Mark Camoccio gives us his top ten choice for FT glass

With Field Target (FT) shooting now firmly established as the flagship outdoor airgun target sport, it’s little wonder that an increasing number of scope manufacturers have developed, or are developing, their own top-end, dedicated glassware. FT at the highest level undoubtedly pushes man and machine to the uppermost limits of performance; so’ any specialised kit aimed at this most demanding of disciplines, needs to be properly up to the job. Showcased here, are a cross section of some of the most popular models in use on the circuit, and whilst retail prices vary enormously, all are serious contenders, worthy of consideration.

• VORTEX GOLDEN EAGLE 15-60X52 HD

  

  Vortex Optics www.vortexoptics.com
  
  The Golden Eagle from Vortex carries a good specification, well suited to FT. As standard, it comes with a minimum parallax range of 15 yards, but if this seems irritating, then there is always the option of a Leupold 50 ft adaptor, which we used to use on pre-EFR models in the early days of FT. This should then allow close focus down to 10 yards. As standard with this model, you get variable magnification from 15 – 60x, and an unusual 52mm objective lens. Body tube is 30mm, it weighs 30.1oz, and the turrets are 1/8 MOA. There’s currently a choice of two reticles now; the SCR, which features a plain fine cross and the ECR, which has further graduations in the design. Overall then, the Golden Eagle represents an exciting entrance into the FT market for Vortex, and with plenty of features and character, this boldly designed model looks more than likely to gain a foothold in the sport. Don’t forget the Vortex Lifetime guarantee either, for peace of mind and reassurance.
  
  PROS: Good quality glass and good build
  
  CONS: Minimum parallax is a little long at 15yds
  
  VERDICT: A well-made option, with that cast iron guarantee
  
  RRP £1666

• KAHLES K1050 10-50X56 FT

  

  RUAG Ammotec, 01579 362319 www.ruag.co.uk www.kahles.at
  
  Top British FT shooter, Matt Hirst, had a hand in the design and development of this dedicated FT scope, and it certainly comes with an interesting specification. Most notable is that top-mounted, 125mm parallax adjustment wheel, and whilst it means it may have to be taken off for storage in a gun case, there’s no doubting the slick handling in the heat of battle. This model has a 30mm body tube and weighs 37.1 oz. Parallax is from 9 to 65yds, and an MHR reticle is also incorporated. 1/8 MOA turrets are utilised, and all adjustments are smooth in operation, and nicely damped. Image quality is excellent, with an impressively shallow depth of field, whilst build quality is also spot on - as you would of course expect, given the RRPs.
  
  PROS: A dedicated FT model, designed from scratch
  
  CONS: Top mounted wheel can be awkward in a case
  
  VERDICT: An impressive but expensive piece of engineering
  
  RRP £2599 (SILVER) £2380

• KONUSPRO M30 12.5-50X56

  

  Range Right, 01423 881919 www.range-right.co.uk
  
  The Konus brand was founded in Italy in 1979, and now produce a range of optical products and sporting goods across disciplines. The Konuspro-M30 12.5-50x56 comes packed complete with lens cloth, flip up lens covers (which are great quality), and a 3” sunshade, and at 30.6oz, it sits as a midweight contender in this sector of the market. Target turrets, integral level bubble, side focus, and an illuminated modified Mil Dot reticle are all part of the specification; all for £383. The turrets are 1/10 Mil click values, so equating to roughly a cm@ 100yd, and a quarter of that over 25yds. The mechanism is the increasingly popular push-pull lockable style, meaning pull to open, twist to the desired setting, and then push to lock. Click movement is audible and positive too, which is always reassuring. The range of turret adjustment is less than some rivals, but given that many FT shooters now centre the scope and basic zero using adjustable mounts, this aspect is largely academic. A 5.25” side wheel is also available as an extra for around £60, but focusing with the side knob proved surprisingly good on test.
  
