Cyclops Videos Joe W Rhea i noticed you only got 1 thumbs up. Dont do this for money dude..... if the product (your vids) have value, then the money will come. Build a following and sponsors will come. But depending on viewers never works...
It depends on your regulatory environment. 12Ft/Lb or 6Ft/Lb power limits in UK, for instance, makes 10Yds accuracy important for some. Please be less parochial with your comments.
Just sent some $$ your way - WHY? - I watched several of your videos on mounting and zeroing scopes. I was just finishing sighting in my SWFA SS 1-4x24 Tactical 30mm Riflescope on my Weihrauch HW110ST PCP Air Rifle, FAC Version, when a fly landed on my target @150 ft - moved the cross hairs to the fly - SPLAT. Nuf Said. Even my Wife was nailing the bullseye and she hadn't picked up a gun in 40 years. I also used your method for the Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight, Black that I mounted on my Weihrauch HW44 PCP pistol - same results - no fly on the target though. Thanks for the great scope reviews and other stuff.
5yrs on, this is still relevant. 👍 The only point that I’d really contest is that an illuminated scope allows us here in the UK, where we often seem to have perpetual dusk, to have a decent extension for shooting without an NV scope. Good, honest video. 👏👏
This is probably one of THE most informative and accurate video presentations on the topic of airgun optics I've seen thus far. It's always amazed me how many folks look for everything AND the kitchen sink when looking for a scope for an "AIRGUN".
Had a 3-9 Centerpoint scope on my Weihrauch HW97 and thought it was okay until I switched it out for a Hawke. MY GOD the difference is UNBELIEVABLE in quality and accuracy has dramatically improved.
A whole lot of valuable advice. I just want to stress that "springer-rated" thingy: powerful brake barrels, including "nitros" (gas operated piston) ones, are SCOPE DESTROYERS. Even if you put the sliding mount (the one that allows for the scope to slide/glide back and forth during the launch of the pellet), any 100 - 300$ scope (or a holographic red/green dot sights) will start failing after a couple of hundreds of pellets being shot, even with those airgun models that are equipped with built-in shake/recoil reducers (Diana N-TECH line, Gamo Fusion/Maxim/Magnum line etc.). Do yourself a huge favor by NOT using scopes with your 20 fpe+ brake barrel. Instead, reserve scopes and holographics for CO2 operated, pump and PCP guns and LOW POWER brake barrels (caliber 177, with ~5 fpe, if you're into 25-yard bench-rest competitions) and put a firm, robust open sights (or a "peep" sights) on that brake barrel beast of yours.
I was thinking about getting a GAMO .177 17 fpe (24J) break barrel with those multi shot magazines. They come pre equipped with either 4x or 3-9x, which I thought was a good thing 😂 what would you say about scopes in that energy range? Thank you 😄
Very good video for anyone not familiar with Scope do’s & don’ts. I am new to Springers and was overthinking the whole “Springer Rated” thing. This was super helpful. Thank you!
A really great video....finally,someone with common sense. You know, I've had as many disappointments with $300.00 plus scopes as I have had with $150- $250 scopes....maybe it's just me... And " all the bells and whistles " scopes have been disappointments,as well. I have had success buying lower end scopes as long as I've kept it simple....I'm a hunter,and the most powerful scope I have on an airgun is a 4-12 on a smallbore,and I haven't felt the need to go up from there.
Lots of VERY GOOD points. I couldn't agree more. I have lived your frustration I hate spending Leupold money but ammo isn't cheap and shooting with junk sucks. I finally learned this after buying a lot of B+ scopes. I now buy used Leupolds and don't look back.
Hi Joe, I’m not interested in an air gun scope. But love supporting you with your recent health condition. This review was4 years old, from then to now. We can see how more energy you deliver your RUclips videos. Keep up your progress and reviews in the future. Love you like a brother from another mother. Cheers Ian from Aus
Your information screams experience sir !!! To me that's the only good way to learn and pass on knowledge. I have been airgunning for 48 years now and have been there and got the tee shirt to all your advice. Yep, I learned by experience just like you. Listen to this guy people and not the salesmen wanting your hard earned cash !!
I pulled up Optics Planet in another window while watching this video. So far I have narrowed down my options from 1862 scopes to just 251. I'm sure by the time I'm finished there will only be a dozen or so that meet my requirements and I'll go from there. Thanks!
Good info for the newer scope purchaser. Like Joe mentioned, there are way too many crap scopes out there. Think about it...the purpose of the scope is to be more accurate at all distances regardless of time of day (light). For new buyers of airgun scopes, concentrate on 1" tubes, 44mm OBJECTIVE lenses or even a bit smaller, 1/4 MOA reticle adjustment, and of illuminated, MINIMAL illumination--i like Leupold "Firedot" as it sucks your eye directly to the crosshair center and will allow a dusk/dawn shot that would be impossible without illumination.
I contacted customer service for my heavy springer and asked for honest guidance on recommended scopes for my particular model, then contacted those companies for their input about use on a heavy springer pellgun...I purchased two, from two different manufacturers, for test trials...to date both scopes hold zero after hundreds of shots...it DOES pay to do a little research to save your pocket book! Thanks for this video, very informative...
You my friend are the type of guy I want to meet"BEFORE"buying airgun related products I always say experience is something you get 10 mins after you need it ! ...but with you upoading stuff like this I would say Joe W Rhea will give you the benefit of his experience in time for you to use it ...knowledge is power ..thanks for your efforts appreciate the uploads P
P Last ..Thanks Dude ...I don't review a lot of stuff cause I'd just as soon not " guess " .My dad used to say smartest thing a man can say is ..I don't know :)
I like illuminated reticles for shooting dark colored targets, or starlings. Otherwise the black crosshairs disappear. I don’t shoot after dark, so never been blinded by the reticle. I completely agree there’s zero need for 36 colors though. Red is fine. Other than illuminated reticles, I agree with everything else, and I had to learn the hard way about the scope trashing double recoil years ago with an old Gamo Hunter 880.
The thing is most expensive scopes are for long ranges because that's where you need an expensive scope. I can consistently hit a lime at 25 yards with open sights. A nice center-point scope will get killshot accuracy every time and for less than 200 dollars you can get a hawk or nikon that will be more accurate than any airgun is capable of at any distance. Also if you use a springer you need a springer-rated scope which adds weight and cost, yeah most of them aren't really "spring rated" so you have to do the homework to find a good one. Great point about the useless features and "free" extras.
Just subscribed brother. The only time I've ever bought optics with illuminated reticle is if I'm using it for coyote hunting at night. It helps allot when your not searching for the center of the cross hairs. Keep up the good work man
Had you never see JOE second to none professional work ALWAYS thinking of the best interest for US. You keep the rest except DOES and Mike with Gideon, his technicals as JOE are well Brilliant... SEE for yourself...
Have just started to do my research to upgrade my scope and even though this presentation is three and a half years old I found it VERY informative and useful, a very good presentation, thank you very much for taking the time to do it. I feel better prepared to visit the gun shop!!! Guy from the UK.
I bought a scope at Wal-Mart for $25 It's a 3-9×40 advertised as a 22 scope and I shoot quarters at 25-50 yards so yeah I'm gonna stick with the cheap stuff. I've yet to miss a squirrel with it but I don't take risky shots. My rifle is also cheap I think they run 100-150 bucks. says it's rated for 1000 fps doesn't quite hit that but you wanna stay below that anyway because if the pellet is moving too fast it gets really unstable so I don't see a point of buying a expensive rifle other than it might last longer I don't know.
I'm using the $28 barska on an 880 Daisy. It's quite impressive. It's more accurate and competent than I can shoot. My equipment is only limited by me, the shooter, at this point.
I wasn't looking for this video, but this is by far the best air rifle review + tips video I've seen so far! I've learned more in the past 15 minutes than the 4 weeks I'm into air rifles, haha! Keep up the good work, man!
I have a spring and nitro piston which love to tear up scopes, maybe I should have watched this before switching to pcp rifles but maybe not. I was doomed to get in deep anyway. Good video, thanks.
Some guys have had their scopes that were rated for .50BMG trashed by a Hatsan 125. In my opinion there are no scopes that can survive a magnum springer. If it's not the scope getting trashed it's walking backwards in the rings, or the dovetail. I've had a stop pin basically shear off and chew up the scope rail. Diana ZR mount solves all these problems if installed correctly. Then you can put any scope you want on a springer as long as it's 1" or 30mm tube. "Springer rated" doesn't exist.
