Tired of Researching - Looking for Scope

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bowwild

bowwild

Member
Dec 28, 2015
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Lawrenceburg, KY
I'm looking for a scope for my newest air rifle (PCP). I will use at ranges less than 75 yards (.22). I will be hunting squirrels in wooded habitat. 

I've read several pages deep here on AGN and many on-line reviews.

Specifications I'm after:
  1. Less than $500
  2. Side Focus down to 10 yards
  3. less than 14" long
  4. Less than 24 ounces
  5. Very clear optics
  6. Reticle with marks above and below center. 
    [/LIST=1]
    I have a Vortex Diamondback 4x12 on the rifle now. I don't like that it is an AO focus. I prefer side focus. I'm intrigued by Emerald, Hawke Frontier, SWFA, and Athlon. But most of these scopes are 14" plus and or 2 pounds+, and many are nearer $700 than my target. I don't think I have any use for anything more than 15x. I own several Leupolds including their EFR (on a .22 PBer) and VX 2 AO 4x12. But these scopes have no sight marks above or below the intersection of the crosshairs. 

    I am intrigued by FFP scopes but I have zero experience with them. 

    I looked at Joe's videos (scopes in the $100-500 value. 

    Thanks
    Roy

 
I love my SWFA, I have the 12x42 mil-quad and it is the most solid scope I've owned. I sold a couple sidewinders and kept the SWFA because I didn't need variable magnification. I found that I always kept my scopes on 12-14 power anyhow so it's fixed power for me from here on out. If you check out SWFA's sample list they sell open box scopes at a good discount (usually display models but they list why each scope is on the sample list). Good luck with your search, choosing a scope can be a real PITA!!!

https://samplelist.com/entire-sample-list/riflescopes.html

Edit: I should add the one negative I found with my SWFA. The reticle is very fine and without an illuminated reticle it is hard to see in low light, especially against a darker background. And I actually like the rear focus on these scopes,it is very easy to use (MUCH better than front focus).
 
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Have you looked at the MTC Viper Pro tactical 3-18x50? It is just over the length and weight and price ($516) you're looking for but it is one sweet scope. :)

Also the Optisan EVX 4-16x44 F1 is a very nice FFP scope that has gotten good reviews. That sells for just under the $500 mark I believe. Just trying to give you a few more options (just in case don't have enough to choose from already).MTC Optics Viper Pro Tactical 3-18×50 SCB2 ReticleMTC Optics Viper Pro Tactical 3-18×50 SCB2 Reticle
 
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Terrific suggestions folks!
I have looked at the MTC Viper Pro Tac. I have an MTC Viper Connect on a Wildcat (the scope with no eye relief) which I really like except it doesn't have sight marks above the crosshair intersection. 

I'm going to check out that SWFA discounted link.

Right now I'm thinking the Athlon Talos suggested above is a nice option. I can find it on several web spots for $299. Like I mentioned above, I've never even looked through a FFP scope. They sound interesting.

Finally, the fixed power suggestion above has me thinking as well. I most used to .22 rimfire. Some of my favorite scopes for rimfire have been fixed 6's. I'm not sure I'm steady enough using tree trunks and limbs as a rest for a fixed 10 or higher though. 

I sure appreciate the fast responses!

Roy
 
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I use both 1st and 2nd focal plane scopes. For the specific purpose of shooting up in trees at closer ranges less than 40 yards. I tend to prefer a second focal plane.

Tree squirrels most often require the use of low magnification power for target acquisition and field of view. The reticle on a 1st focal plane can be difficult to see at the very lowest magnification ranges of a scope. I compensate for this scenario by setting up the zero for a tight point blank range using 1/2 inch kill zone instead of 1 inch. That way, you can just hold dead on within the range of your PBR and not be more than a 1/4 inch off up or down. Using the illuminated reticle helps in this scenario in thick dark woods.
 
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Thanks for these suggestions!

I checked out all of them mentioned above.
  1. I really like the compact dimensions of the MTC Mamba Lite. I have the MTC Viper Pro Connect which I really like so I like the quality of this brand. 
  2. I also like that Talos BTR 4-14×44 APLR2 FFP IR MIL. I'm curious about the FFP and this one is compact enough. 
  3. The suggestion to contact Leopold is a good one too. I'll do that tomorrow. 
    [/LIST=1]
    I'm putting this scope on a Steyr Hunter 5 Scout Auto. One of the reasons I like this rifle is its relatively compact and light weight. I don't want to weigh it down or make it unwieldy. 

    Thanks all!
    Roy

 
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