Choice between 2 scopes..opinions please

MacOne · 28th Oct 2004, 21:39

Hi, I want to get my a decent mil dot scope so I can get into HFT. My budget isn't huge but I've done a lot of reserch via the web and narrowed it down to two.

Hawke Sidewinder 4x12
Bushnell Legend 5-15

Ok, the Hawke second hand is about 150 new its about 210. The Bushnell is coming from the USA. I have imported a fair bit before (not airgun though) and appreciate shipping/VAT/Duty. But....doing my calculations the Bushnell including shipping and taxes is about 140GBP. So there is not a lot in it.

Hence...over to you guys for your pennethworth. If it were you what would be your choice of scope on the table in front of you if all things were equal? Plus and minus points of both scopes? Usefulness for what I want to use it for?

Thanks, opinions appreciated even if that means suggesting a completely different scope.

Davestate · 28th Oct 2004, 22:04

The SideWinder is very heavy, very big and not the best optics for the money. I had one and because of the above, I never mounted it and soon got shut.
The Bushnell is the opposite in every way and would be my choice every time, if you can live with front PA, buy it.
In fact, buy anything other than the Hawke.

MacOne · 29th Oct 2004, 03:02

The Bushnell is the opposite in every way and would be my choice every time, if you can live with front PA, buy it.
In fact, buy anything other than the Hawke.

[/quote]

Yep, the Bushnell is my choice at heart but wanted a little feedback. The front PA isn't quite what I would have prefered but read a lot of good things about the scope. Like I say I want it for HFT really, so although the front PA maybe a pain, I can't alter anything until end of shoot anyway.

Unless someone has a suggestion for a good combination of both that challenges the Bushnell for less than 200 quis or so?

Davestate · 29th Oct 2004, 09:33

The only other scope I have found that has the quality of the Bushnells and with side PA is A Nikko Sniper 6-24x42, but best price over here is £349. If you can source one cheaper in the US....

Lez325 · 6th Nov 2004, 13:10

Ive just got my hands on an AGS Swat/ 4-16 x 56. super optics for £199

Les

MacOne · 18th Nov 2004, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lez325

Ive just got my hands on an AGS Swat/ 4-16 x 56. super optics for £199

Les

How many greys have you sent to the great hunting ground in the sky with that?

I've looked at that scope and a fair few others....It's just that I also want to use for HFT. Now the other day I read a thread about scopes for HFT and there was a point about needing a scope around a 40-42mm. Their point was that the scope aperture is like a camera aperture. ie. 2.8 sharp item focus everything else out of focus. 5.6. sharp item focus more in background in focus. Ok, I'm stating depth of field.

So, if I set the scope to 30 yards, my target is 45 yards would I get a better focus on a 42mm scope compared to a 56mm scope? Without the two in front I can't tell bbut the way the guy explained the depth of field (and I also enjoy photographing wildlife not just shooting the not so nice stuff)....it seemed to make sense. So have I missed the point, or should i go fot the small aperture if HFT and hunting is what I have in mind?