If you're like me you might consider cheap scopes online (between €100-€150, then look through someone else's scope and realise why you might want to pay a bit extra, which costs more in the long run.

If you're in a club, try get a look through as many scopes as you can. Pay attention to the clarity of the scopes at different zoom power. Also take note of the crosshair, make sure its something you can get on with.

Although 50-100 ain't that far in some people's eyes, you need to be able to see the small targets clearly. So for a target shooting scope (in my experience), people will go with higher power scopes 30 or 40 power on the upper end.

Also, a scope with big bell 50mm will let in more light. Check the tube size as well, (30 or 25) normally and again the bigger the more light can get in.

The other thing to check is paralex, make sure this is adjustable. If you plan to hunt or shoot closer than 50, make sure the paralex can be adjusted under that distance.

Sometimes paralex is referred to as Focus and on some scopes (mostly hunting scopes) they can be "paralex" free after 50 or 100 meters.
This adjustment is going to either be on the front (AO) or on the side (side paralex).
It depends on your own taste, but most would probably find side paralex easier to use, but generally this feature comes at a premium.

One more thing, is FFP (first focal plane vs SFP (second focal plane). FFP will most likely cost more and I have heard feedback from target shooters that the crosshair can actually get in the way of the target, because the crosshair will increase in size as you zoom in.

All the extra bits bring the price of the scope up but (in my opinion) you should find the clearest glass for your budget, followed by highest power, followed by side paralex.

Some scopes I've seen on the line.

Weaver t36 (fixed power of 36 power)
Lepould (various target scopes)
Hawke sidewinder or other Hawke scopes.

I would say that the Hawkes are probably the cheapest of the above options, but very popular.

Lepould (I'm nearly sure) come with a lifetime warranty.

Personaly, I am a tight git and after a number of years using 100 quid scopes, recently bought a hawke sidewinder 8-32x56 (so min power 8, max power 32 and a 56 objective).

I like the scope, but have definitely looked through clearer scopes, especially when zoomed all the way up.

I know you were probably looking for a simple answer lol, but I hope this helps.

Good info there from keith, one thing I'd add is if your looking for a mils reticle, get one that has the turrets in mils to, some scopes have mil rets but moa turrets which can get a bit confusing if your using your rets aim points, or trying to use the aim point to calculate point of aim and point of impact. Your going to be measuring in mils but your turrets are in moa.

If your looking for FFP
https://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/athlon-argos-btr-gen2-6-24x50-ffp-apmr-mil-ir-rifle-scope

SFP
https://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/athlon-midas-btr-gen-2-4.5-27x50-ahmr-sfp-moa-zero-stop-ir-rifle%20scope
https://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/hawke-sidewinder-30-sf-6x24x50-20x-half-mil-dot-ir-reticle

I think the new Hawke sidewinder has turrets matching the ret the older ones dont, so no matter what your buy match the turrets to the ret.

mallow98 wrote: »

Thanks a million for the reply!

Was looking at hawke sidewinders online and have heard some good reports on them, must try and get a look at one in person!

Great points there for Wadi and JP.

Based on the info you have now, I'd suggest you have a look at a few different scopes online and see what boxes you can tick for your budget.
The more you look at them the more you'll get an idea of what you're after and won't buy something on impulse.

Not sure how things are now with Covid, but the lad in Finglas village normally has a good few scopes in stock and I found him very helpful.

I'm sure there are other shops around and might be worth calling and seeing what's in stock and if you can get in store to look.

Happy hunting!

I have a Hawke Airmax 30sf 8-32x50 30mm tube in perfect condition if that is any good to you.
Great scope, check out the reviews.