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J5311 · Member

ok. so i'm getting an rws 34. now most people say you only need a 3-9 scope.
1. why not a 4-12?

i hear that you get what you pay for.
2. are leapers scopes good, or should i spend a little more money on saw a hawke?

and the objective size.
3. does it REALLY matter if you have a 40 or 50 size. does it really make a difference? I went into the store to look at scopes and couldn't see the difference

here are the ones i was looking at. all good helpful comments are welcome.
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Leapers_5th_Gen_3-9x40_AO_Mil-Dot_Rifle_Scope_with_R_G_1_Tube/659
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Hawke_Sport_Optics_Airmax_4-12x40AO_Rifle_Scope_Illuminated_Map_6_Reticle_1_4_MOA_1_Tube/3030
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Leapers_5th_Gen_4-16x50AO_Rifle_Scope_Illuminated_Red_Green_Mil-Dot_Reticle_Zero_Lock_Reset/1808
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Hawke_Sport_Optics_Airmax_3-9x40AO_Rifle_Scope_Map_6_Reticle_1_4_MOA_1_Tube/2550

rsterne · Moderator

With a 9X scope, a 40 mm objective is plenty.... and also still OK on a 12X.... If you go to 16X I would go to the 50mm.... but you MAY need high rings.... I have a Leapers 4-16 x 50 AO on my Diana 34 and it nearly hits the top of the tube.... It's pretty big and heavy for average use and won't focus closer than 10 yards.... On most of my airguns I prefer the Leapers 3-9 x 40 AO which focuses down to 5 yards....

Make sure you purchase a scope with an adjustable objective (AO) so that you can focus on close targets and eliminate parallax error.... I also prefer the MilDot reticle and the Leapers is nice because it has an "Extended MilDot" with 6 dots (plus the post) instead of just 4 dots.... I have never had a problem with any of the Leapers scopes on a Springer....

You do get what you pay for, especially when you get up into Bushnell quality or higher.... I have a Bushnell 5-15 x 40 AO Legend and it is crystal clear and as bright as most 50mm scopes.... but its $250.... Even at that price, it's not a "high-priced" scope....

Bob

donec · Senior Member

You say with a 9X scope, a 40 mm objective is plenty so what would be the negative of a 3-9x32AO scope?

Alstone · Moderator & Site Supporter

I have a Hawke Airmax 3-9x40 and used it on my Tx200 a very nice scope and rated for springers. Hawke also supply a free software program to go with this sight (Download it from Hawke's site) which uses the Map 6 recital settings.

All in all a very nice scope.

Al

rsterne · Moderator

fritz · Silver Status Member

Having used an RWS 4x32 non AO, Tasco 3-9x40 non AO, and a CP 4-16x40 AO on my 34...

I would go with a 3-9x40 AO, to do it all over again. All scopes performed well, and have placed pellets where they needed to go. The 4x32 is OK to learn how to shoot with, but isn't enough for 20+ yards on targets. 3-9x40 non AO had paralax issues at shorter distances, on more than 5x. 4-16x40 was the best, but I never used it on 16x. Just too much scope for that gun. I liked how it put weight on the rifle, though.

4-12x40 would also be a good choice, but for my preferences, the higher magnification wouldn't get used. If you shoot more targets, then the 4-12 would be the way to go. IMO x50 is overkill on this rifle. x32 is not enough.

Summary, shoot a lot of targets? Use 4-12x40. Do everything? 3-9x40. Either way, get an AO.

donec · Senior Member

J5311 · Member

YAY more questions!

the more i find out the more questions i have...
this is the scope I am looking at now...
http://www.pyramydair.com/s/a/Leapers_UTG_3_12x44AO_SWAT_Rifle_Scope_Illuminated_Mil_Dot_Reticle_1_4_MOA_30mm_Tube_Weaver_Rings/2985

1. i will assume because 30mm is 5mm lager then the 1'' that it will allow more light into the score resulting in a brighter picture at low light conditions.
2. are there any negative aspects to this scope compared to the others that i have mentioned?
3. should I jump on the deal because there are a limited number left?
4. Because i will have the 34 and the leapers slope compensator will the medium rings be too high?

fritz · Silver Status Member

You should be fine since you have the droop base on there.

Looks like a good scope. Like the magnification range.

J5311 · Member

someone posted that they are using it on their AR15 and hasn't given a bad remark o i guess it can withstand an airgun. The only thing i'm worried about Leapers brand is the reticles. But seeing posts, pyramid air seems to take care of everything for the customers.

rsterne · Moderator

I had one of the models of Leapers 3-12 x 44 AO scopes (they have had at least three, mine didn't have the illuminated reticle).... and I was very disapointed in it compared to my 3-9 x 40 AO Leapers.... First of all, the low power was about 4.5 x, not 3 x.... As a result, the image at the lowest power was not as bright in marginal light conditions (dusk) which is when you often use low power.... The field of view also suffered and from what I could see the 30mm tube size did nothing except provide room inside for the side focus mechanism.... Lastly, it only focuses down to 10 yards, compared with 5 yards for the 3-9.... Rolling Eyes

I sold mine cheap, and will never buy another.... IMO, the 3-9 x 40 AO is a FAR superior scope both in performance and value....

Bob