Scopes for Airguns?

[Zachary]

What scope would you recommend for a 1000 fps .17 caliber airgun?

Zachary

[big6x6]

I also tend to cringe with I answer it.  Let me start by asking a question.  How much $$ do you want do spend?  Chuck

[Lawdog]

Zachary,

Scope for a .177 with a velocity of 1,000 fps. means a springer and that means you have to have a scope that is going to stand up to the crazy recoil you get with springers.  My daughter bought a Gamo 880 and she first put on a Tasco 3-9x on it.  Didn't last a week.  She then bought a Bushnell, not the one approved for airrifles, with the same results as with the Tasco.  Depending on how much money you got to spend will tell you which one to get BUT make sure the one you get is approved for airrifle use.  Lawdog

[Zachary]

I would like a variable scope under $150.00.  I think that you should be able to get a good quality airgun scope for that amount.

Of course, if you think that there is a good quality scope out there for under $100, then by all means tell me.

Your thoughts?

Zachary

[Chris]

Zachary:

I bought a 4X Bushnell Sportsman...it sits on top of my IZZY-46M pistol.  At $80...it's doing it's job.

Take a look at this website:

http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/

Good Luck and Be Safe!

...Chris    

[big6x6]

If it were me I'd get one of two scopes.  Get either a Swift #676 4-12X40AO OR a Bushnell Trophy 4-12X40AO #73-4124.  Chuck
www.eabco.com
www.dnrsports.com

[Zachary]

Acutally, I was also looking at the Trophy 4x-12x-40mm.

As the moderator of the Optics forum, I know quite a bit about centerfire rifle scopes, but little about air rifle scopes.  I do know, however, that the two biggest distinctions is that air rifle scopes 1) have to endure both positive and negative forces, and 2) need to be parallax free from 10 feet to infinity.

I normally spend high dollars for scopes because, with scopes, you get what you pay for.  I think that $150 is the minimun, and perhaps maximum, that I would want to spend - and still get good quality.

Have you used the Trophy?  How was it's tracking?

Zachary

[Questor]

I have a cheapest of the cheap RWS 4x on my RWS rifle and it works great. I don't believe the optics are coated at all, but the thing does work and it's got all the power I need for the gun's intended purpose-- a little hunting and some target shooting out to 25 yards.

[Zachary]

Questor,

I have that exact same scope on my air rifle (RWS), but I'm not happy with it. :cry:   It doesn't track well at all.  It's almost as if the adjustments are there just for show.

I'm also not very fond of those adjustable rings and bases either.

Zachary

[Lawdog]

Zachary,

The other day one of the men that works for me was showing me his Gamo 1250 and he had a BSA 3-12X44mm A/O air rifle approved scope on it.  I fired the rifle a couple of times and the scope was nice and clear.  He said it has never changed it POI because of any scope problems.  I've never owned a BSA scope and this is the first one I've tried but at a asking price of $109.95 I would look into one if I had the need.  Looked alright to me.  Lawdog

[Zachary]

Lawdog,

I can't speak of BSA's airgun scopes, but if they are of the quality of their centerfire scopes, then I would run the other way and never look back.  BSA scopes are just junk.  In fact, when I purchased my RWS air rifle, many sellers told me to stay away from the BSA's because they had a high rate of returns on them.  As such, despite the fact that your friend had/has some good luck with it, I personally would not take any chances on it and would advise you similarly. :wink:

Zachary

[big6x6]

I have two Trophys and four or five of the Swifts.  They're pretty equal.  Swift is a little tougher and the Trophy has SLIGHTLY better optics and dial w/e adjustments.  The next notch up in quality includes the Weaver V-16, Burris Compact 3-9AO, and Leupold 2-7 RF Special.  They are a little tougher and have better optics.  If tracking is a concern I'm sure you know the V-16 can't be beat.  Chuck

[Zachary]

But are all of the scope you mentioned specifically for air rifles?
BTW, which particular SWIFT scope do you recommend?  I would like something in the 3x-9x range with 40mm objectives.

Zachary

[big6x6]

The Swift is the 676 4-12X40 as mentioned above.  ALL Leupold and Burris scopes are magnum spring air gun ready.  The only problem is parallex.  The 2-7 Leupold RF Special is parallex free at 60 yards which is good enough for hunting use.  I have one on a R-6.  Of course the Burris Compact 3-9AO IS designed with air rifles in mind as is the Weaver V-16.  I know you mentioned a$150.00 but the cream of the crop is Leupolds 3-9EFR.  I have two on R-1s!  Chuck

[Bad Bob]

My luck would be with the Trophy, then they make a Banner that comes on the Beeman Goldfinger combo and of course the swift . Banner sells for around 110.00.  Mine is holding up.  I recently got a 3X9 Bushnell rim/air scope for 56.00 that DOESN'T have the AO and we like it for shooting sparrows in t he trees because each shot can have a significantly different yardage.  It comes with rings also, but I wouldn't use them on the RWS 34 and that scope has held up to a thousand rounds so far.  I also like the quick adjust eye piece because young eyes need a different setting than old eyes like mine.

[Zachary]

Yea, I'm starting to think that the Trophy is going to be the one.

Zachary