S&B on an air rifle?

[Ferret Andy 1]

Hi all,

As some of you may know if you've read my other thread that I am currently waiting for my new Daystate Huntsman to arrive. It's only been a week and I seriously can not wait!!

 

Basically iv been lucky enough to sell a few bits on eBay and a bit of saving here and there and iv got enough for a decent scope to put on it as well.

I currently own a MTC viper but if I'm honest I find the scb reticle a tad cluttered and distracting.

 

Iv got around £500 if I need it to spend on a top notch scope. I know a lot will think its crazy to spend that amount but iv always been told to spend as much as you can afford on good glass for your rifle.

Iv been looking a the Schmidt and bender 8x56. I know the s&b scopes are well knows for being good quality optics but as much as iv googled I can't find anything on using one for an air rifle!? Would it work and would you still get a clear image at say 20 yards?

 

If not, maybe others on here could point me in the direction of a top quality air rifle scope for my budget. Bushnell or Burris maybe?

 

I prefer a fixed mag scope at say 8 or 10 x mag.

 

Thanks in advance,

Andy.

[Bendover 67]

I would highly recommend bushnels, fantastic clear picture. Uttings have one on sale at the mo. Not saying the others aren't as good as I've not used them.

Spending the money on clear and reliable glass is never a bad thing but don't get suckered into buying anything with more than 12-14x mag if its for a sub 12 rifle. You'll end up paying for something you will never use.

 

[Acuspell 329]

Schmidt & Bender are indeed top notch scopes - amongst the best if not THE best, but they are useless for air rifles. The 8x56 you are loooking at will be set for a target focus of 100 yards and the 56mm objective lens will make the depth of field so critical at closer ranges,should you get it re-focussed (parallaxed) that you will only see your target sharp for a range of about 15 yards, say 25 yards through to 40 yards, something like that, with the 25 yard end only just acceptably fuzzy.

 

For your money,and some change, have a look at the Lightstream 4.5-14 x 44 - glass as good as the S&B with a dedicated design for air rifle use and first focal plane reticule. If that doesn't do it for you then the Nikon range are also excellent, even the cheaper Prostaff series. I have a Lightstream but also have 2x Nikon Prostaff 3-9x40 with the BDC reticule that I reset the target focus easily on myself (took 5 minutes) reset it to 35 yards an dthey are spot on - VERY bright, crisp image that blows even the MTC Taipan into a cocked hat and for less money.

 

How do you judge the difference? By taking your friend who shoots with the MTC (first a Viper, then the Taipan)into the woods to roost pigeons. When he has to give up shooting 40 minutes before because he can no longer see to shoot - but the Nikon is still transmitting sufficient light to place the aiming point on the birds and I am still shooting...then knocking a couple of pheasants off the branches as we go back because he is fed up of waiting.......he couldn't believe that I could still see to shoot, so I gave him a go and his jaw just dropped at the sight picture!

 

But you get what takes your fancy - but do it with a bit of sense. If you were looking for a scope to put on a cntrefire rifle, then the S&B would be a good choice, but not for an air rifle.