Hunter Field Target Scope round up

Once any sport or activity becomes popular, specialized, dedicated equipment soon follows. So it is with the steady rise of Hunter Field Target (HFT) shooting; where the competitor is required to walk a course of knock-down targets, placed in an outdoor setting, to simulate a variety of hunting scenarios.

Being able to tackle targets that may appear at ranges anywhere between 8 and 45yards, without adjusting the scope in any way (a key ruling in HFT) relies upon the glassware having a more general specification. Mega mag, FT-style scopes are redundant here, and typical magnification is x8-10, which normally allows for an acceptable level of focus, even at the extreme near and far targets.

I’ve picked 10 scopes which could all prove themselves on an HFT course, including several models which crop up time and again in the silverware.

MTC GENESIS UL 3-9X40

The Genesis Ultra Lite3-9x40, manages to significantly trim the overall weight by some margin, whilst still offering a host of features to assist the serious enthusiast. Variable magnification, a lockable zero, and flip-up lens caps and sun shade is a pretty good start, but this model also allows parallax to be set (then left set) via the front ring. It was MTC that popularised large chunky ‘tactical’ turrets, with their successful Viper range; but thankfully, those painfully trendy impractical protrusions are replaced here, with low profile caps.

Multiple aim points come with the AMD (Advanced Mil Dot) reticule that offers full and half Mil-Dot aiming points. Image quality is impressive, with good edge to edge clarity and definition, and a bright, sharp picture - all in a handy lightweight design.

FOR:
Neat design backed by MTC’s proven track record in competition

AGAINST:
None to speak of

VERDICT:
Astounding value for money

MTC VIPER CONNECT SL 3-12X24

The Connect, takes a radical approach over more conventional designs. A slim 24mm objective keeps things compact, but incredibly short eye relief is the main selling point here. In practise, this means that where the rear ocular lens of a normal scope would be held a few inches from the eye, in order to achieve a full sight picture, when using the Connect, the rear lens effectively sits on the nose. (no good for recoiling guns then!) Using this set-up has a unique feel to it, and whether it feels right will be down to the individual.

The logic is simple: the longer the required eye relief, then the more chance for incorrect head position (eye/scope alignment), and therefore parallax error. The Connect in theory minimizes this by dramatically shortening the eye relief, giving greater depth of field as a result. Reticule-wise, the AMD (advanced Mil dot) design is super fine and refined in use.

For full validation of its performance though, look no further than top HFT shot and National Series winner, Dave Ramshead, who has used one to great effect up and down the country.MTC Optics, 01380 859572, www.mtcoptics.com

FOR:
Minimizes parallax error/ greater field of view

AGAINST:
Unusual concept that can be irritating in use

VERDICT:
Proven winner

LIGHTSTREAM 4.5-14X44 FFP

Lightstream has built up a reputation over the last few years for outstanding performance’. Top class lenses and build quality to match, along with an impressive spec list, make these scopes a popular choice.

That distinctive silky matt black, hard anodised finish sets the Lightstream apart from many of its rivals, whilst excellent light transmission and pin sharp edge-to-edge clarity, come as standard. This scope offers a glass-etched reticule in the First Focal Plane, along with the ‘True Strike System’, which guarantees no zero shift. The variable magnification of 4.5-14 is ideal for most applications too, making this model highly versatile into the bargain.

In a market where many rivals appear bland and samey, these well presented Lightstream models are really hard to beat.

FOR:
Great reputation

AGAINST:
None to speak of

VERDICT:
Quality speaks for itself

SIGHTRON SIII 10X42 MMD

One glance through this 10x42 and it becomes clear that this is a cut above the average. Although retailing at around £560, the quality is reflected in the price. Image integrity is stunning, and certainly one of the brightest and sharpest that I have encountered in a long while. Edge to edge clarity is also spot on, and unusually, parallax adjustment is made via a collar at the rear. Turrets are particularly well marked, with clear increments picked out in gold, along with tracking lines to keep a check on how many revolutions have been made.

MMD (Modified Mil-Dot) relates to the half Mil-Dots marked along the reticule that give a reassuring sight picture. When viewed at 30yds a 15mm target kill area fits within half a Mil, whilst a 25mm kill area fits within the centre zone. In addition, a standard 40mm killfits within any four markers. All useful and with the sheer crispness of the reticule itself, functionality is on the whole excellent.

FOR:
Stunning lens quality

AGAINST:
Quality comes at a price

VERDICT:
Worth every penny

NIKKO STIRLING TARGETMASTER 5-20X50IR LRX

‘IR’ stands for the obligatory illuminated reticule, whilst ‘LRX’ refers to the reticule incorporated; another ‘Christmas tree’ design with a multitude of reference points. Included in the price is a screw on sunshade, lens dust covers, and a sidewheel. The three turret, 30mm tube configuration is similar to the Viper, and with that reticule (just missing windage markings), this scope has to be seen as a serious rival.

