Rifle Scopes quick zoom scope accessory

[Nukes]

I have seen pictures of a scope accessory that attaches to the zoom ring to make it easier to quickly zoom-unzoom variable scopes. I have not been able to find it online.

Anyone know the brand/model? Is it worthwhile? Pros? Cons? Any URLs for it?

 

[Mike]

Re: quick zoom scope accessory

They're called cat tails and they're scope specific. What brand of scope do you have?

 

[Nukes]

Re: quick zoom scope accessory

I am thinking about using them on a S&B PMII 5-25x56mm, a Leupold 1.1-8x24mm CQBSS, and a Bushnell HDMR.

 

[BobD]

Re: quick zoom scope accessory

I believe MGM's Switchview is the big name in throw levers. There is a cheaper made design I believe sold by Brownells or Midway. A number of members have commented on a Plastic/synthetic? twist tie I believe called Breakaway or something to that effect. Nicer looking than it sounds, there were a few posts in months past about them. They were very affordable and buckled to fit different size mag rings.

 

[Nukes]

Re: quick zoom scope accessory

Thank you. That was just in time. With your help, I found these:

http://www.mgmswitchview.com/svstore/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1

http://www.3gunstuff.com/?page_id=6

http://www.shootersconnectionstore.com/Charlie-Drissel-C582.aspx

Opinions and experience among these brands?

 

[Nukes]

Re: quick zoom scope accessory

The 3gunstuff.com version arrived for my S&B PMII and it is a huge improvement. I am waiting for the others.

 

[Aries64]

PMII 5-25X[56] Cat Tail Evaluations

Thank you. That was just in time. With your help, I found these:

Switchview? Levers : MGM Switchview, The fastest and easiest way to adjust your power setting!

Scope Levers | 3Gun Stuff

Charlie Drissel

Opinions and experience among these brands?

The 3gunstuff.com version arrived for my S&B PMII and it is a huge improvement. I am waiting for the others.

Hey Nukes –

I’m interested in your experiences with the different Cat Tails you bought (and hopefully tried-out and evaluated on a PMII 5-25X[56]). I like the hinged design, slim profile, and grippy, stout-looking lever of the 3 Gun Stuff Cat Tail, but I’m a little concerned with the hinge’s durability. How has the 3 Gun Stuff Cat Tail held-up for you?

Since the 3GS Cat Tail only clamps at the Lever, it seems like there might not be quite enough bite on the hinge side, allowing slippage. It also seems like the single-pin hinge might be placed under a lot of stress and tweak when cranking-on the lever, as opposed to designs that split the ring in half and divide the load between two (2) bolted points such as on the MGM Switchview and Charlie Drissel designs. If the 3GS Cat Tail hinged design is durable and tweak-free I'd lean towards it.

I know any Cat Tail I buy isn’t going to be orbiting the Earth and that the load is light, but given the costs of these accessories I’d like to buy with confidence based on actual experience with the various units here. I’d appreciate any and all experience you can provide about any of the units you’ve used thus far on a PMII 25X[56]. TIA.


Keith

 

[KLin]

Nukes,

Bryan Yeung, of Team GAP worked with MGM to create a Switchview for the bushnell dmr, ers and xrs

MGM Switchview 1819sv1n3v1

Slight modification to the standard--- the lever placed at 12 o'clock will get you about 15x. The mfg quality is excellent!

 

[ddavis]

I believe MGM's Switchview is the big name in throw levers. There is a cheaper made design I believe sold by Brownells or Midway. A number of members have commented on a Plastic/synthetic? twist tie I believe called Breakaway or something to that effect. Nicer looking than it sounds, there were a few posts in months past about them. They were very affordable and buckled to fit different size mag rings.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...587-diy-cat-tail-switchview-scopes-2-20$.html

 

[scudzuki]

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...587-diy-cat-tail-switchview-scopes-2-20$.html

I've used the Breakaway Coasters on all my variable scopes and they are a good (if a bit ugly) way to "switchview" scopes for which custom levers are not available or to see if you like the switchview concept at all.

For metal zoom rings, I cut a strip of rubber innertube the width of the coaster "strap" and long enough to almost encircle the zoom ring to add some grip between the coaster and the ring.

The price is right.

Still, when GAP offered custom switchview levers for Bushy DMR/ERS/XRS at $55/ea., I snapped up a few for my Bushies. My other scopes still wear the budget switchviews. Either beats fumbling with a stiff zoom ring.

Joe

 

[NGCSUGrad09]

I've had good luck with the Charles Drissel throw levers.