Optics that are Springer OK?

[CoyoteSix]

Hey all, I really want an adult sized break barrel air rifle.

Problem is I also want to put a nice scope on it. As I understand, the strange recoil from a break barrel or side lever air rifle will destroy an optic.

So what can I put on an air rifle? Are Rimfire optics ok? If not, what brands should I look at? I want good clarity, and light gathering in my scope.

thanks!

 

[rodinal220]

You have to contact the scope manufacturer you are interested in and see if the model(s) are rated for spring powered air guns. Most scopes are not. A scope made to survive .50 BMG will often not hold up to a springer.

Also remember parallax. Most scopes are made for hunting and have fixed parallax of 100 yards. Find a scope with an Adjustable Objective(AO) rated for springers.

 

[zdc1775]

Hawke, Leapers/UTG, and CenterPoint are the most common ones I have seen on springers. I have only had one CenterPoint that I ever used and it was garbage, but I have been told some of their higher end scopes are better. I replaced that scope with a Leapers and it has been much better but still not great. My only experience with Hawke is shooting someone else's gun but it is a much better quality scope. I would say that it is on par with Leupold's but at about half the price.

 

[DMZ]

I have a BSA air gun scope on my springer that has held up for several years. They range from $50 - $120 depending on the features. Mine has a parallax adjustment ring which is very useful for hunting.

 

[rule303]

Nikko Stirling scopes are all airgun rated, and the AO models have parallax adjustable to 10yds. They are a lot better than a BSA or Leapers scope, for not too much more money.

 

[Chevota]

Imo it's better to get a gun that isn't as hard on scopes, and tune it so it's even less abusive. Don't use light pellets, use medium or heavier. For .177 I'd use 7.9 or more, my minimum is 8.4gr in standard powered guns, and 10.3 in magnum. In .22 my min is 14.3 for standard, 18.3 in mag. The medium pellets perform better anyway so no need for light ones.
Dry firing is the worst possible thing you can do to your scope. If you use cleaning pellets be sure to use it with a pellet. A leaking breech or main seal is also very bad. Keeping the stock screws tight is important.
As a general rule nitro springs are harder on scopes than coil, and magnums harder than standard.
So whatever you have I'd recommend replacing the original main seal, and be sure the breech doesn't leak. There are other tricks but those are the most important imo.

 

[RussB]

Check out the scopes these retailers offer. It's good "list" of suitable optics,

http://www.straightshooters.com/

http://www.airgunsofarizona.com/

http://www.precisionairgunsandsupplies.com/

http://www.pyramydair.com/

 

[CoyoteSix]

I'll be sure to check out those retailers, I've been very close to buying from Pyramydair.com before.

I'm thinking an RWS 34 might be right up my alley. I think the Hawke brand scopes might be perfect for me if they're what they say they are.

I'm putting my firearm purchases on hold until I can regularly shoot them again.

I think the money is well spent on a good rifle and optic for now. Now my paychecks need to hurry up and flow in!

 

[ridurall]

I have a Beeman 3 or 4 power air rifle scope that cost around $300 back in the 1980's when I worked part time at Cumberland Knife and Gun in Fayetteville NC. I was stationed at Pope AFB. That Beeman scope has been on my Model 48 then on my Diana 52 and killed thousands of pigeons in the hangers and European Hares in Germany that were digging holes in the Nuclear storage bunkers. It is now on my Winchester Model 9422M .22 Magnum lever action rifle and still working like a champ. When I purchased it I got a good deal from MSRP because of working at the gun shop and it has weathered a lot of time on different guns. It has the .22 rail mount like you see on many pellet rifles but it stands up to all their recoil.

 

[heavydluxe]

I have a Leapers 3-9x optic on my RWS34.

Great rifle, and (for the purpose) the scope works well. You'll love the Diana.

 

[TimboKhan]

Coyote, my shooting is down to about nothing right now. Luckily for me, I really enjoy archery and I am starting to get into air guns and I can shoot both in my basement.

I literally went from shooting several thousand rounds a year ago to a only a couple of hundred this year.

 

[Mike1234567]

I put a 4-16x40 AO Centerpoint on a Benjamin Trail 1100 XL. So far, so good but I haven't shot it that much.

 

[Ditchtiger]

Optics that are Springer OK

http://www.pyramydair.com/top-airgu...&utm_campaign=AG+Top+13+scopes+of+2013#Scopes