Hawke Frontier vs Sidewinder

[jimk1963]

Recently purchased a Sidewinder 30 SF 6-24 x 56 scope. Came with 4” sidewheel, focus lever, and crappy plastic lens covers. Optics are great, only complaints are (1) a little bulky (weight / length), and purchasing the metal pro covers which set me back $120 (ridiculously overpriced but man are they nice).

Now looking at a Frontier SF 4-20 x 44 scope (1” tube) for my FWB Sport or HW97. Shaves 7 oz and 1” length off the aforementioned Sidewinder. Comes with pro metal covers, but no sidewheel and Hawke doesn’t offer a sidewheel for any Frontier model (if anyone knows different please advise, I don’t see any on their website).

Studying the Frontier, would appreciate any feedback on the following:

1) Are the H7 optics noticeably better than the H5 in reasonable light?
2) Why doesn’t the Frontier have sidewheel support? Is there something about the left-side turret design that precludes a sidewheel??
3) If a sidewheel is possible/practical, any recommended sources? Looking for a small’ish 2.5-4” wheel, not a larger 5-6” version like Rowan offers

Many Thanks!

 

[Nico5999]

IMO, yes the H7 optics are a noticeable improvement over the H5 system. - which is saying something, because I love the H5 glass. Comparing both my Sidewinder @20x (6.5-20 variant) and my Frontier 34 (5-30 version) the Frontier definitely edges out the sidewinder. Not EXACTLY a 1:1 comparison given the difference in tube size, but the difference is substantial enough that I think it's pertinent and more than a marketing thing.

You have to remember, Hawke does more than just air rifle scopes. I've always thought of the Sidewinder as Hawke's original "flagship air rifle offering" since it has always had everything an air rifle scope should have - 10yd parallax, awesome multiple aim point reticle, sidewheel, springer rated, etc. The Frontier is obviously aimed more at centerfire guys. A lot of firearm shooters don't use sidewheels. That's why it isn't offered - most competitors don't offer factory sidewheel options either (Athlon, Riton, Bushnell, etc.). There's nothing about the Frontier that would prevent you from using a sidewheel.

You can find 3d printed custom sidewheels that clamp on to the turret (i.e. will fit a variety of different scopes) for pretty cheap. I've had good luck with these guys: https://smwengineering.co.uk/products/side-focus-wheel-for-hawke-vantage Just paw around the interwebs for custom sidehweels and you can find one that tickles your fancy. Marmot Militia has always had a good reputation for making awesome wheels, although a bit more expensive.

The Frontier you're looking at is on their size chart too

Go with the Hawke. You won't regret it. I've been using the HECK out of my Frontier 34mm and I have nothing but good things to say about it. Definitely my all time favorite optic for competition use.

 

[rwsmike]

I own three frontier scopes and really love them

 

[bfloyd1095]

As mentioned, the H7 glass is better.
As with any of the so called "mid-priced" scopes the more magnification the darker .
The Frontier has better edge quality at full magnification.

As for a sidewheel, if you don't want the rinky dink 3D printed versions, Scope Werks makes some Very nice billet wheels that will fit and thier customer service is outstanding.

Scope-Werks - Shop Home

Home of custom scope focus sidewheels, elevation turrets, and ballistics/tape software

scope-werks.com

 

[jimk1963]

IMO, yes the H7 optics are a noticeable improvement over the H5 system. - which is saying something, because I love the H5 glass. Comparing both my Sidewinder @20x (6.5-20 variant) and my Frontier 34 (5-30 version) the Frontier definitely edges out the sidewinder. Not EXACTLY a 1:1 comparison given the difference in tube size, but the difference is substantial enough that I think it's pertinent and more than a marketing thing.

You have to remember, Hawke does more than just air rifle scopes. I've always thought of the Sidewinder as Hawke's original "flagship air rifle offering" since it has always had everything an air rifle scope should have - 10yd parallax, awesome multiple aim point reticle, sidewheel, springer rated, etc. The Frontier is obviously aimed more at centerfire guys. A lot of firearm shooters don't use sidewheels. That's why it isn't offered - most competitors don't offer factory sidewheel options either (Athlon, Riton, Bushnell, etc.). There's nothing about the Frontier that would prevent you from using a sidewheel.

You can find 3d printed custom sidewheels that clamp on to the turret (i.e. will fit a variety of different scopes) for pretty cheap. I've had good luck with these guys: https://smwengineering.co.uk/products/side-focus-wheel-for-hawke-vantage Just paw around the interwebs for custom sidehweels and you can find one that tickles your fancy. Marmot Militia has always had a good reputation for making awesome wheels, although a bit more expensive.

