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Problems with my scope....
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Myson View Drop Down
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    Posted: 04 May 2023 at 9:33am
Hi all,

I'm having problems with my Hawke Vantage SF IR 4-16 x 50 scope. Thumbs Down
In summary:

It won’t hold zero - the groups loosen and creep right and up (usually)

         When trying to re-adjust left and down I get the following results: 

o   Clicks Left sometimes work, sometimes nothing happens

o   Clicks Down sometimes work, sometimes nothing happens

o   Clicks for windage often affect elevation

o   Clicks for elevation often affect windage

This leaves me “chasing” the bullseye and when I do finally get it back on bull, the zero-ed groups end up moving again after a few more shots next day!

·         The Parallex adjustment SF knob is extremely stiff and has not loosened up after months of use

·         Over 75 yds, the focus is very poor and cannot be adjusted further.

Has anyone else experienced such problems with the Hawke Vantage models? I'd be keen to hear from you if you have.... thanks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq7jVyBfFqE
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nunga View Drop Down
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Posts: 1081 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote nunga Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2023 at 10:43am
I would say the internal optics have come loose. this sometimes happens when you over adjust them to get zero or over adjust for left or right.  You can pull them apart and fix but they are air tight and as soon as you crack the seal you will run into problems later on because the lenses will probably fog up.
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FPM View Drop Down
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Posts: 56 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote FPM Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2023 at 2:21pm
I was just about to respond to cover the low hanging fruit and then I saw who the OP was and thought probably no point...

I did notice when using one of your rifles something wasn't right with the scope and I recall mentioning it. Was it the same one?

Has this scope ever worked properly for you?


Edited by FPM - 04 May 2023 at 2:23pm
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Billbobnz View Drop Down
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Is it under warranty still?
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mercs View Drop Down
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Posts: 340 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mercs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2023 at 3:06pm
I tried two 3-9x40 AO scopes in 2018 and they had a similar "creep" failure mode to yours.

I had registered for the Lifetime Warranty and when I expressed dissatisfaction I was promptly reimbursed.

I thought they were very clear, focused well and rather pleased with accuracy when new however they did not last long on my springers.

They were and are clearly advertised as airgun rated but in my opinion that would apply only to sub 12ft/lb, CO2 or PCP.

The more robust Airmax model was not readily available at the time and I know owners who have had great service from that model on airguns.

They have kept selling the Vantage so must be satisfied users out there.

cheers
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Myson View Drop Down
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Posts: 224 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Myson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2023 at 1:26am
Thanks all for your feedback.... it's much appreciated. Smile

The dealer believes I might have over-tightened this particular sight - he may be right? But I was just seeing if others had experienced similar with this model, to see if there was a "bad batch" of Vantage scopes perhaps?

Seems not, so far...

Anyone out there with a good 2nd-hand springer-rated scope for sale?!  I'm looking for a Mildot reticule, preferably with x16 magnification and SF....

Thanks to you all.
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kruzaroad View Drop Down
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Posts: 2617 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kruzaroad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2023 at 4:01am
Don't hawk have a lifetime warrenty for any scope after 2018
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Posts: 159 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jwabfrog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2023 at 6:36am
Hi Myson, I have a Nikko Stirling Nigheater 6-24x44 if that's of interest to you? Full mil dot reticle. Side focus. PM if interested and I can send you pics
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RangerPete View Drop Down
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Hawke are usually excellent. I’d send it back and ask them to try find out what the problem is.
Jawbfrog, I’m not sure if the night eater is springer rated?
Walk quietly, but carry a big stick.
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Myson View Drop Down
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Posts: 224 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Myson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2023 at 8:52am
Thanks again Gentlemen - great to have your thoughts on this.

To answer some questions above:

The Hawke's have a Lifetime Guarantee but only for faulty parts. If I have over-tightened the scope, warranty lost I'm afraid (according to the Dealer).

The Dealer is sending pictures of my scope back to Hawke but he thinks they'll refuse to replace it because he can see some tube marks that imply over-tightening.Unhappy

And thanks Jwabfrog - do you know if your NS scope is Springer-rated over 12 ft/lbs?

I've not had this problem before (60 years of shooting!) so I'm a bit lost as to how I might have over-tightened the tube?  I don't have a torque screwdriver - and they're rather expensive for the amount of use I'd have for it (!) - so I usually use common sense and instinctive feel with the Allen Keys!