Joe, I need the cold hard truth and I know youre the guy for it, I love your videos and i believe everything you say. Im getting a Hawke sport vantage 4-12x40 Mil Dot. Will my break barrel Umarex fuel .177 (about 700 shots through it) break the scope like people say. This reverse recoil stuff scares me, if not ill just put it on my .22 rimfire when i go to the firing range. Any response is appreciated. Love the videos, keep them coming!
XXAbbott ...The Hawke Vantage is actually a pretty tough scope . That being said , its not what Hawke considers their most heavy recoil rated scope . But I wouldn't sweat it . Hawke is Really good about warranty .
Subscribed! Just thought I’d add a couple of bits from my experience , if that’s okay? 6x42 is all you need.....imho! It gives the retina the full and unimpeded transference of light from the scope. I have an old Schmidt Bender Hungarian 6x42 and it’s fantastic....only drawback being its a Duplex crosshair. Schmidt Bender now do a 3-12x42 with a mil dot reticle and I’ll be looking for one of these soon (it’ll be set on 6 Mag and left there). Mounts: Sportsmatch do a set of adjustable mounts (not cheap). These allow you to optically Centre your scope, set it on the rifle, shoot a group and then Zero the scope by adjusting the mounts. Works a treat and everything is then fully aligned. Illuminated reticles: the dimmest setting needs to be really dim. My first illuminated scope was (a) so bright that I lost the target and (b) the brightness spooked the rabbits..... As Looney Tunes used to say “That’s all Folks”.......😜 Thanks for the great vids and happy shooting to all! 🤪👍🏻👍🏻
This is one of those videos that's satisfying to watch when it confirms that you did things right in buying a scope. My two working airguns have Falcon Optics 4-18x44 FFP scopes. These are 30mm tube construction with a half MRAD line reticle. Everyone who looks through them loves the image quality and clarity. These are my goto scopes for shooting out to 70 yards at targets with sub 12 fpe rifles. My bench target rifle has a MTC Viper Pro 5-30x50 scope. By your assessment it's a pure indulgence and you're absolutely right but I love it. Sometime I'm going to take this one away from the bench and use it for Field Target competition just to use some of those extra features. Thank you for an excellent video.
you are more than welcome. I've been shooting around 5 years and seen a lot or rubbish bandied about but i can honestly say your presentation cuts out all the waffle and gives great real world info.
Illuminated reticles are for early morning or late afternoon hunting. The colors are supposed to be for people who are certain color (primarily red/green) blind
Exactly 💯. Give me good glass, we'll build, itched retinal and 1 very small illuminated dot. Checkmate, I posted your exact sentiments. A man that can shoot and knows his gear. Regards
A very well thought out video and a new subscriber because of it. On one of my magnums in .177 I have a UTG 3-12X44 AccuShot SWAT IE scope zeroed @ 25yds and she's been on her for three years. Heck I've knocked the gun over on wood floors (I know, bad me) and she held her zero. Now I do use my illuminated reticle at times, but at the very lowest setting. I agree. it will blind you! One thing I would like to add is scope weight. It has been my experience, a heavier scope on a lighter gun keeps balance, and the opposite for a heavy gun. I have two Benjamin Trails in .177 and .22. and I put a big old scope on this very heavy gun; big mistake and my shots were all over. Put a light compact on one, and there it was. Now the UTG is close to 1.5 lbs. and the rifle she's on, my killer, weighs just 6.1 lbs., so combined with the mount and scope she's lovely. I did weight and cork the hollow stock for better center and noise reduction. New fan, good sir!
Ive run utgs on springers, pcps and center fires. all hold zero, all handle a nock. good value budget scope. If I could afford more i'd go top shelf but I cannot so these do the job well with all the crap.
Very well put together. l like your voice inflection, tempo. well edited, got your point across without any extra drivel. Felt like i was listening to a wise uncle, short of using my name.
Love your videos! Great info on here. I am not having much luck with airgun scopes. The POS that came free with my Crosman Diamondback 22 (Centerpoint junk) was destroyed in less than 200 shots. (it just ripped whatever spring system they used to adjust the elevation) So I then bought a Nikko Sterling 4-12 x 50 and it lasted about another 500 shots until the recoil detached the front eye glass and cracked it (This has been returned for refund...however, it cost me almost $80 postage to get a $100 refund due to my location, so not a bargain by any means) I have now ordered the Hawke Airmax AMX 4-12 x 50, so we will see if it fares any better. The Crosman must have a vicious bit of recoil, it doesn't feel too bad, but it kicks very fast. Out of curiosity, you do seem to know quite a bit about police officers shining their torches at you...…..Hmmmm. Good recommendations on scope magnification - Some of the best, clearest and crispest scopes I ever owned were some old BSA scopes from the 1980's - fixed 4 x 32 with a single crosshair and a tapered single arrow point for the vertical reference. You could shoot pin point with these old things - not fantastic over large variation of range, but zeroed in at 40-50 yards they were amazing. Problem is these days 99% of all of these airgun scopes are made in China! (Probably most of the lenses all come from one supplier, all of the bodies from another and then simply printed with a brand name). I sadly have to import all of my gear as the local suppliers are nothing but counterfeiters, I can buy a "Leupold " scope here for less than $30, what a bargain! Just complete JUNK COPY - we even have "RED DOT BSA" that are on special for about $10! - Why I pay $250 to import a decent scope from the UK.
Of I may go off subject for a sentence: And allowed because the lawmakers are just as worthless; appointed by computer involvement allowed by the people.
@@dmo848 Thanks, but it is the scopes not being up to the double recoil of the gas piston. Most scope manufactureres nowadays will not recommend their products for these air rifles, and some manufacturers that used to warranty them on an airgun, have dropped this warranty. I never mount the scope close to the centre adjustment turrets, I always try and get the spacing as far apaert as possible. Most of the scopes I have used also come with a solid back stop that fits into a small blind hole in the rear of the gun, which probably adds to the shock factor during recoil.
Honestly dude you have the best scope videos on the internet especially for cheaper scopes. It's been really helpful for finding a scope for my airsoft sniper rifle that shoots about 80 yards maybe a little more maximum. I'm buying a hawke vantage 4x ao for it It's a little bit more expensive than most airsoft scopes but it's at least a functioning really simple no nonsense scope.
That's for the scope info. My ghost.22 200 yds all day. Watch Gerald's utubes banging metal in Scotland with winds at 200 tack driving at 300 very good . Top 350yds 8 inch plate 2st time clang. With my 30 barrel kit. " " Come out come out where ever you are . Nt nt
I have locking and resettable turrets on mine...probably not "needed" features, but I'm glad I have them "UTG BugBuster 3-12X32 Scope, Mil-dot Reticle, 1/3 MOA AO, 1" Tube, Med. Dovetail Rings"
I can think of one thing that rivals a 32 color scope and that is an 8 mode flashlight. I even hate 5 mode lights. So very tired of needing to flip through so many modes only stopping on strobe and blinding myself. Or flipping through so many modes and accidentally passing the off position...again, thus needing to flip through all the modes all over again.
Great video Joe. I have bought variable scopes. I have to agree in most cases are a waste of money. I keep mine set at 10 to 12 power. The higher powers I can see my heart beating and I do not seem to shoot as good as I do on the lower powers.
Thank you . Just found your site . Very informative. I've shot regular firearms all my life I'm new to the air rifle side of the house . I've shot bows, rifles, pistols, machine guns , and grenade launchers. This was awesome thank you very much!
I just looked up airguns of Arizona how to sight in a scope , and Lauren has a 10-50 Kalos K on her air rifle I looked it up on Amazon and it was 3,299.00
I have two of the Leupold 3-9 33mm air rifle scopes from 10 years ago. They're both still working though other scopes I've given away or stacked in a corner useless after using them. Glad to hear and see the line still available though modernized for about the same amount of investment. I've always felt lower power was better for clarity and safety (wider field of clear view around target).
