Pellet rifle recoil and Scopes

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KrisR

KrisR

Member
Feb 25, 2023
31
51
Monson, MA, USA
It is my understanding that spring piston air rifles will cause undo stress on typical scopes because of the reverse recoil.
I have several scopes that are marketed for air gun use. But I have a couple of vintage Baush&Lomb Elite 4200 that were mounted
on a couple spring piston air rifles I bought. Should I not use them on the Beeman R1 or Diana 48?
And how about on an Whiscombe with dual-opposing pistons?
Lastly, do PCP rifles have recoil that powder rifles do not?
 
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Newton told us that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So PCP rifles have recoil but it is hardly noticable on most. That is true because they have modest fpe, there is essentially no mass and low velocity in the air they expell, and most are somewhat heavy compared to powder burners. So it is light duty for a rifle scope to be put on a PCP. Even a 22lr has more fpe and is frequently lighter. Nobody I know would think a 22lr has significant recoil.
 
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I get the PCP, that's what I assumed. I'd guess any scope would be safe from damage on the Whiscombe also. correct me if I'm wrong.
There is a Burris Compact 4-12x32 LER on the Air-Arms TX-200. I know Burris makes good stuff but is this model 'springer safe'?
I bought a dozen air guns from a deceased friends' family so some of this stuff is new to a long time powder shooter.
 
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dizzums said:
springer safe *ahem* ... i wouldnt put any scope on a springer that will make you tear up tossing it in the garbage .. utg/leapers make scopes that can stand up to magnum springers, but even those can 'loosen up' with alot of use ..
Click to expand...
On these rifles there are : Hawke Air Max , Discovery, Simmons Pro Air, Swift Airgun, B+L Elite.
Some intended for air rifles , But what's in a label?
 
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Don't buy only by brand name. Examples.....

Vortex Crossfire rated shockproof but not springer rated over 12fpe

Vortex Diamondback put it on any springer you want.

Hawke Vantage rated shockproof but not springer rated over 12fpe

Hawke Airmax put it on any springer you want.

Not all Discovery scopes are rated for springers either.

I'm a Leupold or Vortex fanboy, I have never had any issues with these two brands.....I tried a Discovery with a 30mm tube and it has been good but doesn't compare to the other two I mentioned.
My Diana 48 is the KING of breaking scopes......So I have read? I have yet to see my Diana 48 destroy any of my scopes.

This is what I believe to be true with my personal experience.
 
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WoodWelder said:
Don't buy only by brand name. Examples.....

Vortex Crossfire rated shockproof but not springer rated over 12fpe

Vortex Diamondback put it on any springer you want.

Hawke Vantage rated shockproof but not springer rated over 12fpe

Hawke Airmax put it on any springer you want.

Not all Discovery scopes are rated for springers either.

I'm a Leupold or Vortex fanboy, I have never had any issues with these two brands.....I tried a Discovery with a 30mm tube and it has been good but doesn't compare to the other two I mentioned.
My Diana 48 is the KING of breaking scopes......So I have read? I have yet to see my Diana 48 destroy any of my scopes.

This is what I believe to be true with my personal experience.
Click to expand...
All good examples. This is the kind of advise I was looking for. Thank you.
 
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WoodWelder said:
Don't buy only by brand name. Examples.....

Vortex Crossfire rated shockproof but not springer rated over 12fpe

Vortex Diamondback put it on any springer you want.

Hawke Vantage rated shockproof but not springer rated over 12fpe

Hawke Airmax put it on any springer you want.

Not all Discovery scopes are rated for springers either.

I'm a Leupold or Vortex fanboy, I have never had any issues with these two brands.....I tried a Discovery with a 30mm tube and it has been good but doesn't compare to the other two I mentioned.
My Diana 48 is the KING of breaking scopes......So I have read? I have yet to see my Diana 48 destroy any of my scopes.

This is what I believe to be true with my personal experience.
Click to expand...
I have seen lot of vantages used with even magnums! I think that they do pretty well.
 
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KrisR said:
It is my understanding that spring piston air rifles will cause undo stress on typical scopes because of the reverse recoil.
I have several scopes that are marketed for air gun use. But I have a couple of vintage Baush&Lomb Elite 4200 that were mounted
on a couple spring piston air rifles I bought. Should I not use them on the Beeman R1 or Diana 48?
And how about on an Whiscombe with dual-opposing pistons?
Lastly, do PCP rifles have recoil that powder rifles do not?
Click to expand...
4200s work great...upgraded to 50x sidewheel Delta with lumination

2017 az 3 JW Shooting.jpg
 
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KrisR said:
I get the PCP, that's what I assumed. I'd guess any scope would be safe from damage on the also. correct me if I'm wrong.
There is a Burris Compact 4-12x32 LER on the Air-Arms TX-200. I know Burris makes good stuff but is this model 'springer safe'?
I bought a dozen air guns from a deceased friends' family so some of this stuff is new to a long time powder shooter.
Click to expand...
Whiscombe has no recoil or not any noticeable recoil because the pistons cancel each other .
Click to expand...
 
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I've used a lot of different scopes on spring/gas ram rifles. A well-tuned spring rifle can use a variety of scopes, straight from the factory guns it's a crap shoot. I have found the Japanese made Trophy scopes to be great, the old Weaver V-16's, the Philippine made Simmons also work very well. I have used the scopes that I mentioned on everything from R1's to Crow Magnum/Eliminators with no problems.
 
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