Simmons Whitetail Classic 1.5-5x20

[Sir_SwampThing]

I studied photography many yrs ago, so I understand fully that there are good and bad lenses and if you want quality you have to pay for it (usually). For just plinking in my field for practise and close range ratting/rabbit hunting I really didnt think there would be much advantage to using premier glass. I was so wrong...
On my Alros and my Skan I have used:-
unbranded 3-9x40......acceptable(just) but crosshairs seem to waver, mechanics were poor and I constantly felt the need to blink:confused:
Edgar Bros Optitoo 3-12x40......excellent on my Trailsman with its longer construction but of limited use on my Skan.
Hawke Pro Stalk 5-20x50....looks great on my Skan (if I want to look like someone out of Robocop:D), optically excellent but just makes the whole kit unbalanced so pointless.
Simmons Whitetail Classic 1.5-5x20.........its beautiful!!..the construction is solid and reassuring yet it seems to weigh nothing, the mechanics of the zoom are as smooth as silk, the zeroing is easy because the adjustment is so precise, and optically it is stunning. Edge to edge sharp, the reticle is pinsharp at all times despite no eye-adjustment, its bright and clear until late evening. And it suits my Skan wonderfully, the balance of the rifle remains, shooting freehand is so easy..
And all this because I popped into a gunshop for a tin of pellets and spotted this little gem lying on a shelf, unloved, so I made an offer and got it for £35!

ps......I just found three old eggs in my fridge so placed them on mounds of sand and from 50 yds took three eggs with three pellets, who needs huge magnification???

[Dave]

As you say great scope, but I think you'll find it does have eye adjustment, take another look, the eyebell rotates and is secured by a knurled lock ring.

[conor1]

These are fantastic scopes.

I put one on my AA TDR for squirrels.

I wish they would make a version with a mildot reticle as I prefer them to duplex reticles.

[maximus otter]

One of my all-time favourite 'scopes was the Tasco 1.75 - 5 X 40 on my old Weihrauch 80.

Too many shooters go for excessive magnification in my opinion.

maximus otter

[Rapidnick]

The little Simmons is a fantastic scope as you say and these days amazing value for money too.. I personally like a bit more mag and mildot so probably the 'best small light' scope is now the Bushnell Elite 2-7x32. A little bit larger but still very compact and excellent quality.

[bigglesworth]

Be careful which rifle you mount your Simmons on ,my "lively" BSA 0.177 Supersport wrecked my WTC.My smooth 0.22 HW95k would have probably been O.K.,I`m sure these scopes arn`t spring-gun rated,but they are still IMO the best compact scope on the market.

Take care

Kenny

[sidesy]

agree, great scope....obvious limitations at distance or lower light..BUT, my mounted on my S410 carbine is proper pidgeon basher....love it...:D

[bullet boy]

This scope is that good that i`ve bought another one for my Merlyn!:):)

[jmsniper]

nice review,ive just bought one off here so im well pleased.

[Rapidnick]

Be careful which rifle you mount your Simmons on ,my "lively" BSA 0.177 Supersport wrecked my WTC.My smooth 0.22 HW95k would have probably been O.K.,I`m sure these scopes arn`t spring-gun rated,but they are still IMO the best compact scope on the market.

Take care

Kenny

As it is centrefire rated it should be fine for any springer and if it wasn't just claim on the warranty.. I seem to remember that in Terry Doe's review of the Theoben Dual Magnum the pictures show him using it with the Simmons 1.5-5x20. That beast made most springers seem as smooth as silk.:eek:

[bullet boy]

Be careful which rifle you mount your Simmons on ,my "lively" BSA 0.177 Supersport wrecked my WTC.My smooth 0.22 HW95k would have probably been O.K.,I`m sure these scopes arn`t spring-gun rated,but they are still IMO the best compact scope on the market.

Take care

Kenny

The WTC is FAC rated cos this guy in Sporting Rifle Aug`08 mag,has got a WTC scope on his Benelli 30-06 for shooting Wild Boar!!So if you say your air-rifle wrecked your scope,then i doubt it very much!If this WTC can withstand the recoil of a 30-06 then its certainly gonna take a slight nudge off your popgun!!!!

