Scopes?

[Rhodey 96]

Ok I've got an SMK scope which is 4x32 (I know SMK is cheap but I'm just starting out and it's what I could afford at the time). I want a new scope but with the amount of choice I don't know where to start, I understand that say 4x32 is 4 x magnification and 32 is the size at the front so the bigger it is the more light it lets in. I get confused when it's got say 4-14 x 50 what does the 4-14 mean, is it that the magnification can be adjusted?

 

Can anyone recommed a suitable scope for shooting rabbits, squirrels, crows etc. Looking to spend about £ maybe £100 at a push.

 

Any other advice on scopes will be greatly appreciated.

[SEAN3513 7]

hello mate, yes 4-14 means the magnification is adjustable.

 

another point to consider is what reticle to go for.

 

the standard is the 30/30...same as your smk.

 

a mil dot reticle is my choice..... as each dot in the cross hair will give you a different point of zero at a different range., most of which are illuminated which helps in low light situations.

 

the other reticles are, in my opinion over kill for air rifles.

 

a richter optik 3-9 x 50 mil dot illuminated scope.....is £56 , i have one and its awesome for the money.

 

hope this helps

 

sean

 

p.s still got my lamp if your interested??

[Rhodey 96]

Thanks sean knew I could rely on your for some advice.

 

I'll send a PM about the lamp.

[Coney 3]

I've had many a scope both large/small mag and all have served me well but I am currently using a Simmons 3.5-10x50 and I find this scope perfect for hunting as it is a "no frills" scope, easy to use and the optics are clear as crystal and not a bad buy for the money.

[Guest bigredbusa]

funny because i have just replaced my 3 9 50 richter scope , all singing all dancing number with an old simmon 3-9-40 which i found in the cupboard ... i rate the simmons crystal clear with a nice chunky cross hair .

 

next one tho will be a mil dot

[martin1 0]

I've had many a scope both large/small mag and all have served me well but I am currently using a Simmons 3.5-10x50 and I find this scope perfect for hunting as it is a "no frills" scope, easy to use and the optics are clear as crystal and not a bad buy for the money.

This is what i was going to recommend and i have a newen in the box in the sales section or pm me.

"no frills" i can assure you wtcs are better than standard leupolds, nothing under the leupold vxiii range is better than a wtc.

they are better than scopes tripple there price tag.

also verry bright for lamping and crystal clear in any condition and zero holds better than most.

 

" wasted a lot of money on scopes so i was going to buy a £300+scope"till i looked threw the wtc.

ok i was a scope junky so heres all you need to know

night time max eye pupil is 7mm this is why 6x42 is so popular how many 6s go into 42? 7 so equals 7mm exit light and your eye can only dilate to 7mm in dark so 6x42 popular for night hunting.

 

4-14x50on 14x with 50mm objective you think you get more light?nope, how many 14s go into 50?3 so 3mm exit light "no good for dark"but wind down to 4x at 50mm objective and how many 4s go into 50? 11 so equals 11 so your wasting 4 which is fine as your still getting your 7mm.

always divide objective with you zoom x which will equal exit light in mm, lower the mag the brighter the image

 

now reticules you dont need mil-dots as most are calibrated for rim fire and centre fire but lately there has been closer mil-dots designed for airgun use like bsa and hawke sr6-12 personally i shoot 177 so out to 50 yard i have Say a inch max drop so it dont bother me if i shoot at 20 or 50 as its only a inch and that is the size of my target now 22 is different so you may want to consider a mil-dot or jut use duplex and aim a little higher at further distances.

22 mil-dot can be set up with dedicated 22 scopes to 5-10 yard each mill so basicly from a zero at 20yard 1st mil will be 30yard 2nd 40y 3rd 50y but that will depend on what magnification and what focal plane scope you are using 1st focal plan your reticule will grow which is good for range estimation but 2nd focal plane does not move.

you really need to work on mil-dots which is fine for target work but how often does big ears stay still for 5min while range find??

and on that note i would not go for parallax adjustment rings or side focus unless for target work.

 

you bored yet?

paralax

when you look at your target and it is blurred is parallax error, high mag scopes suffer the worst which is why a parallax adjustment is needed,the adjuster can be used for range finding as well.

fixed parallax you need to be aware of what range it is fixed for as a rim fire set at 100yard is no good for your airgun at 50y so a parallax adjuster can come in handy but again how longs good old big ears going to wait while you adjust you parallax?

 

illumination and none, you may want for night shooting but i have never needed or worried with my wtc as bright i can see my reticule, which will suffer with less brighter picture which will make you think you need a illuminated scope, you dont as a good bright scope will show your reticule.

 

adjustment turrets, big ones,fine for target work,no no for hunting as you will knock them alter your zero so i go for the finger twist screw in capped scopes.

 

sun shades and eye cups, night time no no but sunny day yes as if n is behind you when you look threw your scope the sun reflects off,blinding you and stopping you see threw the scope, sun shade does the same as well as stopping yo spooking your target with reflection of the sun.

think i have covered most and i am sure people will pick up on what i have missed but hope i have helped a little.

 

good luck

Edited July 21, 2008 by martin1

[rabbit_killer 2]

martin is right mate

i brought a walther 4-12x50 when i was in a shop about a year ago and its been fine great scope for the money this cost me nearly £100 when i brought it

 

i had a look for ya and found this on ebay heres the Item number: 140249559780 for this price you cant go wrong

 

this is what myne looks like on me gun great bit of kit for verry little money