Rifle Scopes Hawke optics scope I saw today

[maccrazy2]

Hello all. I just got back from a day of eating dirt at the range. (forgot my ground cover, muzzle brake) I met a local FBI agent who was there running a hawke optics 4-16-50 FFP scope on top of a aics rem sps in .308. I struck up a conversation to ask about the scope as I have not seen one before. He said it was a mil/mil FFP he was trying out for the company. I asked about tracking and he said other than needing a zerostop feature it tracks as true as can be. Also he likes the glass better than his nightforce. I asked about price and he did not know what they run as he did not buy his. I looked them up just now and they are pretty low end on price $400 range. However I did not see a FFP mil/mil listed on the site.
For the price I would not expect these to hang with a NF or us optics but he claimed to have beat the hell out of it to see if it would keep working and so far he was very impresed. I just bought another rifle unexpectedly so I have no cash for a NF. I was thinking of getting a super sniper or something similar so I can atleast shoot my new stick this winter and upgrade early next summer when I can afford it. After looking at this scope I am thinking of giving it a try. Anyone on here have any expirence on the new models? I could not find any reviews on a mil/mil scope.

 

[Mike]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

The fact that he said he didn't pay for it and that he "likes the glass better than his nightforce" shows that he has virtually no credibility. Although I have not owned a Hawke optic I can say that around a $400 price point you're going to get a $400 scope, not something that compares to a Nightforce.

 

[ewoaf]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

When it comes to optics, stay away from birds of prey.

 

[maccrazy2]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

Agreed, you get what you pay for. I am just interested if anyone has tried one out. It appeared to be well put together and the glass looked nice. I am mostly wondering if it would be comprable to a supersniper in terms of quality. I would not expect it to be as good as a nightforce at that price range.

 

[ceylonc]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

With all due respect to the other contributions on this thread, has anybody who has contributed actually OWNED a Hawke? Yes, I'm an authorized Hawke Optics dealer and I'll freely admit the glass is not Nightforce quality (nor has it been vetted reliability-wise like the NXS series). <span style="font-style: italic">However</span>, the 4.5-14x Sidewinder 30 Tactical line has certainly impressed me from a quality, features & value perspective. You get a lot of scope for the money & it will certainly work for the stated needs of the OP.

I'm running one of these scopes for t&e on a Savage 111 LRH in 6.5-284 right now. So far it has been zeroed at 100yds, passed a box test with flying colors, been adjusted at different ranges out to 600yds, then brought back to original 100yd zero & passed with flying colors. No I haven't dropped it off a 10 story building or submerged it in 100ft of salt water but so far it has held up fine to my usage. Time will tell if you can beat the hell out of it & have it still tick like a Timex but so far I'm really liking what this scope has to offer.

Optically, my eyes like the glass in the Hawke 30 Tac line better than that used in the fixed power Super Snipers. I'd say it is par to the 3-9x SS but I'm not ready to say it's "just as good" as both scopes come with different features that are valuable to some shooters & meaningless to others....

Just my $.02. Maybe a little biased but at least I can say that I have personally run the scope through some testing & evaluation.

 

[westopecos]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

Hawke binos have excellent glass and good mechanicals (somewhat similar to the Zen Ray line, I believe from the same factory), way beyond their price, and not very far from alpha glass, despite being about 1/5th the price. Their only significant drawbacks, to me, are that they are a bit bulky, and that I am not in love with the focus wheel - I have some trouble with it when I wear gloves. I have not handled their scopes, but if they are as good as their binos, they could be a really interesting option.

I guess the big question would be whether they can handle the g forces as well as they need to. The Sidewinder is their premium line, and I would definitely not discount it out of hand.

 

[winxp_man]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With all due respect to the other contributions on this thread, has anybody who has contributed actually OWNED a Hawke? Yes, I'm an authorized Hawke Optics dealer and I'll freely admit the glass is not Nightforce quality (nor has it been vetted reliability-wise like the NXS series). <span style="font-style: italic">However</span>, the 4.5-14x Sidewinder 30 Tactical line has certainly impressed me from a quality, features & value perspective. You get a lot of scope for the money & it will certainly work for the stated needs of the OP.

I'm running one of these scopes for t&e on a Savage 111 LRH in 6.5-284 right now. So far it has been zeroed at 100yds, passed a box test with flying colors, been adjusted at different ranges out to 600yds, then brought back to original 100yd zero & passed with flying colors. No I haven't dropped it off a 10 story building or submerged it in 100ft of salt water but so far it has held up fine to my usage. Time will tell if you can beat the hell out of it & have it still tick like a Timex but so far I'm really liking what this scope has to offer.

Optically, my eyes like the glass in the Hawke 30 Tac line better than that used in the fixed power Super Snipers. I'd say it is par to the 3-9x SS but I'm not ready to say it's "just as good" as both scopes come with different features that are valuable to some shooters & meaningless to others....

