Hunting Scope?

[tomgriffin]

Right....i'm after a hunting scope mainly for dawn and dusk use and my quarry will be rats, pigeon, crows and rabbits.......My budget is £150 max for new or secondhand.

I dont mind if the scope has an illuminated reticule just aslong it can be used in low light conditions :D

What sort of magnification would be suitable for hunting the quarry above at a maximum distance of 40 yards?

I dont mind what reticule the scope has.....i get on with any to be honest :)

What are the advantages of getting a scope that can be reparallaxed as i have no idea:)

I have been looking at a few scopes.....here they are:

Bushnell Legend 5-15x40
Falcon Optics Merlin 4-14x42 (second hand)
MTC Viper 3-12x44 (second hand)
Bushnell Banner 6-18x40
Simmons Master Series Aetec 4-14x44 (second hand)
Simmons WTC 6.5-20x50
Simmons WTC 3.5-10-50
Bushnell Trophy 4-12x40 (second hand)
Nikon Buckmaster 4.5-14x40 (second hand)

If you can think of any others in my price range that would be great.........

cheers.....tomgriffin

[steelyglint]

I'd suggest a look at the hawke range but don't bother with the parallax AO I find it a bit of a pain in the field mine is in my sig but the 50mm lens and the Illuminated ret are excellent in low light or lamping situations.

[Fluffybuck]

For 12ftlb airgun hunting, I would suggest something like a 3-9x40 or 4-12x40 scope. The optics will be adequate for day, night (lamping), dawn and dusk: all conditionas are covered.
Too high magnification makes it hard to quickly acquire a target - especially up close or in low light, where the target is harder to pick out from.
My favourite magnification is 6x, dropped to 4x in poor light and raised to 9x for long range scanning.

[swinscoe]

the wtc range are being sold by jsr ;)

[mickc]

Bushnell gets my vote.Ive got a 5-15x40 on my X2 and only ever use it on 6x magnification.I will be buying a fixed mag Bushnell next.I fancy a 10x42 after trying one my friend has.

[99CLOMP]

SIMMONS WTC 3.5-10X40 or 3.5-10X50, Would be my choice quite a bit lighter than some of the scopes you list, and as good as you can get in your price range for dawn and dusk shooting,

[atomic]

Keep your eye on a certain uk auction site item: 320080803939
Very good scope for the money and would be ideal for your needs.

[99CLOMP]

atomic the link dont work(for me)

[tomgriffin]

Cheers for your views.........which is the lightest scope in the ones i have picked as i cant seem to find any info on a few of them

[MattLin]

Simmons WTC 1.5-5x20 ;)

I love these scopes and the x5 mag is pretty good - I've shot HFT style and came in with close scores to people with big mags' with it.

Superb light gathering and a very wide picture, very light and no faffing about with parallax issues, in focus whether it be 5 yards or 100+.

Although, It may not be to your liking, so maybe try shooting at a low mag' for a few times.

[Chandlers]

I reckon the legend is the lightest at around 425g/14.5 oz. The Trophy is just a tad heavier at 16oz. HTH-Dave.
p.s. Uttings & BAR have quite detailed specs on scopes on their websites.

[99CLOMP]

Simmons WTC 1.5-5x20 ;)

I love these scopes and the x5 mag is pretty good - I've shot HFT style and came in with close scores to people with big mags' with it.

Superb light gathering and a very wide picture, very light and no faffing about with parallax issues, in focus whether it be 5 yards or 100+.

Although, It may not be to your liking, so maybe try shooting at a low mag' for a few times.

very true, a cracking little scope,, Also consider the BSA Essencial 4-12x40- pa, small mill dots, £80, I Have been testing one and am very impressed,

[FRENCHI]

I know some people dont like AGS scopes but i've been trying out a few differant scopes latley & I have finished up with an AGS viper 3x9x50 ir & its got to be said it's spot on, carn't fault it at all:)

[tomgriffin]

Cheers for your replies..........:)

What do you think of the falcon range (Merlin 10x42T.........Merlin 4-14x42)
and do you really need variable mag for hunting or is fixed mag ok?:confused:

cheers.....tomgriffin:D

[laity]

SR6 all the way....defo. A great little hunting scope...and with the IR ..even better

LAity

[tomgriffin]

Bit of a bump and i was looking at a.........Nikon Buckmaster 6-18x40

Which reticule is better the nikoplex or there mildot version?

I know it would be out of my price range if purchased in england which is why i was planning on asking a relative to order me one for $279.99.....:D

tom griffin :D

[beachcaster]

My advice would be to go for a fixed x 4 or times 6 max for hunting.

Dont know what you need anymore than a fixed x 4 at 30yds max.

Just my advice .cheaper and simpler.


Barry

[tomgriffin]

Cheers mate :) .........Has anyone these got one of these scopes?.....if so could you comment on its performance:)