The only viable solution for magnum springers I have found is the Diana Bullseye ZR Mount. You will read a lot of bad stuff online about it, but it's all user error, you have to be very careful when tightening the rings, and use the absolute minimum torque. Do it gradually and follow the proper torque sequence, while checking constantly to make sure it still slides freely. If you do this, it will be reliable, and it will absorb almost all of the double recoil. I have taken slow motion video of it and that is what it does. It's very misunderstood, but it's actually a very clever design. It works like this: when the rifle fires, it recoils rearward, and the scope stays stationary, by sliding on the rails against the spring tension of the ZR Mount. As the piston slams forward and you get the second forward acting recoil impulse, the scope is still forward on the rails, and the second impulse puts it back in its home position before the spring tension begins to move it back. This results in the gun jumping back and then forward, while the scope stays completely stationary. When the rail returns to its home position, a conical pin goes into a hole, forcing it to return to zero. It's designed to have a small amount of play but return to zero every time. I get good groups with mine, it's probably not up to the standards required by serious target shooters, but magnums are for hunting, so it's fine. I say probably, because my setup is more accurate than I am. No matter how hard I try, I cannot find fault with the accuracy. This is further made difficult to ascertain by the fact that no scope held zero on this rifle previously, and it also wrecked one. So complain about it all you like, I challenge anyone to get the consistency I get with a 28fpe springer WITHOUT a ZR mount. Is it a perfect solution? Probably not. Is there a better solution? No there is not. For me it's either this or open sights.
@richardbrown9760 Physics. The piston has mass, it jumps forward, which causes the rifle to jump backwards, then it rapidly decelerates at the end of its travel, which causes the rifle to jump forwards. Imagine the spring pushing against your shoulder, and then the piston is knocking the rifle forwards like a rubber mallet. There are two distinct recoil impulses in opposite directions. They are in opposite directions, and mechanical in nature, meaning they are much sharper, this is why high powered springers are notorious for scope damage. They will destroy scopes rated for .50BMG in short order, and it can be very difficult to prevent the scope from moving. When scopes move on springers, they always move backwards.
I like this guy, honest & knowledgeable, i only shoot weihrauch springers & im fed up with having to re zero everytime i use them, i have hawke & nikko stirling scopes, problem is i really dont want to spend more on the scopes than i did the rifles. I have hw99s hw95 & hw97
I love my utg..it just happens to have 36 colors..your right I don't use it much , but when I do , I love the white retical ..3x12x44 w/ side wheel . great scope for a hundred bucks ( the retical could be thinner )
Can't say I agree with your view on magnification. Just as high powered scopes are a standard for range finding in Field Target competitions, I find I follow the same practice while shooting at longer distances in the field.
Craig VanMeter ...Craig high magnification is great if its on a good scope ...Most cheap scopes that have way too much magnification are useless about half way thru the power range . My personal scopes are 6x, 10x, 12 x ,3-15 , and 24 power .
Thanks Joe... I’m glad to see someone use some common sense on this subject. As someone who has WAY to many airguns, let me just say, from the perspective of a hunter... 1) Many ffp scopes make it very difficult to see the reticle at low power, particularly in brush..... sometimes a lighted reticle can help, a song as you can dial it down. 2) in an effort to lighten a big bore large game air rifle, I tried a slug gun 2-7 scope , factory set parallax at 50 yds... I have 3 of them now, and they work great... they weigh 11 oz 3) going to high in power also has another disadvantage to hunters...6 power is a lot less steady off hand than 3 or 4 power.... if you’re a small game sniper, you’ll need to shoot offhand way more often than you’ll need to crank it up to 20 or 24 power.... as Joe said , stick to 4-12, or 4-16
Neal, you make some good points, but a rifle is moving around, while being aimed, the same amount whether a 24 X scope is mounted, or a 4. The movement is just easier to see thru a higher magnifying scope.
Great video. A tip; the Tasco Air is a great, simple, duplex, tough scope. The 3-9x 40 AO version is still under $100. It is the same quality, same build, likely the same China Factory, designed by Japanese, repainted for the Hawke version at a higher price. Hawke has a mildot reticle. If you want that, than pay more, get Hawke. I have two Tasco Air scopes, no problem on a magnum steel springer. Sometimes low price can be a great value. And higher prices can just be a rip off. Got my Tasco's for under $60. Been buying Tasco brand for 50 years. Never a problem.
@calvinchandra6816 MY exact thoughts, like hawk goes to the 99 cent store and gets spray paint or is it finger painted on. Next thing construction is lacking pop pivot it. Insane. Lmao, you kids these days, retorical thought. Image that
@@calvinchandra6816 Products are massed produced and sold to companies with different logos. Different names. Some names represent quality control. Some may be a ripoff. Product reviews can be helpful. Over TIME. History really does matter.
Hi Joe, I just wanted to thank you for the kindness you show in putting together and in sharing your vast knowledge to help newbie like me! I have been watching all of your videos these past few weeks and have greatly improved my skills and knowledge about our great sport. Many thx from London UK. Dr Paul.
with astronomy as my prime hobby I easily agree with every piece of optical advice provided here - always buy the best optics you can afford using reviews, knowledgeable trusted advice and if possible personally trying them out. . There are many advertisements making many false claims to rip you off.
I have quite a few scopes and find the best bang for the buck is a fixed power SWFA scope. For air gun shooting with my variables I leave them at 12x and rarely drop the power. Then you don't have to worry about getting a Front focal plane or adjusting milldots in your head for different magnifications. The glass is clearer on fixed focus too. I have both a fixed and variable SWFA scopes and the fixed is clearer. Simpler optics less to go wrong.
BINGO ,as a professional photographer I NEVER USE A SCOPE MORE THAN 4X RATIO. ALWAYS LONG ON SHORT MAX AND SHORT ON LONG WITH MORE THAN 1X4. CANT ARGUE WITH MATH. PHYSICS WINS THE DAY AFTER GLASS
Just sent this to my oldest son...He bought a Benjamin prowler. 22 for practice and the occasional Rabbit and Racoon that run through his yard (the ones that aren't killed by rattlers). He hates the prepackaged scope...I told him not waste on the one. I just introduced him to your channel....it will save him from Turd burger scopes.
Hi. Came across your video and was not sure what to expect. And it was great 👍What you said makes total sense and has helped me in deciding what sort of scope I will be buying. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
Any scope is and "airgun scope", as long as its built for the double recoil. The great requirements you have for your scope would more accurately determine quality or preference.
As Joe said Glass and construction is 90%. THE 10% is proper magnification. I should know as a56 year professional photographer shooting national geo, nascar, pro sports , you name it.
Always learn something from your scope videos. Hawke Vantage SF works great for my needs. I have six. I use vintage Redfields on my pretty German spring-piston rifles too. They dial in , dope, and look awesome with the blued steel matching the blue of the barrel. Awesome video!
Good advice...there's a lot of crap about as well as a lot of crap optics these days. I bought my first scope over 50 years ago and just like today there were some really bad ones out there as well as some really good ones. I think what gets most airgun shooters in troubke is that a quite decent airgun is not that expensive (although of course one can pay thousands), but a scope worthy of a half decent air rifle is going to cost as much or more than the rifle, especially a powerful springer. I have had scopes that cost just a couple of hundred dollars, had passably decent lenses, held their zero and tracked very well... but I wouldn't mount one one a powerful springer or a high powered hunting rifle, either of which will shake it to bits in short order, but on a .22RF will serve well for many years. In the field of optics you get what you pay for. A $1500 Swarovski will perform on any rifle, but the problem with "big rifle" scopes is that they often have quite bad parallax issues at airgun ranges (under 75 yards... sometimes a LOT under). so an adjustable objective is well worth the money if you have deep pockets. Air guns are a very specialist field, and the range of scopes limited.... hopefully that will get better as air arms of very high quality are getting more common, so people prepared to fork out for good optics are getting more common. I am tempted to get into the field myself...... I am a gun smith and recently came into possession of a relatively inexpensive airgun scope, AO capable, and the optics look pretty good. It tracks true and has a nice mil dot reticle. I was intrigued, so I have mounted it on my Ruger 10/22 and it looks great. As soon as this damned lockdown eases I will go out and shoot it.......
Joe, This is down-to-earth, no nonsense, good information. Thanks for the clear, precise, presentation. I'll be using your guidelines for my next scope purchase. Best to you.
If you use the illuminated reticle right it's not going to blind you. Most of them have brightness settings. You also need to be using the right one. I find it best to use green during in the day and red at night. Red light when it's dark is easier on the eyes and makes it to where your eyes don't have to readjust after looking at it. Especially if you have the brightness turned down. But it also helps if the target is illuminated as well. Unless you're shooting with night vision but none of that really matters unless your scope is not vision compatible.
