Target Sports

SPECIAL FEATURE: TOP OF THE GLASS

Created on 29th May 2009

In the first of a two-part special feature, Pete Wadeson looks at airgun-specific scopes, outlining some of the latest innovations and features

There was a time when the airgun shooter, if he scoped up at all, would look to a fixed magnification scope - 4x32 or 4x40, for example - or if he was really going to spoil himself he'd choose a variable magnification 3-9x40 or x50 specification scope. However, the situation today is rather different, with scope makers offering a wider selection, some being airgun-specific (i.e., they have reticles specially designed to be better suited for airgun use). Some have reticles etched with either Mil Dots or stadia lines, or a combination of both, calibrated to match the trajectories of typical weight pellets in a given calibre. After proper zeroing, these provide specific aimpoints for your set-up, at stated range intervals, that can be read directly off the scope's special reticle.

Also, magnification ranges of 3-12X, 4-14X and even 4-16X and 6-24X are becoming the norm. Couple these with larger objectives of 44mm, 50mm and even 56mm or 60mm ,and a host of practical features such as side-parallax and sun shade coming as standard, and the choice has never been better for an airgun shooter. The one factor that does remain is the need for the scope to parallax down to at least 15yd, some perhaps to 10yd. If you prefer the latter, then suitable optics are certainly available.

This article's purpose is to outline the ever-increasing number of airgun specific optics entering the market - including smaller independent companies.

Hawke Sport Optics - Deben

Deben was undoubtedly the pioneer of the idea of a scope reticle that catered more for the ranges over which an airgun is effective (outside of having a custom reticle fitted), therefore taking into consideration the trajectory a pellet undergoes on its way to the target. Little wonder that, in its quest to design a reticle, it enlisted the talents of three times ex-World FT Champion and UK consultant to Premier Reticles USA Nick Jenkinson.

The first was the basic but effective MAP range (Multiple Aim Point). While these had benefits, the best were yet to come. The Airmax range was next, with MAP 6 Ballistic reticles. With five in the range, I reckon the smaller of these scopes, the 2-7X 32AO specification, will be a tempter for many sensible shooters. This spec was even, at one time, an FT favourite, due to its magnification range, giving the shooter a wide field of view for close range targets that could be nudged up to 6 or 7X for longer-range work. Yes, you read that right - they didn't go overboard on huge magnification back then, because rangefinding by parallax adjustment hadn't caught on yet: at that time most shooters relied on experience through practice and/or what's known as ‘the bracketing method' using a standard 30/30 scope. Alternatively, the 3-9X50 shown is a dependable specification for a hunting optic. With a big objective, it's not large enough to cause mounting problems, and has a more than adequate magnification range, but apart from the special reticle and turret layout this model is pretty much ‘box standard.'

The first thing to catch your eye is the unique turret design at the saddle. The exposed ‘open glove' grip elevation turret is designed for easy set-up. Once set, both turret Verniers can be rotated by undoing two small crosshead screws, so the outer ‘numbered' ring of the turret can be turned independently, without altering the set zero, to move the ‘0' mark to the reference line. The windage turret is more standard in design, having a knobbly-edge screw-on cover cap and finger-friendly
serrated edge dial adjustment. Both turrets afford ¼ MOA, and click to the next station very positively. So even the exposed top turret when zeroed is not only very solid but also low in profile - accidentally moving it is unlikely (and you can quickly check the vernier to see if it has moved). All Airmax scopes have 1" diameter monocoque body tubes that, combined with upgraded internals, mean they can be called spring gun-rated. This is stressed in a specification, because a spring-powered air rifle delivers much harsher recoil to a scope than a live round firing cartridge rifle. They're also rated waterproof, shockproof, fogproof, and use fully multi-coated lenses, meaning these high definition optics give greatly improved performance in low light and give greater contrast. They are all adjustable models, the 2-7X parallax going down to 10yd while the fixed objective models are parallaxed at 50yd - true airgun scopes.

All have fast-focus ocular adjustment and sure-grip knobbly-edge magnification rings that have an assured but smooth feel during use. The icing on the cake is that they also use the MAP 6 Ballistic Reticle (see reticle image), and though it was initially designed for certain pellet weights of both popular calibres, now, thanks to the Hawke BRC (Ballistic Reticle Calculator) software, it can be set up to suit any weight pellet you prefer completely free, by downloading it from the www.hawkeoptics.com website.

The 2-7X optic's AO (Adjustable Objective) is marked for ranges of 15ft, 30ft, 50ft, 25yd, 50yd, 75yd 100yd, 200yd and infinity. Granted, this hasn't got a magnification range that would allow you to use the AO to precisely judge range, but it does bring targets into pin-sharp focus, giving you a rough idea of the range and helping to eliminate parallax error.

Backtracking slightly, the reticle is set in the first focal plane, meaning it alters in size depending on magnification, but aimpoints stay true to the standard chart (or the one you've worked out for your set-up by either trial and error on targets at set ranges or by using the previously mentioned downloadable software).

