Scoping the HW97K for hunter field target ...

[Billinoregon]

I've been reading here, watching Cyclops Youtubes, soaking up buzz with the thought of trying hunter field target piston class. Krale just shipped the HW97K (in .177, 20 foot-pounds) and I am casting about for an airgun-rated scope, probably 6-24, parallax to 10 yards and under $400 -- the further under the better.
If anyone can recommend a scope of this description or close to it for HFT piston, I am all ears. Thanks in advance.

 

[Sqwirl57]

The 97K you ordered isn't 20fpe. The max I've seen them get to is about 18fpe in .22 or .25 cal. Realistically yours will be somewhere around 14-15fpe with JSB 8.44s (which is what Krale advertises them as). Maybe you saw Joules and mistook it for FPE?

As far as Hunter Class FT scopes go I use a Sidewinder 30 4-16x50 and its been pretty great on that gun.

 

[efem09]

Leapers 4-16x44 compact

 

[Billinoregon]

Sqwirl, you are right -- I had Joules and not foot-pounds mixed up. The Sidewinders and Cobras look like very nice scopes, but beyond my budget right now. The UTG is under consideration. So is the Athlon Talos 6-24X.

 

[c_m_shooter]

Hunter class or will you be clicking? UTGs work good for hunter class. Should go up to at least a Hawk Airmax if you want to click.

Full power HW97 will likely be 13.5 ft lbs out of the box. H+N FTT with 4.51 to 4.52 head size work in most HW's.

 

[Billinoregon]

I was thinking basic hunter class. I appreciate the guidance, fellas.

 

[beerthief]

Athlon just introed a new scope designed for FT a bit more than $400

HERAS SPR - Athlon Optics

Athlon's modern take on the hunting riflescope The Heras SPR incorporates cross-over features such as locking turrets and SFP and FFP reticle options.

athlonoptics.com

 

[John "spysir" Blount]

I would be talking to everyone at your local club and see what they might just have laying around.

John

 

[peaceful_ruler]

Arken EPL4 6-24x50...right around $400 maybe a little more.

 

[Billinoregon]

The Athlon and Arken are intriguing. I don't know of any local club. Was thinking of showing up cold at a match scheduled for April 15 in Boerne, TX, to embarrass myself before strangers.

 

[davit66]

When I look at Google maps it shows you can get to Boerne in about 3-1/2 hrs. You can also get to Arlington Sportsman's Club in under 3 hrs. Looks like you've got two good places to shoot. I started shooting HFT last year and you'll be hard pressed to find a more friendly and welcoming group of folks. We all embarrass ourselves so don't worry about that. Come on out, you'll have a blast.
Forgot to mention that there are several guys that shoot springers at Arlington.

 

[Sqwirl57]

The Athlon and Arken are intriguing. I don't know of any local club. Was thinking of showing up cold at a match scheduled for April 15 in Boerne, TX, to embarrass myself before strangers.

Do it. You will not embarrass yourself I promise. My first match was the same way. I found one listed on here and just went. When I got there I explained that I had no idea what I was doing and the match director paired me with someone who could show me the ropes. I did not do great but had an awesome time regardless.

 

[Billinoregon]

Davit: It does look like Boerne and Mansfield are the only games in town in this part of Texas. A bit surprised that there doesn't seem to be anything in the Panhandle.

 

[SoCalAirrifles]

Element Helix 6x24x50 $299ish.

 

[jps2486]

Arken EPL4 6-24x50...right around $400 maybe a little more.

Arken scopes have a lot of good things going for them, but I've never tested their ability to accurately range a target except my SH4. It does not do well there.

 

[Billinoregon]

SoCal: I am seeing the Element Helix, but for $400, not $300 ...

 

[Billinoregon]

After agonizing over scope choices, reading reviews, forums, etc., I am leaning toward the affordable and utilitarian, plain-Jane UTG SWAT 4-16 (PY-A-5191 at Pyramyd) and the 80mm "Big Wheel" for parallax. It is nothing special, but tried and true, built to handle springer recoil and comes in just under 22 ounces. I figure if I want to upgrade later, this will always be a useful airgun scope to have on hand, and I could swap it over to the Airacuda .25 .
I was also considering the Athlon Talos 6-24, but it has less eye relief and there are just enough reports of this scope failing on springers that it made me leery.

 

[davecole]

I might suggest a scope with 24 magnification.
Reason being, when you put the scope on max magnification (16x power in the case of this model) you may see a quality reduction in parallax, particularly with a scope in that price range.

 

[Billinoregon]

Dave, your advice is sound. I think I'll just get feet wet with the 4-16, and when I have had a chance to see what other guys are running, then I will consider an upgrade.

 

[jimpclarke3]

Davit: It does look like Boerne and Mansfield are the only games in town in this part of Texas. A bit surprised that there doesn't seem to be anything in the Panhandle.

There are also matches in Waco. https://www.airgunnation.com/thread...ta-rifle-pistol-matches-announcement.1294172/