Bear in mind though, that many shooters are unable to afford several scopes for different disciplines, and the fact that this TargetMaster, set to its maximum x20 mag, can make a half decent job of FT range finding too with the sidewheel in place, means this scope could well suit someone who wants one scope to use in a variety of disciplines.

This scope felt a little sensitive as to head position, with a fully clear, crisp target image requiring very precise positioning of the head. This isn`t necessarily a criticism, since an ultra consistent approach to sighting can help to eradicate parallax error.

FOR:
Another good value package

AGAINST:
The objective bell maybe a little cumbersome

VERDICT:
Good all rounder

HAWKE SIDEWINDER 10X42 IR SF TAC 30

For HFT, the Sidewinder Tac 30 range still has what it takes; coming extremely well appointed and beautifully presented too. It comes in a foam-lined, aluminium trimmed hard case, whilst a 4” side wheel, range indicator, spare battery, cleaning cloth, 4” sunshade and 10 year Limited Lifetime Warranty, all help seal the deal.

The ‘Half Mil-Dot’ reticule is a major improvement, giving finer reference points, and in practise, this means more accurate range-finding via the bracketing method, especially where the smallest 15mm kill zones are concerned. The glass-etched reticule is a fully floating design. Hollow posts with further aim points, include sections 0.2 of a Mil apart at the inner points, and the overall visuals are impressively precise.

I can certainly vouch for their effectiveness in the right hands.

FOR:
Popular all rounder

AGAINST:
Popular all rounder

VERDICT:
A great budget beater from Hawke

FALCON MENACE 10X42

Falcon are now well established as an optics brand, and this fixed power 10x42 model is the perfect specification for HFT. With a fixed magnification most targets appear clear enough at the usual HFT target distances.

The dedicated tactical style B20 reticule offers half Mil-Dots between some aim points, and has gone down a storm with many competitors, who consider these fine reference points to be just about essential for successful shooting. Ultra precise stadia is undoubtedly a big asset in the field, but then so is a super clear sight picture.

Increasingly small target kill zones call for practise and technique, but robust, well designed glassware such as this Menace undoubtedly help. Parallax error is kept to a minimum too, as head position again seems fairly critical with this model.

FOR:
Image quality and minimal parallax error

AGAINST:
Not much

VERDICT:
Packed with features for the money

LEUPOLD 3-9X33 EFR VX2

Less is so often more with HFT scopes, and externally at least, this compact Leupold is fairly bland and conventionally styled. However, for that, read super sleek and compact, as this slim-line model is a great performer. The famous gold ring gives the game away of course, and Leupold’s legendary build quality is there for all to see.

Low profile screw cap turrets hide a quality tracking mechanism, whilst the Leupold multi-coated lenses offer a super crisp, sharp image right to the edge. Used by several competitors on the national HFT circuit, despite having a fairly standard duplex reticule with no Mil-Dots, this is one for anyone’s short list.

FOR:
Great build quality/ ultra compact

AGAINST:
Fairly standard reticule

VERDICT:
Leupold always represents a sound investment

NIGHTFORCE 10X32 NSX

As the most expensive glassware in my listing, this slim line 10X32 NSX is undoubtedly impressive. It features robust adjustment mechanisms, a 30mm body tube and only measures 12” long. With many shooters striving to keep the sightline as low and as near to the bore as possible in HFT, scopes such as this are ideal. Nightforce supply the US Military, which gives some idea of the specification, build quality, and extreme robustness built in to their products.

Last years World HFT Champion, Greg Morss, competes with one of these, which is some recommendation; yet personal taste still plays a big part where scopes are concerned. What may suit one person’s eyes may just not suit another.

Bear in mind that neither parallax or magnification can be adjusted during an HFT tournament as mentioned, and any prospective scope needs to be set up as a compromise, to suit its user. Whether this particular model is worth substantially more than many of its rivals is also up for debate.

FOR:
Quality US brand/ low sight line

AGAINST:
Expensive

VERDICT:
High quality but you pay for it

BUSHNELL BANNER 3-9X50

This scope is an option for those who like to keep things simple, as it comes with a standard duplex reticule, featuring a fine equidistant central cross hair, and thick outer lines. The absence of any stepped stadia or Mil Dots means that the sight picture is refreshingly uncluttered.

All importantly, the central cross hair is directly proportional to our airgun target kill zone sizes, with ‘centre to any post’ perfectly bracketing a 15mm kill zone at 15yards. I’ve competed in just such a simple fashion for years, and have become accustomed to a clean sight picture, and a more instinctive approach.

Set to x9 mag, clarity was sharp at 30yds (and I’d guess that’s the range at which these models are parallax corrected), and the image was crisp to the edges.

Good glass from a respected brand, at a very competitive price.

FOR:
Great lens quality and image for the money

AGAINST:
Reticule lacks aim points

VERDICT:
Simple spec but very effective