This is very good sense. Even more true for us in the UK, where we have a 12ft lb power limit and therefore, ranges tend to be very short. I went for a Nikon EFR, 3-9, 40mm objective, no illumination, nice glass, plain reticle (I wouldn't mind some mildots, but the simple crosshair does the job and you're absolutely right about rets that look like Christmas trees being confusing). Works fine and holds zero on my (admittedly low power) springer. Thanks and all the best.
Great video. Spring guns and pcps are very different. A good pcp scope is one that tracks and I lean toward the tactical type that cost too much. Vortex 2.5-10 PST ffp, it tracks really well, focuses down to 20 yards and the glass is fantastic. Of course I put scopes on pretty high quality Airguns. Yeah, you're right, don't be lured in by the stupid case or rings or flipups they add on, total gimmick.
I would add, when you go to Amazon to buy anything, see how many people have purchasted this item, then read the reviews. Good review, Thanks for Honesty..
All those illuminated colours are there for those that use illuminated scopes and have colour blindness at certain spectra. Other than that, can't fault this video for the great info.
Good Vid Mr. Joe! I can see why you got into trouble one a certain forum. The truth, plain spoken just doesn't seem to set well with a lot of , well, anti gun, pro air gun folks. Grrrrrr!!! Joe Rhea, telling it like it is, and staying in trouble for it! Sounds familiar. Keep up the good fight Joe.;
If there is an etched retile absolutely, if not 1 tiny dot at dusk wins tge day, most don't have fighter pilots vision as my uncle or my dad a seal. Please
Great info. I don't agree about springer rated but I do agree on the rest. Most scopes are junk plastic innards POS unless you spend the bucks. And many times unless you shoot at night without a flashlight iron sights are actually easier to shoot. I was one of the top shooters in centerfire carbine class at 300 yards standing uphill vs the scoped shooters and several aim point shooters. Before going to class I thought the scoped shooters would out shoot me. I do like my mildot 60 dollar scope to hit targets at 50 yards with my springer. I really want a pcp 25 to 30 caliber with day/nightvision. I just don't want to pay the money because I don't varmint often enough to justify the cost of a occasionally used rifle.
Brightness is a product of exit pupil (EP) diameter and anti-reflection coatings. A 1 inch(26mm) scope and 30mm scope with same objective size will be the same brightness. 30 mm tubes give more travel and the tubes can be made thicker and stronger. Now they may use better internal lenses or larger ones but that is used to decrease aberrations not increase brightness, that is the domain of the objective size and AR coatings and type of glass.
AMEN, THE PHYSICS HAS PAID OFF IN SPADES. CLAIMED MARKMEN SAID. DRUMROLL PLEASE. LARGER TUBE GIVE MORE LIGHT TRANSMISSION. INSANE IT ONLY ADDS VERTICAL AS AS JOE AAID HELL 100 MOA FOR WHAT A TOP 10 SNIPER SHOOTING 1200 TO 1500 YDS. MY DAD DID A SEAL. HELL HE TAUGHT MYSELF THOSE CONCEPTS YEARS AGO.
Excellent review, This is all new to me and I have already learned a lot from watching your RUclips channel. I have a PCP Ataman, I have looked and tried to understand what is actually needed in a good quality mid range budget. I try and watch at least 3 to 5 of your videos daily. My background is welding and fabrication, I hope to find what I need watching reviews like yours. Keep up the good and honest opinions on what your put through the paces.
I use a Schmidt Bender 8x56 Klassik, re-parallaxed to 36 yards for air gunning, just works a treat for every situation, bright, clear, not too much mag, simple cross hair, couldn't want for more scope.
Never buy Illuminated reticle, i have a scope with it, i never use it because if you are shooting in the dark, you will not see your target, so i put a light at the target. When there's a light at the target, there's no point of the reticle being illuminated. Also, just buy hawke scopes for all you rifles, springers and pcp's. I have a hw97k and a stormrider and both guns have a hawke vantage 3-9x40 AO on them, (hw97k also has illuminated reticle) and both these scopes do perfect on these guns. I can focus from 5 yards to as far as my yard goes ( about 50 yards) and further. The scope has been on my hw97k since november and i have never had problems with the scope breaking or anything. The scopes also look beautiful in my opinion.
Good video Joe, just one thing to mention is that a 30mm tubed scope does not let more light to your eye than would a 1" tubed scope. Leupold have even stressed this in their literature. It is a fallacy that the sellers of cheap scopes invented back in the late 70's and 1980's as a way of promoting these cheap 30mm scopes to airgunners of the day. But you are correct in saying a 30mm tube scope does or should allow for more vertical and horizontal zeroing adjustment.
stigy61 ...Thank you for that !!! There is a ton of knowledge out there from guys exactly like the ones who leave comments such as this !!! Truly appreciate it
That's bang on Joe, friend of mine bought a daystate in a shiny aluminium box and said it only cost 1200 GBP and he got the nice gun box thrown in for free ! I said that's not good business and he HAD paid for it, the box retailed for 150 GBP !
Guys click the link below to help support my channel to keep it sponsor free !
www.paypal.me/JoeWayneRhea
Cyclops Videos Joe W Rhea i noticed you only got 1 thumbs up. Dont do this for money dude..... if the product (your vids) have value, then the money will come. Build a following and sponsors will come. But depending on viewers never works...
EarthSurferUSA have another drink, sleep it off and then feel free to get back to me.
It depends on your regulatory environment. 12Ft/Lb or 6Ft/Lb power limits in UK, for instance, makes 10Yds accuracy important for some. Please be less parochial with your comments.
Just sent some $$ your way - WHY? - I watched several of your videos on mounting and zeroing scopes. I was just finishing sighting in my SWFA SS 1-4x24 Tactical 30mm Riflescope on my Weihrauch HW110ST PCP Air Rifle, FAC Version, when a fly landed on my target @150 ft - moved the cross hairs to the fly - SPLAT. Nuf Said.
Even my Wife was nailing the bullseye and she hadn't picked up a gun in 40 years.
I also used your method for the Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight, Black that I mounted on my Weihrauch HW44 PCP pistol - same results - no fly on the target though.
Thanks for the great scope reviews and other stuff.
Honestly that is great advice for when you go to make any larger purchase whether it's a scope a powertool or a car.
5yrs on, this is still relevant. 👍
The only point that I’d really contest is that an illuminated scope allows us here in the UK, where we often seem to have perpetual dusk, to have a decent extension for shooting without an NV scope.
Good, honest video. 👏👏
Also useful on FFP scopes at low magnification.
This is probably one of THE most informative and accurate video presentations on the topic of airgun optics I've seen thus far. It's always amazed me how many folks look for everything AND the kitchen sink when looking for a scope for an "AIRGUN".
Bo Hector ..Thanks Bo !!!
Had a 3-9 Centerpoint scope on my Weihrauch HW97 and thought it was okay until I switched it out for a Hawke. MY GOD the difference is UNBELIEVABLE in quality and accuracy has dramatically improved.
Yes Sir !!! Centerpoint scopes are Awful !!!!!
3 years on and still relevant thanks from the UK
A whole lot of valuable advice. I just want to stress that "springer-rated" thingy: powerful brake barrels, including "nitros" (gas operated piston) ones, are SCOPE DESTROYERS. Even if you put the sliding mount (the one that allows for the scope to slide/glide back and forth during the launch of the pellet), any 100 - 300$ scope (or a holographic red/green dot sights) will start failing after a couple of hundreds of pellets being shot, even with those airgun models that are equipped with built-in shake/recoil reducers (Diana N-TECH line, Gamo Fusion/Maxim/Magnum line etc.). Do yourself a huge favor by NOT using scopes with your 20 fpe+ brake barrel. Instead, reserve scopes and holographics for CO2 operated, pump and PCP guns and LOW POWER brake barrels (caliber 177, with ~5 fpe, if you're into 25-yard bench-rest competitions) and put a firm, robust open sights (or a "peep" sights) on that brake barrel beast of yours.
