So The new scope got here, but I'm still waiting for my Wildcat .22. In the mean time I pulled the Hawke off the Air Ranger and replaced it with the PA 4-14x44, to play and get used to it. I figure ill do an ongoing review and give photo/video views also. Along with the Scope I got some leapers LE grade quick release rings, and a throw lever for the zoom. Ill start with some general pictures and I'm working on a retical video now and will have it up soon. Remember, while I have had a lot of time behind various long range scopes, to include real world time in the military, I'm no expert on scopes, and this is "MY" impression for use on a PCP air rifle 100 yards and in. My use is mainly 40 to 80 yards.
First impressions:
Exterior: Well built. everything on the scope, exterior wise, Is tight but smooth functioning. The clicks, as others have said, are very audible but lack the Positive bearing lock on each click. This does not detract from the function. Its Honda vs Bentley. Honda is very functional, reliable, but doesn't have that melt in the seat feel. Still you know when your there with the clicks. All rings, focus, zoom, are smooth as silk, The zoom is tight, which I like, but the Throw lever from PA makes it smooth and easy and actually very functional and handy. After a quick sight in, I removed the screws on the dials pulled the caps off and set them to zero. There are nice o-rings on the towers for the caps to keep everything tight and waterproof. The scope is an upper medium range in weight. Ive had some heavy scopes and some light as a feather, I wont have any issues with this on my .22 in the field. You wont be able to tell, in the photos of the lit retical, but the light "does not" wash out the edges of the retical like on some models. The edges stay crisp and clear. There is an "off position" between each light level. this is real handy, no spinning the dial to get it to go off.
Glass, Reticle: I'm actually impressed with the glass. I was able to get it mounted and on the bench as the sun went down. I searched, zoomed, played and goofed with the parallax. The glass is clear, and I found it so, on this scope, to be that way all the way to the edges. The reticle is fine and crisp. You might think being an ACSS retical that it is to busy, I find it to be intuitive and unobtrusive. The First Focal Plane is ? What can you say about that "its awesome". The Mil system is built into the retical and there are clear instructions that come with it. The chevron aim point is real nice, remind me of some COGS. Even shooting 4 power, at 50 yards, its small, but visible. As you will see, in the still photos, the reticle is crisp. The horseshoe makes getting on target real quick, the chevron fine tunes the shot. Tons of pics and videos to come. Obviously It need some field time so this will be ongoing. This scope is no US Optics, S&B, High end Leupold, ETC. If you want a Bentley and have the money, or need glass clear enough to see the slightest imperfections in a diamond, more power to you. For $280.00 plus the throw lever, I'm super happy so far. Its got a sturdy feel to it also. Reminds me of the SWFA, just lighter, TIME WILL TELL. Function tests, durability. return to zero is all to come. STAY TUNED
First impressions:
Exterior: Well built. everything on the scope, exterior wise, Is tight but smooth functioning. The clicks, as others have said, are very audible but lack the Positive bearing lock on each click. This does not detract from the function. Its Honda vs Bentley. Honda is very functional, reliable, but doesn't have that melt in the seat feel. Still you know when your there with the clicks. All rings, focus, zoom, are smooth as silk, The zoom is tight, which I like, but the Throw lever from PA makes it smooth and easy and actually very functional and handy. After a quick sight in, I removed the screws on the dials pulled the caps off and set them to zero. There are nice o-rings on the towers for the caps to keep everything tight and waterproof. The scope is an upper medium range in weight. Ive had some heavy scopes and some light as a feather, I wont have any issues with this on my .22 in the field. You wont be able to tell, in the photos of the lit retical, but the light "does not" wash out the edges of the retical like on some models. The edges stay crisp and clear. There is an "off position" between each light level. this is real handy, no spinning the dial to get it to go off.
Glass, Reticle: I'm actually impressed with the glass. I was able to get it mounted and on the bench as the sun went down. I searched, zoomed, played and goofed with the parallax. The glass is clear, and I found it so, on this scope, to be that way all the way to the edges. The reticle is fine and crisp. You might think being an ACSS retical that it is to busy, I find it to be intuitive and unobtrusive. The First Focal Plane is ? What can you say about that "its awesome". The Mil system is built into the retical and there are clear instructions that come with it. The chevron aim point is real nice, remind me of some COGS. Even shooting 4 power, at 50 yards, its small, but visible. As you will see, in the still photos, the reticle is crisp. The horseshoe makes getting on target real quick, the chevron fine tunes the shot. Tons of pics and videos to come. Obviously It need some field time so this will be ongoing. This scope is no US Optics, S&B, High end Leupold, ETC. If you want a Bentley and have the money, or need glass clear enough to see the slightest imperfections in a diamond, more power to you. For $280.00 plus the throw lever, I'm super happy so far. Its got a sturdy feel to it also. Reminds me of the SWFA, just lighter, TIME WILL TELL. Function tests, durability. return to zero is all to come. STAY TUNED
