What would be your recommendation for a quality scope for the spring air rifle noted in the title? I would be willing to spend near the cost of the rifle on a good scope. I was thinking of a scope of 3-18 power, or perhaps a variable that topped out at 14 or 16 power. I would like to hunt with this rifle out to about 50 yards. Would you suggest getting the rifle in .22 caliber as a better choice over the .177? I would like good glass in the scope but know I need a scope capable of handling the double recoil of a spring rifle. Thank you for your replies. My previous posts had to do with PCPs, but this beautiful spring rifle tempts me. I would just have to give up on the idea of hunting groundhogs at any great distance.
Quality scope for an Air Arms TX 200 Mk. iii
- Thread starter pcpwannabe
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I have been using SWFAs with great success on my Springers. Probably best to stay with a 12x fixed, but I use a 3-15 and has given no problems. I actually prefer .177 as my caliber of choice on my Springers. I think I have 5 in .177 & 1 in .22. Very little kills with my .22, too many to count with the .177s, all in Sub 12fpe btw.
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I agree with .177 choice. Nice flat trajectory. The TX200 has a elite reputation and is my favorite springer BUT it is kinda heavy for carrying around hunting.
For scope choice, it would be nice if you could visit a store and have the sales folk let you look thru several choices. Variable power would be my choice over fixed power.
For scope choice, it would be nice if you could visit a store and have the sales folk let you look thru several choices. Variable power would be my choice over fixed power.
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My vote would also be for the .177
Sounds like a sales pitch but....
Awfully hard to find a Japanese scope at this price (299 on sale from 499). I love mine. They will handle a springer without a problem, and have a no nonsense lifetime warranty. They are a 1" tube but don't let that concern you, they are very clear and bright. As a bonus they are short enough not to cause any interference from the loading port.
Bushnell 5-15x40 Tac Optics Rifle Scope.
https://www.swfa.com/bushnell-5-15x40-tac-optics-rifle-scope.html?___SID=U
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Addressing a couple very good points made. If you will be walking around with the gun, consider an HW95 in .177. Very accurate, good power, lighter than an HW97 or TX 200, and just plain ol’deadly.
I took care of a Squirrel this morning using mine, at 27 yards with a Hades pellet. It went in the shoulder and stopped under the skin near the butt! Pierced every vital organ you can think of. Check it out in the hunting section.
I always lusted after a TX200, but that faded after I shot one. Just wasn’t for me. I know they are Fantastic beautiful guns. Have won many a competition, but just not for me.
Variable power scopes have more to go wrong with them. More moving parts. Ask @joewaynerhea just in case I’m wrong. That, and you will usually not change the power level at all. Easier to figure out holdovers too, unless you have a FFP scope & I don’t like them. That little reticle isn’t for me.
I took care of a Squirrel this morning using mine, at 27 yards with a Hades pellet. It went in the shoulder and stopped under the skin near the butt! Pierced every vital organ you can think of. Check it out in the hunting section.
I always lusted after a TX200, but that faded after I shot one. Just wasn’t for me. I know they are Fantastic beautiful guns. Have won many a competition, but just not for me.
Variable power scopes have more to go wrong with them. More moving parts. Ask @joewaynerhea just in case I’m wrong. That, and you will usually not change the power level at all. Easier to figure out holdovers too, unless you have a FFP scope & I don’t like them. That little reticle isn’t for me.
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I second the Bushnell TAC Optics 5-15x40AO and tried it upon reading the good recommendations and all I can say is that I don't think there is anything clearer than this scope for more than twice the price and I think it's even clearer than my Leupold 3x9 EFR. I don't know for sure if it is Magnum Springer rated though but at least it is made in Japan and has Mildots with close focus.
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The TAC Optics 5-15 looks like a member of the Bushnell Elite 4200 series of which I have three. Made in Japan, clear, tough scopes. At that price you can't go wrong. Bushnell has always offered a good selection of scopes able to focus down to 10 yards. They used to be popular for FT until the side focus scopes took over.
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Clearidge is another option and also made in Japan.
I only have one and I like the build quality.
I had the very Tac Optics a long time ago when it was still not called the Tac Optics---it was my 3rd Bushnell Elite.
Some of the increments (or was it the letterings) were still in subtle gold and the Bushnell logo was not a blatant big white:
I never did like big white logos on scopes, as they make them look cheap and made in China.
Manufacturers ought to opt for grey tones like on the Nikon Black.
Btw, the Tac Ops 5-15 scope is clear but the reticle is quite fat.
I only have one and I like the build quality.
I had the very Tac Optics a long time ago when it was still not called the Tac Optics---it was my 3rd Bushnell Elite.
Some of the increments (or was it the letterings) were still in subtle gold and the Bushnell logo was not a blatant big white:
I never did like big white logos on scopes, as they make them look cheap and made in China.
Manufacturers ought to opt for grey tones like on the Nikon Black.
Btw, the Tac Ops 5-15 scope is clear but the reticle is quite fat.
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I had a Athlon Talos 4-14x44 on mine for about a year before I sold the rifle. It was a good combo and I appreciated having such a neat reticle in the FFP.
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Hawke Sport Optics Airmax 30 SF 4-16x50 works great on my HW97 Blackline. I think it's a perfect match for quality springers. Here is a link for review.
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Hawke_Sport_Optics_Airmax_30_SF_4_16x50_Rifle_Scope_Ill_AMX_Mil_Dot_Reticle_1_4_MOA_30mm_Tube/5567
https://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Hawke_Sport_Optics_Airmax_30_SF_4_16x50_Rifle_Scope_Ill_AMX_Mil_Dot_Reticle_1_4_MOA_30mm_Tube/5567
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