Wtf is a fpe
@@babatona FootPounds of Energy
I was thinking about getting a GAMO .177 17 fpe (24J) break barrel with those multi shot magazines. They come pre equipped with either 4x or 3-9x, which I thought was a good thing 😂 what would you say about scopes in that energy range? Thank you 😄
@@tjitjo Go for a fixed focal length (they tend to be more reliable and shake-proof than zooms). And make sure the scope is "break barrel certified.
@@tjitjothe revolver clips fail too much.
Very good video for anyone not familiar with Scope do’s & don’ts. I am new to Springers and was overthinking the whole “Springer Rated” thing. This was super helpful. Thank you!
A really great video....finally,someone with common sense. You know, I've had as many disappointments with $300.00 plus scopes as I have had with $150- $250 scopes....maybe it's just me... And " all the bells and whistles " scopes have been disappointments,as well. I have had success buying lower end scopes as long as I've kept it simple....I'm a hunter,and the most powerful scope I have on an airgun is a 4-12 on a smallbore,and I haven't felt the need to go up from there.
Lots of VERY GOOD points. I couldn't agree more. I have lived your frustration I hate spending Leupold money but ammo isn't cheap and shooting with junk sucks. I finally learned this after buying a lot of B+ scopes. I now buy used Leupolds and don't look back.
You buy Leopolds for air rifles which would u suggest ?22 Gamo
Great vid Joe! You’ve put into 15 minutes what it’s taken me 50 years of shooting to discover! 👍👍👍
Thanks John
Hi Joe, I’m not interested in an air gun scope. But love supporting you with your recent health condition. This review was4 years old, from then to now. We can see how more energy you deliver your RUclips videos. Keep up your progress and reviews in the future. Love you like a brother from another mother. Cheers Ian from Aus
Thanks for being there. Been driving my self nuts with the scope issue.
Joe Martin .44vanilla@gmail.com
Your information screams experience sir !!! To me that's the only good way to learn and pass on knowledge. I have been airgunning for 48 years now and have been there and got the tee shirt to all your advice. Yep, I learned by experience just like you. Listen to this guy people and not the salesmen wanting your hard earned cash !!
Lol thanks Steve . Yep nothing like pissing off your hard earned money to teach a lesson that'll stick with ya
only just viewed this, but it clarified scope issues really quickly and as a complete novice I have found it really useful, thanks.
I pulled up Optics Planet in another window while watching this video. So far I have narrowed down my options from 1862 scopes to just 251. I'm sure by the time I'm finished there will only be a dozen or so that meet my requirements and I'll go from there. Thanks!
Good info for the newer scope purchaser. Like Joe mentioned, there are way too many crap scopes out there. Think about it...the purpose of the scope is to be more accurate at all distances regardless of time of day (light). For new buyers of airgun scopes, concentrate on 1" tubes, 44mm OBJECTIVE lenses or even a bit smaller, 1/4 MOA reticle adjustment, and of illuminated, MINIMAL illumination--i like Leupold "Firedot" as it sucks your eye directly to the crosshair center and will allow a dusk/dawn shot that would be impossible without illumination.
An air-gunner who knows his stuff and can communicate it - this really helped me. Go Joe!
Thanks John
I contacted customer service for my heavy springer and asked for honest guidance on recommended scopes for my particular model, then contacted those companies for their input about use on a heavy springer pellgun...I purchased two, from two different manufacturers, for test trials...to date both scopes hold zero after hundreds of shots...it DOES pay to do a little research to save your pocket book! Thanks for this video, very informative...
Tony V ...Thank S Tony !!!
You my friend are the type of guy I want to meet"BEFORE"buying airgun related products I always say experience is something you get 10 mins after you need it ! ...but with you upoading stuff like this I would say Joe W Rhea will give you the benefit of his experience in time for you to use it ...knowledge is power ..thanks for your efforts appreciate the uploads
P
P Last ..Thanks Dude ...I don't review a lot of stuff cause I'd just as soon not " guess " .My dad used to say smartest thing a man can say is ..I don't know :)
So true! Love it!
I like illuminated reticles for shooting dark colored targets, or starlings. Otherwise the black crosshairs disappear. I don’t shoot after dark, so never been blinded by the reticle. I completely agree there’s zero need for 36 colors though. Red is fine. Other than illuminated reticles, I agree with everything else, and I had to learn the hard way about the scope trashing double recoil years ago with an old Gamo Hunter 880.
The thing is most expensive scopes are for long ranges because that's where you need an expensive scope. I can consistently hit a lime at 25 yards with open sights. A nice center-point scope will get killshot accuracy every time and for less than 200 dollars you can get a hawk or nikon that will be more accurate than any airgun is capable of at any distance. Also if you use a springer you need a springer-rated scope which adds weight and cost, yeah most of them aren't really "spring rated" so you have to do the homework to find a good one. Great point about the useless features and "free" extras.
Last poijnt, " DO YOUR HOMEWORK",..I am, by watching and listening to what Joe is saying here.
This makes sense, thank you Sir!
Well done video. I have to agree with you on every point. That's why I mostly shoot fixed power scopes with no bells and whistles
Just subscribed brother. The only time I've ever bought optics with illuminated reticle is if I'm using it for coyote hunting at night. It helps allot when your not searching for the center of the cross hairs. Keep up the good work man
So you don't believe in etched reticle. They save lives, I will argue that ALL DAY!!!!!!
Nearly switched off Joe, but you were immediately engaging and talked sense from the outset, all with a nice conversational way. Thanks.
Had you never see JOE second to none professional work ALWAYS thinking of the best interest for US. You keep the rest except DOES and Mike with Gideon, his technicals as JOE are well Brilliant... SEE for yourself...
Have just started to do my research to upgrade my scope and even though this presentation is three and a half years old I found it VERY informative and useful, a very good presentation, thank you very much for taking the time to do it. I feel better prepared to visit the gun shop!!! Guy from the UK.
I bought a scope at Wal-Mart for $25 It's a 3-9×40 advertised as a 22 scope and I shoot quarters at 25-50 yards so yeah I'm gonna stick with the cheap stuff. I've yet to miss a squirrel with it but I don't take risky shots. My rifle is also cheap I think they run 100-150 bucks. says it's rated for 1000 fps doesn't quite hit that but you wanna stay below that anyway because if the pellet is moving too fast it gets really unstable so I don't see a point of buying a expensive rifle other than it might last longer I don't know.
I'm using the $28 barska on an 880 Daisy. It's quite impressive. It's more accurate and competent than I can shoot. My equipment is only limited by me, the shooter, at this point.
What is the name of your scope, and what mount are you using on your gun.
Just realised ive watched this one!! watched it again👍 worth watching twice. you always speak the truth 💯 another great way video my man.
Gotta say , I love this mans open & honest approach. He reminds me of my favourite Uncle.
I wasn't looking for this video, but this is by far the best air rifle review + tips video I've seen so far! I've learned more in the past 15 minutes than the 4 weeks I'm into air rifles, haha!
Keep up the good work, man!
meat and potatos with no fluff... my kind of vid.
northwindl ..Thanks man
Typical Joe scope video. To the point with no fanboi nonsense.
From my experience as each airgun likes a pellet more than the others, each gun has a scope that fits more.
I have a spring and nitro piston which love to tear up scopes, maybe I should have watched this before switching to pcp rifles but maybe not. I was doomed to get in deep anyway. Good video, thanks.
Some guys have had their scopes that were rated for .50BMG trashed by a Hatsan 125. In my opinion there are no scopes that can survive a magnum springer. If it's not the scope getting trashed it's walking backwards in the rings, or the dovetail. I've had a stop pin basically shear off and chew up the scope rail.
Diana ZR mount solves all these problems if installed correctly. Then you can put any scope you want on a springer as long as it's 1" or 30mm tube.
"Springer rated" doesn't exist.
I am in the thankless process of choosing a scope for my springer and I thank you for your video
Thank you, Joe, i do appreciate your words
Dario Bisogno ..Thanks Dario , I wish I had known some of this stuff when I first got into airguns
Joe, I need the cold hard truth and I know youre the guy for it, I love your videos and i believe everything you say. Im getting a Hawke sport vantage 4-12x40 Mil Dot. Will my break barrel Umarex fuel .177 (about 700 shots through it) break the scope like people say. This reverse recoil stuff scares me, if not ill just put it on my .22 rimfire when i go to the firing range. Any response is appreciated. Love the videos, keep them coming!
