Current scope: March 3-24x42
Next one: Delta Stryker 3.5-21x44
Dream scope: a 2-12x Dedal Stalker
Next one: Delta Stryker 3.5-21x44
Dream scope: a 2-12x Dedal Stalker
Upvote 0
Current scope(s), Next scope, and Dream scope???
- Thread starter KevinWood44
- Start date
Absolutely sickI've had a lot of top tier optics, but there's something to be said about alpha glass and 36mm tubes
View attachment 332186
Upvote 0
Hi, Steve.
I have heard some disturbing comments on certain March scopes.
One, two people I have conversed with on AGN said that the 1-15x42 does quite parallax down to 10 yards.
Two, another comment is that the 2.5-25x42 (or 52?) had distortion on the edges throughout the magnification range.
Three, I forgot his exact words, but Ilya (DLOO) noted that the 3-24x52 he was reviewing (next to the TT, the ZCO, and some others) also had distortion on the higher magnification around the edges. He gave the TT the best edge-to-edge image, and I think ZCO was second. He said that March was ”all about center resolution,” and he gave the March the top grade for this category.
Can you comment to any of these matters?
Finally, does you 1-10 Shorty parallax way down? Mmahoney said his regular 1-10-x24 compact parallaxed to an amazing 7 feet on l0x.
Thank you! S7
Edit: Line two was supposed to say of the March 1.5-15: it does "not" quite parallax down to 10 yards.
Last edited:
Upvote 0
CTs, I would really like to hear all and anything about your March scopes: IQ, parallaxing to 10 yards or not, problems, etc.
Thanks. S7
Last edited:
Upvote 0
I must confess, I got caught up in the equipment race.
I shoot FT competitions. Specifically Springers under 12 FPE. We shoot from 10-55 yards.
Unless someone shoots FT or other types of shooting competition, it's hard to explain this consuming need to get the best and most reliable equipment.
There are minimally very specific scope requirements for my particular discipline due to the air rifle I chose to shoot (loopy trajectory) and springer recoil.
1. accurate and repeatable parallax ranging = high magnifications and the ability to dial down when shooting off hand. (Since we shoot outdoors, in all type of weather)
2. repeatable turret setting.
3. ability to handle the double recoil of a springer (this is not trivial btw, a lower quality scope will fail when you least expect it to...even at a sedate 12 FPE)
4. Bullet proof warranty.
Have I tried other budget scopes. yes.
IQ was subpar,
warrant was buy 2-3 just in case (then the failures become paper weights),
peace of mind when in competition (none, every missed shot ...becomes a question of scope failure or ?),
using hard to see mil-hash to shoot because you are afraid to dial the vertical turret for fear it will wear out or become non-repeatable.
Have I searched for a scope that costs less than $1000 that can deliver all the above? ...yes, haven't found one yet. The ultimate (unicorn scope) would be a scope 10-50X, parallax down to 10 yards that can survive the double recoil of a 20FPE RWS 54, without a recoiling mount.
Just a short summary of my take/my excuse of why I feel I need a quality dependable scope to shoot WFTF springer under 55 yards.
oh almost forgot in all this ranting.
I'm currently using a Sightron 10-50X, my backup is a Falcon 10-50X
My next scope/ dream scope is probably a March. Don't know which one yet...50x? the 10 years warranty is holding me back..(oh yeah and it cost $3000+. LOL)
Last edited:
Upvote 0
IMHO March in an attempt to distinguish themselves in a very saturated market does their super compact scope thing. For the most part I personally find their glass good in these but not great and sometimes yes the IQ is better in the middle of the FOV like in the 5-42 I had.
The only March scopes that are very impressive in IQ to me that I have looked through are my Genesis 4-40 and a HM 10-60. That isn't to say the glass on the other ones I looked through weren't nice.
IIRC I think my 1-10 does parallax down to 10Y on 10x. If not then for sure on 9x. Arggg, it snowed almost 20" by this morning when I looked out so I'm not checking today for sure!!
How'd that ETR turn out? I haven't looked through the 3-18 yet but the 4.5-30 I had was almost like the standard March glass - better than most considering the price of these.
I wish I had a perfect candidate as a solution for you but I don't.
Upvote 0
Hi, Steve.
Okay, so you are clearly saying the Genesis and High Master glass is better than the average March. Would you put the glass of these two with tier-one glass?
Today is NH’s day for a good snow storm. I copy. We should only get about eight or ten inches, a lot better than twenty! That’s when things become more serious work for my snow blower (and me).
Sure. When you can, I am eager to see how the parallax is on the 1-10. Again, mmahoney said his goes down to seven feet. That’s crazy (and attractive to me).
The ETR has just gone back to Athlon for a second time. They were nice and sent me a new scope—at least called new—for the first stuck-cap issue, but the one they sent back had a mangled magnification screw. Initially, while not thrilled, I figured this was not a big deal, and merely asked for a new screw. Athlon responded saying that I could not take this screw out due to possible “contamination.” So I replied that a gouged screw with a nice burr on it was not exactly what I was looking for, but not in those words.
