF and asked if was OK for spring pellet guns. They told me "of course". I mentioned that i have read that these guns are very hard on scopes. He replied, "not our scopes".

Now I wait for the HW30S to arrive tomorrow and the rings I ordered today....

Thanks again.

 

[readyeddy]

With springers you never know about scopes. My Hatsan 135 ate a Leupold VX-2 3-9 EFR in less than 10 shots. I'm not saying Leupolds are not springer rated, just that all scopes need to be tested.