Hawke Varmint SF 2.5-10 x 44 Scope - Review UPDATE
I wanted a new scope so I decided to do the selection process ‘properly’.
My Needs
To have a scope for an air rifle (12 ft-lbs) which would give me the ability for general daytime pest control use (at ranges up to 40yds) and also allow me to use a GB Sights ASPro digital night vision add-on for close range vermin control ( 5yds to 25yds).
So I had a think about my criteria . . .
Cost no more than £150
Minimal magnification on smallest zoom (ASPro has a 1.7 multiplier)
Fine reticle (ideally Mil-Dot) (fine because of multiplier as above)
Has at least 10x magnification (so I can get to grips with the MilDot)
1” diameter tube (got loads of 1” rings in all shapes and sizes)
Largest Objective lens to fit low scope mounts (give 1.5” between centres)
Side Focus for parallax (tried an end one – obstructed IR lamp whilst fiddling!)
So not asking for too much then !
Having done the obligatory internet searching I was surprised to find that Hawke did a scope which fitted the bill exactly. The Hawke Varmint SF 2.5-10 x 44 (Their Code HK5132)
http://www.hawkeoptics.com/rifle-scopes/varmint-sf.html
I purchased one and was surprised by the apparent quality of the scope, having a long (over 13”) contoured seamless body, a dull matt finish and nicely made covers. Although relatively light, it certainly gives the impression of being well made. The zoom and side focus where very smooth. The scope also came with flip-up covers.
The optics are nice and bright, with the side focus adjustment being very precise. I put the thing on 10 magnification and checked the ranges with a laser range finder, and they were very close indeed, although the side focus knob is very small thus the increments between the distances would be too ‘flexible’ to bet your life on.
I mounted the scope onto a BSA Hornet PCP air rifle in .22 using low mounts. The scope extended well beyond the action, there was plenty of clearance (1/4”) between the maximum diameter of the 44mm objective lens and the barrel of the rifle.
It has an eye focus adjuster which is also smooth. Sometimes with these cheaper scopes you can get the feeling that you are ‘loosening up’ the grease and they take a bit of ‘breaking in’. With this scope, all the lens adjustments were nice and smooth straight out of the box.
I did mount it well forward, (NV remember) but this proved OK when mounting the rifle for day use (albeit having to lean forward a little) as the eye relief is some 3.2” The diameter of the eye piece lens is some 1.5” which gives a good bright image when correctly positioned.
The Mil-Dot reticle is very fine, probably a bit too fine if you were using it as Uncle Sam (it was a US military ‘invention’ after all) intended, but for my use it is spot on ! (NV multiplier remember) According to the specifications it is a half Mil-Dot reticle – I will have to read up on what that is.
I bore sighted the scope. The dust caps unscrewed cleanly and have a recessed ‘O’ ring to keep moisture out – according to the book, the scope is waterproof, although I am not sure of its true IP rating. The turrets are clearly marked and clicked nicely during adjustment. The dust caps would imply that this is more a general purpose scope than one which would be used for more serious purposes (aka silly ranges) where dynamic Mil-Dot adjustment would be required.
Having said that, with the accurate ‘range finding’ of the side focus, and a good understanding of what the Mil-Dot reticle is all about, ie. the number of fine dots ‘hold over’, then it would just be a matter of practice, as once set, the windage and elevation should not need to be reset.
Down on the range I quickly sighted in the rifle at my working distances. For interest, I zeroed at 27 yards which gives me a 1” diameter kill zone from 6 yards to 31 yards with the first cross over taking place at 10 yards.
I was initially concerned that the Side Focus adjustment would 'not go low enough', but the nearest distance setting makes the image clear at about 7 yards - and with the 2.5 minimum magnification, this presents no problems at all.
The zoom range was bang on, covering everything you may need in everyday hunting type scenarios. The zoom adjustment ring has a handy ‘thumb bump’ which allows easy movement as well as providing a locator when using it in the dark.
I mounted my ASPro digital NV and was slightly disappointed. My old Nikko Stirling 4-9x40 AO seemed brighter. However, by increasing the IR levels, the image on the Hawke became clear and sharp.
Having done a little research, this is not a fault of the scope – quite the reverse ! It would appear that the multi-coating used is probably of a higher quality than the Nikko and it is doing its job by ‘filtering’ well.
Not that I am complaining as now I have every excuse to purchase a new laser IR designator ;-)
I would certainly think of using it on a small calibre centre fire rifle – the books says it is ‘all calibre firearm rated’. I may put one on my BSA Hunter in .22 K-Hornet – we shall have to see . . .
UPDATE May 2013
After nearly 18 months of daily use (Professional Pest Control) the side focus developed a minor and irritating fault in that sometimes it would jam and / or not focus.
I contacted Deben directly (as my local RFD has gone out of business - now a PoundStretcher supermarket !) and their service department was very quick to respond.
I sent the old scope to them, and got a message to say that it was going to be replaced under warranty.
Two days later and I have a brand new scope.
Well done Deben on some excellent Customer Service. You wouldn't have got that buying some cheap tat on Fleebay !
Regards
JonP
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