  PROS: No-nonsense performer
  
  CONS: Built in spirit level is hard to see
  
  VERDICT: Great value for money
  
  RRP £383

• LEUPOLD COMPETITION 45-45

  

  Viking Arms, 01423 780810 www.vikingarms.com
  
  Leupold have been a premium brand in scopes for as long as I have been involved with the shooting sports, and their Competition model now has quite a following on the FT circuit. It’s a fixed 45x magnification and comes with a 45mm objective. Fixed mag is unusual in FT, but whilst this model may seem less versatile, the simplicity does make for a technically stable build. Parallax adjustment allows for 10 yds through to infinity, and it all works well in use. It’s light weight too; the 30mm aluminium tube gets the usual Leupold build quality, yet still weighs less than 21oz. The slimline, streamlined simplicity is what appeals with this model, and image quality is nothing short of excellent. The parallax wheel is extremely smooth in use, and targets snap in and out with reassuring accuracy. There is a choice of reticle from Leupold, with standard options being a target crosshair or the 1/8th dot crosshair. Favourable exchange rates with the US Dollar have seen the quoted retail price for this model tumble too, so it’s become a more attractive option, for the discerning shooter.
  
  PROS: Leupold quality speaks for itself
  
  CONS: Fixed power mag, so less versatile
  
  VERDICT: Leupold has an army of fans, and for good reason
  
  RRP £1525

• HAWKE SIDEWINDER ED 10-50X60 SF

  

  Deben Group, 01394 387762 www.hawkeoptics.com
  
  Hawke took a while to produce a full-blown specification aimed at FT shooting, but the Sidewinder ED 10-50x60 SF offers just that, with 50x magnification now available, at the turn of the rear dial. The obligatory sunshade; 4” sidewheel and range pointer are all included in the price, but Hawke also take the unusual step of supplying three different target turret sets- ¼ and 1/8 MOA, and 1/10 MRAD, so the customer can tailor the scope to their specific needs. For FT shooters who favour a larger side wheel, a 6” version is available as an optional extra for £45. Sharpness of image on test was good, and set on the full 50x mag, the Sidewinder performed well, with the longer ranges being clearly defined, and snapping in with good repeatability. A red illuminated TMX reticle is fitted, and this is glass-etched and finely marked. And don’t forget the free dedicated software available on-line, via Hawke’s Ballistic Reticle Calculator, which is always a bonus. At £849.99, this Sidewinder is suddenly serious money, but it certainly feels well made, and comes very well appointed.
  
  PROS: Good clear image and robust build
  
  CONS: The spare turrets must add to the list price
  
  VERDICT: Hawke finally have a spec to take on the big guns
  
  RRP £849.99

• FALCON T50 10-50X60

  

  Falcon Optics, 01902 847972 www.falconoptics.com
  
  Falcon have become another trusted brand on the competition scene, and the T50 has been very well received. Variable magnification between 10 and 50x, and the large 60mm objective is the perfect specification for the demands of FT. Weight-wise, this scope comes in around 35.5oz, whilst the body tube is 30mm. As far as image quality goes, clarity is extremely good, when adjusted, with smooth parallax (down to a minimum 10 yards). Custom, extra-large side wheels are available with this scope too, from the likes of Jon Harris on the FT circuit, so personal taste is catered for, with this classy piece of kit. This model is also available with a black or silver finish and comes complete with two sunshades, 125mm wheel and even turret labels.
  
  PROS: Robust feel, yet competitively priced
  
  CONS: Mag adjustment a little stiff on test
  
  VERDICT: Great performer and reasonable value for money
  
  RRP £500

• SCHMIDT & BENDER 12.5-50X56 FTII

  

  Sportsman Gun Centre, 01392 354854 www.sportsmanguncentre.com
  
  Specifically designed with the precision requirements of FT in mind, S&B’s latest 34mm bodied model comes with parallax adjustment from 10 to 60m, and is also supplied with lens caps, a 130mm side wheel, spirit level and range pointer. Magnification is variable between 12.5 right up to the mega 50x, and with FT shooters these days exploiting the shallow depth of field that ultra-high magnification offers, to enable more accurate range finding, this specification is proving highly popular. Turret adjustments are in 1/8 MOA, or ¼” clicks (@ 100yds), and interestingly, can be ordered in the first or second focal plane. There are also turret revolution indicators. An illuminated Mil-Dot reticle (11 brightness levels) is also available, along with a selection of alternative designs; all adding to the service offered at this level. The light grey, hard-anodised ‘titanium’ finish is designed to resist heating from sunlight, which let’s face it, can only help on a baking hot day. Overall build quality, image resolution and clarity, are everything we have come to expect from this worldrenowned company.
  