Just my $.02. Maybe a little biased but at least I can say that I have personally run the scope through some testing & evaluation. </div></div>

+1 to all this from experience with the sidewinder tactical. I guess the last thing is only time will tell.

 

[maccrazy2]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

Thanks guys. I am really thinking of getting one of these to try out. It will end up on a supressed 22 once I can pick up a nightforce for my new .308. Any other hands on reviews are appreciated.

 

[Flyingbullseye]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

To the OP, the reason you don't find them on their site is its not going to be out yet if in fact what the agent saying was true he's a tester. Might be a good middle of the road scope when it comes out to compete with the FM in that price bracket being FFP mil/mil.

Flyingbullseye

 

[dksd39]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I can say that around a $400 price point you're going to get a $400 scope, not something that compares to a Nightforce. </div></div>

while I generally agree with Mike and the above quote I do try economical scopes in hopes of one day being surprised. I have several rifles that need optics and I was planning on using the new Vortex PST ( we all know the story with those) so I took a look at the Hawke. I own several Premier/USO/NXS scopes but with that said I have rifles that I do not want to put $2k optics on. I will add that my personal choice (up until now)for an economical use scope has been a Nikon buckmaster 4.5-14.... I have several of the Nikons and use them on 22's and hunting rifles. I also have a Nikon Monarch and can say with all confidence that the Hawke easy beats the Nikons with a stick in clarity and features.
Here is a little review I posted on the Hawke.
Keep in mind my shooting with the Hawke has been limited to daylight and I have not had a chance to do any low light shooting with it yet.



I have one and have been putting some time in behind it...I will say I am still impressed by the clarity and it gives up very little to my NXS. After spends several hours behind it I have no complaints to offer on the clarity. Personally I really like the scope and it has proven to track well and overall does everything well. If I were to be critical it would be in the following areas:

1) while the locking turrets are a nice concept the reality is not as good. There is NO way for the user to have a reference to where they are on the dial. If you are needing multiple turns of adjustment you damn well better remember where you are because there is NO way for you to look at the scope turret and see any usable info. The addition of a zero stop is a needed feature to make the locking turrets a much better feature.
2) the parallax focus works flawless BUT if you are not using the ugly huge wheel then making adjustments is not as easy as any other side focus scope I have used. This problem stems from the fact that the side focus shares use with the illuminated reticle. The outside half of the knob is used to control the illumination and the inside half is used for the parallax. Use of gloves would make it almost unusable.
3) lastly is an issue related to price and personal preference more than anything else. I prefer a FFP mil/mil scope but you cant have everything lol. Here you are dealing with a mil reticle (very nice one I will add) with moa adjustments on a SFP scope.

In closing if you are looking for a economical scope that has very good clarity and does do an all around good job it is a option worth looking at.

 

[maccrazy2]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

Well I spoke with the tech support guy today at Hawke. There is a mil/mil FFP in development and mil/mil already in ther UK but none here yet.

 

[Flyingbullseye]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

Any word when they will make it across the pond?

Flyingbullseye

 

[Pete E]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

Can you PM me a name and number for the guy you spoke to please as i would be very interested in one of these...

Regards,

Peter

 

[winxp_man]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maccrazy2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well I spoke with the tech support guy today at Hawke. There is a mil/mil FFP in development and mil/mil already in ther UK but none here yet. </div></div>


Did Hawke tell you which models will have Mil/Mil and FFP ? thanks

 

[maccrazy2]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

No he was not to sure about what will be available in ffp. Just that there is one that is either a prototype or is just coming out but not in the states yet. As for the mil/mil he did not know when they will be here but he said they were out in the UK already.
Peter. I spoke with Mike at their distributor in indiana. I don't have the number on me at the moment. I looked online today and could not find a mil/mil listed anywhere.

 

[winxp_man]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

I wonder if they will do the ffp and mil/mil for the sidewinder tactical series ? i guess we will have to wait a little. for far after about 20-250 rounds mine is still holding up perfectly I love it

 

[Pete E]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

Gents,

The only Hawke variable I know that is available Mil/Mil is the Eclipse SF in either 4-16x50 or 6-24x50..
See http://www.hawkeoptics.com/riflescopes/eclipse30sf/index.php

The bad news is that its a SFP scope and there is no fixed power version :-(

I've not seen one close up, but I also think the turrents are not what we are looking for either...

I called Deben (some mown Hawke) today, and I'm awaiting an email off one of there development guys..

Regards,

Peter

 

[ceylonc]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

I'm a Hawke dealer & per my conversation with them today there are no plans for a ffp scope with tactical applications in the near future for the North American market. Yes, this is very unfortunate but right from the horse's mouth. The only scope that they said was in development/testing was a 10-50x 60mm scope that is obviously geared more toward the benchrest crowd. No word on whether this scope is pre-production or not, just that this is the only 30mm tube scope on the testing table at this time from Hawke.