XXAbbott ...The Hawke Vantage is actually a pretty tough scope . That being said , its not what Hawke considers their most heavy recoil rated scope . But I wouldn't sweat it . Hawke is Really good about warranty .
Subscribed!
Just thought I’d add a couple of bits from my experience , if that’s okay?
6x42 is all you need.....imho! It gives the retina the full and unimpeded transference of light from the scope.
I have an old Schmidt Bender Hungarian 6x42 and it’s fantastic....only drawback being its a Duplex crosshair. Schmidt Bender now do a 3-12x42 with a mil dot reticle and I’ll be looking for one of these soon (it’ll be set on 6 Mag and left there).
Mounts: Sportsmatch do a set of adjustable mounts (not cheap). These allow you to optically Centre your scope, set it on the rifle, shoot a group and then Zero the scope by adjusting the mounts. Works a treat and everything is then fully aligned.
Illuminated reticles: the dimmest setting needs to be really dim. My first illuminated scope was (a) so bright that I lost the target and (b) the brightness spooked the rabbits.....
As Looney Tunes used to say “That’s all Folks”.......😜
Thanks for the great vids and happy shooting to all! 🤪👍🏻👍🏻
This is one of those videos that's satisfying to watch when it confirms that you did things right in buying a scope.
My two working airguns have Falcon Optics 4-18x44 FFP scopes. These are 30mm tube construction with a half MRAD line reticle. Everyone who looks through them loves the image quality and clarity. These are my goto scopes for shooting out to 70 yards at targets with sub 12 fpe rifles.
My bench target rifle has a MTC Viper Pro 5-30x50 scope. By your assessment it's a pure indulgence and you're absolutely right but I love it. Sometime I'm going to take this one away from the bench and use it for Field Target competition just to use some of those extra features.
Thank you for an excellent video.
Neil Darlow .Thanks Neil for your post ...and Yes you have 2 winners there !!!
JOE and all mtc swat 5x30 what do you think. I have the ghost in. 22 and it's a tack driver at 25 yds 5 shot 2 to 3 holes tops .
One of the best videos, good honest covers all the stuff you need to know.
Big thanks great work
superb video, most common sense and info ive ever seen ....thank you for your efforts
DaveMac . Thanks Dave
you are more than welcome. I've been shooting around 5 years and seen a lot or rubbish bandied about but i can honestly say your presentation cuts out all the waffle and gives great real world info.
Illuminated reticles are for early morning or late afternoon hunting. The colors are supposed to be for people who are certain color (primarily red/green) blind
Exactly 💯. Give me good glass, we'll build, itched retinal and 1 very small illuminated dot. Checkmate, I posted your exact sentiments. A man that can shoot and knows his gear. Regards
A very well thought out video and a new subscriber because of it. On one of my magnums in .177 I have a UTG 3-12X44 AccuShot SWAT IE scope zeroed @ 25yds and she's been on her for three years. Heck I've knocked the gun over on wood floors (I know, bad me) and she held her zero. Now I do use my illuminated reticle at times, but at the very lowest setting. I agree. it will blind you!
One thing I would like to add is scope weight. It has been my experience, a heavier scope on a lighter gun keeps balance, and the opposite for a heavy gun. I have two Benjamin Trails in .177 and .22. and I put a big old scope on this very heavy gun; big mistake and my shots were all over. Put a light compact on one, and there it was. Now the UTG is close to 1.5 lbs. and the rifle she's on, my killer, weighs just 6.1 lbs., so combined with the mount and scope she's lovely. I did weight and cork the hollow stock for better center and noise reduction.
New fan, good sir!
Freejack Prepper amen... use a low setting for a lighted mildot/recticle. thats a good way to do it.
Ive run utgs on springers, pcps and center fires. all hold zero, all handle a nock. good value budget scope. If I could afford more i'd go top shelf but I cannot so these do the job well with all the crap.
Thanx, I jusst ordered the UTG BugBuster 3-12x32 and was getting abit worried
Very well put together. l like your voice inflection, tempo. well edited, got your point across without any extra drivel. Felt like i was listening to a wise uncle, short of using my name.
Lol Thanks for that .. Expensive lessons learned
Dude I love HONESTY and you SIR have that in spades...THANK YOU
Thanks Heath
I really enjoyed your video. I really like how you knowledgeably explain everything.
Yup and what you say is no crap, i have a really old Springer! And I gave up!! Now days I only use open sight
Could you give us some recommendations please?
Love your videos! Great info on here. I am not having much luck with airgun scopes. The POS that came free with my Crosman Diamondback 22 (Centerpoint junk) was destroyed in less than 200 shots. (it just ripped whatever spring system they used to adjust the elevation) So I then bought a Nikko Sterling 4-12 x 50 and it lasted about another 500 shots until the recoil detached the front eye glass and cracked it (This has been returned for refund...however, it cost me almost $80 postage to get a $100 refund due to my location, so not a bargain by any means) I have now ordered the Hawke Airmax AMX 4-12 x 50, so we will see if it fares any better. The Crosman must have a vicious bit of recoil, it doesn't feel too bad, but it kicks very fast. Out of curiosity, you do seem to know quite a bit about police officers shining their torches at you...…..Hmmmm. Good recommendations on scope magnification - Some of the best, clearest and crispest scopes I ever owned were some old BSA scopes from the 1980's - fixed 4 x 32 with a single crosshair and a tapered single arrow point for the vertical reference. You could shoot pin point with these old things - not fantastic over large variation of range, but zeroed in at 40-50 yards they were amazing. Problem is these days 99% of all of these airgun scopes are made in China! (Probably most of the lenses all come from one supplier, all of the bodies from another and then simply printed with a brand name). I sadly have to import all of my gear as the local suppliers are nothing but counterfeiters, I can buy a "Leupold " scope here for less than $30, what a bargain! Just complete JUNK COPY - we even have "RED DOT BSA" that are on special for about $10! - Why I pay $250 to import a decent scope from the UK.
Of I may go off subject for a sentence: And allowed because the lawmakers are just as worthless; appointed by computer involvement allowed by the people.
It's the way u mount your scope is why they fall apart. Stay away from the middle part with the rings.
@@dmo848 Thanks, but it is the scopes not being up to the double recoil of the gas piston. Most scope manufactureres nowadays will not recommend their products for these air rifles, and some manufacturers that used to warranty them on an airgun, have dropped this warranty. I never mount the scope close to the centre adjustment turrets, I always try and get the spacing as far apaert as possible. Most of the scopes I have used also come with a solid back stop that fits into a small blind hole in the rear of the gun, which probably adds to the shock factor during recoil.
SWFA 10 power rock solid great warranty ! Been on my Diana 350 magnum for three years couple thousand pellet's and still holding zero !
Honestly dude you have the best scope videos on the internet especially for cheaper scopes. It's been really helpful for finding a scope for my airsoft sniper rifle that shoots about 80 yards maybe a little more maximum. I'm buying a hawke vantage 4x ao for it It's a little bit more expensive than most airsoft scopes but it's at least a functioning really simple no nonsense scope.
Thanks for that
That's for the scope info. My ghost.22 200 yds all day. Watch Gerald's utubes banging metal in Scotland with winds at 200 tack driving at 300 very good . Top 350yds 8 inch plate 2st time clang. With my 30 barrel kit. " " Come out come out where ever you are . Nt nt
I have locking and resettable turrets on mine...probably not "needed" features, but I'm glad I have them
"UTG BugBuster 3-12X32 Scope, Mil-dot Reticle, 1/3 MOA AO, 1" Tube, Med. Dovetail Rings"
I can think of one thing that rivals a 32 color scope and that is an 8 mode flashlight. I even hate 5 mode lights. So very tired of needing to flip through so many modes only stopping on strobe and blinding myself. Or flipping through so many modes and accidentally passing the off position...again, thus needing to flip through all the modes all over again.
Nicely done touching on all the important points.
I would have loved it if you would have shown some of your scopes and gave recommendations.
I have a ton of other optics videos
Great video Joe. I have bought variable scopes. I have to agree in most cases are a waste of money. I keep mine set at 10 to 12 power. The higher powers I can see my heart beating and I do not seem to shoot as good as I do on the lower powers.