[Oddbob08]

The WTC is FAC rated cos this guy in Sporting Rifle Aug`08 mag,has got a WTC scope on his Benelli 30-06 for shooting Wild Boar!!So if you say your air-rifle wrecked your scope,then i doubt it very much!If this WTC can withstand the recoil of a 30-06 then its certainly gonna take a slight nudge off your popgun!!!!

It's the way a spring gun recoils that does the damage, it's a two-way kick, so scopes do have to be 'spring gun rated'. Powder-burners are more of a hefty shove backwards. I would think something semi-auto would stress a scope in a similar way.

Having said that, there is a slow-motion clip on youtube of a .50bmg (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=s5pVya7eask) rifle being fired, the whole rifle and scope whips about like a rubber xxx toy :eek:

[bullet boy]

It's the way a spring gun recoils that does the damage, it's a two-way kick, so scopes do have to be 'spring gun rated'. Powder-burners are more of a hefty shove backwards. I would think something semi-auto would stress a scope in a similar way.

Having said that, there is a slow-motion clip on youtube of a .50bmg (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=s5pVya7eask) rifle being fired, the whole rifle and scope whips about like a rubber xxx toy :eek:

Cant see a BSA Supersport wrecking a WTC scope tho-can you,if it can take the recoil off a 30-06??

[christy]

Right that's it, I've heard enough...I getting one. Had my eye on one for too long. Best little scope I had was early 80s Tasco 2.5-32WA. Streuth that thing was soo clear. Everything you say reminds me of it.

[bullet boy]

Right that's it, I've heard enough...I getting one. Had my eye on one for too long. Best little scope I had was early 80s Tasco 2.5-32WA. Streuth that thing was soo clear. Everything you say reminds me of it.

Christy,i had my 1.5x5-20 back yesterday and its the second one that i`ve bought now.THey really are a brilliant scope-you wont be disappointed!

[Oddbob08]

Cant see a BSA Supersport wrecking a WTC scope tho-can you,if it can take the recoil off a 30-06??

I wouldn't put money on it either way, airguns can do some strange things sometimes :rolleyes:

[fat man]

:)have to agree totaly# gents. it is a great little bit of kit, mine sits on my fwb127 sport mark2 and it totaly changed my view on scopes, allways thought you needed great big lenses for low light. Not any more, if you dont have one then get one , and you wont regret it.

[cozzy]

best ratting scope for price there is:D
cozzy

[Rabbitsniper]

best close range scope ever ;)

[daveuk]

The WTC is FAC rated cos this guy in Sporting Rifle Aug`08 mag,has got a WTC scope on his Benelli 30-06 for shooting Wild Boar!!So if you say your air-rifle wrecked your scope,then i doubt it very much!If this WTC can withstand the recoil of a 30-06 then its certainly gonna take a slight nudge off your popgun!!!!


I'm no expert but i believe that the recoil of a spring piston air rifle is much more damaging to scopes than a firearm due to the nature of the recoil in an air rifle. i think its something to do with "piston bounce".

[DCL_dave]

To date I've owned no less than 3 Simmons 1.5-5x20's, I don't like high mag scopes.

The one I have now I've owned for about 9 years, in that time it has been mounted on various recoiling air rifles including a Fenman, a Sirocco, a HW85, and a HW80 amongst others. It's currently sat on a very twangy HW97 and is still performing like it did when new!

Best little scope available for the money, IMHO :)

[MikB]

Cant see a BSA Supersport wrecking a WTC scope tho-can you,if it can take the recoil off a 30-06??

Read Oddbob's post above. He's right. The absolute recoil displacement of the 3006 is obviously much greater, as is the recoil velocity it reaches. But it's the g-force, the violence with which it accelerates, that shocks the optics. In some springers this can exceed magnum firearms - especially because it changes direction when the piston bottoms.

It may be that the little WTC is OK with a springer, but a 3006'll never prove it so.

