Have you ever bought the scope before the air rifle?

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Doug-T

Doug-T

Member
Feb 19, 2019
288
21
Orygun, United States
My dream air rifle is a .22 FX Impact with a SWFA 3-15 scope. I'm saving my OT money and will be able to have it this summer. But, I just found what I think is a good deal ($579) for the SWFA scope, which are normally $700. I'm really temped to buy the scope now but this seems foreign to me as all of the other guns (air & powder burners) I've bought in the past have come first with the scope soon afterwards. Have any of you bought the scope first, especially 4-5 months ahead of the gun?
 
Bought a Delta stryker hd 7 months before I got my Red wolf, specifically for that gun. 

Similar thing with my Vulcan - bought a Sightron-siii 10x42mmd at a great price before the gun arrived.

I've bought the scope first on one or two other guns too.

So I suppose you could say 'scope before rifle' has become the norm for me. Has the benefit of letting you get shooting quickly once the gun arrives. Having a new gun you can't shoot until more kit arrives sucks. That sort of irritation doesn't get to me as much with a new scope waiting for a rifle.
 
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I have always followed a system that: 

If there is something that I want or need, and it involves different components, etc.
It has never mattered what came first or last.. I just get everything and call it good. 

When it comes to rifles [air or powder-burning] they always get scoped..
I also like to find a make/model scope that I like the best, and get multiples of them..
That way, each rifle can have the 'same scope', - helping keep that part a consistent.. 

Last year, I built two custom match-grade bench-rest "10/22s", and scoped them..
I knew what I wanted for each rifle - ordered erratically, assembled, and got that out of the way.
I also knew that I wanted to go with a few Nikon scopes, ordered 2 1st, and had them on hand..
As soon as those rifles were both done, the scopes were immediately installed.

Then until' now, I also got 6 PCP airguns.. Same deal..
I found out that I liked a specific model of the Discovery brand scope, and ordered 2.
They get swapped around from rifle to rifle so much, I'll have to order a few more now..

A BIG variable for me is: Availability & Price.
I'm usually broke as a joke, so, if/when I have the cash on hand to spend on something, 
I scour the net for deals.. If something pops up, I'll jump on it..

For me, doing things this way has always worked.. and worked very well..
I do it with Everything. From big things like vehicles down to smaller stuff for hobbies..

🙂👍 

Sam -


 
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when the gauntlet first appeared on the scene there was some difficulty getting a hold of it and I had to wait in line for it and since I'm very familiar with firearms already I know all about SWFA line of scopes reputation from the civilian and military POV. I have the 12x44 SWFA SS fixed powered on my new wildcat atm (it actually belong to my Diana Outlaw) but I have ordered the Discovery VT-T 4.5-18X44 SFVF FFP for it, you cannot go wrong with the SWFA especially if you choose the fixed powered. I just wanted to FFP for my Wildcat since it is capable of hole in hole shot.
 
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I have a few scopes that experience has taught me I will like and use. Leupold and Sightron, I keep at least one of the chosen models on hand for backups and/or new purchases. So I guess that counts as buying them before I buy the rifle. Never really thought of it that way. I know I like the scopes and will use them. I buy them when I find a good deal not when there is a time constraint. 

Corky
 
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I've had my eye on a Hatsan Flash QE for a few months now, my first PCP. I finally pulled the trigger and ordered it on Saturday. I bought nearly everything else first, and now the rifle. I bought my air supply first (Chinese hand pump), shooting rest, next ordered a Discovery scope, then ordered scope rings, sprinkled in with pellet orders here & there. I improved my basement shooting range with a wider box that holds 3 targets, with rubber mulch inside. I've read the manual for the rifle, online. When the rifle arrives, I'll have everything else in place. All I'll need to do is put everything together and start shooting.
 
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Yes, absolutely. I decided on the components and the Scope went on sale first. No brainer. Lot's of research, ended up being a great combination. Once I made the decision on scope and gun, I was just saving my $$ to afford both. Scope went on sale first, bought from Optics Planet. Gun showed up used on AOA and bought it second. Gotta be a bit opportunist to get the most out of your $$
 
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Yes definitely. I live in Turkey so sourcing parts can be a severe PITA. I will be buying new rifle here but scope Athlon Argos came from Holland, scope mount Eaglevision adjustable and moderator/silencer Huggett from UK, rifle test, Vanguard Porta Aim from Germany. If I got rifle first could be waiting months to get all the bits and my finger would be itching.
 
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IMO, you should match the scope to the usage intended.

as an example: why install a fixed 50x on a low power springer? why use a long range tactical scope on the same?

i understand, and agree, one can use that 50x to shoot at aspirins from a benchrest, but it also pretty well limits you to that and a long range tactical is usually difficult to get good adjustments for airgun ranges.
 
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