I have a new airgun coming for hunting and have nothing but adj objective scopes to mount. Have some really good scopes but, can’t adjust while holding the guns with trigger arm. How much easier are SF scopes for adjusting on fast moving squirrels? Large adjustment wheel or knob? Considering Hawks in 3x12. Thanks guys!
Scopes: SF vs adj obj for hunting?
- Thread starter Okie2
- Start date
Its night and day different! So much easier and quicker, I wont have an AO scope for hunting anymore.
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I have hawke scopes & prefer their side wheel . I will never use a adj. objective for hunting but that's just me . I'm also left handed but still the side focus is faster for me .
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Buy the $104 Wal-Mart Centerpoint 3-12x44 PLT BDC side focus 30mm that doesn't require constant adjustment of the side focus wheel with different distances that's perfect for hunting just set it at average hunting distance and just shoot dont need to constantly fiddle with the side focus like the Hawke and other brands of scopes. It also has a reticle that makes perfect sense for airguns and optics are very good. You probably gonna buy more of these after you check out your first and especially if you compare side by side with a more expensive Hawke.
OOPS looks like the new ones sold out but they got $69.76 refurbs?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/CenterPoint-3-12x44mm-Riflescope-30mm-PLT-Refurb/992141060
OOPS looks like the new ones sold out but they got $69.76 refurbs?
https://www.walmart.com/ip/CenterPoint-3-12x44mm-Riflescope-30mm-PLT-Refurb/992141060
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Side focus wheels are so much easier especially you got one of those fancy big wheels.
however for squirrels you aren’t usually 100% zoomed in so set objective to where you think they or maybe a little closer are and keep zoom down to a minimum then you may not need to focus much if at all.
however for squirrels you aren’t usually 100% zoomed in so set objective to where you think they or maybe a little closer are and keep zoom down to a minimum then you may not need to focus much if at all.
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I agree! The jury is still out for me as to whether to use the wheel or not. I do like the small wheel but not an overly large one like you will normally see in field trial competitions.
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With THIS Centerpoint you can leave it at max power and it stays clear at a wide range of yards too.
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I personally dont think I would use one for hunting, although I am looking at one of the small ones to try. The big wheel is just asking to be caught on something. Truth be told unless you are using scope cam, most people will just set it at the usual shooting distance and leave it.. adjust if you have the time.
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I like SF, too much “monkey motions” for me with the front focus for hunting or pesting. For plinking or target shooting either one works for me.
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No doubt, SF is handier to adjust than AO. But frankly, for squirrel hunting, it would not be my highest priority in choosing a scope.When I stop beside a tree to wait a while for Mr. squirrel to show, I usually have my scope set on about 8X, and the focus on 25 or 30 yards. If I get a shot inside that range, no need to fuss with any finer focus. If I get a long shot, I usually have time, and can afford the extra motion of using an AO. A good reticle, clarity, and light gathering, those features I put above the type of focus feature.
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The fast-as-a-bullet feral parakeet hates this 8x fixed magnification SF scope. Fixed mag and side focus are the hunting ticket. Minimum fiddling, for that same reason used as sniper scopes by many military as well.
The glass is very clear and the adjustments without reproach.
Marcool, price around 80 on Aliexpress. Try it, it's my most effective hunting scope.
The glass is very clear and the adjustments without reproach.
Marcool, price around 80 on Aliexpress. Try it, it's my most effective hunting scope.
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From a blind position I was spotted about 50 percent of the time when the range/parallax adjustment was on the objective lens and I hade to make a change. I sold that scope and got a side focus and it has made an incredible difference
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Depends on how much range difference there is. Last time out I shot at a focus distance of 30 yards and shot from 25 to 55 yards and went 32 for 32. Was from sparrows to pigeons.
But I do like to see the eye brows at times. So I do have a SF.
But I do like to see the eye brows at times. So I do have a SF.
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I’m with Parrotculler on this one. A fixed power between 4 x and 10x work very well for hunting , in the SF configuration. My favorite “ cheap” scope is the Vector optics marksman 10x44. Very clear glass and the reticle is simple with no fancy stuff . It’s out of stock where I bought it but I’m sure fleabay or aliexpress would have them. Only downside is parallax only down to 10 yards .
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I have to agree with the folks that don't fiddle much if at all with the scopes settings when hunting. I generally set the scope according to my hunting conditions and leave it alone. It seems like too much of a distraction to try and follow moving game just to keep an absolutely sharp focus.
Of course if the potential target range of the game shifts drastically then adjustments might need to be made.
I have learned to like the convenience of the side focus wheel but I don't find an AO to be a real problem. With the side focus wheel, if it is set up correctly, it is nice to have the range marks easily visible.
Of course if the potential target range of the game shifts drastically then adjustments might need to be made.
I have learned to like the convenience of the side focus wheel but I don't find an AO to be a real problem. With the side focus wheel, if it is set up correctly, it is nice to have the range marks easily visible.
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I have both side and front. Seems front focus has a wider range of "in focus" than side focus. I have to adjust side focus to almost every change in range.
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