Scopes (specifically Bushnell)

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rmcbeath
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Scopes (specifically Bushnell)

#1 Post by rmcbeath »

I like the Bushnell scopes, and I'd like to get one of their cheaper ones for my slavia 631. I'm thinking 3-9X40 or 4-12X40. I see the Banner line has a 4-12X40 rated for airguns, but I didn't see any for the 3-9X40. Bushnell's website doesn't seem too forthcoming as to which ones are airgun rated. Is any particular line airgun rated? All of them?

I don't want to spend too much money for what is essentially a cheap rifle, so suggestions would be great. Suggestions on scope power would be great too. Is 4-12 going to be too much for general plinking with some hunting?

Thanks

Rod
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#2 Post by TCooper »

The 72-0039 is said to be rated for low power springer air rifles. I had one on a Weihrauch HW30S and an Xisico XS-B3-1 with no problems. Price is around $90-$110Cdn. LeBaron had them last year. D&L Airgun might have them too. Try your local Bushnell dealers.

http://www.bushnell.com/products/rifles ... rtsman.cfm

http://www.bushnell.com/products/rifles ... 2-0039.cfm

http://www.dlairgun.com/scopes.htm

Another idea
http://www.canada-shops.com/Stores/siar ... 859.2.html
http://www.canada-shops.com/Stores/siar ... 860.2.html

HTH,
Todd
cfraser
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#3 Post by cfraser »

Ummm, though it seems that Sniper has a nicer REX scope for around the same price, I bought that exact Bushnell scope Todd mentioned today. ETA has one on his Weihrauch HW95 too IIRC he said.

I am not promoting modern Bushnell (they're competitive for the price, no more), but this has suitable specs for a non-PAL airgun. And maybe better. Bushnell does promote this scope for springer airguns, one of (if not) their only one they do. $85. AO down to 7.5yds (good for us lamer springer users), "target turrets", 3-9X, 32mm, with 3/8" dovetail mounts, lens caps and a cleaning cloth. Monotube, fogproof, waterproof, multi-coated. Made in China.

Noticeably larger and heavier than an expensive Bushnell 3-9x32, but not bad, as large as I'd want on a light gun. I have a bunch of older Bushnells, and I really can't complain for the $$, they have stood up as expected but this new one is by far the cheapest one I have. We'll see.

I was going to put it on a CO2 gun, but I think I'll put it on the springer instead since it's "rated" and the expensive one there now isn't.

One thing I noticed: the quoted FOV of this scope at all powers is wider than many quoted for 40mm scopes. Just goes to show... For a light airgun I'd prefer a 2-7x32, but this was close.
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sniper
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#4 Post by sniper »

If you want something good and cheap for now:

http://www.airgunforum.ca/forum/viewtop ... 95&start=0
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#5 Post by cfraser »

Sorry Sniper. I sort of said I'd buy that scope today a few days ago (had it on "hold", last in stock) before I saw your post yesterday. I didn't have to buy it, but said I would, just didn't want to lose any future "credibility" (or whatever) with those people as it's a place I go to lots...
edholton
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#6 Post by edholton »

well the scope todd is talking about works just fine on my diana model 52.
i was told buy the bushnell rep ,who asked at the sales meeting at bushnell in the u.s ,that all bushnell scopes that have ajustable objective(A.O)
are airgun rated...i have several banners that all
work fine...the 4x12 is a nice scope....and if any does go wrong bushnell is right in richmond hill...and does give good service........just ask todd!
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#7 Post by cfraser »

That's good to know about the airgun rating. It was unclear to me just what Bushnell's stance was. In other brands AO does not necessarily mean they are airgun rated.

I was surprised at how big the 3-9x32 scope was, much bigger in real life than I expected from pic, almost as big as the gun I was originally planning to put it on!

For the OP, look at ETA's Weihrauchs in the Gallery as he has both the 32mm and 40mm AO Bushnell Sportsmans on guns right next to each other, for rough size comparison.
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#8 Post by TCooper »

As Ed mentioned I had a warrant return to Bushnell in Richmond Hill. I have owned many Bushnell scopes with no problems at all (Sportviews, Sportsman, Banners, Trophy). The product has served me well.

A couple of years ago I had a 7 year old Sportview (79-0039) that went all hazy inside. I sent it to Richmond Hill with a cheque for $10.70. In 20 days I had a new Sportsman 72-0039 on my doorstep. Good service.

Todd

Sportsman 72-0039 on HW30S
Image
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#9 Post by cfraser »

So that's what it'll look like! Another guy who left the sights on. Are the included rings no good? Haven't tried them yet but superficially look better than some I've used before.
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#10 Post by TCooper »

Hi cfraser,

The included rings are not the best but they might work. I used a one piece Sportsmatch mount on my HW30S. The cheapo mounts that were included don't have a recoil pin and I didn't want to bother drilling a hole for one or using goop to keep things from moving. On my XS-B3-1 I used goop to keep things in place.

Todd

The iron sights are just decoration when using the scope. Easily removed.
Image

XS-B3-1 with Sportsman and included mounts.
Image
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#11 Post by TCooper »

The cheapo mounts that come with the Sportsman scope are soft aluminum. I put a couple of 10 cent washers under the claw screws to keep the screws from chewing into the aluminum. The washers worked great (find at CanTire).

Todd
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#12 Post by cfraser »

OK, I'll use the good mounts with the "cheap" scope on the good gun. And the cheap mounts with the good scope on the cheap gun. :D Makes sense. For now.

Mainly I like my good mounts because I can align without having to use the dials. And they grip tightly. I'm going to see how I do without a scope stop to start since I don't have one and don't want to "glue" until I'm sure of this setup.

Yeah, the sights are decoration, but you have that nice thing at the end of your barrel. Mine looks awful without it, not that that really matters, except that it does... :D

I really feel I must emphasize how large this 3-9x32 scope is compared to an "expensive" Bushnell one. VERY much bigger in every way, even though the lenses are the same size. Maybe it's extra sturdy for airguns, which can't be bad. Finish and operation is cruder too, though quite acceptable.
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