Incidentally, though, the MAP 6 reticle has been designed to provide aimpoints from 20yd to 45yd in five-yard increments, for a .22 calibre rifle producing 11.5ft/lb of muzzle energy and using 16-16.5g pellets when set on 6X magnification. If you're a .177 calibre devotee such as myself, these aimpoints are easily transferred over to suit other ranges.

Now to the SR range - SR being Specialised Reticle. The Hawke Sport Optics Airmax AX SR6 3-12X44AO and AX SR12 6-18X44AO are primarily for .22 calibre rifles. But you'll see they suit all calibres when the user downloads the software data or, again, just does their homework on the range.

The SR reticle is available in two models from the Airmax SR range, and in two of the Hawke Nite-Eye illuminated SR scope models for low light shooting. Both have the same specifications, but the latter obviously has an illuminated reticle facility.

All feature True View FMC Optics, high torque zoom ring, and are waterproof, shockproof and fogproof, with low profile ¼ MOA fingertip turrets and easy grip cover caps. Body tubes are standard 1" and sunshades are available for the Adjustable Objectives. They boast a fast-focus ocular, and are classed spring gun-rated, as you'd expect.

All the scopes' adjustable objectives have an assured feel and are marked for 15yd, 25yd, 50yd, 75yd, 100yd, 200yd, 300yd and 00 (infinity). The multi-coated lenses give a bright clear sight picture, even in low light or dull conditions, with no blurring even to the very edges of the lenses.

All SR scopes (as do the MAP 6 range) come with an instructional DVD, clearly illustrating what all the lines and circles of the reticle relate to. The reticle has a fine centre cross hair, but the vertical stadia line is flanked by small hollow circles at the centre line and below.

When the centre cross hair is set at a 30yd zero, the small hollow circle on the vertical stadia represents a 25yd aim point, and there's even a small but clearly defined cross above, representing the peak of the pellet's trajectory at 15yd. Below centre there are a series of hollow circles and lines. These lines represent 5yd increments of 35yd, 40yd, 45yd, 50yd, 55yd and 60yd. To the left and right hand side of the main cross wire, there are the small circles (previously mentioned) on the ends of the horizontal lines, representing aim points for 10mph cross winds at the corresponding ranges. But there's more - on the bottom left are a series of bracketing lines marked as A, B, C and D. These represent 3", 6", 9" and 12" at 50yd when the scope is set in 12X magnification.

Again, the SR reticles are easily adapted to suit .177 calibre and FAC air rifles by adjusting the magnification and choosing an alternative zero distance - you'll come to find the download programme invaluable. Incidentally, all Hawke Optics come with a 10 year warranty.

Contact: Deben
T: 0870 4422600

BSA Optics - BSA Guns UK

Before getting too involved in ‘special' reticles ,it must be said that of all the major companies besides Hawke Sports Optics, somewhat surprisingly, BSA recently brushed off the old range of scopes and updated not one but a very comprehensive range of optics suited to the airgunner: these were the Essential, the Panther and a few tasty models of FT scopes. The ones I particularly want to champion are the well-priced Essential range and Panthers. Both have very different features, but both are well suited to the airgunner's needs.

The Essential range, you could say, comprise entry-level scopes with more basic specifications such as a 4X32, 3-9X40, 4-12X44 and 6-24X50. Both the last two have adjustable objectives, but all have a fast-focus ocular and the special airgun specific Mil-Dot reticle. You've also got a 3-9X40 with an illuminated Mil-Dot, and then two models with Duplex crosshairs. There's also the new Catseye range, which all have illuminated reticles.
The Panther series have lock and twist turrets (self-explanatory in function), so once you've set zero you can lock the turret in position. They also have a built in sunshade, and top-quality coated lenses. I'll outline the Panther's features, and I must add that I favour the sensible 3.5-10X50 spec scope.

The Panther range of optics are clever, as integrated into the lens hood housing you have an extended cowled housing that acts as a part sunshade and rain guard. And let's not forget those now popular lockable turrets. The scopes are in a hunter matte-black finish, and have a one-piece 1" body tube build. The eye-bell is quite substantial in comparison with the rest of the scope, giving it even more of a look of a scope that'll cope with rugged conditions and use. They have ridged magnification zoom rings and fast-focus ocular adjustment. Both are well-sized and operate very smoothly. The reticle is standard Duplex design, but suits this type of optic perfectly, as you shouldn't be overly worrying about adjustment for aim to allow for pellet drop more than sighting the target at a sensible range.

Of more concern on a scope such as this is image clarity, and this is just one of the features that impressed me. The special coated lenses offered up a very bright and clear sight picture right to the very edges, even in low light conditions. They also have a longer eye-relief than most comparative scopes - possibly as much as 4", making target acquisition and awkward angle shots easier, as you won't be struggling to gain a full sight picture.

To recap: I already liked the BSA Essential scopes, as they give no more and no less than needed, and they do have a useful mil-dot variant reticle. As for the Panther, this has a standard 30/30 Duplex type reticle that will attract even more airgunners, especially due to sensible magnification range. It has stylish yet practical objective lens housing, the obvious rugged build, surprisingly good sight picture clarity, and those clever lockable turret adjusters.

