What Scope is on Your Springer?

[thebookdoc]

I just bought a few scopes probably without getting deep enough into what was required. I want AO, likely a sidewheel, 4-16 or so, large lens, and something that will withstand springer recoil. I got a Nikon Monarch 4-16x42, a Sightron SII 3-12x42, a Leupold VX-1 3-9x40 and a Millett 4-16x56...but never checked the recoil ratings (well, first because I never saw any recoil ratings and also because I figured anything like that would only be an issue with a cheaper scope).

So what do you use? What do you prefer? What would you use if you could afford it?

I mostly shoot chinese springers.

[BumbleShot]

Bushnell Banner AO 40mm 3-12 on the B40 .177.  This scope is the Cherry of what I have I love it! Just fits with medium height Accushot mount.  The Leapers below are very nice, but not as super-nice nor as spendy!

Leapers 3-9x32 AO on Beeman R9 .177  Medium Accushot one piece.

Leapers 3-9x32 AO on .22 B26  Medium Accushot one piece.


Leapers Bug Buster AO 3-9x32 on Beeman R7  2 Piece Accushot high mounts.  Not ideal but still works great.  This weekend this rifle was the go-to for shots to 50 yards.

AO (Adjustable Objective)  I think is a super critical feature on any scope on an airgun.  You can range find with it, you can focus up close shots and the one feature you really should have on a scope on an airgun!  Without AO, you are usually set-up for much longer distance shots.  30 yards and more.

Hope this helps!

[BumbleShot]

Man the scopes you have...  Belong on Elk, Mule deer and Coyote rifles, not Springers! Safe those cherries for your center-fire stuff!

[thebookdoc]

I'm not sure why springers need to have hand-me-down scopes. I want the best scope I can get for my rifles...and not to appologize because they are springers.

[daveshoot]

Well, you need a springer rated scope because even medium springers will tear up a centerfire-only scope. This has been proven over and over with expense and sadness, because of the double-recoil plus torque thing going on in a springer. You can't tell a .308 shooter this, but airgunners know.

At the lower end, the Centerpoint AO series is a form of Leapers that has held up well on many high powered springers. I have the 4-16x and it has moved across several spring rifles with no problem.

I have never actually had a Leapers branded scope. I have a Tasco Golden Antler on a B26 that I like with no problems to report, but I know they can choke on more powerful spring rifles.

I thought my BSAs were a little better than the Centerpoint, and they are also springer rated and also AO.

I became a Hawke fan, because it is a lot of springer-rated scope for the money. I love the 30mm Eclipse SF and have several AirMax scopes. They are my best airgun scopes, but not the best available. I still think they are a great value for dollar choice and I enjoy dealing with them. They are real people who stand behind what they sell.

I also don't have a Bushnell yet. I am working my way up the dollar and value ladder here, but there are many spring-gunners who swear by the upper end Bushnells. I don't think they have as good a reputation for warranty replacement as Hawke, and I find the Bushnellmodel line up confusing. The higher end scopes that are springer rated are reputed to be verygood. I think it goes Sportsman-Banner-Trophy-Legend-Elite but they don't seem very clear about what is springer, and what is not.

Same problem with Burris. Here we have high priced scopes with good reputations that almost totally ignore airguns in their rating system. They seem to equate "airgun" with "rimfire", but they do have AO scopes. For that kind of money I would like to know what I'm getting.

The only Nikon (Monarch) I had was a disaster on the mildest powder burners. To be fair, it was early in their gun line in the US, and they did replace it. I would not put one on a high powered springer but they may have changed. I hope so. Try finding any mention of air guns on the Nikon site.

Then there is Leupold. I have one really great Leupold on a .270 but have not seen fit to make that investment on an airgun yet. The Leupold EFR series is as good as many FT champs need but I just don't need one that badly. Theyseem to bethe best of the big brand scopes without getting into 4 figures, and brands commonly found in jewelry stores (Swarovski, Zeiss).

