Hawke Sidewinder FFP Scopes

 No problem, LOL. I feel a lot of weight for posting the review-I hope I got everything stated correctly-I really don’t want to mislead anyone, or steer them away from any of the scopes-they are ALL great scopes, but just have unique qualities that I was trying to report on. If you end up buying the Hawke, or have used / own the Airmax 30, I would welcome any confirmation of my findings, from the samples I tested.

Sean

Guys, 

Just as an update and a PSA: I ordered the 'optional' 2" side focus dial (designed for the Sidewinder series of scopes) and finally received it today. However, much to my dismay, the number markings go in the WRONG direction from the scope's markings so they are not really compatible. By that I mean the to focus further (distance wise) you turn the dial so the numbers rotate down. However, when you turn the dial in the same direction with the 2" side wheel installed, the side wheel numbers go DOWN (in distance) when the reading should be going UP (like the knob on the scope does).

Please note: the 4" sidewheel included with the scope works correctly-so it is only a problem on the 2" version (not included with the scope).

I will be calling Hawke USA tomorrow to report the issue and see if they have a solution-otherwise I'll have to decide whether to keep it and make a custom tape, or send it back.

On a good note, it did install nicely and I like the intermediate size of that wheel on the scope.


Sean

I received mine a couple of days ago, it's nice indeed. The optic is very nice for the money though it's not as good as their ED scope or the Frontier line or other competitors HD models but it's more than enough for airguns out to 75 yards. The parallax adjustment tension on mine feels significant less between 10 - 15 yards; the rest of the range has the same tension. Not sure it's mine in particular or just the way it is on this model. Higher zoom power will definitely be a welcome improvement. Still a good buy @ $539.

"anqgiap"I received mine a couple of days ago, it's nice indeed. The optic is very nice for the money though it's not as good as their ED scope or the Frontier line or other competitors HD models but it's more than enough for airguns out to 75 yards. The parallax adjustment tension on mine feels significant less between 10 - 15 yards; the rest of the range has the same tension. Not sure it's mine in particular or just the way it is on this model. Higher zoom power will definitely be a welcome improvement. Still a good buy @ $539.

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How small is the recticle at minimum magnification? Is it readable?

"Kyler"

"anqgiap"I received mine a couple of days ago, it's nice indeed. The optic is very nice for the money though it's not as good as their ED scope or the Frontier line or other competitors HD models but it's more than enough for airguns out to 75 yards. The parallax adjustment tension on mine feels significant less between 10 - 15 yards; the rest of the range has the same tension. Not sure it's mine in particular or just the way it is on this model. Higher zoom power will definitely be a welcome improvement. Still a good buy @ $539.

Click to expand...

How small is the recticle at minimum magnification? Is it readable?

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The reticle at 6x magnification is small, but still readable. I tried to address that question in my review by saying the width of the cross hairs (outside to outside) covers approximately 40% of the total field of view to give an idea of what coverage the cross hairs provide. I wish I had a scope cam to take and post photos. In a nutshell, it is reduced in size, but very sharp.

My comments also assume that the user has taken the time to adjust the eyepiece focus to their eye-once done, you should see a fine, but readable reticle at the lowest magnification.

Hope that information helps?


Sean

thanks! you've done a great job - I'm just a little dense

"Kyler"

"anqgiap"I received mine a couple of days ago, it's nice indeed. The optic is very nice for the money though it's not as good as their ED scope or the Frontier line or other competitors HD models but it's more than enough for airguns out to 75 yards. The parallax adjustment tension on mine feels significant less between 10 - 15 yards; the rest of the range has the same tension. Not sure it's mine in particular or just the way it is on this model. Higher zoom power will definitely be a welcome improvement. Still a good buy @ $539.

Click to expand...

How small is the recticle at minimum magnification? Is it readable?

Click to expand...

No problem reading the recticle at the minimum power; very sharp.

"anqgiap"I received mine a couple of days ago, it's nice indeed. The optic is very nice for the money though it's not as good as their ED scope or the Frontier line or other competitors HD models but it's more than enough for airguns out to 75 yards. The parallax adjustment tension on mine feels significant less between 10 - 15 yards; the rest of the range has the same tension. Not sure it's mine in particular or just the way it is on this model. Higher zoom power will definitely be a welcome improvement. Still a good buy @ $539.

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Thanks for the feedback/comparison comments to the ED scope. I considered the ED mode especially since they can be found reasonably priced on DVOR.com when they get listed. I wanted FFP though, but being able to switch to MIL turrets and have MIL on the reticle would have been enough for me (I am ok with changing to a set magnification to measure using the reticle as a scale if I needed to-not quite a FFP, but consistent units would do fine).

How is the clarity of that scope at 24x? How about up at 32x? And does it defrade badly as you get higher (like 40x and up)? The ED glass and and 60mm bell should help a lot.

I’m curious to hear any comparisons...

Sean

Likewise, I wanted to try Hawke FFP and found it's nice for the price. Hawke ED or their Frontier line optic is notch above. Having both now, for me FFP or SFP is not a decision factor when choosing a scope.

ED clarity and brightness stays all the way to about 40x, it has the sense of "HD" image that I found lacking on the Hawke FFP. Above 40x, still pretty good out to 75 yards.

I mentioned the Frontier line for anyone on the fence, it's absolutely Hawke's best, image looked through that scope just "pop" - mine is 5-30x50 and at max it looks almost the same as any other magnification. The drawback is parallax goes from 32 yards, but I put it on RAW .357 (160 ft/lbs) which I never shoot the RAW at any distance less than 75 yards so that works out for me, might not work for ones that shoot less than 32. You can still use it at any distance, just won't be able to focus when zoom in.

Likewise, I wanted to try Hawke FFP and found it's nice for the price. Hawke ED or their Frontier line optic is notch above. Having both now, for me FFP or SFP is not a decision factor when choosing a scope. ED clarity and brightness stays all the way to about 40x, it has the sense of "HD" image that I found lacking on the Hawke FFP. Above 40x, still pretty good out to 75 yards. I mentioned the Frontier line for anyone on the fence, it's absolutely Hawke's best, image looked through that scope just "pop" - mine is 5-30x50 and at max it looks almost the same as any other magnification. The drawback is parallax goes from 32 yards, but I put it on RAW .357 (160 ft/lbs) which I never shoot the RAW at any distance less than 75 yards so that works out for me, might not work for ones that shoot less than 32. You can still use it at any distance, just won't be able to focus when zoom in.

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Thanks for that feedback. 

Also, for anyone interested: the new Hawke Sidewinder FFP 6-24 x 56 scope is back on DVOR.com for $375! Also, the Hawke Sidewinder ED (TMX) 10-50 x 60 is also listed for $619 at the moment! These deals won't last more than a few days (maybe shorter if they all sell out)...



Sean