Reviews - Sub $300 scopes with fixed objective

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Sub $300 scopes with fixed objective

Printed From: Kiwi Airgunners
Category: Technical
Forum Name: Reviews
Forum Description: Rate your airgun or pellets here
URL: www.kiwiairgunners.co.nz/forum_posts.asp?TID=558
Printed Date: 05 Jun 2025 at 3:38pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 10.14 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Sub $300 scopes with fixed objective

Posted By: mercs
Subject: Sub $300 scopes with fixed objective
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2021 at 4:51am

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

Scope	focus	clarity	Eye relief	Turrets	Low light	Warranty	10 - 25 yard usability	Total (70) Score
Stealth	10	10	10	7	10	8	6	61
Panamax	9	9	9	6	9	10	7	59
Gamo	5	7	6	8	6	5	6	43

Replies:

Posted By: mercs
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2022 at 3:32pm

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.

Posted By: dvlnme
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2022 at 5:01am

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

Posted By: mercs
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2022 at 12:11pm

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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