Seeing as how they have upped the power to 16x for hunter class field target

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whitefox545

whitefox545

Member
Jan 4, 2017
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pa, United States
Hi All, I would guess by know most of you have heard of the rule change adopted by the American Field target Org. They have changed the power limit from 12x to16x maximum.
so I have been looking to possibly upgrade my scope not that I don't like the one I have but I just wonder what you scope experts think about a couple of questions i would like to put out there for your input. 
First of all I am currently using a Hawke 4-16 x50mm Airmax of course it was set on 12x for my field target shooting this summer, I had pretty good success range finding with it but found it really difficult to be precise with it at distances over say 40 yards as most people say they do at only 12x power. I question weather turning my scope up to 16x its maximum (I know that will improve range finding a little) or buying a much higher powered scope and turning it down to 16x will range find better? What scopes have you found range find better than others, remembering it must be able to focus down to 10 yards for the close shots.
I have a Mueller 10x-32 on a rim fire rifle that I have read on another forum snaps into focus real well that I am going to test out in the near future that I will report back on.
I'm interested to find out what you guys say !!! Thanks in advance Jeff Little McMurray Pa.
 
Sirk, It is not a problem hitting the close targets as long as the scope will focus at the close distance, the average scope you buy at the big box stores will not, I am only seeking to find out about scopes that are built for air rifle use as the normal rifle hunting scope usually wont correct the parallax below 50 or 100 yards. I should have been more specific I guess!! Sorry!! You are usually shooting at a 3/8 hole in the targets at the closer distances so you have to be able to see clearly up close also.
As far as changing the magnification, yes you can but only to a lower number than 16x and another thing to keep in mind is unless you have a first focal plane scope your hold over picture will change with the magnification change!
 
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You will have better luck moving your scope up. With a height from the center of the barrel to the center of the scope of 3" My 55yd hold over is the first hash mark below the crosshairs.This eliminates the need for precise ranging past 40yd. Of course my 10yd is the fifth hash mark down but range finding from 10-22yd is accurate at 12x.

Sirk, you need to get outside and shoot as you've seemed to reach the limit of your keyboard knowledge. Either that or work on your english comprehension and composition. But shooting comes first. When I shoot WFTF class I keep my scope at 50x and have no issues shooting seated or offhand. It's all about practice guy.
 
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Hi! John, Thanks for the reply!! I actually changed my scope mounts from high to medium this spring thinking if the scope was closer to the barrel center line it would move my apex out further and maybe lengthen it some what. I am set up at around 900fps with JSB 10.34 pellets and my 55yd holdover was only a little over one mill dot? What is your zero set up at if you don't mind me asking, mine is good from 25 to 35 yards (actual is 30 yd.) but is within a pellet width 25 to 35. What scope do you use if shooting Hunter Class (if you do?) I would assume you use clicks with you 12 F.P. gun correct? I'm not disputing you advice just trying to understand your method. Thanks for your Input its much appreciated. Jeff Little McMurray Pa.
 
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First thing, depending on your gun High rings won't be enough to get you 3" on center above the bore. I have a riser rail(from a hammerlli AR20) then med rings. I use a Sightron SIII with their mil hash reticle though only because I bought it for WFTF and had to sell the gun but kept the scope. My Aeon 6-24x50 works just as well at 12x. My zero range is 22-42yd. My gun is shooting on the razors edge of 20fpe at 925fps with 10.34g AA's. With how the reticle works from 45-55yd I have to hold the crosshairs at the top of the kill zone from 45-50, then just a bit higher to 55. As I said I have more hold over points from 10-22yd but because the scope can range find well at those distances it's not a big deal.

While all this works out well the biggest reason for my switch from WFTF back to Hunter is a pinched nerve in my neck. I couldn't hold steady anymore all balled up and the pain was to much. With my return to a bucket and sticks(how I started) I was still having to crane my neck too much to meet the scope. That's the main reason for me getting the scope higher. In all honesty I would push it up another inch simply for the comfort level and deal with whatever aberrations come from it but I'm trying to keep things enjoyable and the weight centered if not a bit low on the gun.

On a side note, will you be attending the last shoot for the year at Falls? I hope to make it and it will be my first time shooting there so if you make the shoot you can check out my rig. Of course the New York States in next Sunday in Wappinger Falls. I'm sure a few member from Falls Township will be attending so maybe you should tag along.
 
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John, Once again thanks again for the Quick and Informative reply!! This is a great forum!! This was my first season of field target shooting and I have had a great time doing it!!
I wish I had known about the shoots you are attending in the next two weeks as I would have for sure taken you up on your offer to attend them.I live in south western Pa. about 20 miles south of Pittsburgh and have done most of my F/T shooting in Ohio with the club at the Crooked Creek Conservation club where the gang from Pyramyd Air shoot and also attended one in Columbus Ohio in conjunction with the Air Gun Show being my first one ever this June, The Crooked Creek club had there last shoot in October so I have changed my rifle over to its bench rest set up, different stock/scope and tune as I shoot 3 times a week indoors at the Sherwood Archery Club in Steubenville Ohio. Just a bunch of old guys, most older than me and I'm 64! HA!!Ha!! Its a just for fun thing as most were Archers at one time but are unable to pull or shoot there bows any more!! Breaks up the winter and keeps you a little sharper on the trigger. If I would have known about the shoots I would have taken you up on your offer for sure!! I cant get enough of field target!! Thanks again!!

Back to the thread!! I will definitely be trying your idea on the scope height this spring if not sooner, I am sure I can get the scope that high pretty easily. Good luck with your Shoots in the coming weeks!
Don't know if you attended the Pyramyd Cup shoot this year or not but that is a great time for sure and one to put on your schedule next year for sure,
.
 
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Great to hear you get to shoot with not only a great group of folks, but some of the top shooters around. I attended the PA Cup last year(tied with one of your shooting mates for first in the payday challenge) and had a great time. I've been shooting for 4 years and because of the neck issue have been limited to sorta local shoots. I live on Cape Cod and the closest regular shoot is 2hrs away, the furthest I will travel 4.5. So this season has been a slow one for me but I should be back in the game full bore next season. I'm sure we will meet and look forward to it.

I'll be shooting a bit of bench rest this winter, along with a few off hand matches held in Conn and NY. Gotta keep the skills sharp.

This link to the FT forum will keep you in the loop: http://www.network54.com/Forum/451309

This one include all the clubs and their dates in the northeast and one sorta mid atlantic club: http://www.bcsportsmen.org/ft/Minutemen.htm

 
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