[Gene_SC]

The issue with scopes for springers is very valid. Years back there were no ratings on scope that would hold up to low, medium and hight recoil springers. Since the introduction of the magnum springers the scope manufacturers have had to up there specs on scopes. I to want the very best glass and overall scope qualities as possible. But I do not own any magnum springers any longer. I started off with Simmons Pro Air Scopes made specifically for up to medium recoil springers. Then I went to Leapers 5th gen for my magnums. Then I went to buying BSA scopes for springers which have held up very well but lack the quality of a scope with good glass. At this time I am replacing most of my springer scopes with Hawk Heavy recoii scopes which weigh less than 16 oz at 44 objective. The glass is very clear and great for the distance I shoot. 25 to 50 yards. I also am replacing my Bushnell scopes that I have on my PCP's with Simmons White Tail scopes which have extremly clear glass.

But as I have always said. Scopes are a personal preference. Everyone has different eye sight and different distances they shoot.

[CHINAGUNNER]

All my spingers have Leapers scopes on them.  From BUG BUSTERS to 4-16x50, 3-9x44..30mm tube,3-12x44..30mm tube. So far no issues.   That 3-9x44 is on a MM tuned B28.  The recoil is so hard the scope mounting rail came loose.   After I fixed that, I now have about 400 rounds thru and no problems with the rail or scope.  Leapers stand by their  products.  They are affordable......LOL (cheap)...and like I said they stand by their products.  CHINAGUNNER

[gamo2hammerli]

Other than the few remaining cheap scopes that came with the "packages", all my after-market scopes are Bushnell Banners for the springers; 3X9-40mm IR, 3X9-40mm, two 4X12-40mm AO and one Barska 3X12-50mm on the Gamo Viper.  The Barska is the only one I worry about....pretty sure it's not airgun rated.

[bcshooter]

Listed below are all of my AG's with their respected scopes. I amvery content with the Leapers Brand scope. Their price and warrentee are my two main reasons for using Leapers. I had for scopes that had warrentee issues, two Leapers, one Centerpoint (subsidary of Leapers) and one Bushnell. Leapers immediately sent me a new scopeonce they received the defective one back, as well as Centerpoint. Bushnell required thirty eight days to respond after they receivedmy defective scope. They called it a examination period.LOLMy shooting range is primarly 10 meters to 40 meters. The Leapers scope 4-16X50 AO/IR fit the bill quite well. They are excellent for closeup and distant shooting with clear glass. I am a frugal individual, I will not spend my money. I paid Seventy eight dollars delivered for my Leapers scope 4-16X50 AO/IRand one hundred and thirty five for my Bushnell Banner scope. My next scope will be a Leapers, mainly price and warrantee is how I will decide, and of course their quality is at its best......Bill

[thebookdoc]

where do you get your leapers for that price delivered?

[chrisremair77]

I have only 1 quality scope And its not quality to you guy's standard.

I have a 3-9x32 Tasco Golden Antler Scope on my Gamo Big cat. It was 40 dollars. It is Air gun rated. Its held up through 2k pellets through it so far with no problem at all. I'm surprised because the recoil seemed harsh but its held up fine. I'm really pleased with it.

[bcshooter]

Cheaper than Dirt $71.97 plus postage of $6.60 to my zip.......Bill

[snatch]

Leapers 3-9X44 AO/IR. I did a lot of research and read a lot of posts on this forum. It seemed to get good reviews and had a lot of features for the money. I thought it was a bit much for an air gun at first myself but I am completely satisfied with it. My Gamo Whisper ate up the stock scope but this one has held up so far. Leapers also has a lifetime guarantee.

[CHINAGUNNER]

Hey Chris nothing wrong with the TASCO GOLDEN ANTLER.  They are really good scopes,  I know alot of people who have them. I say they are just as good as the leapers 3-9x32, maybe a touch better.  CHINAGUNNER

[daveshoot]

There have been a few failure stories on the Golden Antler but mostly on higher powered springers. I have nothing bad to say about mine. It has been on a RWS34 Panther, briefly on an MP513 (lucky it was brief), and is really a perfect fit on the B26 now. They are a nice size and weight and plenty clear enough. Very good buy for the $$ in my experience.