While it has to be remembered that such conclusions refer to precision/centrefire rifles, apart from basic shooting fundamentals, there is much relevant to air rifle shooting; though the latter are usually a lot less technically demanding. 99% of airguns don't need steel mounts.
This is the test that I find the most interesting; technical analysis of scopes.
After originally reading the above article, some friends and I went out and set-up a card to test the accuracy of our turret tracking and found slight errors (repeated errors of .1 mil or .2 mil) in scopes ranging from PMII's to Falcons but after repeating the tests a few Saturdays ago we couldn't find any error in any. We generally concluded that either the scopes performed differently in cold/warm weather (which we though unlikely as the cold weather tests were in quite mild Winter conditions) or that we were concentrating too much on supposed technical features/issues and not enough time shooting and concentrating upon the basic abilities of the shooter...which are usually the number one cause of missing.
Both of the above links are excellent! Although I don't and will never consider myself anywhere near a pro, barely a rank amateur enthusiast.
Just knowing what it is of those who are pros look for or more importantly what to watch out for provides a base line when making a buying decision.
Beside, I would be utterly embarrassed to have a $1500+ scope and still miss what I'm aiming at. Or maybe..... would having one help me become a "pro"?
