Hawke Airmax 3-9x40AO report

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  • John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,734
    Socialist State of Maryland
    I just bought this scope for my Gamo Wisper Wildcat since it ate two other airgun scopes. I had a Winchester 2-7x32AO and a CenterPoint 3-9 X32, both of which were airgun scopes and have been used on other break barrel rifles. The Winchester lasted about 1000 rounds but the CenterPoint only made it about 300 before not working anymore.

    I did some digging and found out that the Wildcat is a magnum power air rifle. (who knew :shrug:) So I started looking at scopes but really didn't want to spend almost twice the rifles value. After I figured out I had no choice if I didn't want to keep buying scopes, I decided to buy this scope as it is rated for all calibers of break barrel made and it is light enough that I can use it offhand. I got it from Midway for $210.

    Considering it is relatively inexpensive, this is a really nice scope. It is super clear and the objective ranges are spot on. The AMX reticle is kind of busy for a guy my age (we usually like cross hairs and that's it) but is is nice and fine which I like. The lines are so fine, I was shooting at carpenter ants walking on the base of my backstop at 25 yards. I hit three out of 10 which I think is awesome.

    I just finished putting a hundred rounds through the rifle and it is back to one ragged .22 size hole at 25 yards rather than the 1 inch groups I was getting with the last scope (plus the windage stopped working). I highly recommend it if you own a hard shooting springer.
     

    Vic

    Ultimate Member
    Jul 2, 2010
    1,454
    Whiteford, MD
    Good report. I have several Hawke scopes. Haven't had any trouble with any of them. Glad they are keeping up the good work.
    V
     

    shootnfishndorf

    Active Member
    Mar 17, 2016
    338
    Waldorf
    Good to know...thank you for the review. Good timing, as I've been reviewing/researching a .30 cal nitro piston....

    Sent from my Armor 8 using Tapatalk
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,734
    Socialist State of Maryland
    UPDATE. Scope has made it through 500 rounds with no sweat. Since shooting with it a while, there is something I want to comment on and that is the recticle. The reticle is very thin and does well if you are shooting at paper targets. If you are shooting at something else, there needs to be a good contrast or the reticle is hard to see. For instance, shooting a crow in a tree at 30 yards is pretty hard. This scope would be great if the reticle was illuminated.

    It works good for me as I am mostly shooting targets with it and it excels at that.
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,734
    Socialist State of Maryland
    Update.

    Scope died today. :sad20: I am at the almost 1200 mark and, just after a shot, I reloaded and looked through the scope and it was blurred. Nothing I could do would clear it up. Additionally, I cannot turn the power ring past 8X now. I assume something broke inside but when I shake it, I don't hear anything.

    The 'net says Hawke has a good warranty so I sent them off an email and packed up the scope. Damn, I like this rifle, as it is cheap to practice with and is very accurate. It sure does eat scopes though. :eek:
     

    Virgil Co.C

    Active Member
    Aug 10, 2018
    615
    Not a fan . On my 3rd scope . First one crosshairs broke / bent , went catty womp es. 2nd one ended up with a blur almost looks like glass in the inside chipped. 3rd one didn’t mount sold try to recoup some money . Customer service was great . They had no problem sending me new scope . Shipping I had to pay for. It was Vantage SF 6-24 x 44. Had it on a 308. Spoke to Hawke , ya ya scope can handle it . well not my two lemons .They where new to me figure give them a try. Believe it was around 400. I have 150 dollar Nikons that I’ve had for 20years or better , still going. My experience with them I don’t foresee buying anymore of there products.
     

    Thwack22

    Member
    Aug 8, 2012
    54
    NoVa
    I have a Hawke 3-9 on an RWS-54. Not many rounds through it but after reading your report I’m not encouraged ☹️.
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,734
    Socialist State of Maryland
    Jon, I used the Bullseye mount on all my springers and can attest without reservation I never damaged a scope. Follow the installation instructions and it will work.
    Neat idea; shock absorber for a scope.
    https://www.amazon.com/Bullseye-Mount-Dovetail-Compensation-Recoil/dp/B00MA5LCLY

    Thanks but I think this has been out of production for some time. Since I only shoot at 25 yards with my springer, a red dot sight is working out fine. I can keep the groups down to 1 inch leaning on my pickup so I am happy. If I need precision work, I haul out the Marauder or Avenger. ;)
     

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