Hawke Airmax or Sightron S-Tac?

[sidpost]

I am looking for a lower power variable scope for pesting on a Weihrauch HW97K in 0.25" caliber.

I am debating the Airmax in 2x7-32 or possibly 3x9/4x12-40 against the S-Tac 3x16-42. The S-Tac is easily twice the cost but, I would rather get the "right" scope over saving ~$100 or so. My pests are small to low medium size, think rats, and chicken killing birds with a FOV so I don't see the world through a "soda straw", only seeing fur close up (~20'). 50 yard shots are unlikely unless a feral cat is stalking a young chicken.

Thanks!

 

[jps2486]

Consider an Optisan CP series. 3-12 or 4-16X. They are short and light, perfect for a springer for hunting. Treneir Airguns has some.

 

[tnt68]

I have all the Airmax mentioned but for ratting in a 7-25 yards I prefer the 2x7-32, the 3x9-40 is better overall and mainly in the 12-40yards, the 4x12-40 is nice but too long.

 

[JEFFPPC]

I have an Airmax and multiple STacs. I love the Stacs but not real fond of the Airmax. I also have a Sidewinder that I like much much more that the Airmax. The only negative to me on the Sidewinder are the available reticles, way to busy. So first the Stacs then the Sidewinder. I would not buy another Airmax, much less refined than the other two.

 

[Vetmx]

I have Airmax SF 30 scopes and the 3-16 S-tac. The Hawkes are good. I don’t like the short eye relief on my 12x Hawke. I like the S-tac just a little more but the reticle gets a little tough to see in low light. With the Hawkes I can just illuminate them. If you are always shooting in good light then go with the Sightron. If not, I think the Hawke might suit you just fine. And save some coin.

 

[Bedrock Bob]

The AMX reticle on the Airmax sucks for hunting. The etched reticle is too fine for a dark or mixed background. It's a good scope for paper and light colored backgrounds but if you point it at bushes or shadows it becomes a telescope. You can't see the crosshairs. Low light and dark backgrounds make it virtually useless.

I replaced it with a Sightron S1 and I like the Sightron better in almost every way. The turret clicks on the Sightron are soft and the AO and zoom adjustments are easy to turn...I would like more friction on those adjustments. The glass, focus and reticle is far superior on the Sightron IMHO.

The Sightron S1 was $240 and I paid about $215 for the Airmax a couple years ago. So they are both priced closely. Both are good airgun scopes. Only one is really useful for hunting situations.

 

[Gerry52]

I've been using a borrowed gun this summer with a Sightron STAC. Like the scope SO much I even considered buying the gun as long as scope was included. Very clean reticle & nice FOV.

 

[boscoebrea]

I like both,but the Sightron brand is a favorite brand of mine. they do cost more ;some are made in Japan ,those are great.
Some of the less expensive Sightron sdo not have AO and the AirMax does,if shooting at 30 or more yards those Sighhtron without AO still work good enough. Sightron .Nikon and some Burris are very good air gun scopes.

 

[Ezana4CE]

Sightron STAC glass looks good me, but are these scopes springer rated?

 

[JungleShooter]

Sightron STAC glass looks good me, but are these scopes springer rated?

Yes, my records indicate Sightrons are springer rated (and they have a good warranty if some magnum springer gets the drop on them).

Matthias

 

[Ezana4CE]

Yes, my records indicate Sightrons are springer rated (and they have a good warranty if some magnum springer gets the drop on them).

Matthias

@JungleShooter Thanks. Do you recall where you read that detail?

Edit: Within the following link are the features and specs for the STAC line https://sightron.com/collections/s-tac-series/products/s-tac-4-20x50?variant=39282242289822

 

[Star7]

I have an STAC on a HW90 and it has survived so far....stupidly, I never thought it might not handle the gas ram.

 

[JungleShooter]

@JungleShooter Thanks. Do you recall where you read that detail?

Edit: Within the following link are the features and specs for the STAC line https://sightron.com/collections/s-tac-series/products/s-tac-4-20x50?variant=39282242289822

Where I read that Hawke scopes are airgun rated:
Here:

Are Hawke Sidewinders "honestly" Springer rated?? - Airguns & Guns Forum

Are Hawke Sidewinders "honestly" Springer rated??, Air guns, Airgun Forum

www.gatewaytoairguns.org

Specifically in post #6 there is a list with specific series and their springer rating:

Matthias

 

[cavedweller]

I have Airmax SF 30 scopes and the 3-16 S-tac. The Hawkes are good. I don’t like the short eye relief on my 12x Hawke. I like the S-tac just a little more but the reticle gets a little tough to see in low light. With the Hawkes I can just illuminate them. If you are always shooting in good light then go with the Sightron. If not, I think the Hawke might suit you just fine. And save some coin.

They have illuminated S-Tacs as well