Regards,
MikB

[Hunter_zero]

It may be that the little WTC is OK with a springer, but a 3006'll never prove it so.
Regards,
MikB

Send one over to me and I'll pop it on a .50cal. and prove it for you :D

John

[oldhw77]

Just put one on a HW77 it's a smashing little scope. It gives a clear image even at extremely short distances, just what I needed for my tiny attic range. As a bonus, the granite finish looks superb. :)

[Rapidnick]

On the question of 'airgun rated' it is true that the action of a springer or rammer is more damaging than from a centrefire rifle but I would still claim on the warranty if anything went wrong. :eek:It never has with me using any quality scope even on the Eliminator which is the most scope-unfriendly rifle I own. On that particular rifle I use the Simmons Pro Air 6-18x40 but a lifetime warranty is a lifetime warranty and will be honoured providing you can produce the documentation that originally came with the scope. The problem of course is that the Simmons Pro Air and WTC ranges have been discontinued so lord knows what scope they would give you if you did claim.:eek:
As far as the 1.5-5x20 is concerned it is a fantastic little scope but sadly doesn't have enough mag for me so I use the Simmons WTC 3.5-10x40- which is quite a bit smaller and lighter than its big brother the 3.5-10x50-when compact size and weight is required. As I said in a previous post, I reckon the absolute best of the current generation of compact scopes is probably the Bushnell Elite 2-7x32 mildot. Lots out there to choose from so there should be something to suit us all!:D

[paddy11]

thinking about one of these for ratting but heard a couple of people havin trouble with the barrel or silencer getting in the way of the sight pic with them been so short .have eney of you had this problem.:)

[oldhw77]

thinking about one of these for ratting but heard a couple of people havin trouble with the barrel or silencer getting in the way of the sight pic with them been so short .have eney of you had this problem.:)

I can see the foresight/barrel of my HW77 when the scopes on minimum mag. It was distracting at first but I got used to it very quickly - I actually like it now as bu making sure the foresight is in line with the vertical crosshair I can be sure I am looking down the centre of the scope and avoid parallax error. After doing this for a while I found that I started mounting the rifle much more consistantly (still a cr@p shot though).:)


ATB,
Craig

[Rightguard147]

Brilliant little scope with bright crisp optics. Love the way it looks on my ultra, cant beat this combo a real nice compact hunting setup :D

I use mine for rats, squidges and woodies because most of that type of shooting for me is pretty close range and a higher mag would be pointless. With the whitetail's wide field of view it makes target aquisition a hell of alot easier too.

I do however swap scopes when Im after rabbits, prefering higher mag and mildots for those long range headshots :cool: but saying that, if a bunny hopped into my sights at around 30 yds or less I would have no hesitation planting a lead present in its bonce while using the whitetail :D

Real shame simmons have stopped making em now... gits. Its a sweet compact cracking little scope, well worth the money imo.

[Rightguard147]

forgot to add: I can also see my silencer when the scope is set to lower mag. Anything below x3 and my ret looks like the view from a first person shooter (http://es.geocities.com/jgonzalezalcobre/doom2shoot2.jpg) :D
It doesnt interfere at all with your overall view.... I quite like it lol

[C3PO_1]

It is a great little scope and to be honest I'll probably regret selling mine.

[robo63]

these scopes are brill when combined with add on night vision ie cobra merlin etc,focus from your toes to infinty no side parralex needed.wouldnt be without mine,robo.

[junglie]

picked one up secondhand from local gun shop for £60 with mounts about a year ago,love it so much I just got another from a freind for £40, with mounts for my sons R10 bsa, much better than his previous scope a leapers 3-12x44 30mm tube illuminated & hardly notice it's on gun the weight's so compact,shows up many a bigger scope in poor light.

[DCL_dave]

picked one up secondhand from local gun shop for £60 with mounts about a year ago,love it so much I just got another from a freind for £40, with mounts for my sons R10 bsa, much better than his previous scope a leapers 3-12x44 30mm tube illuminated & hardly notice it's on gun the weight's so compact,shows up many a bigger scope in poor light.

Snap!...yesterday I bought yet another example of the classic little Simmons WTC 1.5-5x20WA and a ProAir 4-12x40, at £100 for the pair I simply couldn't resist :D

These seem to change hands on the S/H market for around the £50 mark, and that makes them absolute bargain in my book.

