I'm 99% sure I'll be purchasing a .22 FX Dreamline this spring and am searching for the scope to go on it. I really like the SWFA 3-15 with the mil-quad reticle but dang, $700. I mostly hunt pigeons, ground squirrels, starlings, etc. out to 100+ yards, with some occasional informal target work. So, I'll list my desires and if anyone has any suggestions please post them.
#1. $400-ish price range.
#2. 3x for the low end magnification, 15x for upper end magnification. I don't need any 24x scopes.
#3. A simple but effective reticle for long range shooting. No Christmas tree reticles or reticles that are too busy. The SWFA reticle is really nice, so is the UTG UMOA reticle. 6+ mil-dots. Numbers beside some of the mil-dots would be nice. I don't use illumination so that isn't a requirement. My old UTG 3-12 full size SWAT scope has 6 mil dots and is a great scope, just looking for something a bit better.
#4. Side AO adjustment.
#5. As clear of glass as the price point will allow.
#6. Weight isn't super critical, just not a boat anchor for a scope.
The SWFA 3-15x42 sfp used to be on sale all the time for around $400. I'd put up a WTB ad and see if someone has one of these they would part with? IMO it is the best scope for the money that has all the features you want.
The Sightron S-TAC 3-16 is another scope in that price range that I had checked out before. It seems to get good reviews from those that have it.
With similar criteria, I like the Burris Timberline, although no side focus (front AO).
Lightweight and well within budget, though.
https://athlonoptics.com/product/midas-tac-4-16x44-mil/
I have been putting athlon optics on all my airguns after discovering them, i really like them.
Go to Edgunwest.com and check out his offerings. It's good to buy from Brian. If you have problems he will personally take care of his customers.
The Discovery line is new, not overly expensive, and getting very good reviews from buyers. It's a Chinese company trying to produce high quality scopes and Youtube has some videos of their testing the scope by banging it on a work bench, then checking to see if it still maintains focus and accuracy.
I've got one ordered. If you wish, do a search on Discovery Scopes and you should find some user reviews on this forum, and at least one other.
Check out the TAC Vector Optics Marksman scopes. If you like the SWFA reticle you might find these scopes appealing and the price will definately be more appealing. I have the 3.5x10x44 and a 10X Fixed on the way. The 10X fixed has numbers besides some of the mildots. Glass will not match what you get with a $700 scope, but is quite acceptable for airgunning.
https://www.vectoroptics.com/Marksman-3-5-10x44-Hunting-Riflescope.html
For your scope search there is a comprehensive scope model comparisons with specs:
• Price Range = $300-500
• Magnification: 3-16x (4-16, 3-18x)
• Side AO adjustment
• Notes on reticles, mentioning if they have numbers
