Tactical compact scopes (1-4x24 etc.) close focus?

PiterM · 10-01-2013, 05:53

Hi,

I think most (all?) of you are familiar with compact tactical scopes, like 1-4x24 and similar. None of them (even 1-6x and 1-6.5x) is equipped with side focus/paralax adjuftment for precize close range shooting at max manification. At least models up to 1.000 USD which is my budget. My question - can you still have SHARP (really) target image at max magnification at the range of 20 yards or so with such a scope?

I'm considering the new SWFA 1-6x24 or Weaver Tactical 1-5x24 as my new scope for my new toy, EdGun Lelya bullpup airgun (yeah, I know... but I'm askig about the scope only) and I'd need somethig fully usable at 5x at the range of 20-50 yards.

BTW, the scope in the pic is not worth mentionning, the optical quality is just too low to even look through it (for me). But it was one I had on shelf and my Lelya just arrived from the gun maker... so I had to scope it.

Thanks!!!

**Team Sergeant** · 10-01-2013, 11:18

I did all the research and decided on this:

http://www.schmidtundbender.de/en/pr...24-zenith.html

Some things you just can't take shortcuts on......

PiterM · 10-01-2013, 11:53

Nice... double of my budget, but nice indeed!

JJ_BPK · 10-01-2013, 13:07

To be clear,, parallax adj is not focus adj. It's to complected for me to explain, but you should be able to adjust focus with a ring around the objective bell of the scope, while the parallax adjustment is often on the side of the scope. Most hunting scopes are fixed 100yd parallax. Pistol, shotgun, & 22lr are fixed 50yd parallax

One of the problems I found with zoom at short ranges is the angel of view. Where 4x @ 100 yds may be 15-20ft, at 20ft distance it may be down to 1-2 ft of view. So, clarity becomes secondary to being able to get the X on the target.

I ran into this with my .22 BSA Lightening. I mounted a SIMMONS 44 MAG. 6.5X 20 A/O MIL-DOT. Target shooting at 30ft I get something like 5inch field @ 20x. That's fine for paper, but a bird or squirrel, never.

Granted, 20x is a bit much for close work, but it allows 1/2 inch groups, on a 1.5 inch target(see attached)..

For me and my low speed style, a good red-dat for near and the 4x or 6x for normal hunting..

If you can't get the scope with good parallax adj. Look at a scope that has the base parallax set to 50yds.

As far as focusing. a scope will have it or not..

My $00.0002

craigepo · 10-01-2013, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by PiterM

Hi,

I think most (all?) of you are familiar with compact tactical scopes, like 1-4x24 and similar. None of them (even 1-6x and 1-6.5x) is equipped with side focus/paralax adjuftment for precize close range shooting at max manification. At least models up to 1.000 USD which is my budget. My question - can you still have SHARP (really) target image at max magnification at the range of 20 yards or so with such a scope?

I'm considering the new SWFA 1-6x24 or Weaver Tactical 1-5x24 as my new scope for my new toy, EdGun Lelya bullpup airgun (yeah, I know... but I'm askig about the scope only) and I'd need somethig fully usable at 5x at the range of 20-50 yards.

BTW, the scope in the pic is not worth mentionning, the optical quality is just too low to even look through it (for me). But it was one I had on shelf and my Lelya just arrived from the gun maker... so I had to scope it.

Thanks!!!

You probably already know this, but be careful putting a normal riflescope on an air rifle. My hearsay information is that an air rifle has a two-way recoil, versus a one-way recoil for a rifle. Allegedly, the air rifle scopes are built to handle the different recoil.

JJ_BPK · 10-01-2013, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigepo

You probably already know this, but be careful putting a normal riflescope on an air rifle. My hearsay information is that an air rifle has a two-way recoil, versus a one-way recoil for a rifle. Allegedly, the air rifle scopes are built to handle the different recoil.

Correct. My Lightening is a break-barrel. So the pump stroke of 65lbs(??) to compress the gas cylinder is to the rear. When the trigger is released the piston goes forward until it hits the stop, then rebounds to the rear, at the same time the gas is pushing the pellet out the barrel, it is also recoiling to the rear.

For some reason the SIMMONS 44 MAG model is well known for it's ability to withstand the double recoil. Unfortunately, it is no longer made.

frostfire · 10-01-2013, 20:37

Bushnell Elite Tactical SMRS 1-6.5x24 FFP w/ BTR-2 Reticle

a bit over the budget, but ever since Bushnell started their HDMR line, you'll find nothing but solid reviews esp on the value. Not much complaint surrounding Japanese-made optics anyway.
For example, my cheapo optisan 1-4x works great, people at the range admired the clarity and couldn't believe it's a cheapo, and at 20 yds and 4x, the focus is clear. Clear enough to shoot 1 ragged group w/ AK that is

koz · 10-02-2013, 07:23

I've got the Bushnell 1-8.5 SMRS which is the tits, but I also have the Bushnell 1-4x PCL Throwdown. For the price (under $300) it's a really nice FFP scope. The illumination could be better but except in really bright light, the 1x works as a red-dot

tunanut · 10-02-2013, 11:09

I have an IOR 1.5 x 8 on my xbow. Glass is excellent(German Schott), easily focused very close in, but may be just a tad more than you wanted to spend. It's taken falls for trees, and still keeps locked on target. My xbow is a reverse draw and has recoil in both directions similar to your air rifle. It's never been a problem. Parallax issues are solved with a solid repeatable cheek weld.

PiterM · 10-02-2013, 11:38

Thank you for your input, it's really valuable! My final solution will be a bit different than initial plan. I'll buy two scopes - one 1-4x24 for backyard plinking, and another one n-16x44 or n-20x44 and with very fine reticle for long range. I checked the scopes you recommended on youtube and x6 is simply not enough for me for precize target shooting at 50+ yards. So I'll get Burris or Bushnell 1-4x24 (up to $300 with mount) with some kind of BDC-style reticle for fun and another "serious" one later this year (I should be able to gather $1000 as my budget). Should be fun!

BTW, the airgun I mentionned (EdGun Lelya) is recoiless pre-charged pneumatic gun. It is said to be better than my Daystate Huntsman! It is very accurate, capable of sub 0.5" group at 50 yards and 1.25" at 100 yards. And for that 4x or 6x is simply not enough.