Scope for a RWS 350 Mag .22

[Zachary]

Hey guys,

I'm the moderator at both the Bolt Action Rifles and Optics forums, but I'm getting into air rifles and need your help.

I already have an RWS 34 in .177.  The scope on it is an RWS 4x compact.  Believe it or not, I can shoot birds about 50 yards away with no problem....it is THAT accurate and THAT powerful.  The RWS 4x compact is a nice little scope.

However, I recently got an itch to get a .22, so I just ordered an RWS 350 Mag in .22.  The thing is, I need a scope.  Doing a search on the net, people seem to praise the Leapers 3x-9x-32mm AO, but at only $49, I'm kinda skeptical about the quality and reliability of it.  By comparison, the RWS 3x-9x-40mm AO is TRIPLE in price at about $150 to $160.  Is the RWS worth 3x the money?

Also what about scope mounts?  People seem to also recommend the 1 piece EX-adjustable mount with rings.  Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance guys,
Zachary

[jamaldog87]

 Straight Shooters breaks down the scopes they sell by how much recoil they'll handle, but they only sell pretty high end scopes. I have no experience with Leapers scopes, though I've heard good things. When you move up to springers that shoot in the 1000 fps range(.177) or 800+ fps(.22) you need a tough scope that will handle the double whammy dual recoil of the powerful gun. A .22 caliber RWS48 destroyed a supposedly airgun rated scope in about 200 shots. Since that time the company (Swift) has reversed their position and no longer claim that scope as airgun rated. They did however, replace it with a more expensive model (free of charge) that's supposed to have withstood the test of time on heavy recoiling airguns. As of now, I haven't mounted it on a gun. While waiting for that replacement, I bought a Bushnell 3200 Elite and after close to 1000 rounds on the RWS48 its still working.  look at Leupolds,Weaver Grand Slam & V16, or a Red Dot. Right now i have a crosam 2200 and 766 and i really don't know much about scopes but do get the best scope to put on guns like that.
 

[Zachary]

It seems that the Elite 3200 is the best "High End" value in airguns scopes.  But heck, that's the kind of scope you can put on your centerfire rifle.  I hate to shell out $200+ for a scope for an airgun, but it looks like, given that the RWS 350 Mag is a high recoil airgun, I may have to spend that kind of money - otherwise spending less may cost me more.

Still, I'm curious to hear of people's experiences with the RWS 3x-9x-40mm AO.  The price is kinda close to the Elite 3200 4x-12-40mm AO.  I just may end up getting the Elite. Then again, I may just keep the gun open sights for now??

Zachary

[victorcharlie]

I've kept my air rifle with open sights.....at the ranges the air rifle is working at I just don't feel the need.

Either way......you like fine optics and I doubt you'ld be happy with something less than what your used to.......

I'd get the 3200 as you could always put it on something else later should you so decide..........

[jamaldog87]

that the thing with airgun hunting with high powered guns you have to paid out lot for guns and scopes. That why i like the pump-up guns like my crosman 2200 or a BENJAMIN 392. in the end most shot are in the 20-50 yard range and these guns can kill at that range and you can put a 5$ scope on them.

[D.C.]

Hellow Zachary
 Well sir you have the home field advantage when it comes to scopes. I am too new to air rifles to be of much good. I will be watching this post, hope to see what eveyone has too say. Please let us all know how whatever you get preforms.  D.C.

[Questor]

I have read good things about the BSA air rifle scopes. Beeman mounts are good. RWS mounts that I have are good, but they were a hassle to install. Whatever you get, install it with blue loc-tite.  I just use a cheap 4x RWS Chinese air rifle scope in my springer. It works fine and I don't need higher magnification or adjustable objective or anything. If I were getting another spring air rifle scope for plinking, casual target shooting, and some hunting, then I'd do the same thing over again. If I were passionate about air gun shooting, then I'd buy good scope. For what I do, anything that holds a zero will work fine.

[jamaldog87]

http://natchezss.com/ has simmons proair scope on sale for 30-60$ i saw it in shotgun news or look at www.cheaperthandirt.com/ they have Leapers scope for 22-100$ and Leapers are the best scopes for high powered airguns.

[Swamp Yankee]

Zach,
     I have a RWS 2x7 thats been on a FWB now for some six years with out any problems. To me the base and rings are just as important as the scope on a springer. I put an RWS one peice base on that has widage adjustments on it. It has seen alot of use and hasn't moved a mm.  If your interested Natches and SWAF have the BSA  3-12x40 and 3-12x44 with AO and target turents on sale now, they list out around $150. can be had under $50. I just ordered the 3-12x40 to put on my daughter's rim fire pump [$39] it should be in this week......Jim

[AirCajun]

Zachary,

I have the .22 RWS 350M.  I love it.  I have mine scoped with the Bushnell Legend 5-15x40 Mil Dot on a one piece Accushot mount.  I have had no problems with this scope or mount.  It provides a bright, clear and crisp image.  I think it is a good, tough scope.  Check with Duraham Outdoor Supply - 168 bucks.  Other type reticles are cheaper.  Also check with DNR Sports.  They are sometimes a few bucks less.  Both have 2-7X32 Legend models for a good bit less (around 120 bucks?).  The Accushot mount is dirt cheeps and works very well for me.  I have 7 or 8 and none have ever slipped but they are not adjustable if you run into the dreaded droop problem.  I did not have the droop problem with my 350 M but have with other guns.  I like the Beeman 3039 (I think that is the model) for an adjustable mount.  It is more expensive but is solid as granite.

Hope this helps,

Jim