Well, this week I finally got around to looking at the Centerpoint 4X32 scope & mounts. My first impression was the scope adequate - especially for a hunting rifle.
The modified duplex-mil-dot reticle [See pic.] looked useable, but not necessarily useful since most of my anticipated shots would be within 40 yards. And, it's relatively easy to sight in the Quest 800 to shoot "flat" [within 2 inches or +/- one inch] from 5 to 40 yards. However, it might be nice to try some long range shots using the mil-dot guides for range and windage just for kicks. Back on the farm as a kid, I shot many a pigeon beyond 70 yards with an old .22 cal Benj pumper and "Kentucky Holdover/Windage".
The mounts were a mixed set - single width for front mount and "double width" for rear mount. This was a little disappointing since it couldn't have cost much more for two "double width" rings. And, there were no mounting instructions.
The rear mount included a set screw to match the scope stop hole in the Quest receiver. However, you need to mount the lower half as you tighten the set screw to assure proper alignment. Once aligned, crank down the rail screws and snug down the set screw firmly. [One "old timer" told me once to hold a penny in a pair of vise grips and tighten the rail screws until the penny bends!] I didn't use a penny [they're made out of zinc nowadays, anyway.] But, I cranked them down good with my Chapman screw driver rachet. I checked eye relief and scope cant, then I cranked down on the scope screws. Everything was tight and snug.
Out on my backyard range I had my first disappointment. I could not find a focus setting for 10 meters where both the reticle and target were in focus. Maybe, it's because I wear glasses, but I'm more inclined to think it's just the scope design. After all, what can you expect from a $25 scope? I finally settled on a focus setting where everything was clear from about 15 yards and beyond. So if you're expecting to shoot 10 meter targets with this scope - DON'T! Once again, though, the fixed 4X32 is more than adequate for typical air rifle hunting ranges.
While adjusting the scope, I thought the rather noticeable barrel droop on the Quest 800 might be a problem, but the scope calibrated to Zero at 10 meters - even if the target was a little blurry. Then came the fun part - blasting away with some wadcutters [flat nose pellets]. Once again the Quest proved its power. I knocked my old Marksman pell trap off its perch several times.
After about 30 shots or so I noticed some - scope slippage! [See pic.] So much for miracle tape!!!! Out came the Chapman screw driver set, and I really cranked down on the scope screws. It still slipped. More cranking....more slip. Finally, one of the mounting screws stripped out of the relatively soft aluminum mounts. Scratch one set of cheap mounts.
So there you have it. The scope is useable for hunting, but definitely not a 10M scope. The inexpensive mounts are basically throw-aways. If you can find a Quest 800 without the scope, it's probably a better buy than the 800X combo. However, I couldn't find just the rifle so I'll buy a better set of mounts and use the Centerpoint scope for a while.
More on my Quest 800X review later.
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ADDENDUM
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Thanks to mackeralboy, I've been able to salvage the Crosman mounts. Upon further inspection it was the rather small head screw in the scope rings that pulled through. I found some hex head screws same size with bigger heads that work perfectly. More on scope mounting in next part of my review.