Defective AirMax 30 SF Compact? - Nope - the scope was OK after all

[ronmcc4]

Hey everybody - I received a new Hawke AirMax 20 SF Compact 4-16x44 yesterday that I purchased online from Utah Airguns last week. I was really excited to put this on my also nearly new Hatsan FlashPup Synthetic .25. to replace an old Hawke Panorama on there that didn't quite fill the bill.

I could write a book on what I did to try to make this work today but I'll keep it short. The bottom line is there isn't enough vertical adjustment in the scope to zero it at 35 yards. Something is seriously wrong. From optical zero I maxed out the vertical adjustment (110 clicks up from optical zero) and didn't get anywhere near point of aim. I tried different mounts - same result. The scope rail is basically level with the barrel. I could find no problem with the mounts or with the mounting job. I put the old scope back on it and zeroed at 35 yards with no problem.

After all that -- I think I have a defective scope. Something is wrong inside.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with Hawke scopes? I don't know whether to contact Utah Airguns or to call Hawke. Thoughts and opinions welcome.

 

[Michael]

Common problem with bullpups due to high scope height & near distance zero. 2 easy solutions:

1. Shim the rear ring with a thin piece of soft flexible plastic. 

2. Buy a set of adjustable rings, slightly raise the rear ring.

- Michael 

 

[ronmcc4]

Common problem with bullpups due to high scope height & near distance zero. 2 easy solutions:

1. Shim the rear ring with a thin piece of soft flexible plastic. 

2. Buy a set of adjustable rings, slightly raise the rear ring.

- Michael

Those are possible solutions alright - but I'm surprised they are needed. I'll be talking with Utah Airguns tomorrow to get their take. I'd like a quick fix for sure. I'm not sure I've ever even seen adjustable mounts although I've heard of them.

 

[biohazardman]

Pretty much all of my airguns required shims, a 20MOA riser or adjustable rings. On my Impact I started out with a couple of washers under the rear of the scope rail. Then I got this UTG 20 MOA riser. Then broke down and bought the No limit rings which are well worth money. FX No Limit or Eaglesvision adjustable rings available at Utah Airguns.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1KP7PD?tag=duckduckgo-ffab-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1



https://utahairguns.com/optics/scope-mounts/

 

[Yo]

Do a box test. Put that questionable scope to the test. 20 yards is fine shoot groups of 5 aim at only one spot at target at all times shoot 5 then click 150 left shoot 5 then 150 up then shoot 5 then 150 right shoot 5 then 150 down then go around once more. Yo!

 

[ronmcc4]

This morning, after thinking about what Michael said regarding bullpups, I put the AirMax on my Sig ASP20 to see if I got the same bad results. I did not - the scope worked fine. So - it had to be the setup with the scope necessarily so close to the end of the barrel, angles involved, etc. My plan now is to get a set of FX No Limit adjustable mounts which should correct everything. Assuming that works, and it should, I'll chalk this one up as a learning experience.

 

[Lemensd]

I always use Burris signature rings that come with precise shims that not only allow for near zero alignment before ever touching the turrets...but also protect the scope tube from ring damage.

They can be a pita to get right but excellent results will reward.

Donald

 

[ronmcc4]

Those Signature Zee rings are great - if you have a 1 inch ring. I have a 30mm scope. I searched everywhere, even the Burris website, and found there is apparently no such thing as a 30mm set of those inserts to correct scope misalignment. I ordered a set of Eagle Vision adjustable rings from Utah Airguns after discussing the situation with them. 

 

[cmatera]

https://www.mountsplus.com/burris-xtr-signature-rings-30mm.html

 

[Yo]

Looks like the Burris XTR Sig 30mm rings went down in price. I like them since there's no chance of leaving any marks on the scope tube. The Eagle Vision is definitely still cheaper tho. Yo! 

 

[ronmcc4]

https://www.mountsplus.com/burris-xtr-signature-rings-30mm.html

Good to know cmatera - thanks!