[AD_K]

I've got one of these on my .357 Magnum - Marlin Carbine. Only had it a few weeks, its fantastic!! :)

[GATMAN]

I've had quite a few of these over the years - they are brilliant scopes:)

Paul.

[bigdogwoff]

I've had quite a few of these over the years - they are brilliant scopes:)

Paul.

me to very good for the price!
still have 3/10/50 on my rimmy and at 130m i can head shoot the bunnys no probs!with the bi pod,thay are very very good scopes.

[Muskett]

Had a few, now down to my last one which is on a Theoben Fenman. Non have ever given a problem. Always been a bargain, highly versatile scope. Everyone should have one on something in their armory.

[baz]

Springers are actually far more likely to break a scope than any CF rifle, the reason is that a CF rifle has a "one way" recoil, whereas a springer has a "recoil" that moves both back and forwards, also vibration can kill a lesser scope

The Eliminator mounts run on rubber cored "Dampa mount" system, so does the Dual Magnum which although still "recoils" the rubber takes away vibration, if the BSA Supersport was "piston slamming" (which is quite likely as they dont have the best of piston seals) then it isnt surprising it was a scope eater, notice the same action but on the Lightning series has a scope rail that sits on a bed of rubber, which solves the problem

I have a WTC model like the one mentioned on a HW80 running at 20ftlb, been on it for years, it has smooth firing cycle so no problem

A lot of scope makers test models on Magnum springers, to declare them as Springer rated

[Friday]

Re: Simmons Whitetail Classic 1.5-5x20

Great little scope's I have just recently took of my 6.5-20 EFR and sold it because I was so impressed with this scope. I mounted the above scope just to try and feel if it gave me a better balance and also to reduce weight and magnification, for the purpose of shooting 25m sporting-rifle comp's at my local club.

And this scope on 2mag it just the ticket nice and clear with basic duplex ret, is all I need and the results on paper are pretty good to. WTC 1.5-5x20 is a lovely little scope.

Regards

Friday

[baz]

Anyone want one for £60 then:)

[webb22]

On the question of 'airgun rated' it is true that the action of a springer or rammer is more damaging than from a centrefire rifle but I would still claim on the warranty if anything went wrong. :eek:It never has with me using any quality scope even on the Eliminator which is the most scope-unfriendly rifle I own. On that particular rifle I use the Simmons Pro Air 6-18x40 but a lifetime warranty is a lifetime warranty and will be honoured providing you can produce the documentation that originally came with the scope. The problem of course is that the Simmons Pro Air and WTC ranges have been discontinued so lord knows what scope they would give you if you did claim.:eek:
As far as the 1.5-5x20 is concerned it is a fantastic little scope but sadly doesn't have enough mag for me so I use the Simmons WTC 3.5-10x40- which is quite a bit smaller and lighter than its big brother the 3.5-10x50-when compact size and weight is required. As I said in a previous post, I reckon the absolute best of the current generation of compact scopes is probably the Bushnell Elite 2-7x32 mildot. Lots out there to choose from so there should be something to suit us all!:D

Totally agree that WTC is the dawgs dangles, but i need more power! Love the look of the WTC also and sport one on my Phoniex mkII. Been looking into a similar scope but with more mag power for the Harrier...saw the Rhino 2.5-10x26 in Airgun World - anyone seen/ used one?

[bullet boy]

Brilliant scopes for the money!:)

[Rustam Bana]

I have been using one on my rimfire and am happy with it's performance. Struck a deal with PALLADIN for a second one this morning as I intend using it on my Mauser .30-06

Does anyone have a link to this scopes specifications - FOV, adjustment range, etc.?

Thanks.

Rustam

P.S.: I think I read somewhere that they are fully multi-coated. Is this true?

[aspen]

I have one mounted on my .444marilin and use it with full power home loads and it just keeps working.
Great scope for the money.
Bob.:)

[WINK]

if u think the whitetail's good try a aetec much better optically+build quality one's made in the phillipines are the best:D

[chris u'5]

I'm thinking about using one on a Theoben Evolution Carbine to compliment the size and weight of the rifle but despite reading all the positive reports I find it hard to believe that it has enough magnification :confused:

Is it really enough to shoot at a range of 30 - 35 yards?

