R9 with/without Scope

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Diddy Outddors

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Sep 23, 2023
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Didn't really know where to put this,
Still thinking on an R9 in .22, Is the Mantis scopes that are in the combo good? Or would it be better to buy the scope and mounts separate?
I have a couple Hawke Airmax and like them but don't want to spend that much. What are some options at a cheaper price. I read somewhere that the Hakwe Vantage are for low power springers.
If I don't get the R9, next in line is the Diana Model 34.
 
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Maybe a bit out of your price range as far as the Mantis but cheaper than Hawke scopes. UTG scopes have decent glass and are durable. I have a 3x9 on my Xisco B28 (clone of RWS 350) and a 4x16 on my RWS 350. These are high recoiling scope killer guns. Both holding up after 3-4 years of use. I do like the Diana 34 except looks cheap compared the HW guns.
 
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Diddy Outddors said:
Didn't really know where to put this,
Still thinking on an R9 in .22, Is the Mantis scopes that are in the combo good? Or would it be better to buy the scope and mounts separate?
I have a couple Hawke Airmax and like them but don't want to spend that much. What are some options at a cheaper price. I read somewhere that the Hakwe Vantage are for low power springers.
If I don't get the R9, next in line is the Diana Model 34.
Click to expand...
You like Airmax so I suggest that you check out this model for your HW95.
https://us.hawkeoptics.com/airmax-30-sf-compact-3-12x40-amx-ir.html
 
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When I bought my .22 Diana 350 Magnum, I went for a package deal that included a Mantis 4-12x40 AO scope. Only got it this past summer, so I don't have any long-term idea of durability. But so far after 6 months and around 1000 rounds through the 350, the Mantis is holding up fine with no problems. Pretty decent budget scope.
 
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Can't speak of the Mantis scopes, never had one.

Burris offers some inexpensive models that offer very good glass and their "forever" warrantee (no questions and transferable). Some models have a parallax that only adjust down or are set to 50 yards, so pay attention to the description. Not everyone likes the reticles certain models offer, so there's another thing to look out for.

I've used this on a few springers, including my .177 HW97. Parallax is 50y to infinity but if kept to 6 power or so I have no real issues at closer distances... (there are also cheaper models)

If on a tight budget this Pinty scope will hold up to springer use. Have used them on springers up to 30ftlbs, of the 6 or 7 that I've had, 1 failed quickly on a 12ftlb gun (go figure), but well within the warranty/exchange period. The rest are still going strong...

I should mention for the Pinty scope, once you zero, just use the mil dots for wind correction or hold over. Turret tracking isn't the best on all examples. Occasionally check the objective lense retainer ring and turret screws for tightness, these can potentially vibrate loose. The turrets have a lock ring and they can be adjusted to "zero" with the screw loosened and then lifting up/turning the turret to the zero mark, just make sure the turret ring is locked (tight) when doing so. Very similar to some UTG scopes in design...🤔

UTG True Hunter 4-16x
https://www.amazon.com/UTG-4-16X40-Hunter-36-color-Mil-dot/dp/B00CHJBL8W/ref=sr_1_15?crid=1PPWYATKNHFPP&keywords=UTG+scope&qid=1702493297&sprefix=utg+scope,aps,102&sr=8-15

On my HW95 I've been running an old Tasco 3 to 9 power scope I got on clearance years ago. Got marked down to $20 and picked it up as a spare, didn't figure it would last as long as it has on a springer, but not planning to remove it anytime soon (knock on wood)...
 
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Package scopes , mhaaaa... Far more bad then good ones ..

People sonly get the gun then a scope that got a no questions asked lifetime like hawkes or athlon , ect...

With a springer you just never know when that ez warranty saves your day and bilfold ..lol.

No in Walmart today I noticed they had athlon neos ( plainjane no thrills one ) $119 . But it hold athlos lifetime no questions ask warranty..

Well they ask 1 question . That's what's your return address 🥴

I use atlon Talos 3-12 sf milldot on all mine and been solid ..

One I bought as a used display model and sent it in cause the turret I guess been twisted to death but athlon took care of it and sent me a fully working scope back .. 5 days shipping to them , 3 days with them and 4 days I had it back in my hand ..

Not bad at all ..
 
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Diddy Outddors said:
Just looked at some Athlons, question,
Is the side parallax focus the same this as adjustable objective?
Click to expand...
Side focus (sf-ao) is turret knob on the left side
th-3714035488.jpg

A/o is on the objective lens bell
th-3481699328.jpg

Different positions same results. Just what one you find easier to use in a situation.. (???).
 
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I've got the R9 in .177, and frankly the gun deserves good optics. Mine is the Goldfinger edition from the early 2000s and it came with a decent Bushnell 3-12x40 AO. The scope is "OK" but could use more power for the suburban pigeon sniping I was doing at the time. If I bought another scope today, I'd be looking at 4-16X, AO of course, and a side focus adjustment, but putting those requirements together means the price is north of $300, even before you get a good mount. However, if you're shooting bigger targets at shorter ranges, you can probably get away with lower power which could save you some money.
 
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Never owned a Mantis, but the reviews I've read they seem to be like any other brand. Some like them and have had good luck. Some hate them and tossed or returned them if they could. PA must think they're ok since I can't see them putting a junk scope on a rifle that expensive.
Random lame opinion is buy the combo deal and see what YOU think. Might well find it's useable enough to leave on there and shoot while you save for something better.
 
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SteveP-52 said:
Never owned a Mantis, but the reviews I've read they seem to be like any other brand. Some like them and have had good luck. Some hate them and tossed or returned them if they could. PA must think they're ok since I can't see them putting a junk scope on a rifle that expensive.
Random lame opinion is buy the combo deal and see what YOU think. Might well find it's useable enough to leave on there and shoot while you save for something better.
Click to expand...
That was basically my thinking when I bought the D350/Mantis combo from PA. Yep, it's a gamble, but I figured what the hell. Good
scope so far.
 
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