They apologized and sent me a shipping label and it went out Wednesday. I could have just been quiet, but why should I have a ‘new’ scope with a cosmetic defect? I could have filed the burr and mares the finish, but I wasn’t looking to trade problems.
More importantly, when looking through the unmounted Ares a few times, I could not see a big difference between it and either my Sidewinder or Helix. I am thinking it is probably my inexperience, but I was let down a bit. Should I have noticed something looking at things up to 100 yards? And thanks for asking.
I understand. There is not simply solution. I am good, however. But I am still after a relatively light scope with a 10-or 11-yard parallax (thinking Nightforce with their 11-yard offerings) and alpha glass. Weight is my second enemy, but the parallax is the first. I would try the Nightforce LHT if not for the twenty-yard parallax. (It does not have alpha glass, but it does have good reviews and is light!) That’s good, and I get close to biting, but for truly close-range pesting, it is not ideal. This scope can be had for about $900.00 or so new. I have also just broadened my search to include S&B, ZCO, etc. Again, that parallax or weight thing—one or the other—seems to be a hard matter to surmount.
If you come across a March for sale or something like it, and let me know, I would appreciate it. There’s no obligation, of course.
Thanks for everything.
S7
Upvote 0
The best place to look for March is on the Snipers Hide classifieds. Just make sure the person has a numerous, and as well, a good feedback score. That's where I got two of my used March scopes.
Want the best IQ you'll need less compact and more standard length and weight in a "higher tier" scope. The aforementioned 10-60 and Genesis are in tier 1 for sure. I think the Genesis is as nice as it is because its always in optical center which seems to offset its 1-10 mag ratio but I really don't know for sure???
Personally, and it may be a bit harsh, but I'd ask for a refund and if they won't accomadate I'd ask for something else to come in that 3rd box as an extra cushion to ease the pain to make up for this BS! Its frustrating for me watching from the outside because I wanted you to be happy with that scope but here we are!
Sell the ETR and that extra thing if it doesn't live up to your expectations and move onto higher tier scopes.
Unfortunately for me I had to buy the tier #1's to start seeing a major difference in IQ and the ETR isn't in this category.
Want the best IQ you'll need less compact and more standard length and weight in a "higher tier" scope. The aforementioned 10-60 and Genesis are in tier 1 for sure. I think the Genesis is as nice as it is because its always in optical center which seems to offset its 1-10 mag ratio but I really don't know for sure???
Personally, and it may be a bit harsh, but I'd ask for a refund and if they won't accomadate I'd ask for something else to come in that 3rd box as an extra cushion to ease the pain to make up for this BS! Its frustrating for me watching from the outside because I wanted you to be happy with that scope but here we are!
Sell the ETR and that extra thing if it doesn't live up to your expectations and move onto higher tier scopes.
Unfortunately for me I had to buy the tier #1's to start seeing a major difference in IQ and the ETR isn't in this category.
Upvote 0
If you will only be shooting at 10Y seldomly then not having 10Y parallax can be lived with and on lower magnification many scopes in the ETR catagory still look very nice in IQ.
For example FT shooters need 10Y close focus because we are expected to send a .177 pellet though a 3/8ths or 1/2" hole without touching the edge of it every time at 10Y and to range well with.
However when using my Cronus G2 4.5-29x56 with 25Y parallax on 4.5x I could hit a fly most of the time and the IQ wasn't bad. Not ideal but it can be done.
I had a S&B PM2 3-20x50 that had awesome glass and would work even better in the Cronus example I used.
Just stay away from 50Y parallax scopes vs 25Y parallax scopes.
It looks like you'll have to pick which compromises suit you best.
For example FT shooters need 10Y close focus because we are expected to send a .177 pellet though a 3/8ths or 1/2" hole without touching the edge of it every time at 10Y and to range well with.
However when using my Cronus G2 4.5-29x56 with 25Y parallax on 4.5x I could hit a fly most of the time and the IQ wasn't bad. Not ideal but it can be done.
I had a S&B PM2 3-20x50 that had awesome glass and would work even better in the Cronus example I used.
Just stay away from 50Y parallax scopes vs 25Y parallax scopes.
It looks like you'll have to pick which compromises suit you best.
Upvote 0
Steve,
I am looking on Snipers Hide, and I am cautious.
I may look at a different March with that top glass. (Are the compact March scopes better in glass than the ETR?)
The ETR already made me jump to over 30 ounces in weight, so my acclamation to 'heavier' is in the making, perhaps.
I copy on Athlon. To send a 'new' replacement that has its own problem is not good, and I let them know it in no uncertain terms. I was going to ask for something extra, but didn't. If the scope comes back right, I'll move on. And again, thanks for the concern.
I will let you know what happens, and if I bite on another scope.
And I don't want to pester you, but do let me know how the parallax on that 1-10 is, and the IQ, whenever you get the chance, that is.
Enjoy the weekend. S7
I am looking on Snipers Hide, and I am cautious.
I may look at a different March with that top glass. (Are the compact March scopes better in glass than the ETR?)