  PROS: Superior build quality from S&B
  
  CONS: At 2.8lbs in weight, it is heavy
  
  VERDICT: Top class build
  
  RRP £2945

• NIKKO STIRLING DIAMOND SPORTSMAN 10-50X60 SD

  

  Highland Outdoors www.highlandoutdoors.co.uk
  
  These ‘big Nikko’s’ start to look exceptional value for money, when the RRPs are compared to some rivals! Take a close look at results at any of the top FT tournaments, and it becomes clear that they can also hold their own; regularly featuring as they do, in the prize giving. Again, Nikko Stirling have had the odd World title, yet with factory improvements coming in periodically, this popular brand is determined to stay competitive. Re-jigged internals, including an additional lens, have improved resolution and image clarity. Elevation adjustment has also been increased by 25% over the original specification. Multicoated, Japanese lenses and a 30mm body tube, help increase light transmission. The Big Nikko can also be supplied with Mil- Dot or NATO-style reticles, along with a detachable, over-sized wheel for precise parallax focus/correction. Top shots such as Andy Calpin and Kevin Sayers have proved that these Nikkos are well up to the job, and in the right hands, are capable of sweeping all before them. The upper price incidentally, gets an illuminated half Mil-Dot reticle.
  
  PROS: Well regarded on the FT circuit for good reason
  
  CONS: A bit weighty
  
  VERDICT: A proven winner, yet reasonable value for money
  
  RRP £979-£1073

• MARCH X 8-80X56

  

  March Scopes, 01293 606901 www.marchscopes.co.uk
  
  No list of Field Target scopes would be complete without March, and their astonishing X 8-80X56 model. Offering the most powerful magnification currently available, of 80x, this scope will relieve you of some serious cash- but the pedigree and build quality are undeniable. Top FT shot Conor McFlynn put the brand in the spotlight, when he lifted the biggest prize in the sport with his March X, back in 2011, and he’s not the only one to appreciate the benefits of some top-class kit. Designed by Deon in Japan, these mega scopes don’t come cheap, but image quality, reliability, consistency of parallax and range readings, irrespective of temperature, are all impressive. The MTR-FT reticle, which Conor had a hand in designing, has half and full disc (40mm) hash spacing at exactly 50 yards, and you can use the reticle to bracket the kill zone with x20,40 and 80 magnification settings, amongst an abundance of other reference points. One for experienced, serious competitors for sure!
  
  PROS: Astounding build quality
  
  CONS: We’re talking serious money
  
  VERDICT: A proven winner, but at a price
  
  RRP £2553-3037

• SIGHTRON SIII 10-50X60

  

  Optics Warehouse, 01803 611895 www.opticswarehouse.co.uk
  
  Sightron’s reputation for high grade lenses and overall build quality, has generated plenty of brand loyalty over the last few years, and with top shots such as John Costello nailing a World Championship with one, the brand has been elevated to the top table. All Sightron SIII series scopes feature what the manufacturer calls ZACT-7, which is a seven-layer, multi coating applied to the precision ground lenses, and a 30mm body tube constructed from aircraft grade aluminium also features, along with their Exac Track windage and elevation adjustment system. Add in a lifetime warranty and the usual assurances of fog, shock and waterproof, and the case for these classy optics stacks up nicely.
  
  PROS: Superb quality, yet mid-priced compared to some rivals
  
  CONS: Still no budget option at this price
  
  VERDICT: An excellent scope with a proven track record
  
  RRP £1375