After many years and ten's of thousands of pellets my Bushnell Trophy XLT 4 x 12 is calling it quits. I need to replace it with something that has more magnification and equal build quality. I'm not sure about the new Bushnell line of scopes as they no longer list break barrel in the description of the Trophy line as in the past. So please tell me your experience what you use and has held up over time. The gun is sub 12 foot pound fully tuned but still a springer and as such still has the ability to destroy a lesser scope.
Doug
My list is dated, but I own all of these and they work on ram/springers:
1. Leupold 6.5-20x40 EFR
2. Leupold 3-9x33 EFR
3. B&L elite 3200
4. B&L elite 4200
5. Weaver V-16
6. Burris 4-12 RA
7. Bushnell Legend 5-15 mil-dot
8. Beeman 66R/RL 2-7x32
9. Beeman short scopes (ss-1, ss-2(L), and ss-3). The ss-2 came in fixed 3x and 4x (rare). you will need a scope stop to keep from sliding on the rails. Exception would be mounting an ss-1 on a 10m gun.
10. Beeman 68R 4-12x40mm
11. Bushnell Trophy 6-18x40mm
Believe there is a used legend in the classifieds right now.
An easy way to see what is airgun rated is to go to the heavy recoiling optics page on SS:
https://www.straightshooters.com/heavy-recoil-scopes.html
If in doubt, call Craig at SS. He will steer you in the right direction.
Imho, Sonnysan is spot on. Notice that, except for the Legend MD, all of his suggestions are older models from the 90s when springers were more popular. To his list, I would add the original Simmons scopes from that same era, all of the Hawke Airmax scopes (which are heavy springer rated although the glass is not as good), and the military grade SWFA fixed 10X (or 6X). For me, the best of the bunch are the Leupold EFRs.
You will get many a answer. I always liked the old model Leupold EFR, I am sure the new one is fine. The old Nikon EFR was fantastic, it is discontinued. I have many Weaver V16, they were excellent, they are done. The Weaver rimfire AO was fantastic and similar to the Leupold EFR, it is done. The Clearidge Ultra RM was pretty decent. Also, the Clearidge Ultra XP, I have one and have never seen another post on them, it is the bomb, here is a picture of it in my TX 200, not a break barrel. And to step up to the 30mm tube, the Clearidge XP5 was also real nice.
Clearidge Ultra XP
Prairie Farmer
Doug... I'm curious what springer air rifle you had the Bushnell Trophy XLT scope on... sounds like it is a break-barrel ?
That's a lot of pellets... I would contact Bushnell to see about getting it repaired, even if you want to get a high-powered scope.
There seems to be a plethora of airgun-rated scopes out there... I'm not sure if that means they can handle the double recoil of a spring piston or that they have adjustable objective that can be focused down to at least 10 yards... I would hope both, but like you pointed out, it may be hard to tell, unless they are noted as such... I find it very confusing looking for a new scope.
I always liked the old Bushnell Trophy 4-12x40 scopes... I have several, having bought a couple more used on ebay the past few years.
Also love my old Leupold EFR 3-9x scope... the first "springer-rated" scope that I bought, since it was so highly recommended way back then.
I was never sure how the newer Bushnell's hold up or focus down to... I assume they could handle the spring recoil, but wasn't sure about the focusing.
Kind of limited on the selection of scopes that will fit and work on a break-barrel springer.
I had a Hakko 4-16x50mm scope on my R9, but at 16.5 inches long it barely fit... bulky too... I recently replaced it with an old Trophy 4-12x scope--much better fit and function.
Not sure what I will put the Hakko on... I will probably sell it at some point... I have too many air rifles as it is, and not getting any younger !
@airmojo , The Trophy spent a few years and many pellets on my .22 un tuned R9 and never missed a beat. Then I came down with the magnum bug and purchased my Air Arms Pro Elite in .177 shortly after Air Arms developed that rifle. It lived on top of the PE for a very long time as I tuned the gun up and down the power range and went through many many thousands of pellets in the process. I have shot the PE in temps as high as 100 and and as low as 10 and both scope and rifle preformed perfectly. My PE was / is my most shot rifle out of the guns that I own. A few years ago the 4 x 12 Trophy was replaced with the 6 x 18 Trophy to better balance the PE and help with older eyes. The 4 x 12 has been on and off many different springers lived through many shot cycles for many years and now coming to rest on top of a new freshly tuned 11 foot pound HW 50. It was sad to see the tell tale fade of an old friend but I plan on contacting Bushnell to see if they can repair it. I have narrowed my search down to a couple of scopes but I question if they can live up to the older Bushnell line , we shall see.
