Hawke Airmax 4-12x40 AO AMX

Several of the rifle scopes across Hawke’s extensive range could easily be utilised on an airgun, yet it’s the dedicated Airmax models which are aimed specifically at our sector of the shooting sports. For those who want to keep things relatively simple, on test here is the least expensive model in the line-up. What we’re getting for the money is a straightforward optic, designed to deliver modern features but not overload the user with what they don’t necessarily need.

Versatile

Variable magnification, from 4x up to 12x, brings versatility at the twist of the rubber-coated high torque zoom ring, and the AO designation in the model’s name denotes an adjustable objective up front, rather than a side knob/wheel adjuster. Side focus, often via an add-on wheel, has become very trendy, and in Field Target circles even vital, but for many other situations, front-mounted parallax AO works just fine.

Hawke uses its System H2 glass across the Airmax range and some models are specified as having a First Focal Plane (FFP) reticle, meaning its proportions stay the same irrespective of the magnification selected. My test scope here, however, is the more common Second Focal Plane (SFP). The lenses are 16-layer multi-coated, and the image is configured as wide angle, offering, in theory, a greater field of view.

Conventional

I’ve never been too fussed about larger-diameter body tubes. Indeed, most of my favourite optics over the years have featured 1” tubes. This Airmax is 1”, and with screw-capped low turrets, the overall profile is nicely understated. There’s no reticle illumination here, so again having no rheostat means less bulk and weight overall, keeping things in line with the principle of keeping it simple.

Basic set-up

With the scope firmly mounted, the first task is to use the rubber-coated rear dioptre to get a crisp picture and the AMX reticle in focus at the same time. On test, the ocular dioptre turned with an acceptable level of resistance, so it shouldn’t turn too easily when you don’t want it to. Under the screw caps, both turrets carry ¼ MOA click values, with the elevation dial marked up from 0 through to 14. The windage has a zero marker, then 1 through to 7 in each direction. The clicks are crisp and audible, with plenty of resistance too. After setting zero, dialling and tracking through the grid all worked perfectly on test, proving the integrity of the adjusters.

As for the adjustable objective bell up front, parallax distances are marked as minimum 10 yards, then 15, 25, 45, 100, 200, and then infinity. Again, the movement was fairly smooth, and the image quality with this model on test was clear, vibrant, and sharp edge to edge.

Reticle diagram

All of the Airmax scopes get the AMX reticle, and this is glass etched for added precision and durability, as opposed to a fine wire suspension, which can break in use. The design sees four Mil-Dots spread equidistant down and across all four quadrants, and for the record, true Mil-Dot values come into play when the scope is set to 10x magnification. Opt for one of the Illuminated Reticle (IR) options and the entire Mil-Dot centre section illuminates, but for those of us not bothered about IR, the overall cost is kept down, and the external profile is just more streamlined without it. Half-mil-dot spacing on the lower post provides increased aim points for long-range calculation, and these horizontal bars are calculated at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 Mil spacing. In addition, hollow posts are segmented into Mil spacing and these again are equidistant, appearing to border each quadrant of the central reticle. The result is a multitude of aim points, making this scope equally at home on an HFT target course, or out in a live quarry hunting scenario.

Uncluttered

The reticle is nice and fine and certainly uncluttered, given that the diagram actually only takes up half the diameter of the image. This means that in a hunting scenario, there’s a large gap on either side of the reticle in which to clearly spot the quarry, with those hollow segments designed to maintain an open/easy image, and not get in the way. The downside is the familiar criticism, where the fineness of the reticle can be momentarily lost when viewing dark foliage in poor light. As usual, there’s a compromise to be struck. There’s no doubt overall that this reticle is very precise, provides a host of useful pointers, and remains a great tool in the field. Elasticated-type lens protectors are supplied, and whilst flip-up caps are probably preferable long-term, I’m nitpicking.

Reassuring

Weight, or the lack of it, is a plus point then since this Airmax will only add 18.4oz to any rifle/ scope combo, plus the mounts, of course. All the usual assurances are here too; it’s specified as nitrogen-purged, shockproof, waterproof, fogproof, and all calibre-rated. The Airmax models are also covered by Hawke’s ‘no fault lifetime warranty’, so peace of mind really is assured.

At £209, this model is, as mentioned, the cheapest in the Airmax listing, yet with an impressively high standard of build, and an ideal, not to mention versatile specification, it makes either a great starter scope or general purpose/budget hunting tool.