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Sub $300 scopes with fixed objective

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mercs View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote mercs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Sub $300 scopes with fixed objective
    Posted: 31 Jan 2021 at 9:51am
Scope trials, all scopes are at risk when used on higher power air rifles and the object was to compare similar design and priced scopes for several months using >1000 pellets and rotate service between different rifles.
Requirements were for scopes to be under $300, clearly stated as air rifle rated, readily available in NZ with generally positive internet reviews.

1. Nikko Stirling Panamax 3-9x40 $200 (original owner lifetime warranty)                                                                      first use on Crosman Blaze .177 gas piston  @16 ft/lbs

2. Stealth 4-12x40 mil-dot $190  (10 year warranty )                                                                                                          first use on Sig ASP20 .177 gas piston @20 ft/lbs

3. Gamo 3-9x40 $210 (1 year warranty)                                                                                                                               first use on Gamo .22 magnum gas piston @29 ft/lbs

Outcomes:

The Panamax continues to provide good service in pest control.
The Stealth scope failed at 750 pellets when rotated onto the Crosman.
The Gamo scope works well at 40 yards in good light and continues in service.

Optical assessment                                                                                                                                                    comparisons were at 75 yards.

4x magnification: Stealth had excellent definition followed closely by the Panamax.

9x magnification: Stealth was very clear and a step ahead of the Panamax, the Gamo was unreadable on maximum magnification.

Eye relief: Stealth and Panamax come more easily to sight.

Low light: Stealth and Panamax brighter.

Close in at 10 - 25 yards: Panamax at minimum magnification is clear enough and quite backyard friendly for a fixed objective model.


Turrets: Stealth look and feel slightly better than the Panamax however Gamo had precise indent clicks work well.

First Day Assessment
ScopefocusclarityEye reliefTurretsLow lightWarranty10 - 25 yard usability
Total (70)
Score
Stealth1010107108661
Panamax9996910759
Gamo576865643
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mercs View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mercs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Jul 2022 at 8:32pm
Panamax 3-9x40 refitted to the .22 Sig ASP20 using SportsMatch mount ready for some winter pest control. Sighted in nicely at 25 yards using RWS super field pellets but have not found previous consistent grouping out at 50 yards using holdover. Will zero for 50 metres and try using hold under at 25 yards.
Better still time for some pellet trials.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dvlnme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2022 at 10:01am
interesting that the gamo costs more than other better scopes and allso has shortest warrenty as well.i have never had a problem with any nikko firearm or airgun scope in 40 years yet have had problems with several far more expenisve Burris and Leoplod scopes over the years,one my favourite 22 rimfire scopes is the gamo 3/9x32 airgun scope but wouldnt use it on a springer,i recently replaced 2x gamo scopes on springers that i doubt had fired 500 pellets each,replace them with 4x 32 fixed power nikko airkings that i doubt will ever give a problem,
 cheers mike
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mercs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Jul 2022 at 5:11pm
I checked back and the Gamo scope came with a medium height one piece mount which cost $60 if bought separately so that would put the scope price back to $150 which would make sense.
I also have had success with the Gamo 32mm range using 4x32AO scope on mid power Gamo Shadow series rifle and it does not look over the top on light weight rifle.

New Gamo scopes have dropped in price but have more plastic components, I have several and they work ok but I tend to use them on sub 12ft/bs.

Nikko Stirling seem a bit rare since Covid.

cheers

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