Toward selecting a proper scope for my newly acquired RAW HM1000X I followed my plan to use the only scope on hand to flush out what might work out best for me. I'm totally new to airgunning and find that doing my research online frustrating and doesn't answer all questions. My goal and purpose for the right scope is simply target shooting between 25 and 100 yards. I installed a Hawke 8-32x? Airmax scope yesterday and found the cross hairs difficult to settle shooting at 40 yards with maximum magnification. Prior to this I was leaning toward a 10-50 magnification scope because that's what my reading suggests. But if the cross hairs are beginning to be hard to manage at around 32x wouldn't it be more difficult at 50x? What do I really need or what is the rationale for the best magnification on targets up to 100 yards?
On the subject of reticles it becomes even more confusing. I can see for hunting purposes that MOA graduations would be helpful but for target shooting only are they necessary or even useful? Since distances are already known and windage can be compensated for by scope adjustments sans crosshair graduations what is the need for the markings?
And lastly, I understand that the very best glass is desirable and even necessary when reaching out 1000 yards, etc. but at what point with respect to quality are there diminishing returns at 100 yards? Someone posted a persuasive argument for lesser quality and lower priced binoculars when viewing objects at short distances while recognizing the need for better quality/higher priced glass at greater distances. Doesn't this same argument hold true with rifle scopes?
On the subject of reticles it becomes even more confusing. I can see for hunting purposes that MOA graduations would be helpful but for target shooting only are they necessary or even useful? Since distances are already known and windage can be compensated for by scope adjustments sans crosshair graduations what is the need for the markings?
And lastly, I understand that the very best glass is desirable and even necessary when reaching out 1000 yards, etc. but at what point with respect to quality are there diminishing returns at 100 yards? Someone posted a persuasive argument for lesser quality and lower priced binoculars when viewing objects at short distances while recognizing the need for better quality/higher priced glass at greater distances. Doesn't this same argument hold true with rifle scopes?