Doug
@dshea Doug... curious what you decide on... let us know.
I have a Bausche & Lombe Rainguard 6-24x 40 scope on my .177 TX200...
I think it is similar to, or an older version, of the Bushnell Elite 4200 6-24 scope that has a nice mil-dot reticle ... the B&L has duplex reticle.
Nice scopes but probably too long for a break-barrel.
I much prefer the mil-dot reticle... probably most of us do these days
Curious how people lump $700 scopes with $400 scopes in the same category.
And also how long-time-discontinued models help the OP in any way, but . . . to each his own.
The Bushnell in question was worth about $2-300 in its days, now that bracket is occupied with $400 scopes.
There are good values still in the $200 bracket but those stop at 12X.
Scopes are extremely personal things, as we all "see" different.
And scopes that are spring-piston resistant, are not even absolutely necessary anymore with the right mounts.
But the OP stated a precise spec.
Go figure . . .
HM
I am loving my Hawke Frontier 4-20x44, very sharp, fairly lightweight, GREAT Reticle. Yes, it's "only" a 44mm objective so that may deter you, but I don't mind as I can always just lower the mag and I love the lighter weight.
Also have Vortex, SWFA, Athlon, .. all very good and springer capable but I like the Frontier the best. Different price points available with the different manufacturers and models and lots of different magnifications. The Hawke is a mid to high end for their lineup, some of the lower end hawkes are decent but not in this league.
Regards,
John
And scopes that are spring-piston resistant, are not even absolutely necessary anymore with the right mounts.
HM
Which mounts are those now?
The Diana Bullseye ZR mount would be one:
I am loving my Hawke Frontier 4-20x44, very sharp, fairly lightweight, GREAT Reticle. Yes, it's "only" a 44mm objective so that may deter you, but I don't mind as I can always just lower the mag and I love the lighter weight.
Also have Vortex, SWFA, Athlon, .. all very good and springer capable but I like the Frontier the best. Different price points available with the different manufacturers and models and lots of different magnifications. The Hawke is a mid to high end for their lineup, some of the lower end hawkes are decent but not in this league.
Regards,
John
At $570, it's not precisely on the "mid" class, and with a close focus of 15 meters, it's not quite what airgunners look for.
Still, it's an interesting design and set of specs. Just wish I could believe them.
😉
HM
I am loving my Hawke Frontier 4-20x44, very sharp, fairly lightweight, GREAT Reticle. Yes, it's "only" a 44mm objective so that may deter you, but I don't mind as I can always just lower the mag and I love the lighter weight.
Also have Vortex, SWFA, Athlon, .. all very good and springer capable but I like the Frontier the best. Different price points available with the different manufacturers and models and lots of different magnifications. The Hawke is a mid to high end for their lineup, some of the lower end hawkes are decent but not in this league.
Regards,
John
After reading your review I did a search and found it listed on the Pyramyd Air site......
I was disappointed by a couple of it's "features"........
1. The $629 Hawke list price ($500ish Pyramyd Air retail price).
2. Pyramyd Air didn't list the minimum focus distance but the Hawke site listed it at 15 yards which isn't very useful for closer range pesting or field target shooting.
3. The Hawke Frontier reticles aren't very useful for my airgunning.
4. Hawke doesn't seem to have a side wheel for this scope.
I'll address a few of the "shortcomings".
Focus? My Frontier scope focuses nearly perfectly down to 10 yards at low power, but I won't say perfectly. Yes it lists 15 yards as minimum, can't argue. Is it useable for hunting? Yes, IMHO. But a better question is why all this hard 10 yard stuff? What is 10 yards? It's an arbitrary distance, why not 8... 6, 11.5? We value this specific number mostly for FT (not sure why you'd buy this big a scope for 10 meter paper), which is a game many or most of us do not partake in regularly. This is not an FT specific forum and I did not see where the original poster made 10 yards a requirement so I am a bit more flexible here. Certainly if FT is your gig, I get it but again it's at least somewhat arbitrary for many IMHO. It is useable below 15 yards, it is an excellent hunting scope due to it's low power (4x on the lower end) and light weight along with the excellent and illuminated reticle, quick zoom capability and side focus.
Reticle? Personal preference here so hard to argue. The OP did not list requirements regarding this. I LOVE this reticle but others may not. Easy to see on the Hawke website and decide for yourself.