[Rapidnick]

if u think the whitetail's good try a aetec much better optically+build quality one's made in the phillipines are the best:D

They are certainly better optically as they were the top of the Simmons range before the recent range of junk was introduced that is. The problem with the WTC and Aetec ranges is that they don't offer mildot reticles which a lot of us want. Where mildots are not wanted then the 3.8-12x44 Aetec is possibly the best scope around and will give Leupolds a run for a lot less money.
However bear in mind that this thread was specifically looking at the compact 1.5-5x20 WTC which is fantastic BUT only has a maximum mag of 5. If that is OK for you then the scope is an absolute marvel.
For those wanting mildot and compact dimensions, I say again, look at the Bushnell Elite 2-7x32.

[menial 1]

In the States these scopes are used on semi-autos shooting 3" magnum cartridges with a reticle called turkey plex, self explanatory as to their intended use. The turkey plex ret is a small diamond iirc.
My 45-70gov recoils a bit and hasn't managed to smash the reticle.
I think Uttings still have some of these brand new for around £90+.
Pete.

[Rapidnick]

In the States these scopes are used on semi-autos shooting 3" magnum cartridges with a reticle called turkey plex, self explanatory as to their intended use. The turkey plex ret is a small diamond iirc.
My 45-70gov recoils a bit and hasn't managed to smash the reticle.
I think Uttings still have some of these brand new for around £90+.
Pete.

I think Simmons called this the 'diamond mag' reticle in the UK. Really good for fast target acquisition BUT the diamond gets bigger as you increase the mag so
not to everyone's taste.

[Hsing-ee]

the diamond gets bigger as you increase the mag so not to everyone's taste.

Deffo a winner with the girls in Essex though.

[bullet boy]

I'm thinking about using one on a Theoben Evolution Carbine to compliment the size and weight of the rifle but despite reading all the positive reports I find it hard to believe that it has enough magnification :confused:

Is it really enough to shoot at a range of 30 - 35 yards?

YES!Got mine on my Rapid 17-Brilliant Scope!!!!!!:)

[Rapidnick]

I'm thinking about using one on a Theoben Evolution Carbine to compliment the size and weight of the rifle but despite reading all the positive reports I find it hard to believe that it has enough magnification :confused:

Is it really enough to shoot at a range of 30 - 35 yards?


Funnily enough I used my first one on an Evo Carbine (Fenman in those days:D). It was very clear with fantastic target acquisition and superb image quality. The top mag of 5 may not be enough but there again 35 yards isn't a long distance in shooting terms. Depends on your eyesight really.

[Friday]

Got two of these great little scope one on me HW100 and the other on my Ruger10/22. X5 mag is all I need for bunny bashing up to 75 yards.

Haven't seen any of the new "made in china" versions, have heard they are not so good. Do they still make these scopes?

Regards
Glynn

[Rapidnick]

Got two of these great little scope one on me HW100 and the other on my Ruger10/22. X5 mag is all I need for bunny bashing up to 75 yards.

Haven't seen any of the new "made in china" versions, have heard they are not so good. Do they still make these scopes?

Regards
Glynn
Not sure if they do or not but all my comments and I suspect those of others on this thread, refer to the 'discontinued but still available' version.:D

[chris u'5]

Well that settles it! I'm gonna get one :)

Thank you fellas.

[rapidboy1]

Been offerd a 1.5-5x20 WTC but it has one coin slot adjustment (windage) and one finger friendly adjustment (elevation).
Is it an early one , does it sound right ?

[terrierforce]

They are certainly better optically as they were the top of the Simmons range before the recent range of junk was introduced that is. The problem with the WTC and Aetec ranges is that they don't offer mildot reticles which a lot of us want. Where mildots are not wanted then the 3.8-12x44 Aetec is possibly the best scope around and will give Leupolds a run for a lot less money.
However bear in mind that this thread was specifically looking at the compact 1.5-5x20 WTC which is fantastic BUT only has a maximum mag of 5. If that is OK for you then the scope is an absolute marvel.
For those wanting mildot and compact dimensions, I say again, look at the Bushnell Elite 2-7x32.