The Frontier you're looking at is on their size chart too

Go with the Hawke. You won't regret it. I've been using the HECK out of my Frontier 34mm and I have nothing but good things to say about it. Definitely my all time favorite optic for competition use.

Thanks so much for this great info. I’m already sold on Hawke, have owned Airmax’s for years and have never had an issue. I love the sidewinder, optics are the best I’ve experienced on an airgun so it’s noteworthy that several of you find the H7 even better.

Guess I’m still puzzled why Hawke doesn’t offer an indexed sidewheel as an optional accessory - firearms guys would ignore it but seems it might spark more airgunners to look at the frontier.

Will study up on the third party sidewheel options, thanks for the links.

 

[jimk1963]

I own three frontier scopes and really love them

Thanks much, are you using these for target or field target use? Just wondering if lack of a sidewheel has been of any concern or annoyance. I shot for 40 years without a sidewheel so for me it’s a “new luxury” but have to say I really love the convenience/ergonomics.

 

[jimk1963]

As mentioned, the H7 glass is better.
As with any of the so called "mid-priced" scopes the more magnification the darker .
The Frontier has better edge quality at full magnification.

As for a sidewheel, if you don't want the rinky dink 3D printed versions, Scope Werks makes some Very nice billet wheels that will fit and thier customer service is outstanding.

Scope-Werks - Shop Home

Home of custom scope focus sidewheels, elevation turrets, and ballistics/tape software

scope-werks.com

Thanks for the info, scope-werks was the first website that came up in my original google search. The site doesn’t list support for the SFP version of the frontier, will email them to find out more. I would prefer a metal wheel, but also wish it was indexed like Hawke’s wheels.

 

[bfloyd1095]

You can make your own indexing tape foe the wheels...

 

[jimk1963]

You can make your own indexing tape foe the wheels...

Yeah I understand, just prefer the look and convenience of having the distances permanently etched vs. applying labels.

 

[Kgphotos]

Have you seen this post by member Cannonball. It’s from last March and is about the very scope you are interested in.
Kenny

https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/hawke-frontier-for-field-target-review.1219720/

 

[jimk1963]

Have you seen this post by member Cannonball. It’s from last March and is about the very scope you are interested in.
Kenny

https://www.airgunnation.com/threads/hawke-frontier-for-field-target-review.1219720/

Missed this!! Thanks so much, fantastic info.

 

[Jlarson5150]

Been wanting a hawke, reading this has helped.

 

[jimk1963]

I've placed an order for the Frontier 4-20x44 from Cameraland (thanks Kenny for the great lead!), they have it on sale for $399 thru Jan 22 with free shipping. First time to order anything from them, hoping it's a new/good unit and not a refurb or other issue. Just a little nervous because everywhere else it's $599; pretty unusual to see a scope drop this far in price and only from one place, but hey I'll take it. Bought a BKL 260D7 droop-compensating mount (Amazon) to go with it.

 

[Deerstalker]

Recently purchased a Sidewinder 30 SF 6-24 x 56 scope. Came with 4” sidewheel, focus lever, and crappy plastic lens covers. Optics are great, only complaints are (1) a little bulky (weight / length), and purchasing the metal pro covers which set me back $120 (ridiculously overpriced but man are they nice).

Now looking at a Frontier SF 4-20 x 44 scope (1” tube) for my FWB Sport or HW97. Shaves 7 oz and 1” length off the aforementioned Sidewinder. Comes with pro metal covers, but no sidewheel and Hawke doesn’t offer a sidewheel for any Frontier model (if anyone knows different please advise, I don’t see any on their website).

Studying the Frontier, would appreciate any feedback on the following:

1) Are the H7 optics noticeably better than the H5 in reasonable light?
2) Why doesn’t the Frontier have sidewheel support? Is there something about the left-side turret design that precludes a sidewheel??
3) If a sidewheel is possible/practical, any recommended sources? Looking for a small’ish 2.5-4” wheel, not a larger 5-6” version like Rowan offers

Many Thanks!

You may want to check out this model. https://us.hawkeoptics.com/airmax-30-sf-compact-3-12x40-amx-ir.html

 

[jimk1963]

You may want to check out this model. https://us.hawkeoptics.com/airmax-30-sf-compact-3-12x40-amx-ir.html

Thanks, I didn't realize any scopes in the Airmax lineup had side focus. Thought they were all AO. I like the specs of this scope, even the 6-124x50 is reasonably compact.

Will consider for other guns. Have already pulled the trigger on the Frontier 4-20x44 as noted, $399 shipped was too hard to pass up for Hawke's best H7 glass.