Side wheel? How many non-FT shooters have these on all their guns? Nice to have, but not required in general, but that said, they can be had for almost any scope online (3d printed ones, useable, more cost but available).
Price? Yes, it's high... I got mine for less than $400 new (on sale with a coupon) at OpticsPlanet....(edit: $399.99 minus a $44 coupon I found online... less than $360 new, wish I bought 2!) and used you may find ones even cheaper... comparable by Hector's math to his older scope that needs a replacement. Not sure how often that price will be available but I'd keep checking if I were looking!
All I saw was the original poster wanted more magnification and quality, I did not recommend a Nightforce. With this scope, he will have both. Will it suit all his need? Not sure, it definitely will not focus down to 3 yards. In any case, it's a very good scope and may work for the OP and for sure works for me. (I have another for FT if I get a chance to attend a match). Other scopes may work better for the OP as well, but at $400 new... there aren't too many that tick so many of my boxes. For non FT anyway, I respectfully standby my original post in detail.
Regards,
John
Just takes a phone call to Bushnell Optics. They'll happily tell you which of their scopes are airgun rated. From their website:
You can reach our U.S. customer service team Monday-Tuesday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm CST, Wednesday-Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and Friday 8AM to 2PM at 1-800-423-3537.
Try the SIGHTRON STac line, the 4-20 X 50 ones
OR
The Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical (6-24X50)
Both of them will meet your criteria.
HTH
+1 on the S-tac. I’ve had one on a HW97 that I used for FT. Good glass, holds zero, great reticle, lifetime warranty and made in the Philippines (vs China - if that matters).
I'll address a few of the "shortcomings".
Focus? My Frontier scope focuses nearly perfectly down to 10 yards at low power, but I won't say perfectly. Yes it lists 15 yards as minimum, can't argue. Is it useable for hunting? Yes, IMHO. But a better question is why all this hard 10 yard stuff? What is 10 yards? It's an arbitrary distance, why not 8... 6, 11.5? We value this specific number mostly for FT (not sure why you'd buy this big a scope for 10 meter paper), which is a game many or most of us do not partake in regularly. This is not an FT specific forum and I did not see where the original poster made 10 yards a requirement so I am a bit more flexible here. Certainly if FT is your gig, I get it but again it's at least somewhat arbitrary for many IMHO. It is useable below 15 yards, it is an excellent hunting scope due to it's low power (4x on the lower end) and light weight along with the excellent and illuminated reticle, quick zoom capability and side focus.
Reticle? Personal preference here so hard to argue. The OP did not list requirements regarding this. I LOVE this reticle but others may not. Easy to see on the Hawke website and decide for yourself.
Side wheel? How many non-FT shooters have these on all their guns? Nice to have, but not required in general, but that said, they can be had for almost any scope online (3d printed ones, useable, more cost but available).
Price? Yes, it's high... I got mine for less than $400 new (on sale with a coupon) at OpticsPlanet....(edit: $399.99 minus a $44 coupon I found online... less than $360 new, wish I bought 2!) and used you may find ones even cheaper... comparable by Hector's math to his older scope that needs a replacement. Not sure how often that price will be available but I'd keep checking if I were looking!
All I saw was the original poster wanted more magnification and quality, I did not recommend a Nightforce. With this scope, he will have both. Will it suit all his need? Not sure, it definitely will not focus down to 3 yards. In any case, it's a very good scope and may work for the OP and for sure works for me. (I have another for FT if I get a chance to attend a match). Other scopes may work better for the OP as well, but at $400 new... there aren't too many that tick so many of my boxes. For non FT anyway, I respectfully standby my original post in detail.
Regards,
John
A few "personal opinion only" comments..........
"But a better question is why all this hard 10 yard stuff? What is 10 yards? It's an arbitrary distance, why not 8... 6, 11.5?"
10 yards is the minimum distance to set a target on the field target course and I've seen 10 yard killzones as small as 3/8" diameter. Matter of fact, one of my practice targets has a reducer with a 3/8" diameter killzone that I shoot at distances from 10 yards to 20 yards when practicing..............
Since my HW95 (or Beeman R9) is a "multiple use springer" it's necessary to have a SHARP IMAGE of a 3/8" diameter killzone at 10 yards with the scope set at 16x I NEED a sharp close range focus. I do agree that a "15 yard sharp focus" would be adequate if I never took a 10 yard shot (assuming that the parallax is properly corrected).
"(not sure why you'd buy this big a scope for 10 meter paper),"
LOL.....who mentioned "10 meter paper"?