These scopes certainly exceeded my expectations, and offer shooters the chance to team up BSA rifles with practical and usable BSA optics. Granted, they might not offer many extra features over certain other brands in this price bracket, but they don't offer any fewer features either, and the build quality, coupled with the highly usable reticle design and bargain price tag, will interest many airgun shooters.

Contact: BSA Guns (UK) Limited
T: 0121 772 8543

AGS Optics - Webley Limited

AGS optics, marketed by Webley Limited, have earned themselves a place in this article as there is now such a humungous choice - all are suited to airgun use.

From the Sapphire, illuminated reticle VIPIR options and Tru-Hunter range to the SWAT optics and now compact SWAT option, the company has a lot to offer the airgunner. The mainstay of the range relies on the Mil Dot reticle. But the scopes that most have taken to are the big bruisers - those in the SWAT range.

All use the same layout, but offer different magnification ranges. For instance, the AGS E.T. SWAT 4-16X56 Mil-Dot scope has a rugged one-piece 30mm tube construction, including a one-piece internal tube. The former protects the scope from the elements; the latter gives greater rigidity than offered by two-piece designs, providing an ultra-strong and solid lens element housing. The eyebell is a distinct area of the scope, with zoom rings and a fast-focus ocular ring with large rounded ridging on the outer edge for ease of operation. Both move smoothly when operating, and that zoom magnification positively glides from relatively low 4X to maximum 16X power.

The lenses are treated with what is called EBC095 Multi Layer Emerald Bright Coating, for maximum light transmission.

The SWAT range comes supplied with front and rear flip-up scope covers as standard. These simply push on and pull off if not required. The rear one will need to be removed so you can adjust the fast focus, but they're very handy for keeping dirt and rain off your lenses. And to add a final touch to a fine product, there's even a screw-on sunshade and a cloth cover.

It's easy to get sucked in by tech-spec speak when checking through a scope such as this, but the SWAT denotation of this optic not only gives it a tactical-sounding title but actually stands for Side Wheel Adjustment Turret. And that's what the scope has ‘tucked' along the left hand side of the saddle opposite the windage turret. You'll notice that a sidewheel or dial parallax adjustment on many ‘new age' scopes is fast becoming the norm.

This fine focus parallax adjuster is marked for ranges of 25yd, 50yd, 100yd, 200yd, 500yd and 00 (infinity mark). Granted, this is not the highest level of range increments marked, but I don't think that's a major handicap. The dial brings targets into perfect focus with amazing clarity. You can then assess the holdover needed at longer range, and use the Mil-Dot to aim for the target successfully. The reticle is set on what is termed the second focal plane, meaning it doesn't alter in size as you adjust the magnification ring. Airgun shooters have already voted with their wallets, and I agree that this is one of the most beneficial Mil-Dot reticles available. If you feel you want more precise ranging, there's a 100mm dial available as an optional extra. Windage and elevation adjusters have a precise 1/8 MOA adjustment. There's also now a huge 8-32X56 model available, one that I'm sure, like its predecessor, will prove of great interest to FT aficionados.

The only gripe some shooters had with the scope was its rather lengthy dimensions, and the company must have taken this onboard as it has spawned what will be a series of Compact SWAT scopes specifically sized to suit carbine-sized air rifles. The first of the series is the AGS 3-12X44 Mini SWAT Mil-Dot.

Though the overall length has just been drastically shortened, the rest of the scope stays true to its larger relatives. However, the turret adjusters are slightly different, as is the front ‘cowled' profile of the objective lens hood, as well as there being a very useful lens system upgrade.

The eye-bell with fast focus ocular adjuster is of the same previous design, but the turret adjusters are much lower in profile, are un-capped and have ¼ MOA adjustment.

The now familiar side-wheel lay-out adjuster is set to the left of the saddle, like other SWAT scopes, but has different range markings. This is marked for ranges of 10yd, 15yd, 25yd, 35yd, 50yd, 100yd, 200yd, 500yd and 00 (infinity). The first four range settings are of more practical use for an airgun hunter, especially one using a carbine, who hunts at more modest ranges and likes to dabble in HFT. There's even a special, larger, optional 80mm side-wheel for these compact scopes.

The same coated lenses optimise optical performance, and, coupled with a unique AVE system (Automatic View Enhancement - a system that provides a field of view (FoV) 12% greater than competitive scopes at higher magnifications), allows you to see more of the target area. I've found this claim pretty valid as the lenses give a very bright sight picture right to the edge of the lenses, and it does seem to give a greater FoV than other comparable optics.

The AGS 3-12X44 Mini SWAT Mil-Dot Compact is undoubtedly yet another very impressive scope that'll suit many airgun applications.

Contact: Webley Limited
T: 01902 722144

Next month we look at the smaller independent companies with products to offer in this fast-moving and fascinating part of our sport.