Beeman Short Scopes: Why So Popular on Black Rifles?

[DougCxx]

By Beeman Short Scopes I mean the SS1, SS2/SS2LR and SS3, produced pre-1992, at which point the Beeman company was sold to Crosman and dropped a lot of their high-quality merchandise.
On an airgun forum there was a discussion about how the auctions of these scopes always rockets in the last few minutes, and I noted that I have seen a lot of photos online of various military-type rifles with these scopes: M16/Colts, FN/FAL's, HK's, etc--guns which are not inexpensive.
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I wasn't sure of where to ask about this: scopes are an accessory but also because of how these scopes seem to be commonly used on one particular type of arm. I haven't ever seen one on a typical field hunting rifle, for instance.
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I have a 66RL on an airgun, so I know some things about these scopes: built pretty well by Hakko, and as I remember, rather not cheap when new. Why are the short scopes so popular for this use? Is there just nothing else comparable in function and cost?
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[AK103K]

I have a Beeman SS3 1.5x4 that was on my HK 91 when I had it and now is used on my MP5. Its a great little scope and I wont part with it. I have it mounted on an ARMS HK claw mount. The whole thing will fit in a large pocket and goes on and off with no perceptible loss of zero. The info that came with the scope claims its rated for use up to the .50BMG in full auto. My understanding is, the air rifle scopes are built differently than standard scopes due to air rifle recoil impulses and are stronger because of it. I think its size, and the fact that it can stand up to rifle cailber full auto probably is one reason they are so well liked. They dont take the handiness out of the rifle due to their size, like most other scopes, even the Leupold 1.5x5 is large in comparison. If you can find one, I'd snatch it up. I'm sure you'll find a use for it.

 

[El Tejon]

Of course, some of us like those scopes so much we put them on rimfires!