The ETR already made me jump to over 30 ounces in weight, so my acclamation to 'heavier' is in the making, perhaps.
I copy on Athlon. To send a 'new' replacement that has its own problem is not good, and I let them know it in no uncertain terms. I was going to ask for something extra, but didn't. If the scope comes back right, I'll move on. And again, thanks for the concern.
I will let you know what happens, and if I bite on another scope.
And I don't want to pester you, but do let me know how the parallax on that 1-10 is, and the IQ, whenever you get the chance, that is.
Enjoy the weekend. S7
Upvote 0
This is helpful information. I do, unfortunately, shoot at about 10 yards a good deal of the time when I am sniping from a window. But I may start checking out some scopes with a 25-yard parallax more seriously. After all, I could simply use two or three rigs! And if worse comes to worse, I could check out the great glass, see how the 25-yard parallax works for me, and sell the scope, if I wanted to. Thanks. S7
Upvote 0
I have a Hawke Vantage 3-9×50. It's been on 4 centerfire rifles and now rests on my beeman commander. (Hopefully not for too much longer) I've shot with some wicked nice scopes before but I feel like once you start getting above a certain price point theres just too much diminishing return to warrant it, at least for me. But then again I rarely shoot distances where a super high end scope is going to make a difference.
Upvote 0
For BR 50 and 100 meters my primary scope is a Falcon X50, SFP.
For variable distances 20-40-60-75-100 yards games I used the Nikko 8-32x60 Nighteater, the IQ is average the parallax is precise but the turret clicks getting aged, and I better retire this scope soon.
Now I must say I don't like the FFP at all, I hate when the reticle magnifies, but maybe this is a way to save the turret clicks.
Sightron ? or Falcon again?
or maybe get a new fixed lens for BR and re-use the Falcon for multiple distances?
I don't know which Sightron you have but last time I checked=compared to a friend's scope - coupleyears ago - the Falcon clarity beat the Sightron at full x50 power?
Upvote 0
For field target, for me, the clarity between the Sightron and Falcon is a wash. I have the sightron 10-50X (their 25018...I think).
The reason I'm using the Sightron is because I'm planning to shoot Cajun end of this month. Sightron has the illuminated reticle and Falcon does not. I was told some of their targets will be in the dark deep woods. You cross hair tends to disappear unless you have an illuminated reticle.
Upvote 0
Yes, I played Field archery tournaments for two decades. The most memorable places were the most difficult up against the hill or from open sun deep into dark corners.
My Falcon is a BR scope, for now, but if I could catch a prime single power scope for decent money I my swap them around.
What I said I compared the Falcon against a Sightron, because I like to shoot at highest x50 power the 100 meters rings... I like to see how the pellet chew the paper edges inside a hole.
Upvote 0
I have one of the regular SFP 1-10x compacts and it does focus down to like 6-7 feet at 10x.
Looks like you’re just a couple towns over for me. Pm me if you are interested to check it out in person.
Upvote 0
After reading your post over on SH I think if you were to select one scope as a do it all scope I'd personally go with that March HM 4.5-28x52 and that is if 4.5x is low enough for you. I say that because its the least compromised FFP March scope as far length and magnification ratio of 6.22 and it focuses down to 10Y. But remember its a FFP scope so the reticle will be small at low magnification so that is a major downside if you'll plan to be there often. 28x will do anything you could want to do as far as high mag so that isn't an issue.
I fear the newest DFP March 1.5-15 might be slightly more compromised optically than the 4.5-28x52 but maybe it wouldn't bother you especially since you are used to less expensive scopes. This version would check a lot of boxes off for you and for most situations 15x is a convenient magnification. Most of the PRS shooters I know are right at 15x and these matches are fast moving and dynamic in nature. Enough magnification while allowing ample FOV.
DFP on 1.5x, etc, will be super nice!
I view my March DFP compact 1-10 as a narrow use application scope. If it didn't have 1x and a side focus I wouldn't have considered it. It's on my AR for self protection/1x, and occasional medium to long range shooting on steel/10x. 10x for me isn't very suitable for long range. I can hit stuff but its hard to see where I hit on the steel and more so where I missed in the dirt. I like the side focus on higher magnification. The 1-8 and the other 1-10 I had were very disappointing in various ways optically lacking a side focus but my March 1-10 is not that way.
I can't remember which pcp's you have but the ones that are just plinkers might not merit a expensive scope. So for these if you aren't satisfied with the current scopes on them then it'd be a fun experiment to buy various other less expensive scopes you haven't tried on them to see all the differences as I've mentioned before. Then resell the ones you disliked. If you do it right this shouldn't cost you much because if you buy used you can get your money right back out of them. Might even make a few dollars.
Either SFP or DFP are definitely the way to go for low mag EXCEPT for that FFP Athlon Helos G2 DMR 2-12x42 as far as what scopes I've tried. It's my #1 choice for plinking in my yard and the glass is pretty good considering the price point. Both of these DMR's of mine are so good in all aspects that I can't help but like them.
I also suggest trying the Heras 2-12 or 4-20 for plinking in the yard on low mag.
Last edited:
Upvote 0