More power more trash or paperweight, can't beat math. A photographer for 54 years. Nuff said. Give me 4x or 6 with very good glass. Ballgame
Thank you . Just found your site . Very informative. I've shot regular firearms all my life I'm new to the air rifle side of the house . I've shot bows, rifles, pistols, machine guns , and grenade launchers. This was awesome thank you very much!
I just looked up airguns of Arizona how to sight in a scope , and Lauren has a 10-50 Kalos K on her air rifle I looked it up on Amazon and it was 3,299.00
I have two of the Leupold 3-9 33mm air rifle scopes from 10 years ago. They're both still working though other scopes I've given away or stacked in a corner useless after using them. Glad to hear and see the line still available though modernized for about the same amount of investment.
I've always felt lower power was better for clarity and safety (wider field of clear view around target).
To me , those are some of the very best scopes ever made !
The only viable solution for magnum springers I have found is the Diana Bullseye ZR Mount. You will read a lot of bad stuff online about it, but it's all user error, you have to be very careful when tightening the rings, and use the absolute minimum torque. Do it gradually and follow the proper torque sequence, while checking constantly to make sure it still slides freely. If you do this, it will be reliable, and it will absorb almost all of the double recoil. I have taken slow motion video of it and that is what it does. It's very misunderstood, but it's actually a very clever design.
It works like this: when the rifle fires, it recoils rearward, and the scope stays stationary, by sliding on the rails against the spring tension of the ZR Mount. As the piston slams forward and you get the second forward acting recoil impulse, the scope is still forward on the rails, and the second impulse puts it back in its home position before the spring tension begins to move it back. This results in the gun jumping back and then forward, while the scope stays completely stationary. When the rail returns to its home position, a conical pin goes into a hole, forcing it to return to zero. It's designed to have a small amount of play but return to zero every time.
I get good groups with mine, it's probably not up to the standards required by serious target shooters, but magnums are for hunting, so it's fine. I say probably, because my setup is more accurate than I am. No matter how hard I try, I cannot find fault with the accuracy. This is further made difficult to ascertain by the fact that no scope held zero on this rifle previously, and it also wrecked one. So complain about it all you like, I challenge anyone to get the consistency I get with a 28fpe springer WITHOUT a ZR mount. Is it a perfect solution? Probably not. Is there a better solution? No there is not. For me it's either this or open sights.
How does a spring moving forward create a backward recoil?
@richardbrown9760 Physics. The piston has mass, it jumps forward, which causes the rifle to jump backwards, then it rapidly decelerates at the end of its travel, which causes the rifle to jump forwards.
Imagine the spring pushing against your shoulder, and then the piston is knocking the rifle forwards like a rubber mallet. There are two distinct recoil impulses in opposite directions. They are in opposite directions, and mechanical in nature, meaning they are much sharper, this is why high powered springers are notorious for scope damage. They will destroy scopes rated for .50BMG in short order, and it can be very difficult to prevent the scope from moving. When scopes move on springers, they always move backwards.
I like this guy, honest & knowledgeable, i only shoot weihrauch springers & im fed up with having to re zero everytime i use them, i have hawke & nikko stirling scopes, problem is i really dont want to spend more on the scopes than i did the rifles.
I have hw99s hw95 & hw97
I love my utg..it just happens to have 36 colors..your right I don't use it much , but when I do , I love the white retical ..3x12x44 w/ side wheel . great scope for a hundred bucks ( the retical could be thinner )
Can't say I agree with your view on magnification. Just as high powered scopes are a standard for range finding in Field Target competitions, I find I follow the same practice while shooting at longer distances in the field.
Craig VanMeter ...Craig high magnification is great if its on a good scope ...Most cheap scopes that have way too much magnification are useless about half way thru the power range . My personal scopes are 6x, 10x, 12 x ,3-15 , and 24 power .
Thanks Joe... I’m glad to see someone use some common sense on this subject. As someone who has WAY to many airguns, let me just say, from the perspective of a hunter...
1) Many ffp scopes make it very difficult to see the reticle at low power, particularly in brush..... sometimes a lighted reticle can help, a song as you can dial it down.
2) in an effort to lighten a big bore large game air rifle, I tried a slug gun 2-7 scope , factory set parallax at 50 yds... I have 3 of them now, and they work great... they weigh 11 oz
3) going to high in power also has another disadvantage to hunters...6 power is a lot less steady off hand than 3 or 4 power.... if you’re a small game sniper, you’ll need to shoot offhand way more often than you’ll need to crank it up to 20 or 24 power.... as Joe said , stick to 4-12, or 4-16
Neal, you make some good points, but a rifle is moving around, while being aimed, the same amount whether a 24 X scope is mounted, or a 4. The movement is just easier to see thru a higher magnifying scope.
Hawke scopes have always been pretty good quality for the price.
Great video. A tip; the Tasco Air is a great, simple, duplex, tough scope. The 3-9x 40 AO version is still under $100. It is the same quality, same build, likely the same China Factory, designed by Japanese, repainted for the Hawke version at a higher price. Hawke has a mildot reticle. If you want that, than pay more, get Hawke. I have two Tasco Air scopes, no problem on a magnum steel springer. Sometimes low price can be a great value. And higher prices can just be a rip off. Got my Tasco's for under $60. Been buying Tasco brand for 50 years. Never a problem.
what you mean repainted for hawke version I dont get it?
@calvinchandra6816 MY exact thoughts, like hawk goes to the 99 cent store and gets spray paint or is it finger painted on. Next thing construction is lacking pop pivot it. Insane. Lmao, you kids these days, retorical thought. Image that
@@calvinchandra6816 Products are massed produced and sold to companies with different logos. Different names. Some names represent quality control. Some may be a ripoff. Product reviews can be helpful. Over TIME. History really does matter.
Hi Joe, I just wanted to thank you for the kindness you show in putting together and in sharing your vast knowledge to help newbie like me! I have been watching all of your videos these past few weeks and have greatly improved my skills and knowledge about our great sport. Many thx from London UK. Dr Paul.
teno guy ...Paul thank you so much for your kind words . As you can tell , I learned thru hard knocks .....and wasting a Ton of money on junk ')
I know that Joe and it is kind of you letting us have the benefit of your expert knowledge. Take care bud thx once again.
with astronomy as my prime hobby I easily agree with every piece of optical advice provided here - always buy the best optics you can afford using reviews, knowledgeable trusted advice and if possible personally trying them out. . There are many advertisements making many false claims to rip you off.
30mm scopes should give more adjustment range than 1" scopes. With "budget" scopes, it may not matter, depending on where they cut corners.
I have quite a few scopes and find the best bang for the buck is a fixed power SWFA scope. For air gun shooting with my variables I leave them at 12x and rarely drop the power. Then you don't have to worry about getting a Front focal plane or adjusting milldots in your head for different magnifications. The glass is clearer on fixed focus too. I have both a fixed and variable SWFA scopes and the fixed is clearer. Simpler optics less to go wrong.
BINGO ,as a professional photographer I NEVER USE A SCOPE MORE THAN 4X RATIO. ALWAYS LONG ON SHORT MAX AND SHORT ON LONG WITH MORE THAN 1X4. CANT ARGUE WITH MATH. PHYSICS WINS THE DAY AFTER GLASS
Just sent this to my oldest son...He bought a Benjamin prowler. 22 for practice and the occasional Rabbit and Racoon that run through his yard (the ones that aren't killed by rattlers). He hates the prepackaged scope...I told him not waste on the one. I just introduced him to your channel....it will save him from Turd burger scopes.
Lol , I do try
Spot on Joe, you touched points that I only learned as time goes by, thanks for all the awesome tips, you are badass my friend.
Like your style, short & sweet, straight to the point. Very informative. Thank You...
You are very welcome :)
My mate Jim is also blind in one eye, he is an excellent shooter.
Hi. Came across your video and was not sure what to expect. And it was great 👍What you said makes total sense and has helped me in deciding what sort of scope I will be buying. Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
Any scope is and "airgun scope", as long as its built for the double recoil. The great requirements you have for your scope would more accurately determine quality or preference.
You are spot on correct i go by the same when shopping for a 22lr scope sometimes more is not better ( great video )
As Joe said Glass and construction is 90%. THE 10% is proper magnification. I should know as a56 year professional photographer shooting national geo, nascar, pro sports , you name it.
Always learn something from your scope videos. Hawke Vantage SF works great for my needs. I have six. I use vintage Redfields on my pretty German spring-piston rifles too. They dial in , dope, and look awesome with the blued steel matching the blue of the barrel. Awesome video!