"It is useable below 15 yards, it is an excellent hunting scope due to it's low power (4x on the lower end)"
Hummm.......ever try to scope rangefind at only 4x? At the shorter springer ranges the pellet is rising rather quickly to the line of sight so every yard means a significant change in the poi till the "1st zero" distance, bit higher mid-range, and again on the "2nd zero" distance. Here is the trajectory of the pellet flight of a particular .177 R9 setup using a 30 yard zero............
Evidently I'm now known as "Bucket Man" because I do all my shooting sitting on a bucket resting the gun on cross sticks so don't hammer me too bad for the group sizes. Anywhoo......notice that the poi of the above R9 setup rises from 1/2" low at 10 yards to "dead on" at only 17 yards (1st zero) and at 15 yards the poi is still 1/16"low.
"Side wheel? How many non-FT shooters have these on all their guns?"
LOL....a necessity for scope rangefinding no matter shooting field target or squirrel hunting unless all shooting is done between 15 yards and 35 yards! LOL....even my scopes with an AO have "holdover symbols"...........
"For non FT anyway, I respectfully standby my original post in detail."
Whatever trips yer trigger is fine with me! 🙂 I also stand by my personal opinions which I thought might have been useful based on my "one gun for all" usage.
Ed,
I am quite conversant with the requirements and nuances of FT in this country at least and the importance of scopes, sidewheels, tapes and ranging and such, but none of this is of any import relative to the OP's original post which did NOT mention FT, Ranging, 10 yards, scope wheels, holdover, hunting, trajectories, etc... many prefer a rangefinder or just simple eyeballing. He may or may not FT or hunt but the whole point is... whether the OP is interested or not, that none of this was mentioned in his original post.... and thus my response. If he had mentioned FT in any way... I'd certainly not have offered the 15 yard scope as a good choice, and not one with a 20x max magnification either (generally too small for FT, too large for hunter FT). Had he mentioned hunting, I likely would have offered this scope as a good choice for the reasons I listed above. Sure, no factory sidewheel, but again... most do without and they are available 3rd party.
I've seen many of your targets here on this list or others going many years back, none have failed to impress me... especially since you are (apparently) "Bucket man" and that has made it tougher in my mind at least. Not a level of shooting I'm capable of, but that does not necessarily mean I don't know a good scope when I smell one. Really should have bought 2. That S-Tac looks pretty nice though... a touch heavy but very nice.
Respectfully,
John
I'll address a few of the "shortcomings".
Focus? My Frontier scope focuses nearly perfectly down to 10 yards at low power, but I won't say perfectly. Yes it lists 15 yards as minimum, can't argue. Is it useable for hunting? Yes, IMHO. But a better question is why all this hard 10 yard stuff? What is 10 yards? It's an arbitrary distance, why not 8... 6, 11.5? We value this specific number mostly for FT (not sure why you'd buy this big a scope for 10 meter paper), which is a game many or most of us do not partake in regularly. This is not an FT specific forum and I did not see where the original poster made 10 yards a requirement so I am a bit more flexible here. Certainly if FT is your gig, I get it but again it's at least somewhat arbitrary for many IMHO. It is useable below 15 yards, it is an excellent hunting scope due to it's low power (4x on the lower end) and light weight along with the excellent and illuminated reticle, quick zoom capability and side focus.
Reticle? Personal preference here so hard to argue. The OP did not list requirements regarding this. I LOVE this reticle but others may not. Easy to see on the Hawke website and decide for yourself.
Side wheel? How many non-FT shooters have these on all their guns? Nice to have, but not required in general, but that said, they can be had for almost any scope online (3d printed ones, useable, more cost but available).
Price? Yes, it's high... I got mine for less than $400 new (on sale with a coupon) at OpticsPlanet....(edit: $399.99 minus a $44 coupon I found online... less than $360 new, wish I bought 2!) and used you may find ones even cheaper... comparable by Hector's math to his older scope that needs a replacement. Not sure how often that price will be available but I'd keep checking if I were looking!
All I saw was the original poster wanted more magnification and quality, I did not recommend a Nightforce. With this scope, he will have both. Will it suit all his need? Not sure, it definitely will not focus down to 3 yards. In any case, it's a very good scope and may work for the OP and for sure works for me. (I have another for FT if I get a chance to attend a match). Other scopes may work better for the OP as well, but at $400 new... there aren't too many that tick so many of my boxes. For non FT anyway, I respectfully standby my original post in detail.