Hi Rapidnick
The Bushnell Elite 2-7x32 with mildot sounds ideal,who sells these can't find them anywhere?Cheers!

[kungfubob]

So are these litle beauty's spring gun rated then????????

Id like to get my one on a .25 BSA lightning, but dont wont to kill it.

[Rapidnick]

I've just revisited this thread as it was linked to another asking about the Simmons WTC 1.5-5x20.
In THIS thread I have raved about the Bushnell Elite 2-7x32 mildot. I'm sorry about this -it IS a lovely scope with usefully more mag than the Simmons but sadly the ret isn't mildot.:o The reticle is described on the Bushnell website as a 'multi x'. Sorry for any confusion.

[NigelG]

another thumbs up for the little WTC, got mine on my Sig 522 and just brilliant out at night using a lamp, who would think with a tiny 20mm front lens the image would be so bright and clear. shame they stopped making them in the Philippines and moved production to China ( I think) where the quality is said to be not so good.

[DannyT]

I've got a Philippines one up for grabs in excellent condition, with finger adjustable turrets (mk2, mk1 was coin adjusted)if anyone is after one pm me.

Atb.

Danny.

[gduk1]

I had one of these scopes they really are a peach! I only had one issue..........it did not go up to six mag, very very clear light weight, I have a review of this 'Whitetail' range, the guy puts it in the freezer and straps it to his sky aerial for a few days and it worked perfectly!(Airgun World Aug 94) Why does everyone bang on about the one they sell is the 'Philippines' made version ie real they were all made in the Philippines....I have never ever seen a copy/fake, has anyone???

[robby n]

I had one of these scopes they really are a peach! I only had one issue..........it did not go up to six mag, very very clear light weight, I have a review of this 'Whitetail' range, the guy puts it in the freezer and straps it to his sky aerial for a few days and it worked perfectly!(Airgun World Aug 94) Why does everyone bang on about the one they sell is the 'Philippines' made version ie real they were all made in the Philippines....I have never ever seen a copy/fake, has anyone???

Yeh, there were plenty of fakes about in the nineties, but they do say that is the best form of flattery:cool: these really are a good scope though, I had one on a r7 which I kept on the top shelf on my van, the strap broke and the rifle done a 5' swan dive which bent the objective metal:( when I tested for zero it took two clicks of elevation to rectify :) testament to the proper whitetail and also theobens.
Ps, if I saw one up for 35 quid nowadays the fella would loose an arm:p

[johnny k]

Got mine on my .22lr smith and wesson MP15 22. Looks great and very clear

[james blond]

Maybe the quality has improved on this model

The one I had on the exterior looked fantastic but looking through it the edges of the image were blurred and the cross hairs far too thick.

A great scope for your youngest's first rifle but lacking in every other aspect for longer range on larger air rifles

[223mike]

I've got a Philippines one up for grabs in excellent condition, with finger adjustable turrets (mk2, mk1 was coin adjusted)if anyone is after one pm me.

Atb.

Danny.
hi Danny,i think the w t c1.5x5x20 is the best small scope ever.glad you are selling yours.how much are you looking for it?i would pay the postage to n Ireland.looking forward to hearing from you
Mike

[rob1970]

most of the white tail classics are exellent scopes imo:cool::cool:

[james blond]

Until you look through a nightforce :)

[bullet boy]

Until you look through a nightforce :)

Your right James but how much more money is the Nightforce over the Simmons WTC??
Personally I prefer my Schmidt&Bender scopes over Nighforce and that's my opinion,but give credit where it's due these little WTC scopes are absolute superb value for money!!

[Amac]

If they offered this scope with a slightly higher range of magnification with an updated ret it would sell very well indeed I reckon. I have had a few over the years and would agree that they are excellent value for money.
Andy

[WILBA]

got 2 of these and they are both over 10yr old. nice scopes for close range ratting to:D would never part with them as they are keepers

[Frankie-boy]

I've had several of these great little scopes and let them all go to try something with more mag and every time I've regretted it!
I've just put a wanted add in for another one - and this time I WILL keep it!