scope help

[DIGWEED112]

Hi all, I wonder if you could help. I am looking for a scope which I will use to shoot long range rabbits and will also dabble in HFT. But without wishing to igniting the whole issue over which scope is best for air rifles maybe it'll help if I just ask the question "what scope do you use" for 1) field targets and 2) shooting rabbits in the morning (if you are inclined to do this) or just general target shooting - I'll try to use this as my guide for my purchase.

I currently have 3-off 3-9x40 scopes which were attached to air rifles purchased in the past of which 1 of the 3 has mil dot and the other 2 with duplex crosshair. one is Nikko Stirling, one Hawke panorama and the other 'SCR'. all are ok, but are no way near as bright as my Nikon monarch 7 10x42 Bino's which are in a league of their own. what I am looking for is a scope that is above all, crisp and bright - my eyes are not what they used to be so a good scope will make up for this. I am willing to fork out a hefty (about £500) for this new or S/H wonder scope.
many thanks.

[rabbitwrecker]

I am looking for a scope which I will use to shoot long range rabbits

Possibly not the best question to ask here - somebody might think that you're an irresponsible Walt, though that really depends on your definition of 'long range'...

[chrisbaker42]

Possibly not the best question to ask here - somebody might think that you're an irresponsible Walt, though that really depends on your definition of 'long range'...

I must admit the thoughts of irresponsible do immediately come to mind with this type of post. The thought of spending £500 or more on a secondhand scope to shoot rabbits at a distance that you can guarantee being able to put every shot within a space the size of a 5p piece makes my mind boggle at the rest of the equipment being used and the inherent skills of the shooter.

So the big question at the moment is what are you shooting with and at what range can you hit a 5p piece every single shot?

If your skills are up to it I would look at the Leupold range as the one I had was superb.

[angrybear]

Any 3-12 or 4-16 mag scope will do at air rifle ranges, it's just what suits your eye.

I don't like to see higher mag than that on air, even FAC air, because I think high mag encourages some shooters to attempt over long shots.

I use Mamba-lite's on air/FAC air & Sidewinders on rim-fire/centre-fire.

[Patrick 2]

What do you mean by long range rabbits? I would say 40yds is the max distance for most competent shots and only then in favourable conditions.Remember you're shooting a living animal not some metal target so a misplaced shot would almost certainly mean a nasty wound and a slow painful death not just a low or no score.If you want to shoot rabbits beyond that distance get an FAC,subject to the necessary conditions, and buy a .22 rimfire which will have a much flatter trajectory and will be less affected by shooting conditions i.e any breeze/wind blowing, over a longer range.Paying £500 for a scope will give you a better sight picture optically,or it should, such as a brighter view in poor light but it isn't going to transform your shooting.

[DIGWEED112]

my apologies for not replying sooner - on reading my question again; i do agree it is a bit of a naff question and I should have thought more about it's contents; however, in reply to some of your questions. The rabbits are at about a distance of about 50yds - I can't really get any closer. And will be shot with my Daystate huntsman xl which is on a FAC - it has been detuned to 30ftlb. my desire for a brighter scope is purely to see more clearly in low light. I use 10 x 42 Bino's so the suggestion of 3 - 12 sounds ok - has anyone tried Bushnell's?

[rabbitwrecker]

To be honest, 50 yards is pushing it too far, FAC or not. It's all about placement, 30 ft/lbs will still only wound if you don't hit the spot. The only advantage you have over a sub-12 ft/lb gun is a flatter trajectory, it won't be any easier to hit the mark with. Set out some extra strong mints at 50 yards and try to hit every single one first time under real-world conditions. If you can't, leave the rabbits be - practice your fieldcraft till you can get a bit nearer, say 30-35 yards. That way, your 3-9x will be fine...

[PCPShooter]

my apologies for not replying sooner - on reading my question again; i do agree it is a bit of a naff question and I should have thought more about it's contents; however, in reply to some of your questions. The rabbits are at about a distance of about 50yds - I can't really get any closer. And will be shot with my Daystate huntsman xl which is on a FAC - it has been detuned to 30ftlb. my desire for a brighter scope is purely to see more clearly in low light. I use 10 x 42 Bino's so the suggestion of 3 - 12 sounds ok - has anyone tried Bushnell's?

50 yards rabbits with fac air, off bipod/bag/rested up on tree, in still conditions comes down to your ability, it is imo around the range limited by type of rifle (fac air)
If you like your Binoculars - look for a Nikon Scope, lots around for under £500, all the models over the £300 mark are excellent glass, I really rate the EFR 3-9 which retails here at £175 ish. On one of my fac rifles I use a Bushnell Elite 4200 4-16 x, at the time the best glass for the money. Any Busnell Elite is going to be very very good, I've heard the ones that go from 2.5-16 are not as good as the older ones with 3 or 4 x zoom range.
For my 'dedicated' hunting stuff I tend to use Bushnell, Elite, or have a recent legend with rainguard coating. I do find that the rear not fogging up on a cold outing if breathed on accidentally is worthwhile. I think in the £250-£500 band, you'll not beat Nikon or Bushnell. Weaver knock out a few nice scopes, there are some Leupolds too, but you get less for the money, though the glass is very easy on the eye, and Burris too are worth a look -

[lensman57]

Possibly not the best question to ask here - somebody might think that you're an irresponsible Walt, though that really depends on your definition of 'long range'...

Have a look at the Hawke AirMax SF range. 6X24 should be plenty clear for long range shooting. A Nikko target master is also a useful scope.


A.G