I hope this changes soon but as of now I have to say to not get your hopes up for a ffp Hawke scope with tactical applications.

Ceylon

 

[westopecos]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a Hawke dealer & per my conversation with them today there are no plans for a ffp scope with tactical applications in the near future for the North American market.
I hope this changes soon but as of now I have to say to not get your hopes up for a ffp Hawke scope with tactical applications.
Ceylon </div></div>
That's too bad. I wonder where that LEO that mcCrazy was talking abt got his FFP. Maybe McCrazy was mistaken abt it being a Hawke?

 

[maccrazy2]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WestOfPecos</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm a Hawke dealer & per my conversation with them today there are no plans for a ffp scope with tactical applications in the near future for the North American market.
I hope this changes soon but as of now I have to say to not get your hopes up for a ffp Hawke scope with tactical applications.
Ceylon </div></div>
That's too bad. I wonder where that LEO that mcCrazy was talking abt got his FFP. Maybe McCrazy was mistaken abt it being a Hawke? </div></div>
No it definately was a hawke. I wrote down the specs right from the scope so I could look it up when I got home. I did not personally adjust the power to verify that it was a FFP scope. I am just going off what he said unless he mis spoke. I ended up picking up a USO SN-3 tpal this week. I really wanted to try one of these out but frankly I did not want to blow 4 bills on a scope that I cant find many reviews on other than for air guns. I figured I might as well just get what I wanted instead of risking money that could of been put twards a proven performer. I did some google searches and I mostly came up with videos on youtube and the scopes being used on air guns. I spoke with Mike at Hawke again last week and we discussed recoil on large airguns vs centerfire rifles. He said spring powered air guns produce more stress on scopes due to recoil and the spring oscilations after than a centerfire rifles ??? I do not know about that. I have a .177 1000fps air gun that kicks a little more than a 22 but is nothing compared to a 300WM. Their may be monster airguns out their but I have no idea about them. Second thing I took notice of was a comment made about the diffrent scope adjustments available in the UK because they use the metric system over there. ???? I expect comments like that from people at the range but not from the tech support person at an optics company. I planned on buying one that day to try untill that conversation.
That being said I did like the overall look of the scope and the feel of the turrets and it may be the best performer in that pricerange for all I know but, with my trackrecord of breaking scopes on some of my harder kicking guns I passed. I would definately consider one of these for my 22 that will be needing a new scope after I get the supressor completed for it.

 

[The_FNG]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

It's the vibration of an airgun that kills scopes, not recoil

 

[woogie_man]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

FNG got it with the air guns.... There are 2-3 different recoils on some of the larger spring air rifles.

I have seen leupold scopes get torn apart by some of them.

There are a ton of people that swear by the Hawke line on the air rifle side of things. That and if you are looking at putting one on a .22 you should have no problems. I mean come on the recoil on a .22 is next to nothing.

 

[westopecos]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maccrazy2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I ended up picking up a USO SN-3 tpal this week. </div></div>
You can't go wrong with that Quite a jump though...

 

[maccrazy2]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WestOfPecos</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: maccrazy2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I ended up picking up a USO SN-3 tpal this week. </div></div>
You can't go wrong with that Quite a jump though... </div></div>
Yeah, the hawke was just going to be a temporary scope untill I could get the money together for the uso. I came across a good deal so I bought it.
I bought a super sniper several years ago as a last minute thing when I got a new 50cal 2 weeks before a big shoot here in colorado. It was just so I could shoot the gun there and I expected to change it later on when I could afford to. It worked great at the shoot and tracked great too. I figured I would just let it go untill something broke or it became unreliable. Well several years later it is still on that gun and still working great. It is the 20X which is a little dark compared to my better optics but this gun is only used during the day and at a range that is 2 miles long. For the price I am more than happy with it. I was leaning to getting the 16X before I looked at the hawke but that is a bit much magnification for where my new gun will be used. I really wanted a variable power scope so that is why I was researching other ones.
I would really like hawke to send some of their optics to guys like lowlight so they could do some torture testing and reviews.

 

[winxp_man]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: the_fng</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's the vibration of an airgun that kills scopes, not recoil </div></div>

+1 the vibration of air rifles is really nasty and kills scopes real quick if there not made for vibration and only for normal rifle recoil. If im not mistaking scope makers will put the air rifle scopes in a whole different category compared to rifle scopes.

 

[maccrazy2]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

Well then, these seem to be the hot ticket for air rifles. Maybe they will be great for centerfire. I did like the scope alot, I would try one in the future on one of my screw around guns.

 

[winxp_man]

Re: Hawke optics scope I saw today

For me it works really good on a Remmy 700 .308