Regards,
John
Can you please share where you got that great deal on the Frontier scope? TIA
When they have them, Dvor is a great place to save a bundle on scopes. Got most of my Airmax scopes from them for $165 or less. Free to join:
I got the scope about a year ago from OpticsPlanet.com. It was on sale for $400 and I then found a coupon! I just found the email receipt and that deal was sweet. Right now it's over $550... so you have to be patient, or try DVOR. When I see a deal, I try to jump on it but I really should have bought more than one at this price. I just didn't know how good the scope would turn out to be, and it's very very good for that money and for $500 it's still a very good scope if you're not FT'ing.
Good (Scope) Hunting,
John
Interesting thread.
I've owned or own numbers 6 and 11 on sonnysan's list. The Burris I regret letting go of and looked the world over when it came time to scope another R1 just a year ago or so. None were to be found. To this day it's one of the best scopes I've ever owned.
The Bushnell I still own. It still lives on my father's original R9 just as it came to be when he ordered the package directly from Beeman. Yes, it's that old. The scope/rifle probably barely had 100 shots fired when the scope took a crap, one of the turrets actually coming loose on the tube. Called Bushnell, sent it in, for a modest fee they did whatever they do and sent it back. It's been solid since then but is only up to a couple hundred rounds now. The R9 it lives on has also had a very nice tune done by Ed that's given the rifle new life and the scope a smoother ride.
If I could find another Burris 4x12 RA for reasonable price I wouldn't hesitate to buy it for my current hot rod R1. The rifle wears a Burris Timberline 4.5x14 that's doing very well.
Had no idea the Burris RA was in demand. I remember recommending it to a guy on the SS chat forum back in the day. He actually bought it, and hated it. Interesting, now people will give their left nut for one. Look what I happened to find just laying around today: A new Burris RA and Leupold 3-9x33mm EFR. I have more mounted on guns tucked away in my stash.
For a sub 12 rifle, get scopes by UTG/Leapers. Excellent quality for $100.
I am doing very well with UTG/Leapers scopes with BKL mounts, but have only used these on 10 ft lb guns and firearms. The firearms use standard mounts. UTG/Leapers scopes claim to be rated for springers. BKL mounts claim to be flexible, which they claim saves scopes and eliminates the need for arresting pins. I used them because I had difficulty fitting some guns and only BKL mounts worked.
UTG/Leapers: BSA Airsporter II and Ruger 10/22T
UTG/Leapers Bug Buster: Webley Viscount, Ruger 9mm PC Carbine and Ruger AR556
My Beeman R9 has worn a Simmons in a Beeman/Theoben Dampa Mount for decades. I don't think Simmons makes airgun scopes anymore.
My Theoben Eliminator came with a Hawke in the proprietary Dampa Mount. The Hawke seems an extremely tough scope to survive on a 28 ft lb Eliminator. The Hawke is pricey
The Beeman/Theoben Dampa Mount does not work to preserve scopes. My R9 still busted an earlier Simmons years ago. The rubber bushings can also go bad, but it takes decades for them to deteriorate. The Dampa Mount for non Theoben rifles also does not have an arresting pin, so it needs an arresting block, like on my R9.
I do not advise adjustable scope mounts, like the old RWS C. Just more to shift around.
Sorry for such a late reply I would highly recommend the Bushnell TAC 5-15x40 AO Mildot made in Japan similar to the old school front focus Japan Elite series. It is super ckear and made in Japan and cam be bought on sale in the low $200 range if you search the net for deals must add to cart to see hidden deals for many places though and retails for around $550 or so regular price. It's at least as clear like an SWFA SS according to my own eyes.
If you like the old Bushnell Legend Mildot from the Philippines this one seems beefier made in Japan.
Can't go wrong with the Leupold EFR either however I am unsure when their Custom Shop will reopen.
The Burris Fullfield 2 front focus ballistic mildot 6.5-20x50 is only 19oz. I wonder how close it focuses? It's around $200.
Doug,
I think I have an extra 4x12 and 6x18 older Trophy if you need one. I also like the old Simmons 44Mag scopes and may have an extra as well. These, along with the Beeman Blue Ribbons are the scopes I have used for the last 20 something years. I have used the 4x12 Trophy's on both Beeman Kodiaks and RWS 54s and never had a problem.
David Enoch
I had that Burris 4-12 compact too and hated it. Eye position is just super critical. I bought cheap and sold it cheap. Hated it. Also have that Trophy 4-12XLT and like it. Lots of good recommendations here. I have been going smaller on my scopes of late including fixed focus ones I have reset parallax for.
