Help picking a scope?

[riarcher]

Knowing next to nothing about these, I'm looking for advice here.
Most my shooting will honestly be at targets, but for the pupose of hitting a mark reliably while hunting.
My expected range has grown. Originally thought 20-35 yds. However, I'm getting interested in other areas and my range has gone from 10 yds. to 75. LOL
Early morning and late afternoon rabbit shooting seems to call for "more light gathering" potential. But to what point as it relates to scopes I've no clue.
Having done some studies on this I think(?) I may be looking for something 3-12 (ish) power? Definately A.O.
Seems 40-44 lens is considered normal?
I'll be mounting this on probably the Diana 48 mainly. I've heard these can be hard on scopes so a magnum AR is smart(?). This could serve duty on the Beeman RS2 from time to time also. Both are presently .177, but the Beeman may get converted to .22 in time.
About eye relief; Seems keeping the scope low to the barrel is a good thing(?). With low mounts it seems I need to roll my head forward to get the eye low with low mounts. Thus thinking shorter eye relief may work well for me. Is there any reason that one relief is better than anouther? I know with a shotgun I'd be looking at more distance. But with a airgun? (I gotta big head!)

Now I know all scopes are not created equal and there lies the problem.
There are many brands and models within the brands to choose from. I've read reviews both pro & con. Some like this one while other hate it. Exactly why is sometimes not clear. Don't know if it's from use, design, QC, or just personal preference.

Anyways, some suggestions on some quality scopes that'll hold together for my intended purpose(s) would be appreciated. I'd hate to have to buy multiple scopes to learn what will work and what wouldn't. I'm sure many of you been through this and hope you can save me some time, money, and frustrations?
I'm thinking in the $100 range but don't know if that is truely reasonable.
Thanks for any input offered. If my idea of selection seems off I'd apreciate hearing that too.
thank you,
Gary

PS; Boy! is this stuff addicting!!! LOL

[Izzie45895]

I like the BSA 3-12x44 AO airgun scopes. Decent optics, AO, and designed for recoiling springers. You can usually get them at Natchez for around $60+shipping. You'll need a high profile mount with this one. I use Accushot highs. Only bummer is Natchez doesn't carry the Accushot mounts. You'll have to get them somewhere else and pay separate shipping.

Iz

[Progun]

Gary there are a lot of good scopes to choose from and if budget constraints are a factor I would suggest erring on the side of heavy duty as opposed to light or medium duty. Heavy duty is more likely to hold up on the hard kickers. I've used a lot of different scopes over the years with mixed results. So I am only going to suggest two that are economical and durable. The Barska 4X12 Air rifle scope is inexpensive, has AO and mil-dots. The Hawke 4X12AO Air Hawke is a little more $$ but is fully multicoated and has multiple aim points.It should hold up on any springer.A lot of shooters seem to like the BSA scopes but the first scope that I ever had that failed was a BSA 3X12. That was several years ago and I never gave that brand another chance on an air rifle but I do have one on a tack driver rimfire.If you were scoping a gun with less recoil than the 48 a Bushnell 4X12AO Banner,Sportsman or Trophy would no doubt serve you well.The most durable scope I ever had was the now discontinued Simmons Pro Air 6X18.Still have it many years later and it has thousands of shots thru it all on magnum springers. If you could find one used I'd suggest you buy it.My 2 cents.

[riarcher]

Getting very frustrated on this scope thing.
Been reading, studying, comparing, but still don't understand why to select one over the other.
With the listed options being rather equal, I've seen what appears to be the same by different Manufacturers (sometimes same manufacturers but different models) I've seen prices from $60.00 to $600.00+. Essentally the advertisments come off as near duplicates.
I know some gather light a bit better, but $500.00 + better?
There's got to be a catch.
Would a $300 scope be noticably better than a $100.00 scope? 3 times better? and how?

So far, I think I've settled on Beeman 5039 adjustable mounts for both guns.

examples of Scopes of interest;
Under $100 - BSA 3-12X44 AO TT (This may be purchased for testing and may end up on the RS 2,,, or not)

$100 - Simmons 44 Mag 6.5-20X44 AO TT - Seen good reports for air gun use,, listed as "heavy" (used on Diana 52's) But officially not listed as made for Springer airgun! Concerned about warrentee.

$300-$400- Bushnell Elite 3200 series 4-12X40 & 5-15X40 - Well endorsed, lots of money (to me) having hard time justifying the expense since I don't know why they cost so danged much!

$400-500 - Bushnell elete 4200 series, 4-16 & 6-24X 40 Sounds same as above to me, why $100 more?

I've eliminated the Leapers because so many swear by them,, while other swear at them. Seems hit or miss. Often they need to go to factory with RMA#'s if recieved defective. Sounds like crap is involved.

Well, the search continues for understanding. I've no problem investing $350 or so for verifiable quality. I just don't know enough to make this decision. Maybe after seeing, using, and testing the BSA things will become clearer? (pun intended - LOL)

For now,, I'm still dumbfounded!
 :0  :0

[Progun]

Gary, unless you want to shoot competition matches you really don't need the very best optics. Sure the best quality makes even back yard plinking  and back 40 squirrel shoots more enjoyable but modest priced scopes will probably work fine for your intended purpose.What makes one scope $100.00 and another $700.00? Warranty,glass quality, # of coatings on lenses,and durability.Fully multi coated scopes are usually best optical quality but scopes with a single coating on the exterior lenses are pretty bright too. Low light situations(cloudy,dusk, dawn) are when you appreciate those extra coatings.Generally when it comes to scopes more $$ means better quality but for a backyard shooter a $20.00 shine on a $2.00 shoe usually is wasted $$.If whatever scope you choose is spring gun rated it will probably give reasonable service.Durability therefore is the best feature.Good luck air gun bro.

[riarcher]

Awsome answer!
,,, and a very big thank you.
I'll be ordering the BSA and take it from there.
Thanks. Any idea how confusing all that was to the uninitiated? LOL