Guess I got it wrong this time? Must be getting old?!
Nah! Big smile
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kruzaroad View Drop Down
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Posts: 2617 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kruzaroad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2023 at 9:16am
So are you thinking that you've overtightened the turret adjustment dials and compressed the springs or as you mentioned Allen keys that you've tightened the mounts to tight and damaged the tube.
I was assuming you had over compressed the internal springs.
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Myson View Drop Down
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Posts: 224 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Myson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2023 at 9:31am
Hi Kruza,

The Dealer thinks I've over-tightened the Sportsmatch Rings - those eight small screws that hold the tops of the rings on to the 1" tube, either side of the turrets.

He thinks the tube was dented inwards and that compression buggered the internals, causing the symptoms listed above.

You can certainly see a small line on the side of the tube where the rings were.... and being aluminium, I guess it dents easily???
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq7jVyBfFqE
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kruzaroad View Drop Down
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Posts: 2617 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kruzaroad Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2023 at 10:06am
OK. I've never used a tourqe meter on any of mine. And I have no dought they are way over the specs. Having said that it is about a 10 to 15min process to tighten them as I bring them in evenly, a small amount per Allen screw.
Theory would have it that a strait edge or vernier would show any compression of the outside of the tube.
My thinking from your description was that one of the springs involved in adjusting the elevation or windage,that hold the lens/crosshairs in place had stuffed out. That causes the hairs to move as they no longer hold tension and also affects how it feels adjusting them. ( one of my scopes up Hastings I'm sure I killed this way over tightening the windage on a blowy day to compensate )
I would check the tube to see if its compressed slightly around the mount area.
A line could be from rotating the scope while adjusting it to sit vertical from a sharp edge on the mount or just being a tad tight when rotating it level prior to the final tweeting up.

https://life.hawkeoptics.com/riflescope-alignment/

Edited by kruzaroad - 05 May 2023 at 10:22am
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mercs View Drop Down
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Posts: 340 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mercs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2023 at 12:38pm
22 - 25 inch pounds for rings (ZeroTech scope manual)

SportsMatch so you have chosen a good brand and you will get a great grip without over tightening.

If separate rings then I push them together and tighten initially and check alignment with finger as a starting point. If there is any discrepancy then several additional steps are required before the scope should be installed.
Misalignment will easily cause indent marks on the tube.

Many rings come with single sided tape inside which can help avoid any issues.

Should they not replace yours and you can retrieve the scope I would like to have a look, several manufacturers are close to no questions asked. i will review Hawke installation instructions but no replacement will not reflect well on Hawke in my opinion.

Has anyone found an economical torque driver to recommend, tend to be a couple of hundred dollars when I was looking.

Short end of hex key with thumb and forefinger only should be sufficient for the top half shells.

Following is from zero tech.com.au

  1. Once you are satisfied the base(s) is correctly fitted to the receiver of your firearm, proceed to fit the rings to the base(s) and ensure the ring clamps are tightened to the recommended torque settings as specified by the manufacturer.

  2. With the ring tops removed, place the scope in the ring bases and gently slide the scope back and fourth in the ring bases to ensure the scope slides freely. If the scope does not slide freely, lapping of the rings may be necessary to avoid damage

page9image212402016

ZEROTECH - INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9

to the scope maintube. ZeroTech always recommends the use of high quality rings

and bases to ensure the best possible fitting of your scope.

  1. Avoid mounting the scope with the rings contacting the junction of the maintube/erector

    housing, magnification ring/maintube junction or the objective/maintube junction.

  2. It is essential to confirm that no part of the scope is contacting the barrel or receiver

    when the scope is mounted in the rings.

  3. Once you have confirmed the fit of the scope in the ring bases, fit the ring tops and

    tighten the ring top bolts to between 22–25 in lbs or 2.5–2.8NM.

  4. ZeroTech highly recommends the use of a scope level (bubble level) fitted to the

    rings or the scope maintube to ensure the reticle can consistently be aligned with the fall of gravity every time a shot is fired. This is particularly important for precision shooting applications.

*If your level mounts to the maintube of the scope, follow the same guidelines as observed for scope ring fitting to ensure the level does not damage the maintube of your scope.

page10image213226592

10 ZEROTECH - INSTRUCTION MANUAL



Edited by mercs - 05 May 2023 at 12:40pm
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Myson View Drop Down
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Posts: 224 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Myson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 May 2023 at 1:00am
Many thanks Kruza and Mark - great feedback!

I'm now waiting on the Dealer to discover if a replacement scope is granted by Hawke - or if I have to buy another scope (new or 2nd-hand).

Whatever, when I fit a new scope, I'll be taking your advice above! Smile

Onwards and Upwards! I really appreciate all the good input from everyone above... great to have so many experienced airgunners helping me!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq7jVyBfFqE
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