A really good video which debunks a great deal of horse shot. Much appreciated.
Good advice...there's a lot of crap about as well as a lot of crap optics these days. I bought my first scope over 50 years ago and just like today there were some really bad ones out there as well as some really good ones.
I think what gets most airgun shooters in troubke is that a quite decent airgun is not that expensive (although of course one can pay thousands), but a scope worthy of a half decent air rifle is going to cost as much or more than the rifle, especially a powerful springer.
I have had scopes that cost just a couple of hundred dollars, had passably decent lenses, held their zero and tracked very well... but I wouldn't mount one one a powerful springer or a high powered hunting rifle, either of which will shake it to bits in short order, but on a .22RF will serve well for many years.
In the field of optics you get what you pay for. A $1500 Swarovski will perform on any rifle, but the problem with "big rifle" scopes is that they often have quite bad parallax issues at airgun ranges (under 75 yards... sometimes a LOT under). so an adjustable objective is well worth the money if you have deep pockets.
Air guns are a very specialist field, and the range of scopes limited.... hopefully that will get better as air arms of very high quality are getting more common, so people prepared to fork out for good optics are getting more common. I am tempted to get into the field myself......
I am a gun smith and recently came into possession of a relatively inexpensive airgun scope, AO capable, and the optics look pretty good. It tracks true and has a nice mil dot reticle. I was intrigued, so I have mounted it on my Ruger 10/22 and it looks great. As soon as this damned lockdown eases I will go out and shoot it.......
Great Comment !!! I was able to get to the range today , first time in 6 weeks ...Felt good to fire off a few
Im totaly with you on the illuminated reticle, waste of money.
Hawke scopes are very good, they start at low prices and the top end ones are amazing.
Joe,
This is down-to-earth, no nonsense, good information. Thanks for the clear, precise, presentation. I'll be using your guidelines for my next scope purchase. Best to you.
Geo Pot ...Truly appreciate that !!! Thanks Buddy
If you use the illuminated reticle right it's not going to blind you. Most of them have brightness settings. You also need to be using the right one. I find it best to use green during in the day and red at night. Red light when it's dark is easier on the eyes and makes it to where your eyes don't have to readjust after looking at it. Especially if you have the brightness turned down. But it also helps if the target is illuminated as well. Unless you're shooting with night vision but none of that really matters unless your scope is not vision compatible.
This is very good sense. Even more true for us in the UK, where we have a 12ft lb power limit and therefore, ranges tend to be very short. I went for a Nikon EFR, 3-9, 40mm objective, no illumination, nice glass, plain reticle (I wouldn't mind some mildots, but the simple crosshair does the job and you're absolutely right about rets that look like Christmas trees being confusing). Works fine and holds zero on my (admittedly low power) springer. Thanks and all the best.
Laurie Harper ..The Nikon EFR is probably the best scope on the market for under 200$ American
@@CyclopsJoeVideos Great to know that! Do you think I can safely use a Nikon EFR on an AR-15 (5.56)?
Great video.
Spring guns and pcps are very different.
A good pcp scope is one that tracks and I lean toward the tactical type that cost too much.
Vortex 2.5-10 PST ffp, it tracks really well, focuses down to 20 yards and the glass is fantastic. Of course I put scopes on pretty high quality Airguns.
Yeah, you're right, don't be lured in by the stupid case or rings or flipups they add on, total gimmick.
I would add, when you go to Amazon to buy anything, see how many people have purchasted this item, then read the reviews. Good review, Thanks for Honesty..
All those illuminated colours are there for those that use illuminated scopes and have colour blindness at certain spectra. Other than that, can't fault this video for the great info.
Mounting it higher is a really good point on squirrels.
Good Vid Mr. Joe!
I can see why you got into trouble one a certain forum. The truth, plain spoken just doesn't seem to set well with a lot of , well, anti gun, pro air gun folks. Grrrrrr!!!
Joe Rhea, telling it like it is, and staying in trouble for it! Sounds familiar. Keep up the good fight Joe.;
Good video. Nice intro for newbies and agree 100% with the illuminated reticles.
Thanks man
If there is an etched retile absolutely, if not 1 tiny dot at dusk wins tge day, most don't have fighter pilots vision as my uncle or my dad a seal. Please
Burris 4-12/32 AO, Leupold 3-9 EFR, Leupold 6,5-20/40 EFR. then on to Schneider, niiteforce, Bender, Swarovski.
Thank you Cy, been a great help my friend !
Very Welcome man
Great info. I don't agree about springer rated but I do agree on the rest. Most scopes are junk plastic innards POS unless you spend the bucks. And many times unless you shoot at night without a flashlight iron sights are actually easier to shoot. I was one of the top shooters in centerfire carbine class at 300 yards standing uphill vs the scoped shooters and several aim point shooters. Before going to class I thought the scoped shooters would out shoot me. I do like my mildot 60 dollar scope to hit targets at 50 yards with my springer. I really want a pcp 25 to 30 caliber with day/nightvision. I just don't want to pay the money because I don't varmint often enough to justify the cost of a occasionally used rifle.
Brightness is a product of exit pupil (EP) diameter and anti-reflection coatings. A 1 inch(26mm) scope and 30mm scope with same objective size will be the same brightness. 30 mm tubes give more travel and the tubes can be made thicker and stronger.
Now they may use better internal lenses or larger ones but that is used to decrease aberrations not increase brightness, that is the domain of the objective size and AR coatings and type of glass.
AMEN, THE PHYSICS HAS PAID OFF IN SPADES. CLAIMED MARKMEN SAID. DRUMROLL PLEASE. LARGER TUBE GIVE MORE LIGHT TRANSMISSION. INSANE IT ONLY ADDS VERTICAL AS AS JOE AAID HELL 100 MOA FOR WHAT A TOP 10 SNIPER SHOOTING 1200 TO 1500 YDS. MY DAD DID A SEAL. HELL HE TAUGHT MYSELF THOSE CONCEPTS YEARS AGO.
Excellent review, This is all new to me and I have already learned a lot from watching your RUclips channel. I have a PCP Ataman, I have looked and tried to understand what is actually needed in a good quality mid range budget. I try and watch at least 3 to 5 of your videos daily. My background is welding and fabrication, I hope to find what I need watching reviews like yours. Keep up the good and honest opinions on what your put through the paces.
Thanks for the kind words Paul
Excellent video
Thank you
I just happened to be shopping for a scope for my Magnum.
I use a Schmidt Bender 8x56 Klassik, re-parallaxed to 36 yards for air gunning, just works a treat for every situation, bright, clear, not too much mag, simple cross hair, couldn't want for more scope.
Never buy Illuminated reticle, i have a scope with it, i never use it because if you are shooting in the dark, you will not see your target, so i put a light at the target. When there's a light at the target, there's no point of the reticle being illuminated. Also, just buy hawke scopes for all you rifles, springers and pcp's. I have a hw97k and a stormrider and both guns have a hawke vantage 3-9x40 AO on them, (hw97k also has illuminated reticle) and both these scopes do perfect on these guns. I can focus from 5 yards to as far as my yard goes ( about 50 yards) and further. The scope has been on my hw97k since november and i have never had problems with the scope breaking or anything. The scopes also look beautiful in my opinion.
Good video Joe, just one thing to mention is that a 30mm tubed scope does not let more light to your eye than would a 1" tubed scope. Leupold have even stressed this in their literature. It is a fallacy that the sellers of cheap scopes invented back in the late 70's and 1980's as a way of promoting these cheap 30mm scopes to airgunners of the day. But you are correct in saying a 30mm tube scope does or should allow for more vertical and horizontal zeroing adjustment.
stigy61 ...Thank you for that !!! There is a ton of knowledge out there from guys exactly like the ones who leave comments such as this !!! Truly appreciate it
I put a Optima 3-9x40 A0 on my 2017 Umarex Octane .22 nice upgrade for the air rifle
Thanks for your video. FYI, not that I'm any kind of expert, but there is no such thing as a "recticle"... It's a reticle.
That's bang on Joe, friend of mine bought a daystate in a shiny aluminium box and said it only cost 1200 GBP and he got the nice gun box thrown in for free ! I said that's not good business and he HAD paid for it, the box retailed for 150 GBP !
hunter100t .. yep that's spot on