Entry to Mid-Level Scope for New FT Shooter

[TomJ]

Good morning - I’m an experienced PB shooter, metallic silhouette & bullseye pistol, but new to air guns other than lots of offhand practice with an FWB 300. When I expressed interest in shooting Hunter FT a friend loaned me a Westhunter 4-16x scope to mount on my HW77 to experiment with. When shooting at less than 18 yards even when I turn the scope to 4x, I‘m unable to obtain a sharp target image. The result is a slightly out of focus target with a relatively sharp reticle.
What would be a good 4-16x or, if possible, 6-24x medium priced ($500-600) scope to mount on my HW77, but would work on a PCP. I like what I’ve read about Athlon scopes, but am open to other makes. And yes, I think I’m starting to go down the rabbit hole. I look forward to your suggestions. Thanks, Tom

 

[beerthief]

I woud still say ATHLON 6x24 is good for getting your ranging mapped out and then turn down to 16 for competition.

 

[TomJ]

Which model Athlon would fall into the $500-600 price range?

 

[beerthief]

Which model Athlon would fall into the $500-600 price range?

Athlon Optics Heras SPR 6-24x56 FFP IR MOA SKU 214512 - Baker Airguns

Condition: NEW

www.bakerairguns.com

might find a bit less $ but this was designed with FT in mind

 

[baranjhn]

My choice for scopes are:

Riton optics- conquer range are excellent scopes. They offer military/veteran discounts and are veteran owned.

Riton Optics Products - Riton Optics

Riton Optics we believe you should receive the highest quality glass for the best price. Purchase with confidence! See the Difference!

ritonoptics.com

Element Optics - Helix range

Riflescopes - Premium Quality Riflescopes & Optics | Element Optics

Element Optics designs and manufactures premium quality riflescopes and optics for a range of airguns and firearms - Visit Us!

element-optics.com

Both companies offer lifetime no questions asked warranties.

Both companies rate their scopes for springers.

Check the classified section here. There are several scopes listed that are what you are looking for.

 

[Uglyjohn]

If you have not done so already, you should attend a FT match. Introduce yourself and let it be known that you are looking for a FT scope for your 77. After the match ask to look thru some of the scopes being used. This should give you a better idea of what you want in your scope. Who knows, you might score something from one of the shooters that would have been beyond your budget if bought new. Oh yeah, any scope that you put on your springer should be springer rated and have a good warrantee. Uj

 

[MartyMcFly]

Athlon Heras, Argos or Helos will do nicely. Other possible options beside the Element Helix already mentioned are the Vortex Diamondback Tactical.

The Athlons are a bit heavy but very good for the money. The Argos is the only one that is illuminated if that matters to you.

-Marty

 

[drsquall]

I have the athlon heras sfp 6-24 and the Helos gen 2 4-20 and a gen 2 argos btr 6-24 ffp. My vote goes to the argos. Fully illuminated reticle and easier for me to see than the heras. The heras the dot is all that's illuminated on mine and I thought I would like the .2mil hash marks but the reticle is to fine and they are to close together for my liking. The argos is half mil hashes and a little thicker and not as busy for me. I think the focus about the same. For the money the argos can't be beat for hunter class. I shoot it on my tx.

Jon

 

[Motorhead]

I woud still say ATHLON 6x24 is good for getting your ranging mapped out and then turn down to 16 for competition.

RANGING MAPPING needs to be done AT THE x POWER YOUR GOING TO BE USING. Seldom does a scope range the same when changing magnification settings.

 

[beerthief]

RANGING MAPPING needs to be done AT THE x POWER YOUR GOING TO BE USING. Seldom does a scope range the same when changing magnification settings.

ok thanks i was tole it was easier to set your range for 45 to 60 yards at a higher Mag . thanks for the correction

 

[Motorhead]

ok thanks i was tole it was easier to set your range for 45 to 60 yards at a higher Mag . thanks for the correction

It does ( Higher Mag value ) shallow the Depth Of Field .. sadly it does not translate to a lower mag value that if ones screws around doing so, will find this out first hand. Which honestly is not a bad thing as education seat of the pants is more valuable than having read it etc ..

 

[drsquall]

Also do it the same way every time. I learned this the hard way. If you go near the far always go near to far. Or vice versa. Some scopes do better from near to far others far to near, you will just have to play with it and see. Also the speed at which you turn your wheel matters that too needs to be the same every time. In time you will develop your own routine that works for you just stick to it. I'm just starting and I've asked a lot here for help and the guys I shoot with. Learn from their experiences and save some heartache

Jon

 

[cavedweller]

Athlon Optics Heras SPR 6-24x56 FFP IR MOA SKU 214512 - Baker Airguns

Condition: NEW

www.bakerairguns.com

might find a bit less $ but this was designed with FT in mind

I have one and love it but StrelokPro doesn’t have the reticle - yeah yeah I know

 

[cavedweller]

Also do it the same way every time. I learned this the hard way. If you go near the far always go near to far. Or vice versa. Some scopes do better from near to far others far to near, you will just have to play with it and see. Also the speed at which you turn your wheel matters that too needs to be the same every time. In time you will develop your own routine that works for you just stick to it. I'm just starting and I've asked a lot here for help and the guys I shoot with. Learn from their experiences and save some heartache

Jon

I’m right there with ya!

 

[JimD]

I have no doubt the higher prices ones are better but if I ever get around to trying HFT I plan to use my Athlon Talos 6-24 (set at 16X). Surprisingly clear for the money and seems to range OK. (it is a SFP but that is what I prefer)

 

[TomJ]

I’ve been doing some additional research and have narrowed my search down to two possible scopes, the Athlon Talos 6-24x50 x ATMR1 SFP IR Mil and Athlon Heras SPR 4-20x50 AAGR2 SPF Mil. Which scope would be a good entry level scope to try shooting HFT to see if I want to become more serious? I’d appreciate your comments. Thanks, Tom

 

[scotton]

I have the athlon heras sfp 6-24 and the Helos gen 2 4-20 and a gen 2 argos btr 6-24 ffp. My vote goes to the argos. Fully illuminated reticle and easier for me to see than the heras. The heras the dot is all that's illuminated on mine and I thought I would like the .2mil hash marks but the reticle is to fine and they are to close together for my liking. The argos is half mil hashes and a little thicker and not as busy for me. I think the focus about the same. For the money the argos can't be beat for hunter class. I shoot it on my tx.

Jon

I looked through Jon's Heras scope recently and I honestly don't know how he can see the sub-hash marks. Maybe he had it turned way down to mess with me.
I just bought the Riton X3 Conquer, and for $250 at Amazon I am super impressed. I just wrote a review about it: here

 

[TomJ]

Thanks, Scotton

 

[ToddGeddes63]

I’ve been doing some additional research and have narrowed my search down to two possible scopes, the Athlon Talos 6-24x50 x ATMR1 SFP IR Mil and Athlon Heras SPR 4-20x50 AAGR2 SPF Mil. Which scope would be a good entry level scope to try shooting HFT to see if I want to become more serious? I’d appreciate your comments. Thanks, Tom

Late to the post
what scope did you decide on? and how is it working for you?

 

[bustachip]

I bought the Athlon Midas Tac 6-24X50 put a 5" side wheel on it and it ranges pretty good. The reticle is the APLR-4 MOA and works good for hold over/ under and hold off. The glass is better than I thought it would be. This is my first Athlon and I would recommend it. I found it on sale for $550, it isn't illuminated but that doesn't bother me.